2025 R Baby Medical Hero Award:
Dr. Julie Augenstein
Medical Director of EMS and Critical Care Transport, Phoenix Children’s Hospital
R Baby is proud to honor Dr. Julie Augenstein with the 2025 R Baby Medical Hero Award.
Dr. Augenstein’s leadership has been integral to the success of Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s Simbulance program.
Under her leadership, in 2025, the program trained more than 1,400 EMS providers throughout the state of Arizona, including remote and rural areas and tribal communities with limited pediatric resources.
Out of 978 surveys completed, 937 (96%) of those who participated stated their comfort level changed from stumped or terrified to comfortable and confident after the training.
Dr. Julie Augenstein is a board-certified Pediatric Emergency Medicine Physician and the EMS Base Hospital Medical Director at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She completed her pediatric residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical College, followed by a fellowship in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington. Her clinical focus includes expertise in pre-hospital care and simulation. Appointed by the Governor of Arizona, Dr. Augenstein holds the role of Physician Specializing in Pediatric Medicine on the Medical Direction Commission at the Arizona Department of Health Services and serves on the Trauma and EMS Performance Improvement (TEPI) Committee. Dr. Augenstein is an Assistant Professor of Child Health and Emergency Medicine at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine and the University of Arizona.
“R Baby Foundation is profoundly grateful for champions like Dr. Augenstein, who dedicate their lives to ensuring every child receives the lifesaving care they deserve in their most vulnerable moments. Her leadership in bringing the 'Simbulance' to life has created a powerful, realistic training environment that equips first responders to handle pediatric emergencies with skill, confidence, and calm when seconds matter.
By supporting this innovative program through our grant, we are honored to stand beside you in this vital work. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Arizona's children and for turning tragedy into hope. Together, we are making emergency care better, safer, and more prepared for every baby and child who needs it.~ Katie O’Malley, Executive Director
The simulation ambulance, affectionately known as the "Simbulance," is a remarkable tool that offers life-like, hands-on training for emergency medical teams. It creates a safe and controlled environment where our dedicated providers can practice and refine their skills in pediatric critical care. This invaluable training reduces errors by allowing teams to experience and manage realistic scenarios, from airway issues to anaphylaxis, without the pressure of a real emergency.
What makes the simbulance even more special is the generosity and support that have made it possible. Thanks to grants and donations, including a significant contribution from the R Baby Foundation, we can provide our first responders with the training they need to confidently handle diverse pediatric emergencies. This is particularly vital for those who may not frequently encounter pediatric cases but need to be prepared for any situation.
The impact of this training cannot be overstated. It equips our providers with the confidence and skills they need to ensure the best possible outcomes for children facing medical emergencies. By familiarizing them with the unique challenges of pediatric care in a moving ambulance, we are making strides in improving the quality of care before young patients even reach the hospital.
The R Baby Foundation's grant is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of Arizona's children. Their support ensures that our first responders are equipped to recognize and manage these infrequent but critical pediatric emergencies, ultimately saving lives and giving families hope during some of their most vulnerable moments.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this life-saving initiative. Your dedication and generosity are making a profound difference in the lives of children and their families across Arizona.
Dr. Julie Augenstein