F. Anthony Willyerd

Dr. Frederick “Anthony” Willyerd is a board-certified pediatric critical care physician who has dedicated his career to caring for critically ill children and advancing pediatric medical research. He currently serves as an attending physician in Pediatric Critical Care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and as a clinical faculty member at University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix and Creighton University School of Medicine.

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Dr. Willyerd earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a focus in physiology from the University of Arizona and his Doctor of Medicine from Creighton University School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency in Phoenix and went on to complete a Pediatric Critical Care fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine.

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In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Willyerd has held numerous leadership roles in pediatric fellowship training programs and currently serves as Associate Program Director of the Pediatric Neurocritical Care Fellowship at Phoenix Children’s. He is actively involved in teaching medical students, residents, fellows, nurses, and advanced practice providers, and frequently lectures on topics including respiratory failure, mechanical ventilation, and pediatric traumatic brain injury.

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Dr. Willyerd is also an accomplished researcher whose work focuses on traumatic brain injury, neurologic monitoring, and improving outcomes for critically ill children. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and serves as a principal investigator and site investigator on national and international clinical studies.

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Beyond the hospital, Dr. Willyerd is deeply committed to service and to supporting his family’s mission-driven work in the community. As Secretary of the Suzie Sews Sunshine Foundation, he plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in both leadership and execution. He serves as the strength behind many events, coordinating logistics, setting up and breaking down booths, and ensuring that each market and outreach opportunity runs smoothly. His willingness to step in wherever needed, combined with his steady reliability and work ethic, makes him an indispensable part of the foundation’s ability to serve others.