Dr. van Blerk served as a Commander in the U.S. Navy, practicing at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego and overseeing the Pediatric Inpatient Division. During her military career, she established and coordinated a clinic dedicated to promote healthy choices in obese children, and also established an asthma education course for patients and families. Dr. van Blerk has served as an onboard pediatrician in the air transport of critically ill newborns and pediatric patients, and was the Education Coordinator for the Naval Center’s Pediatric Transport Team. During her residency, Dr. van Blerk was voted “Most Compassionate Resident of the Year.”