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.”