Krista J. Childress, MD

My clinical specialty is pediatric and adolescent gynecology. I also have academic and research interests in fertility preservation, complex differences of the reproductive tract, complex pelvic malformations, ovarian masses and minimally invasive surgery. I joined Cincinnati Children’s to serve as the co-director of the Comprehensive Fertility Care and Preservation Program and associate fellowship director of the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Fellowship Program.

My pediatrician inspired me to become a physician when I was growing up. As a resident, I realized how much I loved working with children and adolescents as they learned about their reproductive lifespan. I also liked caring for complex congenital (from birth) differences, both medically and surgically. My approach to care is patient-centered. I provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere while getting to know the patient and family personally. I aim to make each visit educational and fun.

I enjoy caring for all pediatric and adolescent gynecology conditions, including abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, pediatric vulvar complaints, ovarian masses, reproductive tract anomalies, pediatric endocrine disorders (precocious puberty, delayed puberty, primary ovarian insufficiency or failure and polycystic ovary syndrome), contraceptive counseling, fertility preservation for oncologic and non-oncologic conditions, differences of sex development (DSD) and gender-affirming care.

My clinical research focuses on quality improvement within the field of pediatric and adolescent gynecology. That includes managing ovarian masses, adnexal torsion and complex reproductive tract differences. I also study improvement in perioperative surgical care with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols.

After my fellowship, I started the first Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Program at Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) in Atlanta, GA. During my five years in Atlanta, I served as director of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology at Emory, co-director of the Differences of Sex Development (DSD) Program at CHOA and lead of the Emory obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) pediatric gynecology resident rotation. I was involved in various multidisciplinary clinics, including care for pelvic and anorectal malformations, bleeding disorders, bone marrow transplant survivorship and a DSD clinic. I also serve on committees and boards for various specialty societies and pediatric gynecology special interest groups, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), Oncofertility Consortium, Pediatric Colorectal and Pelvic Learning Consortium and North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (NASPAG). In 2025, I will serve as president of the NASPAG.

Outside my clinical duties, I enjoy outdoor adventures, including hiking, rock climbing, running and cycling. I am also a huge fan of live music.