Transforming Health Outcomes Through Innovative Research
The Division of General and Community Pediatrics at Cincinnati Children’s is dedicated to advancing child health and well-being through excellent clinical care, groundbreaking research that spans the translational spectrum and education of the next generation of leaders in pediatrics.
Our work addresses critical issues such as environmental and social determinants of health, health equity, primary care delivery, vaccine hesitancy, injury prevention, literacy and clinical-community partnerships. Faculty use methods that range from epidemiology to qualitative insight generation, implementation science to population health research, and virtual and mixed-reality simulation.
Research Focus Areas
Our researchers lead diverse studies to tackle pressing challenges in child health. Key areas of focus include:
- Population health and health equity: Reducing inequities in healthcare access and outcomes
- Environmental exposures: Understanding the impact of common exposures on child health
- Family engagement: Strengthening partnerships in care to improve health outcomes
- Vaccine hesitancy: Creating strategies to boost vaccine acceptance and uptake
- Breastfeeding support: Promoting higher rates and longer durations of breastfeeding
- Kindergarten readiness: Promoting literacy and socio-emotional development
- Child abuse: Developing and validating best practices for the evaluation, treatment and prevention of child maltreatment
- Child welfare outcomes: Improving health and healthcare for children in foster and kinship care
Our research drives transformative changes in pediatric care by employing cutting-edge tools like telehealth, virtual reality training, geospatial mapping and automated outreach systems.
Leadership in Community Health Initiatives
Our division plays a pivotal role in Cincinnati Children’s Pursuing Our Potential Together program, an ambitious effort to make Cincinnati’s children the healthiest in the nation. Under the leadership of Robert Kahn, MD, and dedicated faculty linked to the Michael A. Fisher Child Health Equity Center, teams focus on:- Excellent and equitable health outcomes: Addressing disparities in physical and mental health
- Safe and supported families: Tackling health-related social needs like hunger, housing instability, abuse and neglect
- Path to full potential: Supporting early childhood development and academic success
Through strong community partnerships and innovative care models, we’re meeting the needs of Cincinnati’s most vulnerable children, ensuring better health and brighter futures.
Innovations in Care Delivery
Our primary care sites are at the forefront of reimagining healthcare delivery for at-risk populations. Efforts include:
- Participation in the Ohio Medicaid Comprehensive Primary Care Program, ensuring high-quality, cost-effective care
- Collaborations with HealthVine to improve care for Medicaid-insured children
- Integration of social determinants of health screening and services, such as partnerships with local food banks and legal advocacy programs
- Partnerships among physicians, researchers and the child welfare system to improve outcomes for children in foster and kinship care
- Dedication to improving outcomes for children and families in the foster care system through evidence-based studies and innovative interventions via the CHECK Center
