At Children’s National Hospital, the neuro-oncology team looks beyond the brain tumor to care for the whole patient, addressing the medical, emotional, behavioral and psychological challenges that come with a diagnosis and supporting families every step of the way.

In this episode of The Lead in Peds, host Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, is joined by Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH, a child and adolescent psychiatrist embedded directly in pediatric neuro-oncology at Children’s National. They explore how integrating mental health into cancer care is transforming treatment, improving outcomes, and reshaping what comprehensive pediatric care can be. The conversation also dives into advocacy, access to behavioral health, and why treating the mind and body together is essential for the future of pediatrics.

Read more about this work in the Innovation District article, “Integrating Mental Health into Pediatric Care“.