Children’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.
How to determine your voting eligibility
Voting for the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals rankings can be done only through Doximity.
To participate, physicians must:
Be board-certified and meet the eligibility criteria for the voting categories.
For child and adolescent psychologists, your account must be up to date with your specialty and subspecialty correctly marked.
Be a credential-verified member of Doximity (you must have an active and claimed Doximity profile).
Have all certifications and board documents currently up-to-date in your Doximity profile.
You have to claim your profile on Doximity.com to participate in the online survey. If you have not yet claimed your Doximity profile, go to Doximity.com, and click “Find My Profile.”
Once your profile has been claimed, you must confirm your email address and board certifications.
Verified Doximity members will receive an email inviting them to participate in the U.S. News survey.
For more information on how to claim your profile, visit Doximity.com
How to update and verify existing Doximity account information
Your Doximity profile must have up-to-date licenses, certifications and board documents.
Once you are logged in, your profile will automatically be in “Edit Mode.” You are able to add new items or edit existing information.
Update your Doximity profile and ensure your information is current.
Once registered, users wishing to participate in the online survey should:
Watch for an email from Doximity about the annual member survey.
Even if you don’t see the email, if you are a registered Doximity user, you can still vote by logging in to Doximity.com with your username and password during the voting period.
Once logged in, look for a U.S. News graphic or button on the homepage and click on it.
The survey asks users to name the hospitals that provide the best care in your respective specialty, without consideration to location or cost. Pediatric specialists will list 10 hospitals. The order in which you list the hospitals does not matter.
Please note: Children’s National Hospital is listed as “Children’s National Hospital Washington, DC” on the survey.
Visit Doximity’s FAQs if you have issues or questions about registration or claiming your profile.
How to cast your vote
In February 2026 when voting opens, all survey-eligible physicians will receive a notification on the Doximity app for Android or iOS. If you do not use the Doximity app, you will receive an email when voting opens.
Log in to your Doximity account at doximity.com or via the mobile app.
Click the Notifications icon or tap the “Submit your Nominations” button on the homepage. You can also search for “U.S. News Best Hospitals”
Select 10 hospitals in your respective specialty that you believe provide the best care in the United States.
Submit your vote
Having technical issues?
If you have difficulty registering with Doximity or completing the survey, please visit Doximity support for assistance.
Vote
The 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals reputation voting will open in mid-February. Look for your Doximity notification to vote.
New open-access research from Children’s National and Virginia Tech shows how machine learning can forecast periods when seriously ill children are most likely to leave the ED without being seen, using routinely available operational data.
In a pediatric emergency department (ED), crowding is not just an inconvenience. It can become a safety issue, especially when families leave before a clinician can evaluate a seriously ill child. Historically, “left without being seen” has been more common among lower-acuity visits, but recent staffing shortages and inpatient boarding have changed that reality. High-acuity children are increasingly affected, raising the stakes for ED teams trying to manage flow in real time.
The question our teams set out to answer was practical and operational: Can we use machine learning to predict when the risk of high-acuity patients leaving without being seen is about to rise, early enough to intervene?
Building a model for real-world decisions
In new open-access research, investigators at Children’s National Hospital and Virginia Tech analyzed 512,616 emergency department visits from 2018 to 2024. Instead of predicting whether a specific patient might leave, the team focused on system-level forecasting. The goal was to estimate how many high-acuity children (Emergency Severity Index 1–3) would arrive and then leave without being seen over the next eight hours.
That eight-hour window was intentional. It aligns with typical shift schedules and staffing decisions, making the predictions actionable for ED leaders. The models drew on routinely available operational data, including arrivals, current census, waiting times, boarding burden and components of the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Score (NEDOCS).
What worked best
Several approaches were tested, from a simple model using ED census alone to more advanced machine learning techniques. Two stood out. Gradient boosting (XGBoost) and temporal fusion transformers – strong prediction methods that work by building lots of small decision trees, where each new tree focuses on fixing the mistakes made by the earlier ones – consistently showed the strongest performance, accurately identifying periods when two or more high-acuity patients were likely to leave without being seen in the next eight hours.
These models also performed well during the busiest part of the day, from noon to 8:00 p.m., when staffing flexibility is often greatest. Importantly, combining multiple models into an ensemble did not improve performance, reinforcing the value of solutions that are both strong and deployable.
Feature analysis showed that recent changes in census, overall crowding scores, time of day and day of the week were among the most influential predictors. These are factors ED teams already track, but the model brings them together in a consistent, data-driven way that goes beyond operational instinct alone.
Why it matters
This work demonstrates how applied machine learning can support safer, more proactive care. By forecasting when risk is rising, ED leaders can better target interventions such as surge staffing, split-flow pathways or other crowding mitigation strategies before families feel pressure to leave.
Future work will focus on prospective validation, monitoring performance over time and understanding how prediction-driven interventions affect patient outcomes and operational costs. But the takeaway is clear. Predicting risk in advance gives teams a chance to act and that can make a meaningful difference for children who need care the most.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Childrens-ED-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2026-01-21 12:19:122026-01-21 12:20:04Predicting risk before it becomes harm in the pediatric ED
A new study published in Pediatrics examines factors influencing CT use after minor pediatric trauma.
In a busy emergency department, ordering a CT scan can feel like the fastest path to clarity. For a child with trauma to the head from a fall or from a sports injury, or abdominal pain after a fall or a motor vehicle crash, imaging with CT scans can quickly rule out serious injuries. But CT scans also expose children to ionizing radiation which poses a long-term risk for cancer, so in many cases, the safest care is careful observation rather than CT scanning. That tension has long shaped pediatric emergency medicine: how to balance speed and certainty with safety, especially for children.
A new multicenter study published in Pediatrics looks at that question through an additional, critical lens. It examines whether a child’s perceived race or ethnicity is associated with CT use after minor blunt head or abdominal trauma, and whether standardized clinical prediction rules help make care more consistent and equitable.
Why consistency matters
Decisions in emergency medicine happen quickly and often with incomplete information. Even when clinicians are acting with the best intentions, nonclinical factors can influence how risk is interpreted. Prior research has shown differences in CT use by race and ethnicity in pediatric trauma, raising concerns that variability in decision-making can contribute to inequities in care. Evidence-based clinical prediction rules are designed to reduce that variability. Developed through the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network, or PECARN, these tools help clinicians identify children at very low risk of serious injuries, where CT imaging is unlikely to add value.
What the study found
The study analyzed data from six pediatric Level 1 trauma centers, including more than 17,000 children evaluated for minor head trauma and more than 6,800 evaluated for blunt abdominal trauma. All clinicians were given a form with the PECARN CT rules on them to help inform their management of the injured patient. Researchers adjusted for injury severity, age, sex, site and social deprivation to focus on whether differences in CT use remained after accounting for clinical risk. For children with blunt abdominal trauma, CT use was similar across racial and ethnic groups. For minor blunt head trauma, CT use was also largely similar, with one exception. Hispanic children younger than 2 years were less likely to receive a head CT compared with the reference group. Among children 2 years and older, no significant differences were observed. The findings contrast with earlier studies that identified disparities in CT use and suggest that standardized decision support can reduce variation in care.
An accompanying editorial highlighted the importance of applying the PECARN rules to all injured patients to ensure this equitable care.
What’s next
The study was led by Nisa S. Atigapramoj, MD, of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, and senior-authored by Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, chief academic officer at Children’s National Hospital and a national leader in pediatric emergency medicine research. “Dr. Atigapramoj and the study team set out to ask an important question about consistency in care,” said Kuppermann. “What we see here is that when clinicians use objective, evidence-based prediction rules, like those developed through PECARN, they can reduce unnecessary imaging and help ensure children are evaluated based on clinical risk rather than subjective factors and receive safe and equitable care.”
The lower CT use observed among Hispanic children younger than 2 years raises important questions that warrant further study, including how communication, language barriers and assessment of preverbal children may influence imaging decisions. Overall, the findings reinforce a broader lesson for pediatric emergency care. When evidence leads, variability narrows. Tools like the PECARN prediction rules not only help protect children from unnecessary radiation, but they also support more consistent care in some of the most time-pressured clinical settings.
In 2025, Innovation District readers gravitated toward stories that explored how research and clinical innovation are reshaping pediatric care in real time. This year’s most popular articles highlighted advances in complex surgical care, evidence-based treatments for chronic and neuropsychiatric conditions and emerging technologies — from wearable data to artificial intelligence — that are changing how clinicians diagnose, treat and support children and families. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2025.
The Cervical Spine program at Children’s National Hospital is responsible for treating a range of conditions, including trauma, congenital abnormalities and tumors. These conditions can lead to instability or misalignment of the cervical spine. “There are unique challenges in pediatric cases due to anatomical differences. The cervical spines of children are more at risk for injury because of their developmental stage and structural characteristics,” says Matthew Oetgen, MD, MBA, chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Children’s National. (2 min. read)
Increasing evidence-based treatment is a key component of the Addictions Program at Children’s National Hospital, created in 2022 and led by Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD. “We really want to focus on intervening in an evidence-based manner in the primary care setting because that is where most of our patients are going to first access care outside of the emergency room,” explains Dr. Kaliamurthy. (3 min. read)
For many children with short stature and other rare genetic growth disorders, there have been no next steps after usual treatment options prove ineffective. Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are digging deeper to find the root genetic causes of short stature disorders and creating novel, nuanced treatment options that have the opportunity to change how the field approaches these cases. (4 min. read)
Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National, is looking at whether untreated metabolic acidosis could potentially contribute to cardiovascular outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, she explains her motivation, findings and future directions for this critical research. (3 min. read)
A multidisciplinary therapy model developed at Children’s National shows promise for children with PANS and PANDAS, significantly reducing symptoms through structured cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered care. The approach could offer a new standard for treating these rare, complex neuropsychiatric disorders. (2 min. read)
A study from Children’s National reveals that common wearable devices like Fitbits may hold the key to improving how we identify Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. By analyzing patterns in heart rate, activity levels and energy expenditure, researchers were able to predict ADHD diagnoses with striking accuracy, offering a glimpse into a future where objective, real-time data supports earlier and more personalized mental healthcare. (2 min. read)
A novel implantable pacemaker designed specifically for infants has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in stabilizing heart rhythms for at least two years. The multi-center study of 29 infants showed stable pacing, normal electrical parameters and expected battery life, offering a viable alternative to standard-size devices for the smallest children. (2 min. read)
Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity. The finding was part of a presentation titled, Socioeconomic Disadvantage Is Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Surgery, by Jennifer Klein, MD, MPH, cardiologist at Children’s National Hospital, during the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Los Angeles. (2 min. read)
Experts from Children’s National traveled to Uganda to continue work on a pilot program applying artificial intelligence (AI) to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The team created a tool that uses AI to predict RHD by identifying leaky heart valves on handheld ultrasound devices, then prompts a referral for a full echocardiogram. (2 min. read)
Food insecurity is rising in Washington, D.C. and it’s hitting families with children the hardest. That’s why Children’s National Hospital created the Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) – a multi-layered intervention, which offers Patient Navigation (FLiP-PN) and a Produce Prescription Intervention (FLiPRx). FLiP is a Food Is Medicine, clinical-community initiative that helps families get access to fresh food, build healthy habits and lower their risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity. (3 min. read)
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-with-lightbulb-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-12-24 15:07:522025-12-24 16:43:36The best of 2025 from Innovation District
In 2025, Children’s National Hospital was featured in major national news outlets for pioneering advances in pediatric care, groundbreaking clinical research and powerful human stories of healing and hope. From gene therapy for sickle cell disease and innovative pacemakers for newborns to breakthrough transplants, cancer trials and emerging mental health concerns like AI psychosis, these stories highlight the hospital’s leadership across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine. The following ten highlights showcase the patients, families and experts behind this impact, as reported by outlets including NBC News, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, USA Today, Healio, ABC News and ESPN.
Children’s National patient Wedam, 19, begins the first steps for intensive gene therapy for sickle cell disease, discussing his skepticism while his mother expresses her joy and gratitude for the treatment. (NBC News)
Charles Berul, MD, pediatric electrophysiologist and emeritus chief of Cardiology, discusses his study highlighting the safety and efficacy of an innovative smaller pacemaker designed for newborns with critical congenital heart disease. (Healio)
Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, senior vice president and chief research officer, and the NexTGen team are poised to recruit patients for a new clinical trial that will take on an old, implacable foe: children’s solid tumors. (The Washington Post)
Yves d’Udekem, MD, PhD, chief of Cardiac Surgery, talked to Good Morning America about how an 11-year-old’s groundbreaking partial heart transplant will change his life and the lives of other children in need of valve replacements. (Good Morning America)
The Lilabean Foundation along with Brian Rood, MD, medical director of the Brain Tumor Institute, talked about how patients like Kasey Zachman are the motivation behind finding a cure for brain cancer. (ABC News)
USA Today Sports spoke with Gavin Brown and his parents, as well as Yi Shi, MD, a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s National Hospital, about their kidney transplant journey. (USA Today)
After Jayden Daniels visited Commanders fan Sarah Addison at Children’s National Hospital while she was being treated for myeloid leukemia, they quickly became friends. (ESPN)
A baby boy in Maryland is back home after being given a second chance at life, just before his first birthday. The boy’s mother and his surgeon, Manan Desai, MD, share the remarkable story of a moment that changed all of their lives. (NBC4)
Ashley Maxie-Moreman, PhD, clinical psychologist, spoke to ABC7 about what AI psychosis is and what parents need to know. (ABC7)
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Logo-Collage-2025-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-12-23 13:53:592025-12-31 09:09:17Children’s National in the News: 2025
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
For the fifteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services and is the highest U.S. News ranked children’s hospital in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Last year, U.S. News introduced pediatric & adolescent behavioral health as a service line in its rankings. While there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country for the second year in a row.
“To be named among the nation’s top children’s hospitals for nine years in a row is a reflection of the extraordinary expertise, innovation and heart that our teams bring to every child and family we serve,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “Our leadership in specialties like neurology, cancer, and diabetes and endocrinology underscores the national impact of our work, and we remain focused on setting new standards in pediatric care.”
The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.
“Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community.”
The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.
The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/USNWR_CNBadges_Set2SideBySide_2025-26-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-10-07 01:00:072026-01-05 17:33:17Children’s National Hospital once again ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report
Children’s National Hospital affiliates will participate in this year’s American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, taking place in Denver, Colorado, from September 26-30. Below is a schedule of sessions led by professionals from Children’s National:
Allison Markowsky, MD, MSHS, FAAP, attending physician and associate chief for Community Hospital Medicine programs
S2433: What’s Trending in the Newborn Nursery: Controversies and Evidence
Saturday, September 27, 2025
5:30-6:30 PM EDT/EST
Dennis Ren, MD, pediatric emergency medicine physician
H0226: Section on Emergency Medicine Program: Day 2 PEM Hot Topic, EmergiQuiz, PEMPix and State of the Section Awards Saturday, September 27, 2025
10:30 AM-7:30 PM EDT/EST
Natasha Shur, MD, medical geneticist
S2324: Genetic Testing Boot Camp
Saturday, September 27, 2025
4:00-5:00 PM EDT/EST
To view the full schedule along with options to join sessions virtually, please visit the AAP conference website.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/AAP-2025-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-09-11 10:47:582025-09-11 10:47:58Children’s National Hospital at the 2025 American Academy of Pediatrics meeting
New study reveals key risk factors for recurrent self-poisoning in youth, underscoring the urgent need for prevention.
Intentional self-poisoning among children and adolescents carries serious risks, with nearly half of patients requiring medical intervention. Alarmingly, recurrence is seen in one out of every eight patients. Findings in a new study in Pediatrics led by Children’s National Hospital highlight the key risk factors for repeat self-poisoning and underscore the urgent need for targeted prevention strategies.
The big picture
“Youth suicide rates have been increasing over the past two decades,” Ilana Lavina, MD, pediatric emergency medicine attending physician and lead author, said. “The COVID-19 pandemic acutely exacerbated this trend, reflected in a skyrocketing rate of emergency department visits for mental health concerns, including suicide attempts. With this unprecedented youth mental health crisis, it is imperative to find ways to meet the needs of pediatric patients seeking care for mental and behavioral health concerns.”
Among 6 to 17-year-olds seen in a pediatric emergency department between March 2020 and March 2023, repeat visits were not uncommon. Recurrence was most often associated with prior psychiatric diagnosis, history of sexual abuse and self-injurious behavior.
In addition to the broader trend of increasing frequency of emergency department visits for suicide attempts, there has also been an alarming uptrend in the frequency of intentional self-poisoning among youth.
Why it matters
The findings lay the groundwork for tangible and feasible efforts for harm prevention. By identifying factors associated with recurrent episodes of intentional self-poisoning.
“We hope that our findings will benefit patients by allowing us to identify those who are at elevated risk of morbidity associated with recurrent intentional self-poisoning to ensure that they receive preventative interventions such as connection to mental health services and lethal means counseling,” Dr. Lavina explained. “Our findings may also help to guide clinicians in counseling families about medication safety in their home.”
What’s next
The team at Children’s National is working to implement patient-centered interventions. They continually strive to improve the experience of patients who present with mental and behavioral health emergencies through cross-department collaborations.
When a baby younger than 3 months of age develops a fever, parents and pediatricians face serious challenges. While many fevers are harmless, some can signal invasive bacterial infections (IBIs) such as bacteremia or bacterial meningitis. For decades, the safest approach has been to test aggressively and hospitalize many of these infants while waiting for results. This can mean spinal taps, blood cultures, antibiotics and nights in the hospital — even when the infection risk is low.
For infants 61 to 90 days old, the guidance has been especially unclear. These babies fall just outside the age group covered by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) current guidelines, leaving clinicians without evidence-based rules to support their decisions. A new multicenter study led by the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN), with Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, of Children’s National Hospital as senior author, is beginning to fill that gap.
Why this matters
IBIs occur in about 1–2% of febrile infants aged 61–90 days. Because there hasn’t been a reliable way to determine which infants are at higher or lower risk, emergency departments often take a one-size-fits-all approach. That can lead to unnecessary testing, antibiotic exposure and hospitalization for many families, even though most infants with fevers do not have serious bacterial infections.
Developing a safe, validated way to identify low-risk infants has the potential to reduce this burden while maintaining patient safety.
Inside the study
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 5,000 febrile infants ages 61–90 days who were evaluated across 17 PECARN emergency departments between 2012 and 2024. They looked at common variables such as urinalysis results, temperature, procalcitonin (PCT, a blood marker of inflammation) and absolute neutrophil count (ANC, a measure of immune response).
From this large dataset, the team created and internally validated two new prediction rules:
Without obtaining blood: Infants with negative urinalysis and a maximum temperature of 38.9°C (102°F) or lower were at low risk for IBI.
With obtaining blood: Infants with PCT ≤ 0.24 ng/mL and ANC ≤ 10,710 cells/mm³ were at low risk for IBI.
Both rules showed high accuracy, with negative predictive values above 99%. Notably, the PCT-based rule did not misclassify any infants with an IBI in the study sample.
What this means for families
If confirmed in prospective studies, these prediction rules could transform how pediatricians approach fevers in infants 61-90 days old. Instead of defaulting to hospitalization and antibiotics, clinicians may one day safely identify which infants can be managed with close follow-up at home. That could reduce stress for families, free up hospital resources and allow providers to target intensive care to the children who need it most.
For parents, this research offers hope that in the future, a fever in a 2- or 3-month-old won’t always mean a trip to the hospital and days of uncertainty. Instead, care could become more personalized, evidence-based and less invasive.
The road ahead
While the results are promising, these prediction rules are not ready for clinical practice just yet. The next step is external validation: testing the rules prospectively in diverse emergency departments, including community hospitals. Only then will pediatricians know whether these tools can be safely applied in real-world settings.
Read the full study, “Prediction Rule to Identify Febrile Infants 61-90 Day at Low Risk for Invasive Bacterial Infections” in the American Academy of Pediatrics.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/fever-feature.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-08-28 13:42:442025-08-28 13:57:51New prediction rules aim to improve care for febrile infants
Watch a video on the impactful pilot program between Virginia Tech’s Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics and Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C.
On June 24, Kenneth Walter McKinley, MD, from Children’s National Hospital, delivered an inspiring talk at Virginia Tech’s “Tech on Tap” event, sharing new ways data and technology can improve care for children in crisis. The event, part of a special speaker series, highlighted an ongoing collaboration that is transforming how hospitals respond to pediatric emergency department (ED) crowding.
Crowding in the ED has been a major challenge nationwide, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. To tackle this urgent problem, Dr. McKinley and a team of physicians and nurses developed a machine learning model designed to predict the number of high-acuity patients likely to leave the ED without being seen. When the model predicts a spike in risk, Dr. McKinley and a select group of colleagues step up to provide additional care in flexible clinical spaces. This proactive approach helps ensure every child gets timely, life-saving attention.
In addition to these real-time interventions, the team also alerts ED and hospital leadership when predictions show extremely high levels of risk, allowing leaders to make fast, informed decisions to protect patient safety.
The partnership with Virginia Tech has been essential to the project’s success. By combining clinical expertise from Children’s National with advanced data science from Virginia Tech, the teams have been able to compare a range of algorithms, refine the machine learning models, and explore new ways to forecast ED crowding. While some new models are still being evaluated, the early results are promising and could lead to even more effective tools in the future.
Dr. McKinley created the initial version of the model to try to mitigate patients leaving the ER without being seen. Photo by Craig Newcomb for Virginia Tech.
During the talk, Dr. McKinley emphasized the importance of teamwork and innovation in healthcare. “When we can predict when and where problems might occur, we have a chance to act before they become crises,” said Dr. McKinley. “Our goal is to keep every child safe and make sure no one falls through the cracks — and working together across institutions is the key to making that possible.”
The event sparked meaningful discussions among students, faculty and clinical leaders about the future of pediatric emergency care and how technology can help hospitals respond faster and more effectively.
This partnership serves as a strong example of how cross-institutional collaborations can lead to innovative, practical solutions for some of healthcare’s toughest challenges. As the models continue to evolve, the team remains focused on one shared mission: making emergency care safer and more accessible for every child.
Click here to learn more and watch a video on the impactful pilot program between Virginia Tech’s Sanghani Center for AI and Data Analytics and Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C.
Reached after his talk, Dr. McKinley wanted to emphasize not only the promise of teamwork across institutions, but also the amazing support for fostering innovations here at Children’s National. He is grateful for the unwavering support from his mentors, James Chamberlain, MD, and Marius Linguraru, DPhil, MA, MSc, the energy of his co-investigators and surge team colleagues Brandon Kappy, MD, Sarah Isbey, MD, and Julia Volcjak, RN, the enthusiastic ED leadership support from Joelle Simpson, MD, and Theresa Schultz, PhD, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, and the insights from NERDS (Nexus for Emergency Research and Data Science) colleagues: Trang Ha and Lauren Waterhouse.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Kenneth-Walter-McKinley-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-07-31 10:17:122025-07-31 11:12:15Children’s National and Virginia Tech spotlight innovative approaches to pediatric emergency care
Over the past 20 years and beyond, evidence shows inequities in pediatric mental health care in emergency departments.
Mental health disorders affect nearly 20% of adolescents across the United States. There has been accumulating research over the past 20 years and beyond which has documented inequities in pediatric mental health care in emergency departments (EDs). In a recent study published in Pediatrics, researchers at Children’s National Hospital summarized the full breadth of this research to understand the extent of inequities and facilitate further work that addresses these differences in mental health care.
The big picture
Eden Efrem, clinical research coordinator at Center for Translational Research, Monika Goyal, MD, MSCE, pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, and other researchers examined and summarized research published from 2002 to 2024 to better understand inequities in pediatric mental health care provided in the ED. The team reviewed over 2,100 articles and of those, 50 articles met inclusion criteria for this review.
“Mental health care gaps were reported in ED mental health-related visits, ED disposition – including admission, discharge, transfer, and readmission – outpatient and follow-up care, diagnosis of mental health conditions, ED referral and pre-hospitalization, length of stay and boarding, anxiety care, suicidal ideation/self-harm care and restraint use in EDs,” Efrem said.
Why this matters
These findings aim to guide future research, development and implementation of evidence-based interventions and policies that address the underlying contributing mechanisms of these inequities. This includes looking at clinician implicit bias and barriers to mental health care access.
“By identifying gaps in mental health care access, treatment and outcomes, these findings can guide the development of interventions and policies aimed at reducing these,” Goyal added. “These improvements can help improve the provision of fair mental health care thereby enhancing patient trust, improving communication and ensuring access to quality mental health care. Ultimately, this can lead to improved mental health outcomes for children and youth.”
Moving the field forward
The researchers found that differences exist in many facets of mental health care, from ED utilization to mental health care provision, such as physical restraint use.
“Addressing gaps in care is important because every individual deserves equal access to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare,” Efrem said. “Addressing these can not only enhance patients’ mental health outcomes, but also positively impact other areas of their lives, such as educational performance, social well-being and overall quality of life.
The ADAPT Lab, led by Dr. Goyal at Children’s National, is at the forefront of identifying and addressing gaps in pediatric health care, specifically in EDs. The lab is working to improve quality of health care provision and outcomes in mental health care, asthma care, sexual health and pain management by developing and implementing evidence-based interventions in the ED.
The study was funded by the Jesse Ball DuPont Fund.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/brain-mri-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-07-09 10:06:432026-01-09 16:03:15Mental health care gaps in pediatric emergency rooms
A new international study led by Children’s National Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago introduces a validated tool to predict pneumonia severity in children, helping emergency clinicians make faster, evidence-based decisions about hospitalization and intensive care.
Pneumonia is one of the most common infections in children. In the U.S., it’s a leading reason why kids are admitted to the hospital. But for emergency doctors, it’s not always easy to know which cases are serious — and which children will get better at home.
Now, a new study led by doctors at Children’s National Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has created a tool to help. It’s based on research from over 2,200 children treated at emergency departments in 14 countries.
The tool is simple: it uses symptoms that doctors already look for — like how fast a child is breathing, whether they’re getting enough oxygen, and if they’re drinking fluids — to score how serious their pneumonia might be. The score helps doctors decide whether a child needs to stay in the hospital, go to intensive care or can safely recover at home.
What the study found
The research team looked at children ages 3 months to 13 years who came to emergency departments with community-acquired pneumonia — a kind of pneumonia picked up outside of a hospital. Most had mild cases. But about 1 in 20 developed severe symptoms, like needing breathing support or admission to intensive care.
The team found that certain symptoms (like fast breathing or heart rate, chest retractions (a sign of struggling to breathe), low oxygen levels, refusing to drink and already being on antibiotics before coming to the hospital) were linked to a higher risk of serious illness. On the other hand, children who had a runny nose or congestion were more likely to have mild illness.
Using this data, the team created a point-based score. For example, if a child had low oxygen levels, they’d get 3 to 6 points depending on how low it was. Chest retractions added 3 points. Having a runny nose subtracted a point. The higher the total score, the greater the risk of moderate or severe pneumonia.
How it helps
The model was tested and found to be highly accurate. It performed better than doctors’ judgment alone in earlier studies — especially in spotting the children most at risk. The scorecard gives emergency doctors a fast, evidence-based way to support the decisions they make under pressure.
“Emergency departments around the world see thousands of children with pneumonia every day, but until now, we haven’t had a reliable way to predict who’s truly at risk of getting sicker,” said co-PI and senior author Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, executive vice president, chief academic officer and director of the Children’s National Research Institute. “This model gives clinicians a practical tool, rooted in data, to guide that decision and ultimately improve care and outcomes.”
What’s next
While the tool is ready to be used in hospitals now, the team plans to test it in more locations and study how it affects real-world decisions. They also hope to add biomarkers — lab tests that could improve the score’s accuracy even more.
For now, the study offers something simple and powerful: a better way to know when a child’s pneumonia might become serious — and when it won’t.
The study was published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health and is part of a larger effort by the Pediatric Emergency Research Network (PERN), which connects emergency departments in dozens of countries.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/boy-with-breathing-apparatus-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-05-15 11:22:392025-05-15 15:49:28New tool helps doctors know when kids with pneumonia need hospital care
1 – Interdisciplinary stroke simulations were canceled due to short staffing and insufficient nursing support during COVID-19 pandemic.
Diagnosis times improved for pediatric arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) patients in the emergency department after the implementation of a quality improvement initiative. According to a new study, published in Pediatrics, the median door-to-imaging time for children with suspected AIS improved from 128 minutes to 68 minutes post-intervention.
What it means
Pediatric AIS is an important cause of morbidity and mortality that requires early recognition to benefit from hyperacute therapies. A quality improvement study at Children’s National Hospital aimed to improve timely diagnosis of AIS through an interdisciplinary stroke response protocol. The researchers implemented a quality improvement initiative from November 2019 to June 2023 in the emergency department that included interventions under two categories – workflow efficiency improvement and staff education. A total of 71 patients who met the criteria for the study were analyzed. Median door-to-imaging time for all patients improved from 128 minutes during the baseline period to 68 minutes.
The researchers note that establishing a well-functioning stroke response protocol is a critical step in detecting pediatric stroke in the community and expediting care for this vulnerable patient population.
“This study highlights the value of quality improvement methodologies in coordinating multiple hospital divisions for the greater goal of improving patient care,” says Theodore Trigylidas, MD, corresponding author and emergency medicine physician at Children’s National. “We hope it serves as a template for other healthcare organizations in developing their own pediatric stroke protocols.”
Code Stroke management algorithm. CT/CTA, computed tomography with or without angiography. MRI/MRA, magnetic resonance imaging with or without angiography.
The hold up in the field
The rarity of AIS in pediatric patients and stroke mimics, like hemiplegic migraine, may cause challenges for a timely diagnosis, and treatments for AIS – thrombolysis and thrombectomy – must be performed within specific time frames.
Moving the field forward
“By taking into consideration local staffing structures and institutional resource availability, the quality improvement approach described here can serve as a framework for how institutions might implement a pediatric acute stroke response protocol given their own unique systems of care and resource considerations,” says Dana Harrar, MD, PhD, study author and director, Pediatric Stroke Program at Children’s National.
The authors plan to expand this initiative to incorporate children at outside facilities with the goal of creating a stroke network with nearby hospitals.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Code-Stroke-management-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-05-02 09:05:042025-05-02 09:08:20Stroke alert teams beneficial to timely diagnosis of pediatric stroke patients
Children’s National Hospital hosted its fifteenth annual Research, Education and Innovation Week from March 31–April 4, 2025, bringing together clinicians, scientists, educators and innovators from across the institution to celebrate discovery and collaboration. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Future in Pediatric Research and Innovation with Equity, Technology and a Global Reach,” served as a call to action for advancing science that improves child health both locally and around the world.
Each day of the week-long event featured thought-provoking lectures — now available to watch — dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and vibrant poster sessions, all highlighting the diverse and interdisciplinary work taking place across Children’s National.
Centering the patient and the planet
REI Week began on Monday with a powerful keynote lecture from Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MS, MPH, Michael and Lori Milken dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. In her talk, “Children: Uniquely vulnerable to climate-related threats,” Dr. Goldman underscored the urgent need to protect children from the environmental hazards of a changing climate and to integrate climate science into pediatric care and advocacy.
At mid-morning, Mary-Anne “Annie” Hartley, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the LiGHT Laboratory at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, introduced the “MOOVE” platform — Massive Open Online Validation and Evaluation of clinical LLMs. Her talk demonstrated how artificial intelligence, when rigorously validated, has the potential to transform clinical decision-making and global health equity.
Monday’s final keynote, “Zinc and childhood diarrhea,” was presented by Christopher Duggan, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Duggan highlighted the global health impact of zinc supplementation in reducing childhood mortality — a reminder that simple, evidence-based interventions can save millions of lives.
In that first day, the first poster session of the week showcased projects in adolescent medicine, global health, infectious diseases, oncology and more. The session reflected the full breadth of research taking place across Children’s National.
Ambroise Wonkam, MD, PhD, professor of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins University, then delivered Tuesday’s Global Health Keynote Lecture, “Harnessing our common African genomes to improve health and equity globally.” His work affirmed that inclusive genomics is key to building a healthier world.
Later, the Global Health Initiative event and GCAF Faculty Seminar encouraged attendees to pursue collaborative opportunities at home and abroad, reflecting the growing global footprint of Children’s National research programs.
Transforming education and care delivery
On Wednesday, Larrie Greenberg, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics, kicked off the day with a Grand Rounds keynote on educational transformation: “Shouldn’t teachers be more collaborative with their learners?” He followed with a CAPE workshop exploring the effectiveness of case-based learning.
In the Jill Joseph Grand Rounds Lecture, Deena J. Chisolm, PhD, director of the Center for Child Health Equity at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, challenged attendees to move beyond dialogue into action in her talk, “Health equity: A scream to a whisper?,” reminding researchers and clinicians that advocacy and equity must be foundational to care.
The day continued with a poster session spotlighting medical education, neonatology, urology and neuroscience, among other fields.
Posters and pathways to progress
Throughout the week, poster sessions highlighted cutting-edge work across dozens of pediatric disciplines. These sessions gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with investigators and reflect on the shared mission of discovery across multiple disciplines, including:
The REI Week 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions in research, mentorship, education and innovation. The winners in each category were:
POSTER SESSION AWARDS
Basic & Translational Research
Faculty: Benjamin Liu, PhD
“Genetic Conservation and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Gene Across Variants of Concern”
Faculty: Steve Hui, PhD
“Brain Metabolites in Neonates of Mothers with COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy”
Faculty: Raj Shekhar, PhD
“StrepApp: Deep Learning-Based Identification of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Dae-young Kim, PhD
“mhGPT: A Lightweight Domain-Specific Language Model for Mental Health Analysis”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Leandros Boukas, MD, PhD
“De Novo Variant Identification From Duo Long-Read Sequencing: Improving Equitable Variant Interpretation for Diverse Family Structures”
Staff: Naseem Maghzian
“Adoptive T Lymphocyte Administration for Chronic Norovirus Treatment in Immunocompromised Hosts (ATLANTIC)”
Graduate Students: Abigail Haffey
“Synergistic Integration of TCR and CAR T Cell Platforms for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Brain Tumors”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Medha Pappula
“An ADHD Diagnostic Interface Based on EEG Spectrograms and Deep Learning Techniques”
Clinical Research
Faculty: Folasade Ogunlesi, MD
“Poor Air Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa is Associated with Increase Health Care Utilization for Pain in Sickle Cell Disease Patients”
Faculty: Ayman Saleh, MD
“Growth Parameters and Treatment Approaches in Pediatric ADHD: Examining Differences Across Race”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Nicholas Dimenstein, MD, MPH
“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Eligibility in the Pediatric Emergency Department”
Staff: Tayla Smith, MPH
“The Public Health Impact of State-Level Abortion and Firearm Laws on Health Outcomes”
Graduate Students: Natalie Ewing
“Patterns of Bacteriuria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Presenting for Primary Cloacal Repair: Is Assisted Bladder Emptying Associated with Bacteriuria?”
Graduate Students: Manuela Iglesias, MS
“Exploring the Relationship Between Child Opportunity Index and Bayley-III Scores in Young Children”
High School/Undergraduate Students: Nicholas Lohman
“Preliminary Findings: The Efficacy, Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Videoconference Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Among Children and Young People”
Community-Based Research
Faculty: Sharon Shih, PhD “Assessing Pediatric Behavioral Health Access in DC using Secret Shopper Methodology”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Georgios Sanidas, MD “Arrested Neuronal Maturation and Development in the Cerebellum of Preterm Infants”
Staff: Sanam Parwani
“Intersectionality of Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Autistic and Non-Autistic Individuals”
Graduate Student: Margaret Dearey “Assessing the Burden of Period Poverty for Youth and Adolescents in Washington, DC: A Pilot Study”
Quality and Performance Improvement
Faculty: Nichole L. McCollum, MD
“A Quality Improvement Study to Increase Nurse Initiated Care from Triage and Improve Timeliness to Care”
Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Hannah Rodriguez, MD
“Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Use in a Level IV NICU”
Staff: Amber K. Shojaie, OTD, OTR/L
“Implementing Dynamic Axilla Splints in a Large Burn Patient”
Meleah Boyle, PhD, MPH
“Understanding and Addressing Environmental Sustainability to Protect the Health of the Children’s National and Global Communities”
Eiman Abdulrahman, MD
“Research Capacity Building to Improve Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care in Ethiopia”
Pilot Awards
Alexander Andrews, MD
“EEG as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Severe Pediatric Malaria, Blantyre Malawi”
Daniel Donoho, MD & Timothy Singer, MD
“Feasibility Study of a Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Educational Platform to Improve Neurosurgical Operative Skills in Tanzania”
Hasan Syed, MD
“Bridging the Gap an Educational Needs Assessment for Pediatric Neurosurgery Training in Pakistan”
Sofia Perazzo, MD & Lamia Soghier, MD, MEd, MBA
“QI Mentorship to Improve Pediatric Screening and Follow-up in Rural Argentina”
Benjamin Liu, PhD
“AI-Empowered Real-Time Sequencing Assay for Rapid Detection of Schistosomiasis in Senegal”
Rae Mittal, MD
“Assessment and Enhancement of Proficiency in Emergency Child Neurology Topics for Post-Graduate Emergency Medicine Trainees in India”
Innovation Day ignites bold thinking
Thursday, REI Week shifted to the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus for Innovation Day, a celebration of how bold ideas and collaborative culture can accelerate progress in pediatric medicine.
REI Week 2025 reaffirmed the values that define Children’s National: a commitment to excellence, collaboration and equity in pediatric research and care. As discoveries continue to emerge from our hospital and our research campuses, the connections built and ideas sparked during this week will help shape the future of pediatric health — locally and globally.
By elevating voices from the bedside to the bench, with the support of the executive sponsors Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MBChB, Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, Kerstin Hildebrandt, MSHS, Linda Talley, MS, RN, NE-BC and David Wessel, MD, REI Week demonstrated that we must embrace the community in all aspects of our work. Because we know that there are answers we can only get from the patients that we serve—and we need to be their voice.
Research, Education & Innovation Week will be back next year on April 13-17, 2026.
Posters at the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 31 poster session.
Panelists discuss innovation during REI Week 2025.
Global Health Initiative community engagement event during REI Week 2025.
Chris Rees presents his REI Week 2025 lecture.
Nathan Kuppermann listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Tuesday, April 1, poster session.
Michelle Riley-Brown, Nathan Kuppermann, Catherine Bollard and Naomi Luban on stage during the REI Week 2025 awards ceremony.
Brandy Salmon presents on innovation programs at Virginia Tech during the REI Week 2025 Innovation Day.
Catherine Bollard listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 21 poster session.
Ambroise Wonkman poses for a picture with Children’s National staff.
Tanzeem Choudhury presenting during REI Week 2025.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/REI-Week-2025-Monday-Poster-Session-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-04-22 10:31:052026-01-12 12:00:03REI Week 2025 empowers the future in pediatric research and innovation
Children’s National Hospital named Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, the Fight For Children Distinguished Chair of Academic Medicine at Children’s National.
Children’s National Hospital named Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, the Fight For Children Distinguished Chair of Academic Medicine at Children’s National.
Dr. Kuppermann serves as executive vice president and chief academic officer at Children’s National. He is the director of the Children’s National Research Institute and the chair of the Department of Pediatrics and associate dean of Pediatric Academic Affairs at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The big picture
Dr. Kuppermann joins a distinguished group of Children’s National physicians and scientists who hold endowed chairs. Children’s National is grateful to generous donors who have funded 49 professorships.
Professorships support groundbreaking research and innovation on behalf of children and their families and foster new discoveries and therapies in pediatric medicine. These appointments carry prestige and honor that reflect the recipient’s achievements and donor’s commitment to advancing and sustaining knowledge.
Why it matters
Dr. Kuppermann is a pediatric emergency medicine physician, clinical epidemiologist and leader in emergency medical services for children. He specializes in clinical trials and clinical prediction rules using large cohorts of acutely ill and injured children. He is world-renowned for his research and mentorship.
“I was drawn to Children’s National by its nationally recognized work and dedication to innovation and team science,” says Dr. Kuppermann. “I’m eager to contribute to the remarkable work being done in both the research and education space to continue to improve the understanding, prevention and treatment of childhood diseases.”
Fight For Children’s support ensures that Dr. Kuppermann and future holders of this professorship will launch bold, new initiatives to rapidly advance pediatric medical research, elevate our leadership and improve the lives of children in our community and around the world.
Moving the field forward
Fight For Children was founded in 1990 by the late Joseph (Joe) E. Robert, Jr., with the mission of improving the lives of underserved children in the nation’s capital. The organization has impacted the lives of more than 400,000 young people throughout the D.C. metropolitan area.
Fight For Children endowed the Fight For Children Chair in Academic Medicine in 1997 to support the clinical research initiatives of the Chief Academic Officer. Most recently, in 2019, they made a $5M gift to create the Fight For Children Sports Medicine Center at Children’s National. It is the region’s first site dedicated to the orthopedic surgery, sports medicine and comprehensive concussion needs of young athletes.
Joe Robert was an entrepreneur and visionary who believed in the importance of investing in children through education and healthcare. His largest gift to Children’s National created and endowed our Joseph E. Robert, Jr., Center for Surgical Care. He was also instrumental in developing the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation at Children’s National, created in 2009 with a $150 million gift from the government of Abu Dhabi.
“Joe’s legacy continues to be represented through the incredible work being done at Children’s National,” says David Fensterheim, chairman and interim CEO of Fight For Children. “Dr. Kuppermann is a pioneer in pediatric healthcare. We are proud to honor his cutting-edge vision as the latest holder of this prestigious professorship.”
This professorship embodies Joe’s legacy and Fight For Children’s commitment to inspire others to think bigger and differently to advance pediatric healthcare for children in the community and beyond.
Sepsis is a rapidly progressing, life-threatening condition characterized by organ dysfunction (OD) resulting from an immune response to infection.
Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are investigating pediatric sepsis, a leading cause of in-hospital death, particularly in underserved and minoritized populations.
A new Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) (R35) is granting over $2.2 million to Children’s National to establish a comprehensive sepsis program that will include a diagnostic artificial intelligence (AI) based, biomarker-enhanced platform for early recognition of pediatric sepsis and cutting-edge, extracellular vesicle-based therapeutics that can significantly decrease mortality and long-term disease sequelae.
MIRA provides support for research in an investigator’s laboratory that falls within the mission of The National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
Why it matters
Sepsis, defined as a rapidly progressive, is a life-threatening organ dysfunction (OD) due to an immune dysregulation as a response to infection. In the U.S., it results in over 75,000 pediatric admissions on an annual basis with an associated mortality rate of 5 to 20%.
“Sepsis has been linked to 20% of deaths worldwide and despite some recent advances in diagnostic tools, the lack of accurate definitions and heterogeneity of this clinical syndrome have led to delays in recognition and treatment with deleterious effects on the health of millions of children, especially those from minority groups,” says Ioannis Koutroulis, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., research director of Emergency Medicine at Children’s National. “Additionally, current sepsis therapeutic regimens are mostly supportive, lack the necessary personalization and fail to address the underlying physiological processes leading to sepsis-induced life threating organ failure.”
How does it move the field forward
High mortality rates and no significant new treatments in recent years due to sepsis presents a critical opportunity to make a global impact. Advancements in early recognition and intervention could save millions of lives. By utilizing AI and biomarkers for the early detection of sepsis in children, medical professionals could have the potential to greatly improve outcomes by enabling timely treatment.
“There is an urgent need to focus more attention on this condition and develop effective solutions to combat its devastating effects,” Dr. Koutroulis adds.
How we’re leading the way
The high-volume pediatric emergency room will serve as a crucial site for recruiting patients. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories, the research will be conducted in facilities equipped with cutting-edge technology, ensuring accurate and efficient analysis. This combination of a high patient volume and advanced research infrastructure will enable the program to deliver reliable results and make significant strides in the fight against pediatric sepsis.
“This grant will allow for early recognition of pediatric sepsis and treatment with an innovative approach using extracellular vesicle-based therapies that can directly affect immune and metabolic processes,” Dr. Koutroulis said.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bacterial-outbreak-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2025-01-10 16:40:202025-01-10 16:41:51$2.2m grant to support AI-driven sepsis program for pediatric care
In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
Charles Berul, M.D., and a patient family talk about the pill-sized pacemaker that saved the life of Abby, an infant born with deadly heart defects. (NBC Nightly News)
Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, M.D., addiction psychiatrist and director of the Addictions Program, spoke to CNN about the impact of drug addiction on teen health and the lack of resources available to treat opioid use disorder. (CNN)
Susma Vaidya, M.D., M.P.H., associate medical director of the IDEAL Clinic, shared her concerns about childhood obesity treatment recommendations issued today by a leading panel of independent U.S. health experts. (The Washington Post)
Shideh Majidi, M.D., M.S.C.S., and Emily Frymark, clinical dietitian, spoke about how the food pharmacy, created in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank, benefits patients with diabetes and other chronic conditions. (The Washington Post)
Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old boy being treated at Children’s National Hospital, became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a commercially approved gene therapy that may cure the condition. “This is a big effort,” says David Jacobsohn, M.D., ScM, M.B.A. (The New York Times)
Mikael Petrosyan, M.D., associate chief of General and Thoracic Surgery, discusses the stress medical staff face when treating young victims of gun violence. (NPR)
Landon, an 11-year-old patient, rang the bell at Children’s National Hospital with family, friends, doctors and nurses cheering after finishing his final round of chemotherapy. (The Today Show)
Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, emphasized the need for awareness in addressing period poverty in teenagers and young adults. (Healio)
Kolaleh Eskandanian, Ph.D., M.B.A., P.M.P., vice president and chief innovation officer, participates in a panel discussion covering AI data collection, associated risks, reliance and other topics related to artificial intelligence. (POLITICO)
Children’s National patient Kendric Cromer, 12, became one of the first children ever to be treated with a newly approved gene therapy that will free him from the sickle cell disease that has stolen his childhood. (The New York Times)
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-News-Logo-Collage-feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2024-12-26 11:34:102024-12-26 11:49:26Children’s National in the News: 2024
2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
A study led by researchers at Children’s National Hospital showed that babies born during the COVID-19 pandemic have differences in the size of certain structures in the brain, compared to infants born before the pandemic. The findings suggest that exposure to the coronavirus and being pregnant during the pandemic could play a role in shaping infant brain development. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2024-25 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the eighth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide. (2 min. read)
In January 2023, a team of multidisciplinary doctors performed the first case in the world of using bilateral high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) pallidotomy on Jesus, a 22-year-old patient with dyskinetic cerebral palsy. The procedure is part of a clinical trial led by Chima Oluigbo, M.D., pediatric neurosurgeon at Children’s National Hospital. (3 min. read)
A novel ultrasound device developed by Bloom Standard received the Food and Drug Administration’s valued breakthrough device designation with the help of Children’s National Hospital. The device that enables autonomous, hands-free ultrasound scans to be performed anywhere, by any user. (2 min. read)
Understanding the effects of Lyme disease on the developing fetal brain is essential to ensure timely prenatal and postnatal treatments to protect the fetus and newborn. In response to this need, Children’s National Hospital is leading a pilot study to establish the groundwork needed for a larger study to determine the effect of in utero exposure to Lyme disease on pregnancy and early childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes. (3 min. read)
Five years ago, Cayden was born 6 weeks early weighing less than four pounds and at risk of dying from her critical congenital heart disease. Today, she’s a happy five-year-old. Early diagnosis of her hypoplastic right ventricle, double inlet left ventricle and critical coarctation of the aorta allowed for the team at Children’s National Hospital to create a careful plan for safe delivery and to offer an innovative hybrid HLHS surgical approach at the hospital within 24 hours after she was born. (1 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Wayne J. Franklin, M.D., F.A.C.C., as the new senior vice president (SVP) of the Children’s National Heart Center. In this role, Dr. Franklin oversees the full spectrum of heart care services including cardiac imaging and diagnostics, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac anesthesia, cardiac surgery and cardiac intensive care. (2 min. read)
By pioneering artificial intelligence (AI) innovation programs at Children’s National Hospital, Marius George Linguraru, D.Phil., M.A., M.Sc., and the AI experts he leads are ensuring patients and families benefit from a coming wave of technological advances. The team is teaching AI to interpret complex data that could otherwise overwhelm clinicians. (4 min. read)
Painting a sobering picture, a research team led by Children’s National Hospital culled years of data demonstrating that maternal mental illness is an under-recognized contributor to the death of new mothers. They called for urgent action to address this public health crisis. (3 min. read)
Children’s National Hospital appointed Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., M.P.H., as its new executive vice president, chief academic officer and chair of Pediatrics. In this role, Dr. Kuppermann oversees research, education and innovation for the Children’s National Research Institute as well as academic and administrative leadership in the Department of Pediatrics at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Services. (2 min. read)
Researchers from Children’s National Hospital presented findings from the first clinical trial of the medication vosoritide for children with hypochondroplasia – a rare genetic growth disorder. During the phase 2 trial, researchers found vosoritide increased the growth rate in children with hypochondroplasia, allowing them to grow on average an extra 1.8 cm per year. (2 min. read)
Since its establishment in July 2023, the Center for Prenatal, Neonatal & Maternal Health Research at Children’s National Hospital has gained recognition through high-impact scientific publications, featuring noteworthy studies exploring the early phases of human development. (3 min. read)
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-with-lightbulb-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2024-12-19 13:29:592024-12-19 13:33:52The best of 2024 from Innovation District
Dr. Tarini will also receive the 2025 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award for her considerable contributions to pediatric science during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2025 Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, April 24 – April 28.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award from the American Pediatric Society,” said Dr. Tarini. “This recognition is a testament to the steadfast encouragement and support I have received from my mentors, colleagues, and family throughout my journey. I consider the opportunity to conduct research that optimizes health services for children and their families a privilege and a joy.”
APS members are recognized child health leaders of extraordinary achievement who work together to shape the future of academic pediatrics. Current members nominate new members by recognizing individuals who have distinguished themselves as child health leaders, teachers, scholars, policymakers and clinicians.
“I am deeply honored to be selected as a member of the American Pediatric Society,” said Dr. Zaveri. “I look forward to the opportunity to engage with esteemed leaders in pediatrics across various disciplines as we work together to advance the society’s mission and contribute to the growth of pediatrics through research and mentorship.”
Benefits of APS membership include:
Recognition and acknowledgment as a leader in pediatrics: APS members include individuals who have distinguished themselves as academic leaders, teachers and researchers whose contributions to academic pediatrics have garnered national and international recognition.
A network of child health professionals: Membership in APS is dedicated to the advancement of child health through the promotion of pediatric research, recognition of achievement and cultivation of excellence through advocacy, scholarship, education and leadership development.
Advocacy for child health: In order to speak with one voice on behalf of child health, APS provides representation in Washington, D.C., through the Pediatric Policy Council which combines the advocacy efforts of the APS, the Society for Pediatric Research, the Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs and the Academic Pediatric Association.
“I am grateful to accept this honor from the APS,” said Dr. Koutroulis. “As both a physician and a researcher, I look forward to collaborating with distinguished experts within this network to help advance the development of pediatric care.”
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/APS-Feature.jpg300400Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2024-11-20 10:59:192024-11-20 11:00:17Children’s National expands 2025 American Pediatric Society class with new inductees
By becoming highly “pediatric ready,” emergency departments could prevent the deaths of 2,143 children each year with an annual cost between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on the state.
In emergencies, children have distinct needs. Yet 83% of emergency departments (EDs) nationwide are not fully prepared to meet them. A new study has found that bridging that gap, known as becoming highly “pediatric ready,” could prevent the deaths of 2,143 children each year with an annual cost between $0 and $12 per child resident, depending on the state.
“Our country can afford it, and we owe it to our children to do it,” says the study’s senior author Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., chair of Pediatrics and chief academic officer at Children’s National Hospital.
The research team – led by Oregon Health & Science University and Children’s National – analyzed data from 4,840 EDs, focusing on 669,019 children at risk for death upon seeking care. Using predictive models, they assessed how every ED achieving high pediatric readiness – defined as scoring at least 88 out of 100 on the National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment – could impact mortality rates.
“The National Pediatric Readiness Project outlines essential pediatric capabilities for EDs, such as the availability of essential pediatric equipment and pediatric-specific training,” says Dr. Kuppermann, an emergency medicine physician. “While a perfect score of 100 is ideal, past research shows a score of 88 or higher can reduce mortality risk by up to 76% for ill children and 60% for injured children.”
Why it matters
In Maryland, an additional cost of $1.10 per child could save 17 pediatric lives annually, adjusted for population size. In Virginia, $2.42 per child could save 29 lives annually, and $1.59 per child in the District of Columbia could save 16 lives annually. The research team said strategies for implementing the findings would require regulation, incentives and policy-based initiatives.
“This study builds on a growing body of research demonstrating that every hospital can and must be ready for children’s emergencies,” says lead author Craig Newgard, M.D., M.P.H., an emergency physician at Oregon Health & Science University. “For the first time, we have comprehensive national and state-by-state data that emphasizes both the urgency and feasibility of this work.”
The patient benefit
“Our country can afford it, and we owe it to our children to do it,” says the study’s senior author Nathan Kuppermann, M.D., chair of Pediatrics and chief academic officer at Children’s National Hospital.
By applying the potential reduction in mortality associated with high readiness to the number of children at risk of death, the researchers identified the number of lives that could be saved each year. State-specific estimates, adjusted for population size, ranged from 0 preventable deaths in Delaware to 69 in South Dakota.
“Achieving high readiness levels can be challenging for small emergency departments with fewer resources, typically in more rural areas. The result is significant inequity and large healthcare deserts in pediatric emergency care across the United States,” Dr. Kuppermann says. “Yet we found the cost of elevating care to the highest quartile of pediatric readiness is not very high.”
What’s next
The study authors estimate achieving universal high pediatric readiness across the United States would cost approximately $207 million annually. Per-child costs by state to raise ED readiness from current levels ranged from $0 to $12 per year.
“This research emphasizes the urgent need for widespread investment in pediatric readiness,” says Kate Remick, M.D., co-author and emergency physician with the Dell School of Medicine at the University of Texas at Austin. “The National Pediatric Readiness Project has provided a roadmap for improvement. But we need the full engagement of clinicians, healthcare administrators, policymakers and families to make universal pediatric readiness a reality.”
The study outlines several strategies to improve pediatric emergency care, such as integrating high pediatric readiness into hospital accreditation requirements and incentivizing readiness through performance-based reimbursement models.
This study was funded by a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Emergency Medical Services for Children Targeted Issue grant (H34MC33243-01-01) and an HHS National Institutes of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) grant (R24 HD085927). The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HHS, HRSA, NIH, or the U.S. Government.
https://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ER-nurse-CNRI.jpg385685Innovation Districthttps://innovationdistrict.childrensnational.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/InnovationDistrict_CN_WebHeader-1396px-1030x151.pngInnovation District2024-11-01 11:00:312024-10-31 11:04:40Investment in pediatric emergency care could save over 2,100 lives annually
Children’s National is ranked one of the top 10 pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Our faculty and staff are proud of the impact made on the lives of children and families in our community. Your participation in the U.S. News & World Report annual reputational survey validates the quality of care we provide and reflects the mutual respect and trust we share as healthcare professionals.
In 2025, Children’s National Hospital was featured in major national news outlets for pioneering advances in pediatric care, groundbreaking clinical research and powerful human stories of healing and hope. From gene therapy for sickle cell disease and innovative pacemakers for newborns to breakthrough transplants, cancer trials and emerging mental health concerns like AI psychosis, these stories highlight the hospital’s leadership across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine. The following ten highlights showcase the patients, families and experts behind this impact, as reported by outlets including NBC News, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, USA Today, Healio, ABC News and ESPN.
Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.
Children’s National Hospital affiliates will participate in this year’s 
In 2024, Children’s National Hospital continued to make remarkable strides across diverse areas of pediatric medicine, from groundbreaking technological innovations to critical health advocacy. The following compilation showcases ten significant stories that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the hospital’s impact, as featured in major national news outlets including NBC Nightly News, CNN, The Washington Post, The New York Times, NPR, The Today Show, Healio, and POLITICO. Delve into our 2024 news highlights for more.
2024 marked another groundbreaking year for Children’s National Hospital, showcasing remarkable advances across the spectrum of pediatric medicine, research and healthcare innovation. From pioneering surgical procedures to breakthrough artificial intelligence applications, the institution continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in children’s healthcare. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2024.
Children’s National Hospital has expanded its class of 
