At the University of Utah Department of Pediatrics, everything we do is driven by our commitment to children. Our mission—Improving the lives of children through excellence in advocacy, education, research, and clinical care—comes to life each day through the passion of our people and the partnerships we’ve built. We believe in a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and we dedicate ourselves to advancing that vision by putting the child first—always.

The Department of Pediatrics has deep roots at the University of Utah School of Medicine, founded in 1943 to meet the growing needs of children and families across the Mountain West. Today, we are the second largest department in the School of Medicine, with over 520 faculty across 21 divisions and programs. Our diverse team provides a full spectrum of pediatric specialty and subspecialty care to children in Utah and across our vast regional service area.

We are proud to be the academic partner of Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital, one of the nation's leading children’s hospitals and a Level I pediatric trauma center. Together, we provide exceptional, compassionate care for the most medically complex patients in our region, while educating the next generation of pediatric providers and advancing pediatric research that has national and global impact.

Our clinical programs are distinguished by their depth, quality, and innovation. From primary care to transplant, and from child abuse pediatrics to cutting-edge genomics, our clinicians are committed to delivering equitable, family-centered care. Our patient care is grounded in safety, empathy, and excellence—and always centered around the child.

Research is a cornerstone of our department. Our faculty are engaged in impactful studies ranging from laboratory-based discovery to community-engaged population health initiatives. Whether studying rare genetic diseases or building trauma-informed care models, we collaborate across disciplines and institutions to generate knowledge that improves children’s lives.

Education is central to our identity. We train more than 100 residents and fellows annually, and our department provides the majority of pediatric education for medical students at the University of Utah. We are invested in developing skilled, compassionate, and culturally responsive pediatricians, researchers, and leaders who will serve children and families in every setting.

As Chair, I am inspired every day by the dedication, empathy, and brilliance of our faculty, trainees, and staff. My own career has been rooted in the belief that every child deserves safety, health, and a future full of opportunity. From Philadelphia to Houston to Salt Lake City, I have seen the power of academic medicine to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities. At Utah, that mission is alive and well—and growing stronger every day.

As we look to the future, our shared commitment to Put the Child First and Always will guide our work, shape our partnerships, and drive us to pursue new frontiers in science, care, and education. I am proud to serve in this role and to be part of a department that stands for what matters most: our children.