Research
We are dedicated to providing the highest quality clinical care to our patients, while also conducting cutting-edge biomedical research targeting diseases that affect infants, children and adolescents.
Our team is making significant breakthroughs in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of diseases. These discoveries are enabling us to pioneer innovative therapies for our pediatric patients. It’s all in the pursuit of our ultimate mission: To further our understanding of the disease process in order to improve the treatment of and quality of life for all of our patients.
We are currently focused on research to:
- Find a better way to transition youth with special healthcare needs to the adult medical world: Youth with chronic medical, emotional and developmental problems deserve continuous coordinated medical care as they age out of their pediatric practices. Research to determine how physicians assist families and their teens in their journey to adulthood is being evaluated in order to improve the process.
- Increase physical activity in order to improve asthma management in children: We are studying ways to eliminate barriers to physical activity that inner-city children with asthma face. Our school- and community-based research has determined that students with asthma may withdraw from physical activity for a number of reasons. These include: inappropriate school asthma management, poor asthma control, lack of accessible medication and feelings of embarrassment when using asthma medication in public. In partnership with community and school representatives, our team has developed a school-based program to address these barriers and thus improve asthma management both at home and at school.
- Create a healthier, pest-free home environment for children with asthma: In another study conducted in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health, along with several insurance companies, families of children with persistent asthma are receiving an integrated pest management home visit to reduce pests (cockroaches and mice) that can exacerbate a child’s asthma. The question we are trying to answer with this research study is: “If we reduce pests in the home of a child with asthma, will that child have fewer days with symptoms, fewer trips to the emergency room or hospital, and fewer days missed of school?”
- Detecting and rectifying poorly controlled asthma through better understanding of contributing environmental factors: Research and advocacy efforts are aimed at addressing ways to improve the detection and treatment of poorly controlled asthma and at increasing the recognition and remediation of environmental factors that contribute to asthma symptoms.
- Improve coordination of care for children and families who have experienced trauma contributing to chronic behavioral health issues: Trauma, also known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), affects children and families in many ways, and can result in toxic levels of stress that may negatively impact a child's developing brain and their overall physical health. We are studying the rates and types of ACEs in children presenting with behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our hope is to discover ways to maximize coordination between health and social services for this population. The findings from our research will be used to strengthen partnerships between healthcare providers and local community organizations, in order to facilitate care coordination via novel approaches that are sensitive and responsive to the unique needs of children and families that have experienced trauma.