Advancing pediatric hospital medicine through research and collaboration - Children's National

In pediatric hospital medicine, the moments that happen inside a hospital often represent the most critical point in a child's care. Physicians and researchers working in this field not only treat acute illness but also ask deeper questions about how hospital care can improve outcomes for children and families across diverse communities.

At Children's National Hospital, The Health Excellence Academic Research in Pediatric Hospital Medicine (HEAR-PHM) program brings together clinicians and researchers from across the country to strengthen scholarship in pediatric hospital medicine and support the next generation of investigators working in the field.

Launched in September 2024, the inaugural HEAR-PHM cohort includes 14 scholars from 11 academic institutions nationwide. Participants range from fellows early in their training to assistant professors developing independent research programs. Together, they form a collaborative learning community focused on advancing research that improves care for hospitalized children. Cohort 2 is currently underway, and Cohort 3 is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026.

Building a community of scholars

The program is designed around a cohort model that emphasizes shared learning, mentorship and collaboration. Participants engage in structured small-group sessions with national experts, work together on research projects and build professional networks that extend beyond their home institutions.

Three core components anchor the program:

• Small-group learning sessions led by faculty with expertise in pediatric research and population health
• A capstone research project that allows scholars to apply new skills while developing original scholarship
• Peer networking and mentorship, helping participants build relationships with colleagues across the field

The goal is not only to support individual projects but also to cultivate a community of physician-scientists who can collaborate long after the program concludes.

Identifying the research questions that matter most

As part of the program's launch, organizers conducted a national scholarship needs assessment among participants. The survey explored areas where pediatric hospital medicine researchers are most interested in focusing their work.

The assessment drew responses from fellows, clinical instructors and assistant professors across participating institutions. Scholars expressed strong interest in studying how social and clinical environments influence the care children receive in hospitals and how systems within healthcare can better support patients and families during vulnerable moments. These insights help shape the program's curriculum and ensure the training aligns with the questions clinicians are seeing firsthand in their daily work.

A growing field with opportunity for innovation

Pediatric hospital medicine is a relatively young subspecialty that continues to evolve rapidly. Programs like HEAR-PHM reflect a broader effort to strengthen research infrastructure within the field and encourage collaboration across institutions. By bringing together investigators at different career stages, the program helps accelerate the exchange of ideas and supports research that can translate into better care practices in pediatric hospitals.

For Children's National, initiatives like HEAR-PHM also reflect the institution's broader commitment to advancing pediatric research and creating opportunities for clinician-scientists to develop new approaches to care. As the inaugural cohort continues its work, the program is helping lay the foundation for a national network of pediatric hospital medicine researchers focused on improving outcomes for children when they need hospital care the most.

Read the full study in the American Academy of Pediatric's Hospital Pediatrics journal here. Authors from Children's National include Amina Touma; Kavita Parikh, MD, MSHS and Gabrina Dixon, MD, Med.