Integrating Mental Health into Pediatric Care - Children's National

Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH, is helping Children's National advance comprehensive neuro-oncology care through her position as a dedicated child and adolescent psychiatrist with a focus on pediatric brain tumors. This first-of-its-kind position, made possible through a generous investment from an anonymous donor family, strengthens the commitment to transforming the patient and family experience.

"Good mental health promotes good physical health and vice versa," said Dr. Dorr. "So, let's improve the quality of life of these children from the start."

Working as a core member of the multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team, Dr. Dorr offers critical expertise in understanding how a tumor's location, treatment plan and overall disease process may influence brain function, behavior, personality and mood.

"Research has shown that psychiatric involvement early in the care journey leads to improved outcomes," Dr. Dorr explained in a recent episode of the Lead in Peds podcast. She added that a preventive approach to mental healthcare has the potential to make a significant, long-term impact on patient and family wellbeing.