The intersection of policy, advocacy, and health is one of Dr. Lee’s primary research interests. She has published seminal research on the effects of state level legislation on injuries, including for firearms, motor vehicle crashes and pedestrians. More recently her work has focused on the effects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on women’s health measures and also on health disparities. She also has a longstanding clinical and research interest in trauma care and injury prevention. She has conducted research focusing on the management of head, neck, abdominal, and orthopedic trauma. She was the site primary investigator for the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research network (PECARN) studies on traumatic brain injury and intra-abdominal injury. Currently she is the site primary investigator for the PECARN c-spine trauma study. She serves on the editorial board for Annals of Emergency Medicine. She has been elected as a member of the Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and the American Pediatric Society (APS). She is the inaugural director for the Academic Pediatric Association’s (APA) Health Policy Scholars Program.
Research Background
We’re honored that Dr. Lee has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine for 2023, for her foundational research on firearm injuries and leadership on authoring the American Academy of Pediatrics 2022 Technical Report/Policy Statement on pediatric firearm injury prevention. In an area lacking major research support, she conducted and translated rigorous injury science for policymakers, leading to thousands of prevented injuries.
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After earning an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1996, she completed her Masters of Public Health in Quantitative Methods at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in 2003. In between that time, she completed a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. Subsequently she did her fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital, and she the recipient of a NRSA Training Grant in Pediatric Emergency Medicine during that time. In 2016 she became the inaugural Nick Littlefield Health Policy Fellow at the Network for Excellence in Health Innovation (NEHI).
Education
Medical School
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
1996
Philadelphia
PA
Graduate School
Harvard School of Public Health
2002
Boston
MA
Internship
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
1997
Philadelphia
MA
Residency
Pediatrics
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
1999
Philadelphia
MA
Fellowship
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Boston Children's Hospital
2003
Boston
MA
Publications
Disparities in health outcomes of infants born to teenage birthing individuals: a cross-sectional study. Arch Dis Child. 2025 Jan 19. View Abstract
FASTER-But Not Fast Enough: Bridging the Gap Between Data Collection and Injury Prevention in Firearm Injury Surveillance. Ann Emerg Med. 2025 Jan 18. View Abstract
Firearm and Motor Vehicle Pediatric Deaths-Intersections of Age, Sex, Race, and Ethnicity. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Dec 23. View Abstract
State Social Expenditures and Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight in the US. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Dec 01; 178(12):1345-1353. View Abstract
Pediatric firearm injuries and socioeconomic vulnerability before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Am J Emerg Med. 2024 Nov 18; 88:84-90. View Abstract
The Impact of COVID-19 on Patterns of Fractures Presenting to Pediatric Emergency Departments. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2025 Jan 01; 41(1):17-23. View Abstract
The Updated Haddon Matrix for Pediatric Firearm Injuries. JAMA Surg. 2024 Nov 01; 159(11):1229-1230. View Abstract
Community partnership approaches to safe sleep (CPASS) program evaluation. Inj Epidemiol. 2024 Sep 05; 11(Suppl 1):45. View Abstract
Adolescents' Perceptions of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment Service at Pediatric Trauma Centers. Subst Use. 2024 Jan-Dec; 18:29768357241272356. View Abstract
Implementing Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment at Pediatric Trauma Centers: A Step Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial. J Pediatr Surg. 2024 Nov; 59(11):161618. View Abstract
Variations by State in Firearm Suicide Among US Children and Young Adults, 2016-2021. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Jul 01; 178(7):722-725. View Abstract
PECARN prediction rule for cervical spine imaging of children presenting to the emergency department with blunt trauma: a multicentre prospective observational study. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2024 Jul; 8(7):482-490. View Abstract
The 4 S's of Disaster Management Framework: A Case Study of the 2022 Pediatric Tripledemic Response in a Community Hospital. Ann Emerg Med. 2024 Jun; 83(6):568-575. View Abstract
A multicenter evaluation of pediatric emergency department injury visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inj Epidemiol. 2023 Dec 13; 10(1):66. View Abstract
Race, Ethnicity, and Ancestry in Clinical Pathways: A Framework for Evaluation. Pediatrics. 2023 Dec 01; 152(6). View Abstract
Enhancing Physician Advocacy Through Collaboration With Government Relations: Report From the Health Policy Scholars Program. Acad Pediatr. 2024 Jul; 24(5):820-825. View Abstract
Racial & ethnic disparities in geographic access to critical care in the United States: A geographic information systems analysis. PLoS One. 2023; 18(11):e0287720. View Abstract
Counseling for opioids prescribed at discharge of hospitalized adolescent trauma patients. Inj Epidemiol. 2023 Oct 23; 10(Suppl 1):53. View Abstract
Abortion Restrictiveness and Infant Mortality: An Ecologic Study, 2014-2018. Am J Prev Med. 2024 03; 66(3):418-426. View Abstract
The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies. Ann Emerg Med. 2023 09; 82(3):e97-e105. View Abstract
The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies. Pediatrics. 2023 09 01; 152(3). View Abstract
The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies. Pediatrics. 2023 09 01; 152(3). View Abstract
The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies. J Emerg Nurs. 2023 Sep; 49(5):703-713. View Abstract
Violence Prevention in Pediatrics: Advocacy and Legislation. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 12; 70(6):1225-1238. View Abstract
Reporting and Representation of Participant Race and Ethnicity in National Institutes of Health-Funded Pediatric Clinical Trials. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 08 01; 6(8):e2331316. View Abstract
Impact of early COVID-19-related challenges on pediatric researchers: an exploratory analysis. Pediatr Res. 2023 09; 94(3):852-855. View Abstract
Association of State-Level Tax Policy and Infant Mortality in the United States, 1996-2019. JAMA Netw Open. 2023 04 03; 6(4):e239646. View Abstract
Proceedings from the Second Medical Summit on Firearm Injury Prevention, 2022: Creating a Sustainable Healthcare Coalition to Advance a Multidisciplinary Public Health Approach. J Am Coll Surg. 2023 06 01; 236(6):1242-1260. View Abstract
The Responsibility of Addressing Health Disparities in Emergency Medicine. Ann Emerg Med. 2023 04; 81(4):393-395. View Abstract
Community-Academic Advocacy to Improve Shelter Access for Families Experiencing Homelessness. Pediatrics. 2023 02 01; 151(2). View Abstract
Firearm Injury Prevention Advocacy: Lessons Learned and Future Directions. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2023 02; 70(1):67-82. View Abstract
The state and future of pediatric research-an introductory overview : The state and future of pediatric research series. Pediatr Res. 2023 Jan 24. View Abstract
Pediatrician-Reported Injury Prevention Anticipatory Guidance by Patient Age Group. Acad Pediatr. 2023 04; 23(3):610-615. View Abstract
Disparities in Pharmacologic Restraint Use in Pediatric Emergency Departments. Pediatrics. 2023 01 01; 151(1). View Abstract
Childbearing and Family Leave Policies for Physicians at US Children's Hospitals. J Pediatr. 2023 04; 255:240-246. View Abstract
Trends and Disparities in Firearm Fatalities in the United States, 1990-2021. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 11 01; 5(11):e2244221. View Abstract
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Pediatric Trauma Centers in the United States: A Geographic Information Systems Analysis. Ann Emerg Med. 2023 03; 81(3):325-333. View Abstract
Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in Children and Youth: Injury Prevention and Harm Reduction. Pediatrics. 2022 Oct 08. View Abstract
Firearm-Related Injuries and Deaths in Children and Youth. Pediatrics. 2022 Oct 08. View Abstract
Association of Neighborhood Conditions and Resources for Children With Life Expectancy at Birth in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2022 10 03; 5(10):e2235912. View Abstract
Disparities in Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions. Pediatrics. 2022 10 01; 150(4). View Abstract
American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations for the Prevention of Pediatric ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries. Pediatrics. 2022 10 01; 150(4). View Abstract
Helmet Use in Preventing Head Injuries in Bicycling, Snow Sports, and Other Recreational Activities and Sports. Pediatrics. 2022 09 01; 150(3). View Abstract
Helmet Use in Preventing Head Injuries in Bicycling, Snow Sports, and Other Recreational Activities and Sports. Pediatrics. 2022 09 01; 150(3). View Abstract
Lesson from the continuing 21st century motor vehicle success. Inj Prev. 2022 10; 28(5):480-482. View Abstract
Reducing infant mortality: maternal health is infant health. Pediatr Res. 2022 09; 92(3):623-625. View Abstract
Pediatric Fracture Epidemiology and US Emergency Department Resource Utilization. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022 Jul 01; 38(7):e1342-e1347. View Abstract
The Initial Approach to the Multisystem Pediatric Trauma Patient. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2022 Jun 01; 38(6):290-298. View Abstract
Addressing the void: firearm injury prevention in the USA. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022 08; 6(8):515-516. View Abstract
Disparities and Trends in Migraine Management in Pediatric Emergency Departments, 2009-19. Acad Pediatr. 2023 Jan-Feb; 23(1):76-84. View Abstract
Variability in opioid pain medication prescribing for adolescent trauma patients in a sample of US pediatric trauma centers. Trauma Surg Acute Care Open. 2022; 7(1):e000894. View Abstract
Advanced imaging of disease unrelated to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic: effect of patient demographics in a pediatric emergency department. Pediatr Radiol. 2022 08; 52(9):1756-1764. View Abstract
Crossing Lines - A Change in the Leading Cause of Death among U.S. Children. N Engl J Med. 2022 Apr 21; 386(16):1485-1487. View Abstract
Infant Outcomes among Teenage and Young Mothers: Racial Inequities and the Role of Educational Attainment. J Pediatr. 2022 08; 247:87-94.e2. View Abstract
Association of County-Level Poverty and Inequities With Firearm-Related Mortality in US Youth. JAMA Pediatr. 2022 02 01; 176(2):e214822. View Abstract
Association between youth homicides and state spending: a Chicago cross-sectional case study. BMJ Open. 2022 01 24; 12(1):e052933. View Abstract
Pediatric Traumatic Injury Emergency Department Visits and Management in US Children's Hospitals From 2010 to 2019. Ann Emerg Med. 2022 03; 79(3):279-287. View Abstract
Disparities in School Referrals for Agitation and Aggression to the Emergency Department. Acad Pediatr. 2022 May-Jun; 22(4):598-605. View Abstract
And so they wait: The other epidemic among United States youth during COVID-19. Acad Emerg Med. 2021 11; 28(11):1347-1348. View Abstract
Addressing gender inequities: Creation of a multi-institutional consortium of women physicians in academic emergency medicine. Acad Emerg Med. 2021 12; 28(12):1358-1367. View Abstract
Association of limited English proficiency and increased pediatric emergency department revisits. Acad Emerg Med. 2021 09; 28(9):1001-1011. View Abstract
Implicit Bias and Caring for Diverse Populations: Pediatric Trainee Attitudes and Gaps in Training. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2021 09; 60(9-10):408-417. View Abstract
A new paradigm in bench to bedside research, with a stop in the dusty pharmaceutical cabinet? Pediatr Res. 2021 05; 89(7):1604-1605. View Abstract
Children's Coverage Vulnerabilities With Loss of a Parent's Employer-Sponsored Insurance. Pediatrics. 2021 02; 147(2). View Abstract
Paediatric ED utilisation in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emerg Med J. 2021 Feb; 38(2):100-102. View Abstract
Pediatric Magnet Ingestions After Federal Rule Changes, 2009-2019. JAMA. 2020 11 24; 324(20):2102-2104. View Abstract
Treadmill injuries in children. Am J Emerg Med. 2021 08; 46:495-498. View Abstract
Correction to: Celebrating a quarter century of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®. Inj Epidemiol. 2020 Oct 12; 7(1):59. View Abstract
Impact of COVID-19 on professional and personal responsibilities of Massachusetts physicians. Am J Emerg Med. 2020 Nov; 38(11):2365-2367. View Abstract
Use of Ondansetron for Vomiting After Head Trauma: Does It Mask Clinically Significant Traumatic Brain Injury? Pediatr Emerg Care. 2020 Aug; 36(8):e433-e437. View Abstract
Celebrating a quarter century of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids®. Inj Epidemiol. 2020 Jun 12; 7(Suppl 1):29. View Abstract
Distracted Driving Laws and Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities. Pediatrics. 2020 06; 145(6). View Abstract
Child Access Prevention Firearm Laws and Firearm Fatalities Among Children Aged 0 to 14 Years, 1991-2016. JAMA Pediatr. 2020 05 01; 174(5):463-469. View Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Firearms in the United States: Will an Epidemic of Suicide Follow? Ann Intern Med. 2020 08 04; 173(3):228-229. View Abstract
Women and Healthcare Affordability After the ACA. J Gen Intern Med. 2020 03; 35(3):959-960. View Abstract
Association of Pediatric Suicide With County-Level Poverty in the United States, 2007-2016. JAMA Pediatr. 2020 03 01; 174(3):287-294. View Abstract
Women's Coverage, Utilization, Affordability, And Health After The ACA: A Review Of The Literature. Health Aff (Millwood). 2020 03; 39(3):387-394. View Abstract
Mass School Shootings in the United States: A Novel Root Cause Analysis Using Lay Press Reports. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2019 11; 58(13):1423-1428. View Abstract
Preventing injuries must be a priority to prevent disease in the twenty-first century. Pediatr Res. 2020 01; 87(2):282-292. View Abstract
No Silver Bullet: Firearm Laws and Pediatric Death Prevention. Pediatrics. 2019 08; 144(2). View Abstract
Women's Affordability, Access, and Preventive Care After the Affordable Care Act. Am J Prev Med. 2019 05; 56(5):631-638. View Abstract
Trends in Visits and Costs for Mental Health Emergencies in a Pediatric Emergency Department, 2010-2016. Acad Pediatr. 2019 May - Jun; 19(4):386-393. View Abstract
Comparison of minor head trauma management in the emergency departments of a United States and Italian Children's hospital. Ital J Pediatr. 2019 Feb 11; 45(1):24. View Abstract
Factors associated with boarding and length of stay for pediatric mental health emergency visits. Am J Emerg Med. 2019 10; 37(10):1829-1835. View Abstract
Early Effects of the ACA on Women's Health Measures. J Gen Intern Med. 2018 12; 33(12):2034-2036. View Abstract
Pediatric Emergency Department Visits for Homelessness After Shelter Eligibility Policy Change. Pediatrics. 2018 11; 142(5). View Abstract
Increasing Fatality Rates From Preventable Deaths in Teenagers and Young Adults. JAMA. 2018 Aug 14; 320(6):543-544. View Abstract
Twenty-two years of injury free. Inj Epidemiol. 2018 Apr 10; 5(Suppl 1):10. View Abstract
A cross-sectional study of emergency care utilization and associated costs of violent-related (assault) injuries in the United States. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017 11; 83(5S Suppl 2):S240-S245. View Abstract
Prospective Validation of Clinical Score for Males Presenting With an Acute Scrotum. Acad Emerg Med. 2017 12; 24(12):1474-1482. View Abstract
A cross-sectional study of emergency care utilization and associated costs of violent-related (assault) injuries in the United States. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2017 08; 83(2):310-315. View Abstract
Variation in the evaluation of testicular conditions across United States pediatric emergency departments. Am J Emerg Med. 2018 Feb; 36(2):208-212. View Abstract
Pediatric spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality in the era of advanced imaging. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2017 Jun; 29(3):286-290. View Abstract
Community Poverty and Child Abuse Fatalities in the United States. Pediatrics. 2017 May; 139(5). View Abstract
Complexity and Severity of Pediatric Patients Treated at United States Emergency Departments. J Pediatr. 2017 07; 186:145-149.e1. View Abstract
Road traffic injuries among children and adolescents in Singapore - Who is at greatest risk? Accid Anal Prev. 2017 Mar; 100:59-64. View Abstract
Firearm Laws and Firearm Homicides: A Systematic Review. JAMA Intern Med. 2017 01 01; 177(1):106-119. View Abstract
Predictors and Outcomes of Pediatric Firearm Injuries Treated in the Emergency Department: Differences by Mechanism of Intent. Acad Emerg Med. 2016 07; 23(7):790-5. View Abstract
One of the Challenges of Bringing Your Newborn Home Begins with Installing the Car Safety Seat. J Pediatr. 2016 Apr; 171:16-7. View Abstract
The Patient Passport Program: An Intervention to Improve Patient-Provider Communication for Hospitalized Minority Children and Their Families. Acad Pediatr. 2016 07; 16(5):460-467. View Abstract
Restraint use in motor vehicle crash fatalities in children 0 year to 9 years old. J Trauma Acute Care Surg. 2015 Sep; 79(3 Suppl 1):S55-60. View Abstract
Comparison of Clinician Suspicion Versus a Clinical Prediction Rule in Identifying Children at Risk for Intra-abdominal Injuries After Blunt Torso Trauma. Acad Emerg Med. 2015 Sep; 22(9):1034-41. View Abstract
Motor Vehicle Crash Fatalities in States With Primary Versus Secondary Seat Belt Laws: A Time-Series Analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2015 Aug 04; 163(3):184-90. View Abstract
Firearm Ownership and Violent Crime in the U.S.: An Ecologic Study. Am J Prev Med. 2015 Aug; 49(2):207-14. View Abstract
Isolated loss of consciousness in children with minor blunt head trauma. JAMA Pediatr. 2014 Sep; 168(9):837-43. View Abstract
A computerized child passenger safety screening program in the emergency department. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2014 Sep; 30(9):631-5. View Abstract
Occult pneumothoraces in children with blunt torso trauma. Acad Emerg Med. 2014 Apr; 21(4):440-8. View Abstract
Epidemiology of paediatric firearm injuries in the USA, 2001-2010. Arch Dis Child. 2014 Apr; 99(4):331-5. View Abstract
Bicycle helmet laws are associated with a lower fatality rate from bicycle-motor vehicle collisions. J Pediatr. 2013 Sep; 163(3):726-9. View Abstract
Firearm legislation and firearm-related fatalities in the United States. JAMA Intern Med. 2013 May 13; 173(9):732-40. View Abstract
A multicenter study of the risk of intra-abdominal injury in children after normal abdominal computed tomography scan results in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 2013 Oct; 62(4):319-26. View Abstract
Booster seat laws and fatalities in children 4 to 7 years of age. Pediatrics. 2012 Dec; 130(6):996-1002. View Abstract
Home safety practices in an urban low-income population: level of agreement between parental self-report and observed behaviors. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2012 Dec; 51(12):1119-24. View Abstract
Pediatric traumatic brain injury and radiation risks: a clinical decision analysis. J Pediatr. 2013 Feb; 162(2):392-7. View Abstract
No longer a "nursemaid's" elbow: mechanisms, caregivers, and prevention. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2012 Aug; 28(8):771-4. View Abstract
Extremity fracture pain after emergency department reduction and casting: predictors of pain after discharge. Ann Emerg Med. 2012 Sep; 60(3):269-77. View Abstract
Attempts to silence firearm injury prevention. Am J Prev Med. 2012 Jan; 42(1):99-102. View Abstract
Prevalence of clinically important traumatic brain injuries in children with minor blunt head trauma and isolated severe injury mechanisms. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2012 Apr; 166(4):356-61. View Abstract
Clinical outcomes and diagnostic imaging of pediatric patients with pneumomediastinum secondary to blunt trauma to the chest. J Trauma. 2011 Oct; 71(4):904-8. View Abstract
Factors associated with the use of cervical spine computed tomography imaging in pediatric trauma patients. Acad Emerg Med. 2011 Sep; 18(9):905-11. View Abstract
Intracranial hemorrhage after blunt head trauma in children with bleeding disorders. J Pediatr. 2011 Jun; 158(6):1003-1008.e1-2. View Abstract
Neuroimaging for pediatric head trauma: do patient and hospital characteristics influence who gets imaged? Acad Emerg Med. 2010 Jul; 17(7):694-700. View Abstract
The modern paediatric injury pyramid: injuries in Massachusetts children and adolescents. Inj Prev. 2010 Apr; 16(2):123-6. View Abstract
Identification of children at very low risk of clinically-important brain injuries after head trauma: a prospective cohort study. Lancet. 2009 Oct 03; 374(9696):1160-70. View Abstract
Trauma management: Approach to the unstable child II. 2008. View Abstract
Controversies in the sequelae of pediatric mild traumatic brain injury. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2007 Aug; 23(8):580-3; quiz 584-6. View Abstract
Pediatric Non-Accidental Trauma. Emergency Medicine Handbook: Critical Concept for Clinical Practice. 2007; 1093-1099. View Abstract
Parental survey of beliefs and practices about bathing and water safety and their children: guidance for drowning prevention. Accid Anal Prev. 2007 Jan; 39(1):58-62. View Abstract
Demographic factors and their association with outcomes in pediatric submersion injury. Acad Emerg Med. 2006 Mar; 13(3):308-13. View Abstract
Pallor. Signs and Symptoms in Pediatrics: Urgent and Emergent Care. 2005; 363-369. View Abstract
The use of high frequency oscillatory ventilation in hydrocarbon pneumonitis. Internet Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2003; 6:6. View Abstract
Therapeutic Human Anticapsular Pneumococcal Antibody Protects against Bacteremia and Mortaility Due to Streptococcus pneumonia type 19f in Infant Rats. Pediatric Research. 2001; 49:241A. View Abstract
Computer crash simulations in the development of child occupant safety policies. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2000 Mar; 154(3):276-80. View Abstract
A Novel Eukaryotic DNA Repeair Enzyme Recognizes UV-Light Induced Cyclobutane Pyrimidine Dimers. Photodermatology, photoimmunology, and photomedicine. 1991; 38. View Abstract