General Pediatrics - Director of the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children - Professor bei Cincinnatichildrens

Cincinnati Children’s seeks a visionary, dynamic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as the next director for the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children. Applications and nominations are invited, and confidential conversations are welcomed.

The Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children is renowned nationally and internationally for excellence in child abuse clinical care, research, education and advocacy. The director will collaboratively create and lead an innovative vision to transform health outcomes and build fiscal vitality by:

• Leading and developing transformational clinical and research programs

• Recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty and staff

• Identifying emerging and new areas of emphasis and promise

• Facilitating world-class clinical and educational programming

• Building and sustaining community partnerships to address evolving needs

• Mentoring and developing the academic skills of all team members

Clinical

The Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children was established in 2000. Each year, more than 2,000 children for whom abuse is suspected are evaluated from 22 Ohio counties, as well as Kentucky and Indiana. We collaborate with many community partners in the investigation and treatment of victims at our 5,000-square-foot facility on Cincinnati Children’s Oak Campus. Our center is one of a distinct group of 600 child abuse centers in the United States known as Child Advocacy Centers (CAC). The Mayerson Center is fully accredited by the National Children’s Alliance and one of the few housed within a children’s hospital. As a CAC, we implement practices that minimize trauma for the child and family within a multi-disciplinary environment which includes child abuse physicians, trauma trained psychologists, forensically skilled social workers, forensic nurses, child protection workers and law enforcement from the surrounding counties.

Our clinical responsibilities also extend to those children admitted to CCHMC when a concern of child abuse is raised. Mayerson Center coverage for in-patient care is available 24/7. We collaborate with patient services in a forensic nursing clinical service which covers the emergency department 24/7.

Beyond the immediate horror of abuse, childhood trauma can have a critical and lifelong impact on a child’s development, physical and mental health, educational success and well-being. Our Center goals include keeping children safe, identifying those children who have been harmed, preventing child abuse and neglect and improving the outcomes of children exposed to trauma and violence.

Research

We conduct research that informs our interventions, assessments, treatments and teachings. We have helped to define the national standard for the evaluation and treatment of victims of child abuse and maltreatment. Areas of research have included interventions and best practices for conducting effective, low-stress child forensic interviews, improving medical evaluations to correctly identify victims of abuse, and using parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) to reduce behavioral issues in trauma-exposed youth. Our findings inform patient care and treatment throughout Cincinnati Children’s, helping to implement trauma-informed care into everyday practices. In addition, our research is used to train state and local law enforcement, children services case workers, school administrators and teachers, and other supportive adults who work with children in our community.

Education

The Mayerson Center provides training and education for professionals in a variety of topics dealing with childhood trauma including identifying, treating and preventing child abuse; understanding the impact of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress on child development and implementing trauma-informed practices within early childhood, education and healthcare settings. Our three-year ACGME accredited fellowship prepares physicians for an academic and clinical career in the field of child abuse. Through a broad range of experiences, fellows develop proficiency in clinical care, research, teaching and administration.

Advocacy

The Mayerson Center started and continues to lead Joining Forces for Children, a coalition of organizations working to prevent and reduce the impact of trauma in the greater Cincinnati area. Here, our advocacy has led to multiple positive outcomes, including:

• Community engagement techniques that uplift the lived experience of our neighbors

• Best practices for sustainable and ethical academic-community partnerships

• Innovative new tools such as the Family Wellness Survey

Furthermore, Strong Resilient Youth, our online trauma-informed skills training developed in collaboration with McKinsey Health Institute, has garnered international attention. Available in English, Spanish and Czech, our training has helped supportive adults, as far away as the Ukraine, in understanding the impact of trauma on children and develop relevant skills to support children and families in the moment.

Division of General & Community Pediatrics

The Mayerson Center resides within the Division of General & Community Pediatrics, which is directed by William Brinkman, MD, MEd, MSc. The Division is dedicated to advancing child health and well-being through excellent clinical care, groundbreaking research that spans the translational spectrum and education of the next generation of leaders in pediatrics. In addition to the Mayerson Center, the Division operates several clinical practices, including Primary Care, Foster Care, Complex Care, Breastfeeding Medicine, and Environmental Health.

The Successful Candidate

The director of the Mayerson Center for Safe and Healthy Children at Cincinnati Children's is an important leadership position at one of the leading pediatric healthcare institutions in the world. The success of the Center’s clinical, research, education, and advocacy missions are critical. As such, the director must be a recognized leader with the ability to develop a bold and collaborative vision. Additionally, they must value the importance and contributions of all individuals they will oversee and possess uncompromising integrity and ethics.

Qualifications and Experience

• MD/DO or PhD with expertise in identifying, treating and/or preventing child maltreatment, and the impact of adverse childhood experiences on developmental and health outcomes. Board certification in Child Abuse Pediatrics and/or an advanced degree (MPH, PhD, etc.) is a plus.

• Ability to obtain State of Ohio Medical Board licensure for MD/DO candidates.

• Rank of Associate Professor or Professor with eligibility for appointment as an affiliated faculty at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

• Ability to develop a collaborative vision, with a record of successfully implementing new initiatives that meet the challenges of academic medicine and clinical care and advance the field.

• Strong record of accomplishment in leadership and people management, and skills in planning and facilitation.

• Extensive knowledge of research in the field of child maltreatment and/or adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress.

• Demonstration of sustained excellence in research and/or scholarly productivity, clinical care, and/or mentorship/teaching of trainees and junior faculty.

• An uncompromising commitment to excellence in clinical care, research, and education.

• A strong scholarly record that would include such areas as manuscripts, grants, curriculum and program development, and university-level teaching.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relevant to Child Abuse Pediatrics, or a willingness to acquire this knowledge.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrated by a personal style that fosters trust, collaboration, and confidence among stakeholders and colleagues at Cincinnati Children's.

• Experience in a complex, integrated academic medical setting.

• Commitment to demonstrate Cincinnati Children’s Core Values (see below) every day.

• Exceptional local, regional, national, and international reputation.

About Cincinnati Children's

Cincinnati Children's is a non-profit, comprehensive pediatric health system with a reputation for excellence in patient care, research and medical education.  Established in 1883, Cincinnati Children's has two full-service hospitals (Burnet and Liberty campuses) as well as outpatient clinics, services and therapies at many locations throughout the Cincinnati tri-state area.

Cincinnati Children's serves patients from all 50 states and 29 other countries and is an internationally recognized leader in improving child health and transforming delivery of care through research, education and innovation.  With more than 18,000 employees, faculty, residents and fellows, the health system is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation, and this past year, it earned the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals Honor Roll.  Out of 108 pediatric hospitals, only 10 are selected for the Honor Roll.  

University of Cincinnati Academic Affiliation

Cincinnati Children’s comprises the Department of Pediatrics and the departments of Pediatric Surgery, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pathology and Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine.  Within these departments, faculty at Cincinnati Children’s are creating novel clinical and scientific breakthroughs to transform outcomes for children, training future clinicians and investigators, and participating in national and global partnerships.

Dating back to 1926, the academic affiliation with the Department of Pediatrics at the UC College of Medicine has resulted in numerous joint endeavors, including the performance of basic and clinical research, collaboration in the care of patients, cooperation in education, and training of medical students, doctoral students, residents and fellows, and arrangements for the joint use of facilities and equipment.

Investments, Growth and Expansion

With an unwavering focus on patient care, leadership at Cincinnati Children's has executed an ambitious strategic plan that has led to unprecedented growth and expansion in clinical operations, research, community engagement and educational programs in the past decade.  The growth of its network and services on its Burnet Campus has allowed Cincinnati Children’s to make significant investments in new facilities.

In November 2021, Cincinnati Children’s completed its largest expansion ever.  The new 600,000-square-foot Critical Care Building added 249 rooms and expanded services for the most fragile and medically complex children, including a state-of-the-art emergency department, and facilities for patients needing newborn and pediatric intensive care, cardiac care and bone marrow transplants.

Recent significant upgrades and expansions of facilities and infrastructure (including mental healthcare, cancer care, and neighborhood urgent care) have increased access and experience for Cincinnati Children's patients, families and employees.  Moreover, its Liberty Campus includes a Proton Therapy Center, on of only two such centers in the world owned by a children’s hospital. 

In 2015, Cincinnati Children's reinforced and expanded its longstanding commitment to pediatric scientific research with the opening of a $205 million, state-of-the-art research tower.  Together with five other adjoining research buildings, Cincinnati Children's has one of the largest pediatric research facilities in the country, amounting to more than1.4 million square feet of dedicated research space.

These investments, expansions and renovation projects underscore a remarkable legacy and a mission to a leader in improving child health nationally and internationally.

Education and Training at Cincinnati Children’s

The pediatric training program at Cincinnati Children’s is one of the largest within a single institution in the United States and offers some of the most highly ranked research-based education and training programs in the nation.  As one of the nation’s top pediatric academic health systems, Cincinnati Children’s offers a multitude of superior fellowship training opportunities in pediatrics, surgery, cardiology, anesthesiology and related sub-specialties, with 35 ACGME-accredited programs and more than 65 additional specialty fellowship programs.

Moreover, Cincinnati Children’s has one of the largest pediatric residency training programs in the country, offering both the core categorical pediatric residency as well as several combined training programs with the University of Cincinnati.  In the categorical program, residents get the breadth of experience in various sub-specialties and general pediatrics while working in both inpatient and outpatient settings (including a dedicated track for physician-scientists).

Cincinnati Children’s also offers nursing education programs for career development and education in a wide range of specialty areas of nursing.

Clinical programs and the research environment are closely aligned to foster innovation and discovery across all disciplines, attracting the best and brightest medical students, residents and fellows from across the United States.

In addition, the department offers research-based education and training options for scientists, often in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati.  These include postdoctoral programs, medical student programs, MD/PhD programs, graduate degree programs, and undergraduate and high school programs.

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Our Vision

To be the leader in improving child health.

Our Mission

Cincinnati Children’s will improve child health and transform delivery of care through fully integrated, globally recognized research, education and innovation.

For patients from our community, the nation and the world, the care we provide will achieve the best:

• Medical and quality of life outcomes

• Patient and family experience and

• Value

….today and in the future

Our Core Values

As part of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center team, we will:

• Respect everyone: Treat others as they would like to be treated

• Tell the truth: Be honest and transparent in all interactions

• Work as a team: Inspire, challenge, and support colleagues, patients, and families to advance the mission

• Make a difference: Go above and beyond in service to others and Cincinnati Children’s

About the Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation

Cincinnati Children's has a remarkable record of breakthrough science that has redefined pediatric health worldwide.  The Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation is the health system’s research arm and the umbrella organization under which the Department of Pediatrics stands.  Founded in 1931 through an endowment from William Cooper Proctor (chairman of the hospital’s board of trustees and grandson of William Proctor, the co-founder of Proctor & Gamble Co.), the Research Foundation has served as a hub for scientists pursuing leading research.

Today, Cincinnati Children’s is home to one of the nation’s largest research programs and consistently ranks in the top three among all departments of pediatrics in NIH funding.  In FY24, the Research Foundation once again set a new record for extramural grants and contracts, totaling more than $300 million (80% of which is funded by the federal government).

The Research Foundation continues to grow and invest in faculty success through internally funded grants.  A deep collaboration among the brightest biomedical science minds and the most talented pediatric clinicians ensures that the Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation continues to be one of the nation's most significant sources of pediatric scientific discovery and innovation worldwide.

Shared Facilities and Cores

As the number of research projects has grown and expanded over the years, so too have the resources available to support researchers, their staff, and administrative offices.

Faculty at Cincinnati Children’s are supported by unparalleled core facilities that leave no aspect of ingenuity unsatisfied.  Twenty-five cores span the gamut of biomedical research, providing cutting-edge, cost-effective technology and data analysis, knowledgeable advisors and experienced support staff.  These shared facilities fuel cross-divisional collaboration and attract the world’s top pediatric scientists to pursue clinical trials, translational research, and outcomes and improvement studies.  Faculty also have access to additional research cores hosted at the UC College of Medicine.

Living and Working in Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati is one of America’s most vibrant and beautiful river cities.  Newly two million people make their homes in the tri-state hub of southwestern Ohio.  The people of Cincinnati make it a special place to live and enjoy all the amenities of a big city, with the warmth of a small town.  The area is rich in cultural activities that will appeal to every taste.  Additionally, Greater Cincinnati has a number of outstanding educational systems, with approximately 50 public school districts, nearly 300 private schools and over 25 colleges and universities.  All this combined with a diverse economy, which includes a growing biomedical industry and outstanding airline service, make for an extraordinary quality of life.

Some highlights include:

• Many housing options for urban and suburban living

• Top-ranked public, private, parochial, Jewish Day and Montessori schools

• Centrally located international airport

• World-class symphony, theater, and art museums.  One of only 13 cities to represent all five of the major arts: ballet, opera, art museums, symphony, and theatre. 

• Major League Baseball – Cincinnati Reds

• National Football League – Cincinnati Bengals

• NCAA Division I Athletics – Cincinnati Bearcats and Xavier Musketeers

• Home to one of the top 10 zoos in America

• Multiple state parks and nature reserves

Application Process

To apply, please send the following to Nathan Gohlke, [email protected], Talent Acquisition Physician Faculty Recruiter.

• Letter of interest, including information on research, education, and leadership

• Curriculum vitae

Confidential inquiries and nominations should be addressed to Dr. William Brinkman, [email protected], search committee chair.

Primary Location

Schedule

Shift

Department

Employee Status

FTE

Weekly Hours

• Medical coverage starting day one of employment. View employee benefits here. 

• Competitive retirement plans  

• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education  

• Expansive employee discount programs through our many community partners  

• Shift Differential, Weekend Differential, and Weekend Option Pay Programs for qualified positions 

• Support through Employee Resource Groups such as African American Professionals Advisory Council, Asian Cultural and Professional Group, EQUAL - LGBTQA Resource Group, Juntos - Hispanic/Latin Resource Group, Veterans and Military Family Advocacy Network, and Young Professionals (YP) Resource Group  

• Physical and mental health wellness programs  

• Relocation assistance available for qualified positions 

*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type 

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability