Nadia Ovchinsky, MD, Takes the Helm as Chair of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health Welcomes Dr. Nadia Ovchinsky as Chair of Pediatrics

In an exciting development for pediatric care, NYU Langone Health has announced the appointment of Dr. Nadia Ovchinsky as the new chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. An internationally recognized expert in pediatric hepatology, Dr. Ovchinsky steps into her role as the Pat and John Rosenwald Professor of Pediatrics with a vision focused on compassionate and family-centered care.

Dr. Ovchinsky joined NYU Langone in 2023, where she served as the director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology division. During her tenure, she successfully expanded the division and played a pivotal role in establishing the Pediatric Liver Transplant Program at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. Her efforts have significantly increased the division's size and enhanced its reputation, transforming it into a key regional center for children with complex gastrointestinal and liver disorders.

“We are committed not just to treating illnesses, but to nurturing children and families with compassion and partnership,” Dr. Ovchinsky stated. Her leadership comes at a critical time as NYU Langone Health continues to grow its children’s services, which encompass over 35 clinical specialties, numerous outpatient locations, and 201 pediatric beds throughout the system.

“Dr. Ovchinsky brings a remarkable vision for pediatric medicine that aligns with NYU Langone’s dedication to excellence in patient care, research, and education,” commented Alec C. Kimmelman, MD, PhD, dean and CEO of NYU Langone Health. Her appointment is expected to build upon the already significant strengths of the pediatric program and ensure continued delivery of high-quality care to children and their families.

As chair, Dr. Ovchinsky will lead initiatives that focus on enhancing pediatric care, advancing research, and fostering educational programs at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital and across NYU Langone. The children’s services at this institution already witness more than 608,000 outpatient visits and over 9,500 inpatient admissions each year.

The department is not only dedicated to caring for young patients but is also engaged in deepening the understanding of childhood diseases. The research supported through initiatives like the Sala Elbaum Pediatric Research Scholars Program allows early-career physician-scientists to explore key areas in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical pediatric research, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into better outcomes for children.

Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Ovchinsky said, “My goal is to enhance the incredible work being done already at NYU Langone, by leading a Department of Pediatrics that prioritizes family-centered care and promotes future leaders in children’s health.”

Dr. Ovchinsky succeeds Dr. Catherine S. Manno, who retired after 17 years of service in the department's leadership. Dr. Manno's legacy includes significant advancements in pediatric care across NYU Langone, notably the establishment and growth of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital and initiatives such as the Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Under Dr. Ovchinsky's stewardship, collaboration among pediatric leaders is expected to thrive, particularly with figures like Dr. Arun Chopra, who heads the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island. Together, they aim to foster innovation and ensure expanded access to top-tier pediatric care for children and families.

Recognized as a leading voice in pediatric hepatology and liver transplantation, Dr. Ovchinsky is a prolific researcher and author. Her advocacy extends to supporting children with liver disease, championing humanism in medicine, and mentoring the next generation of physicians, further underscoring her dedication to the field.

About NYU Langone Health

NYU Langone Health stands as an integrated health system that consistently achieves remarkable patient outcomes, underpinned by a commitment to high-quality care. It has repeatedly ranked as the top comprehensive academic medical center in the U.S. according to Vizient Inc. NYU Langone provides an extensive range of medical services across its multiple inpatient locations, outpatient centers, and also boasts two tuition-free medical schools in the New York area.