#USA #Philadelphia #Oberkotter Foundation #Dr. Cedric Pritchett #pediatric hearing care

Welcoming Dr. Cedric Von Pritchett to the Oberkotter Foundation Board

The Oberkotter Foundation, dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with hearing loss, has recently announced a significant addition to its Board of Trustees. Beginning January 1, 2025, Dr. Cedric Von Pritchett, an esteemed pediatric otolaryngologist and public health expert, will join the team. His wealth of knowledge and personal experiences in pediatric hearing healthcare position him to make substantial contributions to the Foundation's leadership and mission.

Dr. Pritchett, MD, MPH, currently serves as the Co-Director of the Nemours Children's Ear, Hearing and Communication Center and is the Medical Director of the Cochlear Implant Program at Nemours Children's Hospital in Florida. His role at this prestigious hospital highlights his expertise and dedication to providing comprehensive care for children afflicted with hearing loss. Furthermore, his position as an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine ensures that he remains at the forefront of advancements in pediatric otolaryngology and contributes to the education of future healthcare providers.

In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Pritchett's research focuses on pressing issues that affect children with hearing impairments. He investigates barriers to care, racial disparities in access to cochlear implants, and the timely identification of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) which can lead to hearing loss. His commitment to addressing inequalities and improving accessibility to healthcare strongly aligns with the Foundation's mission.

Strengthening Leadership and Vision

Dr. Pritchett joins fellow Trustees including Bruce Rosenfield, former Executive Director, David Pierson, and Lydia Denworth. With a shared vision, the Board of Trustees aims to advance the strategic plan for the Foundation, which aspires to transform pediatric hearing care. Teresa H. Caraway, PhD, CEO of the Oberkotter Foundation, emphasized that the upcoming years are critical for harnessing the ambitions of the strategic plan, indicating that the Foundation aims to create a world of opportunities for children experiencing hearing challenges.

"The years ahead will be pivotal as the Oberkotter Foundation works toward the ambitious goals set forth by the Board of Trustees in the strategic plan to secure a future of limitless opportunity for children with hearing loss," stated Caraway. She expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Pritchett’s inclusion in the leadership team, noting his extensive experience with families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Board recognizes the value of having a member like Dr. Pritchett, who can offer insights from his direct interactions and engagements in the field.

A Commitment to Change

Lydia Denworth, also a Board member, shared that the Foundation was earnestly seeking an experienced pediatric healthcare professional to provide valuable insights that would drive effective changes for children and their families. Dr. Pritchett's dedication to research on enhancing care accessibility for families, particularly those with fewer resources, resonates deeply with the Foundation's vision.

The Oberkotter Foundation aims to bridge gaps in healthcare for families of children with hearing loss while promoting innovative initiatives that pave the way for improved outcomes. Their ongoing efforts since 1985 led to over $500 million in funding for quality audiological and communication services, enabling countless children to develop age-appropriate listening and language skills.

The Foundation’s new strategic plan reinforces its commitment to advancing transformative changes in pediatric hearing healthcare. As they continue this essential work, the addition of Dr. Pritchett to the Board marks a significant step toward achieving these goals, promising a brighter future for many families navigating the challenges of hearing loss.

For more information about the foundation's projects and its mission, please visit www.oberkotterfoundation.org.