Indian-Origin Physician-Scientist Madhusmita Misra Named Chair of Pediatrics at Washington University

St. Louis, MO–Madhusmita Misra, MD, an Indian-origin physician-scientist internationally recognized for her research in pediatric endocrinology, has been named chair of the Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and pediatrician-in-chief at BJC HealthCare’s St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Her appointment takes effect Jan. 4, 2027.

Misra joins WashU Medicine from the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, where she serves as the Benjamin Armistead Shepherd Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief at UVA Health Children’s Hospital. Her appointment was announced by Bruce D. Levy, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, the Joseph Erlanger Distinguished Professor and the George and Carol Bauer Dean of WashU Medicine.

“Dr. Misra is a visionary academic leader who combines world-class research with a deep commitment to compassionate care and mentorship,” Levy said. He added that her appointment offers an opportunity to strengthen clinical care, advance scientific discovery and develop future leaders in pediatrics.

A nationally recognized expert in pediatric endocrinology, Misra has built a distinguished career investigating the effects of nutritional and hormonal changes on bone health, metabolism and brain function in children, adolescents and young adults.

At the University of Virginia, she directs the Pediatric Endocrine-Neuroendocrine-Sports Endocrine Laboratory, where her research explores conditions affecting hormonal health and metabolism. She previously established and led a similar laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Her work has focused particularly on bone loss and metabolic complications associated with anorexia nervosa and exercise-induced amenorrhea, a condition in which menstrual periods stop in the context of intense physical training and inadequate nutritional intake. Her research has helped advance treatment approaches for low bone density among adolescent and young adult women experiencing chronic energy deficits and the loss of menstrual periods.

Misra’s research has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health and other funding agencies since 2000, underscoring the sustained scientific interest in her work.

Beyond research, Misra brings extensive experience in academic medicine and health care leadership. At Massachusetts General Hospital, she led the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology through the expansion of regional clinics, implementation of a new electronic medical record system, development of a comprehensive pediatric diabetes program and establishment of specialized care teams for children with rare genetic conditions.

Mentorship and medical education have also been central to her career. At UVA, she expanded the pediatric residency training program and the pediatric critical care fellowship program. At Massachusetts General Hospital, she established formal mentoring networks to support the professional development of clinicians and researchers.

As chair of the Research Affairs Committee of the Pediatric Endocrine Society, Misra also launched a national mentoring program. Over the course of her career, she has personally trained more than 70 students, residents and fellows.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as the next chair of pediatrics at WashU Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital,” Misra said. She expressed enthusiasm about joining the institution’s community of clinicians, scientists, educators, trainees and staff, emphasizing a shared commitment to children and their families.

Misra earned her medical degree from S.C.B. Medical College at Utkal University in India and a master’s degree in public health from Harvard University. She completed her pediatrics residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, followed by a fellowship in pediatric endocrinology at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Her contributions to research, clinical care and mentoring have earned her numerous honors, including Harvard Medical School’s William Silen Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award and the Outstanding Mentor Award from the Pediatric Endocrine Society. She also received the John Haddad Young Investigator Award from Advances in Mineral Metabolism-American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, the Janet W. McArthur Award for Excellence in Clinical Research from Women in Endocrinology, and the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award from Massachusetts General Hospital.

Misra has held multiple leadership positions in the Pediatric Endocrine Society and served as its president from 2021 to 2022.

At WashU Medicine and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, she will succeed Mark Lowe, MD, PhD, the Harvey R. Colten Professor of Pediatric Science, who has served as interim chair of the department since April 2026.

Misra’s appointment brings together her expertise in pediatric endocrine research, clinical program development and physician mentorship as she prepares to lead one of the country’s major academic pediatric programs. Her stated priority is to work collaboratively across the institution’s clinical, research and educational missions, with children and families at the center of its work.