Adolescent Medicine Research

The goal of researchers in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC is to improve the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults ages 12-21. The focus is to help adolescents and providers identify practices to address issues that emerge in the context of illness, treatment, behavior and development.

The division receives funding from local, state and national resources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Center of Excellence for Tobacco Use and Cessation, the National Institutes of Health and pharmaceutical companies. Collaborative projects are underway with faculty from the University of Pittsburgh departments of Psychiatry, Gynecology, and General Internal Medicine and Pediatric Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Hematology/Oncology, as well as the schools of Social Work and Public Health.

Current studies include a randomized clinical trial known as the Pennsylvania Adolescent Smoking Study (PASS) that compares counseling interventions to reduce cigarette smoking among adolescents. This multi-site study engages Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley Hospital. There are also ongoing quality improvement projects to improve immunization rates, assess mental health needs and use computer-based testing in the adolescent clinic setting.

Recent research within the division includes: a study of the effectiveness of an oral contraceptive pill to reduce menstrual cramps, a comparison of counseling approaches to decrease sexual risk behaviors; an evaluation of primary care-based treatment of depression; an investigation of the efficacy of a new oral contraceptive pill regimen; a study of bone density in long-term depot medroxyprogesterone users; a survey of physician's patterns of prescribing extended bycle contraception; and descriptions of  young women’s knowledge and attitudes toward newer contraceptive options.

On-going interests include smoking cessation and positive health behavior change, the immune response in chlamydial cervicitis, and the use and effects of hormonal contraception in adolescents.

Clinical Team

Chief of Service
Pamela J. Murray, MD, MPH

Our Researchers
Gina Sucato, MD, MPH, Director of Research
Lee Ann E. Conard, RPh, DO, MPH
Elissa Gittes, MD
Michael Marshal, PhD
Loreta Matheo, MD
Jonathan Pletcher, MD