CHILDREN'S NATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE ACADEMIC ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Built for Team Science and Discovery

Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E.

SPOTLIGHT

An endowed chair paving the way for women in science and health

In March of 2022, under the leadership of interim Chief Academic Officer Vittorio Gallo, Ph.D., Children’s National Hospital named Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., associate chief of Emergency Medicine, as the first endowed chair of Women in Science and Health (WISH) for her outstanding contributions in biomedical research.

Dr. Gallo established the endowed chair to recognize the significant achievements of women in science. “It is crucial our institutions fully commit to exceptional women researchers by providing strong support and recognizing their accomplishments and contributions,” explained Dr. Gallo.

It is crucial our institutions fully commit to exceptional women researchers by providing strong support and recognizing their accomplishments and contributions," – Vittorio Gallo, Ph.D.

Dr. Goyal is a pediatric emergency specialist as well as an associate professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine. Her NIH-funded research program is focused on developing emergency department-based interventions to reduce disparities in the provision of emergency care and health outcomes for youth.

Recognizing the need, and the nominee

As recent research showed that women were less likely than their male peers to hold an endowed chair position, Dr. Gallo led the charge in creating this new position and identifying a suitable candidate for the role. In Dr. Goyal, Children’s National found an ideal recipient.

With her work mentoring students, trainees and junior faculty, Dr. Goyal has focused on faculty development, diversity and inclusion. Her research on health equity — including studies on racial inequities in managing pain in the emergency department, racial and socioeconomic disparities in COVID-19 rates among children and the development of interventions to mitigate disparities in sexual health outcomes for youth — continues to push boundaries and shines a spotlight on the toll of racism, bias and discrimination on the health of children.

It is because of this kind of work that the nomination of Dr. Goyal garnered the praise of influential figures like Joelle Simpson, M.D., Naomi Luban, M.D., Catherine Bollard, M.D., M.B.Ch.B., Randi Streisand, Ph.D., C.D.C.E.S., Lisa Guay-Woodford, M.D. and Denice Cora-Bramble, M.D., M.B.A.

“Monika has earned this honor,” said Dr. Cora-Bramble, one of Goyal’s mentors. “She is unrelenting in her quest to answer vexing questions and can communicate, at times troubling, findings from her research fluently and transparently.” She added that she has proudly watched her mentee blossom. “Dr. Goyal blends unique skills as a brilliant child health equity researcher and a passionate advocate for those impacted by her work.

Dr. Goyal has also been a trailblazer and has shone a spotlight on the power of pediatric emergency medicine," said Dr. Simpson, division chief of Emergency Medicine at Children’s National. “She not only touches the lives of her patients through her research, but she’s a mentor to her colleagues and trainees,” she added. “Part of being recognized as a woman leader in science and health is symbolic of what others can achieve in this career when you’re passionate about what you do.”

Looking forward

“I am inspired by how far we’ve come yet humbled by how far we have yet to go,” Dr. Goyal said. “I hope to continue to be part of the movement that works to achieve equity both in health care outcomes as well as in our workforce.”

After being named the first endowed chair of WISH, Dr. Goyal said she felt hopeful that times are changing, and women are increasingly being recognized for their accomplishments.

“I am grateful for all the mentors and sponsors who have helped clear the path for me and excited to continue on this journey, helping pave new roads and build new bridges for all those who are on their way,” she said.