Wanjiku F.M. Njoroge, MD
Areas of expertise: Early child development, Media research, Cultural research, Ethnically diverse children, Health equity
Locations: Main Building
About Wanjiku F.M. Njoroge, MD
Dr. Wanjikũ FM Njoroge is an Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Associate Chair of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty at the PolicyLab and Medical Director of the Young Child Clinic (YCC) at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Bachelors from Columbia University, M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine. General Psychiatry Residency Training at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Child Psychiatry fellowship at the Yale Child Study Center. Completed further postgraduate training programs in the Harris Infant Psychiatry Fellowship, Klingenstein NIMH research fellowship and Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy at the Yale Child Study Center, as well as a Solnit fellow at Zero to Three. Has received multiple research awards from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Eunice Shriver National Institute of Child and Human Development (NICHD), University of Pennsylvania Provost Award and is a Distinguished Fellow in the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). She has published many articles in scientific journals, written multiple blogs, co-edited a textbook the Clinical Guide to Psychiatric Assessment of Infants and Young Children, and frequently participates in media interviews in print, radio, and television on her areas of expertise. Dr. Njoroge’s research areas of focus have been on health equity, diversity, and inclusion with a focus on early childhood development and parenting practices. Her core areas of focus have been on prevention, promotion, and early intervention in early childhood.
Titles
Medical Director, Young Child Clinic
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Certifications
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Psychiatry – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Awards and Honors
2023, Dr. Klaus Hummeler Inaugural High Impact Publication Awards by CHOP Research Institute
2022, Certificate of Distinction for Inspired Mentorship, AACAP's Committee on Medical Students and Residents, AACAP/CACAP 2022 Annual Meeting
2022, 2022 Assembly Catchers in the Rye Award to a Component. (Co-chair of the Diversity and Culture Committee) American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
2022, AACAP Committee on Medical Students and Residents
2019, Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
2019, Physician Leadership Program, CHOP
2017, The Penn Faculty Pathways Program, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
2017, Dr. Edward S. Cooper Leadership Training Program at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
2017, Dean's Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching at an Affiliated Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
2016, Families as Allies- Rusty Turner Memorial Award for Excellence Award
2016, University of Pennsylvania Provost Award University of Pennsylvania
2013, ZERO TO THREE Academy Fellows Research Action Workgroup
2012, Campaign for America's Kids (CAFK) Annual Meeting Junior Scholar Award
2012, American Psychological Association (APA) Advanced Training Institute on Research Methods with Diverse Racial & Ethnic Groups Trainee
2011, UW Committee of Minority Faculty Affairs Scholarship Award to attend the AAMC Minority Faculty Development Seminar
2007, Solnit Fellow in ZERO TO THREE, Leader Development Initiative; Washington, DC
2006, Yale Medical Student Psychiatry Clerkship Tutor, Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
2004, Yale Child Study Center Fellow Representative, Yale Diversity Committee
1998, Nominated for Rock Sleyster Memorial Scholarship
1994, National Merit Scholar Columbia University
1994, 1993, 1992, J. Gary Burkhead Scholarship Recipient, Columbia University
1992, Dean's List, Columbia University
1992, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship Recipient, Columbia University
1991, 1990, J. Gary Burkhead Scholarship Recipient, Columbia University
1991, 1990, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Scholarship Recipient, Columbia University
1990, Dean's List, Columbia University
Leadership and Memberships
Memberships in Professional Organizations
International
2021-present, Consortium for Clinical Characterization of COVID-19 by EHR (4CE)
2011-present, World Association of Infant Mental Health Congress
National
2022-present, National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)
2016-present, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training
2012-present, Society for Research in Child Development, Black Caucus
2007-present, Zero to Three, Academy of Graduate Fellows
2007-present, Society for Research in Child Development
2003, Black Psychiatrists of America, Inc.
2002-present, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
2018-present, Health Promotions and Prevention Committee
2016-present, Program Committee
2014-2020, Diversity and Culture Committee
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, Diversity and Culture Committee, Roundtable Chair
Local
2020, COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force, Pregnant Women/Parents of Young/Multiple Children Sub-Committee, PA Department of Health (Member)
Editorial and Academic Positions
Editorial Positions
2022-present, Ad hoc reviewer, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
2022-present, Ad Hoc Reviewer, JAMA Psychiatry
2020-present, Ad hoc Reviewer, JAMA Pediatrics
2020-present, Deputy Editor, DEI, Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (JAACAP)
2018-present, Ad hoc reviewer, Pediatrics Journal
2016-present, Mental Health Section Editor, Current Treatment Options in Pediatrics
Academic and Institutional Committees
2022-present, Faculty Member, Screening Panel, Medical Student Selection Committee, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
2022-present, Faculty Member, Medical Student Selection Committee, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
2021-present, Research and Education Core, Center for Health Equity (CHE), The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute
2021-present, Medical Student Selection Committee, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
2021-present, Chair, DEI Research Participants Working Group #1- Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee of the Research Institute
2021-present, Family Starting Early with Psychosocial Support (StEPS) Program Council
2021-present, Chair, Committee on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI), Sub-Committee of the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff
2020-present, Advisory Board, Department of Pediatrics Diversity Endowment Award (DEA)
2020-present, Steering Committee, Health and Behavior Research Affinity Group
2020-present, COVID-19 Health Equity Response Team, PolicyLab
2018-present, CHOP International COR
2018-present, Office of Faculty Development (OFD), Advisory Committee
2018-present, Chair, Educational Training Leadership Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2018-present, Research Search Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2018-2020, Curriculum Committee
2017-present, Executive Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2016-present, Chair, Grand Rounds Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2016-2020, Continuing Medical Education Committee (CME)
2014-present, PEC Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2014-present, CCC Committee, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (DCAPBS)
2014-present, Core Member, Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC)
2020-present, Member, Steering Committee, Behavioral Health RAG, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
2020-present, Member, Advisory Board, Department of Pediatrics Diversity Endowment Award (DEA), The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Education & training
Medical Degree
MD - Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Internship
General Psychiatry - University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania
Residency
General Psychiatry - Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania
Fellowship
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Harris Infant Psychiatry - Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Klingenstein NIMH Research Fellowship - Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
Zigler Policy Fellowship - Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
PMTRP Program for Minority Research Training in Psychiatry - The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Publications
Publications
2022
Grunberg VA, Geller PA, Hoffman C, Njoroge WFM, Ahmed A & Patterson CA.: Parental Mental Health Screening in the NICU: A Psychosocial Team Initiative. Journal of Perinatology 42(3): 401-409, March 2022 Notes: doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01217-0. Epub 2021 Sep 27.
Njoroge WFM, White LK, Forkpa M, Himes M, Morgan K, Sedlitz J, Chayiachati B, Waller R, Kornfield SL, Barzilay R, Rodriguez Y, Riis V, Elovitz M, Gur RE.: The COVID-19 Pandemic and Endemic Systemic Racism and the Mental Health and Well-being of Black Birthing Women. JAMA Psychiatry 79(6): 600-609, June 2022 Notes: doi: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.0597.
Waller R, White LK, Kornfield SL, Chayiachati B, Barzilay R, Njoroge WFM, Parish-Morris J, Duncan A, Himes MH, Rodriguez Y, Seidlitz J, Riis V, Burris, HH, Gur RE. & Elovitz M.A. : Clinician-reported childbirth outcomes, patient- reported childbirth trauma, and risk for postpartum depression. Archives of Women's Mental Health 25(5): 985-993, October 2022 Notes: doi: 10.1007/s00737-022-01263-3. Epub 2022 Aug 28.
Gutiérrez-Sacristán A, Serret-Larmande A, Hutch MR, Sáez C, Aronow BJ, Bhatnagar S, Bonzel CL, Cai T, Devkota B, Hanauer DA, Loh NHW, Luo Y, Moal B, Ahooyi TM, Njoroge WFM, Omenn GS, Sanchez-Pinto LN, South AM, Sperotto F, Tan ALM, Taylor DM, Verdy G, Visweswaran S, Xia Z, Zahner J, Avillach P, Bourgeois FT: Consortium for Clinical Characterization of COVID-19 by EHR (4CE). Hospitalizations Associated With Mental Health Conditions Among Adolescents in the US and France During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 5(12): e2246548, December 2022 Notes: doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.46548.
Njoroge WFM, Gerstein EG, Lean R, Paul R, Smyser, C, Rogers, CL: NICU Hospitalization: Profiles of Distress in Mothers of Preterm Infants. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 2022 Notes: accepted-in press.
2021
Argabright S, Visoki E, Moore TM, Ryan DR, DiDomenico GE, Njoroge WFM, Taylor JH, Gulosksuz S, Gur RC, Gur RE, Benton TD, Barzilay R. : Association Between discrimination stress and suicidality in preadolescent children. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 61(5): 686-697, May 2021 Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.08.011. Epub 2021 Aug 20. Erratum for: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2022 May;61(5):606-607.
Otto WR, Grundmeier RW, Montoya-Williams D, Njoroge WFM, Wallis KE,Gerber JS, Yun K. : Association between Preferred Language and Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Children in the United States. Am J Trop Med Hyg 105(5): 1261-1264, September 2021 Notes: doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0779.
Kornfield SL, White LK, Waller R, Njoroge WFM, Barzilay R, Chayiachati BH, Himes M, Rodriguez Y, Riis V, Simonette K, Elovitz EA, Gur RE.: Risk and Resilience Factors Underlying Postpartum Depression and Impaired Mother-Infant Bonding During an Acute Stressor. Health Affairs 4(10): 1566-1574, October 2021 Notes: doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.00803.
2019
Gerstein EG, Njoroge WFM, Paul, R, Smyser, C, Rogers, CL. Maternal Depression and Stress in the NICU: Associations with Mother-Child Interactions at Age 5 Years. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2019; 58(3): 350-358.e2
2017
Hoffman-Craven, Dunn, D, Njoroge, WFM. Impact of Postpartum Upon Infant Development. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2017; 19:100 DOI 10.1007/s11920-017-0857-8
2016
Njoroge, WFM. Schwartz, B., Hostutler, C., Mautone, J. Integrated Care for Parents and Children in Primary Care. Current Psychiatry Reports, 2016; 18:106 DOI 10.1007/s11920-016-0745-7
Njoroge WFM, Elenbaas L, Myaing M, Garrison M, Christakis D.: What are Children Watching? Disparities in Concordant TV Viewing. Howard Journal of Communications. 2016. 27(3): 203-217.
2013
Njoroge W, Elenbaas L, Myaing M, Garrison M, Christakis D. Parent Cultural Attitudes and Beliefs Regarding Young Children and Television. JAMA Pediatrics. 2013, 167(8): 739-745.
2012
Njoroge WFM., Yang D.: Evidence-based Psychotherapies for Preschool Children with Psychiatric Disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports. Current Psychiatry Reports, 14 (2): 121-128, 2012.
2011
Njoroge WFM, Bernhart K.: Assessment of Behavioral Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children. Current Psychiatry Reports, 13(2): 84-92, 2011.
2009
Njoroge WFM, Benton T, Lewis M, Njoroge N.: What are infants learning about race? A look at a sample of infants from multiple racial groups, Infant Mental Health Journal, Special Issue on Culture, 20(5): 549-567, 2009.
2002
Richardson R., Njoroge WFM, Gutierrez-Wilcox G.: Use of a culturally and age sensitive skit improving knowledge and awareness adolescent females have about papanicolaou (pap) smears. 2002 Journal of Pediatric Adolescent Gynecology
Lectures by Invitation
2023
Njoroge, W. "Between Two Pandemics: Race, Health, and COVID-19." Department of Psychiatry Grand Rounds. Thomas Jefferson University. Feb 2023.
Njoroge, W. The Mental and Physiological Health of Girls and Young Women A Scientific Perspective for Therapeutic Work. Confer-UK Jackson. Nakazawa D & Njoroge WFM. London, England. Virtual. Feb 2023.
2022
Njoroge, W. "Stress and Social Determinants Affect Pregnancy and Early Development: A Critical Window for Generational Studies." American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) 61st Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ. Dec 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Psychiatric Assessment of the Very Young Child in the Clinic," American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP/CACAP), 69th Annual Meeting, Toronto. Oct 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Medical Student and Resident Breakfast: Journeys and Breakthrough's." American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP/CACAP), 69th Annual Meeting, Toronto, Canada. Oct 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Antiracist Evidence-Based Practices When Caring for Children and Families During the Early Years." American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP/CACAP), 69th Annual Meeting, Toronto. Oct 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Between Two Pandemics: Looking Forward and Looking Back." Wednesday Lecture Series. Sheppard Pratt Health System, Virtual. Jun 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Parent Education Workshop: Parenting and Social Justice-Take 2." Green Towne Montessori School, Philadelphia, PA-Virtual. Apr 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Multicultural Competence in Early Mental Health." American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Early Childhood Mental Health (ECHO), Virtual. Apr 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Mental health during the pandemic: The impact of COVID-19 on patients and providers." Mid-Atlantic Region III Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC), Annual Meeting, Alexandria, VA. Apr 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Prenatal to Preschool: Understanding Race and Racism on Early Child Development." Emotion and Developmental Branch Lecture series National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), Virtual. Mar 2022.
Njoroge, W. "Treating Racism: Contenting with Pathology that isn't in the DSM." Northern California Regional Organization of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (NCROCAP) Annual Meeting, Virtual. Jan 2022.
2021
Njoroge, W. "Infant and Family Mental Health." University of California San Diego, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Inclusive Excellence Program (CAPIE), Virtual meeting. Dec 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Psychiatric Assessment of the Very Young Child in the Clinic," American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 68th Annual Meeting, Virtual. Oct 2021.
Njoroge, W. Town Hall Meeting: "2021: A Year of Hate, Intolerance, and Healing-where do we go from here?" American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 68th Annual Meeting, Virtual. Oct 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Health Equity in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Black and Latnix Children and Families: What is My Role?" American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 68th Annual Meeting, Virtual. Oct 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Research Institute: Heeding the Data: The Impact of Racism on the Lives and Mental Health of Children." American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 68th Annual Meeting, Virtual. Oct 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Member Services Forum 13: Strategies for Addressing JAACAP's Guidance for Authors Regarding Diversity, Disparities, Minoritization, Inclusivity, Social Justice, and health Equity in Your Manuscripts." American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), 68th Annual Meeting, Virtual. Oct 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Structural and Systemic Racism: What can we do about it?" American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), Douglas Hansen, MD 46th Annual Update Course in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Virtual Meeting. May 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Structural Racism & Covid-19: What happens to children when 2 Pandemics Collide?" Mid-Atlantic/Region III Federally Funded Hemophilia Treatment Centers Annual Meeting. Virtual Program. Apr 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Early Learning Town Hall on Pandemic-Related Trauma." First Up and PA State Representative Darisha Parker. Philadelphia, PA. Apr 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Youth Mental Health and the Pandemic, Session 1: PreK-2nd grade". PA State Representative Danielle Friel Otten and Christina Sappey. Philadelphia, PA. Feb 2021.
Njoroge, W. "Racism as a Public Health Crisis." Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC). Philadelphia, PA Feb 2021.
Njoroge, W. "How to Talk About Race: Creating Opportunities for Everyday Conversations." First 5 Alameda, Alameda, CA. Feb 2021.
Books
2019
Frankel K, Harrison J, & Njoroge, WFM (EDs): Clinical Guide to Psychiatric Assessment of Infants and Young Children Springer, Inc; Switzerland: Springer. 2019.
Chapters
2023
Novins DK, Althoff RR, Brotman MA, Cortese S, DelBello M, Doyle A, Drury SS, Fortuna L, Frazier JA, Fristad M, Henderson SW, McCauley E, Middeldorp C, Njoroge WFM, Rogers CE, White T: Editors' Best of 2022. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 62(1): 1-7, January 2023 Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.10.002.
2019
Clinical Guide to Psychiatric Assessment of Infants and Young Children Frankel K, Harrison J, & Njoroge, WFM (EDs). Clinical Guide to Psychiatric Assessment of Infants and Young Children. Springer, Inc 2019; Switzerland: Springer.
Stein R, Dunn D, Njoroge, WFM. Introduction to assessment in early childhood. In: Frankel K, Harrison J, & Njoroge, WFM (EDs). Clinical Guide to Psychiatric Assessment of Infants and Young Children. Springer, Inc 2019: (pp. 1-21. Switzerland: Springer.
2017
Njoroge WFM, Williamson AA, Mautone JA, Robins PM, & Benton TD (in press). Competencies and training guidelines for behavioral health providers in pediatric primary care. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2017 Oct;26(4):717-731. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2017.06.002.
2012
Benton TD, Njoroge WFM, Kim A.: Pediatric Evaluation and Laboratory Testing. In: Dulcan, M. (Ed). Dulcan's Textbook of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc., Washington, D.C., 2010, pp. 111-122.