Susan Gasparino Named Medical Director
Pediatrician Promoted to Lead Role at the Center for Community Health & Prevention
Susan Gasparino, MD, MPH, director of Child and Adolescent Programming at UR Medicine’s Center for Community Health & Prevention (CCHP), has been promoted to Medical Director of Clinical and Community-based Programs at the CCHP. Gasparino, a general academic pediatrician at Golisano Children’s Hospital, has also been appointed an assistant professor of Pediatrics, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Public Health Sciences, at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. She officially assumed these roles on September 1.
Gasparino was first introduced to the Center’s multidisciplinary clinical team during her fellowship in Academic General Pediatrics and again later while pursuing her master’s degree in Public Health, both at the University of Rochester. During her academic fellowship, Gasparino’s research focused primarily on promoting physical activity opportunities for children and families, while acknowledging the social determinants of health that often present barriers for families.
”Dr. Gasparino is a visionary who will lead the growth and expansion of our clinical services and healthy lifestyle programs to more effectively serve the most vulnerable and underserved members of our community,” said Edith Williams, MS, PhD, director of the CCHP and founding director of the Office of Health Equity Research at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC).
A force of positive energy with a playful spirit, Gasparino will help the Center continue to expand its patient reach and family-centered services. Family systems are important to the health of the community. Recognizing the critical role family dynamics and social determinants of health play in health outcomes, the clinical team offers services focused on family-centered health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Clinicians provide evidence-based guidance and support from a family perspective, as well as counseling to patients and families to strengthen competence and autonomy in healthy practices.
“We are thrilled to have a pediatrician as medical director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention, promoting well-being across the lifespan,” shared Cynthia Rand, MD, MPH, pediatrician and chief of the division of General Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Gasparino has already helped grow the Center’s nicotine and vaping cessation services for teens and families, as well as assisted in building and implementing a new program called “Healthy Together.” Healthy Together focuses on helping families set and achieve healthy lifestyle goals together. The program, complete with cooking experiences and group exercise, is family-centered and brings caregivers and children together with physicians and dieticians in a group setting to engage in hands-on education around nutrition and movement.
“I’m absolutely honored to be taking on the role of medical director at the Center,” Gasparino said. “As someone who has spent their personal and professional career focused on promoting child health and whole-family wellness, this truly is a dream job. My goals at the Center are to continue to expand programs for children and families while keeping mental health and health equity at the heart of what we do. I’m inspired by the dedication and work of our clinical team and excited to further engage with our community.”
Gasparino will continue to serve as Community Health Advisor to Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Hoekelman Center for Health Beyond Medicine, where she supports its goals of connecting young doctors with community partners to make neighborhoods healthier and promoting evidence-based practices.
She earned her medical degree at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University’s College of Medicine in Brooklyn and completed her residency, chief residency and fellowship at Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Gasparino volunteers her time as a local Girl Scout Leader and a licensed Zumba Kids instructor. She is also very passionate about education and serves as an elected member of the Brighton Central School District Board of Education. In her free time, Gasparino loves to travel and spend time at home reading, gardening, and cooking with her husband and three children.