Alana Otto

Alana Otto is a Clinical Associate Professor and Service Chief at the University of Michigan, Department of Pediatrics, specializing in Adolescent Medicine. Her research focuses on reproductive health, contraception access, adolescent development, and telemedicine, with a strong emphasis on improving healthcare equity for adolescents. She has led studies on over-the-counter (OTC) oral contraceptives, including their availability in Michigan counties and youth awareness, as well as the impact of virtual schooling on pediatric mental health during the pandemic.

• Academic Rank: Clinical Associate Professor
• Location: 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109

Research Interests: Alana's work addresses critical gaps in adolescent reproductive health, including hormonal contraception accessibility, health policy, and telemedicine integration. She also investigates feeding/eating disorders and developmental transitions in adolescence.

Article Trends: Alana's recent publications highlight OTC contraception policy, adolescent health service utilization, and pandemic-related shifts in mental health and education. Her collaborations with researchers like Klein DA and Lau M underscore a multidisciplinary approach to reproductive health equity.

Scientific Awards:
• Top Abstract, Health Services, University of Michigan Department of Pediatrics Annual Research Symposium (2025)

Grants: She secured two University of Michigan grants: (1) Youth perceptions of facilitators of and barriers to OTC oral contraceptive pill use among adolescents (2025) and (2) Fellows' Adolescent Medicine Learning Initiative (FAMLI) (2024). Her teaching includes workshops on OTC contraception for adolescent clinicians.