Amy Beck

Amy Beck, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine. As a general pediatrician and health services researcher, her work focuses on improving prevention and treatment of childhood obesity in safety-net clinical settings, with particular emphasis on Latino health and health disparities.

Education:

• General Academic Pediatrics Fellowship, University of California, 2014
• Chief Resident, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 2011
• Residency, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 2010
• M.D., School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, 2007
• MPH, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, 2007
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion Training, University of California, San Francisco, 2017

Dr. Beck's research examines childhood obesity prevention through multiple lenses including beverage consumption patterns, feeding practices, screen time, and sleep behaviors among Latino children. Her work combines qualitative and quantitative methodologies to develop and test clinical interventions while addressing the systemic factors contributing to disparities in children's cardiometabolic health. She has developed culturally tailored tools like the 7-day Beverage Intake Questionnaire specifically for Latino children.

Analysis of Dr. Beck's publication record reveals a consistent focus on obesity prevention with increasing attention to pandemic impacts on child health behaviors. Her work spans measurement tool development, intervention evaluation, and epidemiological studies examining trends in childhood obesity risk factors, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Research Funding:

• Futuros Fuertes 2.0: A primary care-based intervention to prevent obesity in low-income Latino children (NIH R01HD109158, 2023-2028) - Principal Investigator
• Enhanced Primary Care Nutrition and Screen time Education: To Prevent Obesity in Latino Infants (NIH K23HD080876, 2016-2021) - Principal Investigator

Dr. Beck employs mixed methods approaches in her research, collaborating extensively with colleagues at UCSF including Alicia Fernandez, Suzanna Martinez, and others. Her work demonstrates strong community engagement and cultural adaptation in developing interventions for Latino families. She has contributed significantly to understanding how socioeconomic factors intersect with clinical care to influence childhood obesity outcomes in safety-net settings.