Denise Abdoo

Denise Abdoo is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, affiliated with the Pediatrics-Child Abuse and Neglect/Kempe department. Her work bridges Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, and Child Welfare, focusing on improving diagnostic and educational practices in child abuse contexts.

• Education:
  • MSN (2003), Yale University
  • PhD (2014), University of Colorado College of Nursing

Denise Abdoo's research centers on child abuse detection, health disparities, and interdisciplinary training for healthcare providers. She explores how diagnostic imaging and screening protocols can be optimized to address systemic inequities and enhance outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations.

Her recent publications highlight trends in pediatric emergency care, including racial disparities in imaging for abuse, confidential sex trafficking screening in emergency departments, and simulation-based training for prehospital providers. These works emphasize medical education, public health, and clinical practice improvement.

Specialties: Child Abuse Pediatrics, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (AC/PC), SANE-A, and SANE-P certifications.