Sara Sherer

Sara Sherer, PhD, serves as a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics (Clinician Educator) at the University of Southern California, specializing in adolescent and young adult health within the Department of Pediatrics. Her clinical and academic work bridges medical practice with systemic advocacy for vulnerable youth populations.

Dr. Sherer's research focuses on critical intersections of adolescent mental health, chronic illness management, and health policy implementation. She investigates stigma reduction among young parents, depression treatment in chronically ill youth, and digital health solutions for medication adherence. Her work consistently addresses systemic barriers through the Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Program framework, examining legislative impacts like the Twenty-First Century Cures Act and pandemic disruptions to adolescent healthcare systems.

Analysis of her 2018-2025 publications reveals a cohesive trajectory toward integrated care models combining clinical intervention with policy advocacy. Her scholarship demonstrates increasing emphasis on strengths-based approaches for marginalized youth, technology-enhanced care delivery, and resilience-focused responses to systemic healthcare challenges, particularly within the LEAH Program's national training network.