Dr. Kirsten Bechtel, MD

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A Warrior for the Rights and Well-Being of the Most Vulnerable Members of Society

In the heart of the Pediatric Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Dr. Bechtel, a pediatric emergency medicine physician, serves as a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable among us. Specializing in forensic medicine and the intricate nuances of child abuse, she is on the front lines of safeguarding innocence and seeking justice for those in need.

Operating within the Level 1 trauma center at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Dr. Bechtel provides exceptional care for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, sexual assault, human trafficking, and behavioral health emergencies. Recognizing the pivotal role of early intervention in shaping a child’s future, she emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing abuse to ensure a positive trajectory for young lives.

Yet, Dr. Bechtel’s mission extends far beyond the confines of diagnosis and treatment, creating a comforting environment for families during emergency department visits. From providing cozy blankets and pillows to offering hot beverages and treats like popsicles for patients and their siblings, she ensures that every child feels safe and supported. Engaging activities such as coloring and blowing bubbles further enhance the experience, making the hospital visit a less intimidating prospect for young patients.

In addition to her clinical duties, Dr. Bechtel holds key leadership positions within the medical community. She serves as the Medical Director of the Pediatric Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program, Chairperson of the Yale Traffic Safety Subcommittee, Co-Chairperson of the State of Connecticut Child Fatality Review Panel, and as Principal Investigator and Co-Medical Director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital, underscoring her commitment to protecting children from harm.

With a distinguished academic background, Dr. Bechtel brings a wealth of expertise to her practice. She graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in 1991. She then went on to perform her residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in 1994, followed by her fellowship at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in 1996. 

Board certified in both pediatrics and pediatric emergency medicine, Dr. Bechtel is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatrics. Her active participation in professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (serving on the Grand Rounds Editorial Board and on the Section of Child Death Review and Prevention) reflect her ongoing dedication to advancing the field.

As a Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Bechtel imparts her knowledge to the next generation of medical professionals. She instills in them not only the skills to heal but also the passion to advocate for the voiceless and protect the innocent.

Dr. Bechtel’s unwavering dedication has garnered widespread recognition, earning her prestigious accolades such as the David Leffell Prize for Clinical Excellence: Yale Medicine (2021), Ather Ali Award for Humanism in Medicine: Department of Pediatrics Yale School of Medicine (2020), Eton Ivy Award: Yale University-Office of New Haven Affairs and City of New Haven (2015), Partners Award: Children In Placement New Haven CT (2010), Invitation by the Surgeon General Multidisciplinary Workshop Child Maltreatment Prevention Bethesda MD: (2005), Child Advocacy Award: Children In Placement New Haven CT (2004), and Public Service Award: Secretary of the State of Connecticut (2003). Her legacy is etched in the annals of compassion and service, a testament to her commitment to the well-being of children and her tireless advocacy for the voiceless.

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