Michelle S. Barratt, MD, MPH

Biography

Michelle Sasynuik Barratt, MD, MPH, is a distinguished professor of pediatrics at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston, where she has served since 1991. With decades of experience in academic medicine, Dr. Barratt is nationally recognized for her leadership in medical education and faculty development.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology with college honors from the University of Washington, followed by her MD and MPH from Northwestern University Medical School. Dr. Barratt completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and has since held numerous leadership roles, including associate program director and resident continuity clinic director. She has also served as interim division chief for Community and General Pediatrics.

A board-certified pediatrician with subspecialty certification in adolescent medicine, Dr. Barratt has been a driving force in curriculum development, communication training, and mentorship. She has received numerous accolades, including the Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, and repeated recognition as a Houston Top Doctor. Her scholarly contributions include over 25 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters, and previous leadership in the national research network CORNET. She has mentored countless students, residents, and junior faculty, many of whom have gone on to successful academic careers.

Dr. Barratt’s community engagement is equally impressive, with decades of service in faith-based education, public health outreach, and adolescent advocacy. Her work has been featured in national media, and she continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from adolescent risk behavior to medical professionalism.

With a career marked by compassion, innovation, and excellence, Dr. Barratt exemplifies the highest standards of academic medicine and humanistic care. Her personal mission is nurturing learners to excellence in pediatric care through role modeling and relationship.