About

Kate Wallis, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics specializing in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She is also a Senior Fellow at the Center for Public Health Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania. Her clinical expertise includes autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, developmental screening, and developmental delay. Her research focuses on health disparities, autism spectrum disorder, developmental screening, and global health. Dr. Wallis has contributed to numerous publications and presentations on topics such as autism prevalence, diagnostic patterns, mental health in autistic adolescents, and disparities in telehealth utilization. She holds a BA in Health and Societies with a minor in Hispanic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, an MPH, and an MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine.

Research topics

• Family medicine
• Pediatrics
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Demography
• Psychiatry

Selected publications

• Timing of Medication Treatment in Children 3-5-Years-old with ADHD: A PEDSnet Study

  medRxiv · 2025-05-29

  preprintOpen access

  Importance: Early identification and treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in preschool-age children is important for mitigating social-emotional and academic problems. Clinical practice guidelines recommend first-line behavior intervention before considering medication treatment for children 4-5-years-old. Objective: To assess variation in rates of ADHD identification and rates and timing of medication treatment in children 3-5-years-old in primary care settings across eight US pediatric health systems and to identify patient factors associated with the time from diagnosis to prescription. Design: Retrospective cohort study of electronic health records. Setting: Primary care clinics affiliated with eight academic institutions participating in the PEDSnet Clinical Research Network. Participants: Children 3-5-years-old seen in primary care between 2016-2023. Exposure: ADHD diagnosis at age 4-5 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: Outcomes: (1) rate of ADHD diagnosis; (2) rate of stimulant and non-stimulant prescription after diagnosis before age 7, (3) time from first ADHD-related diagnosis (including symptom-level diagnoses) to medication prescription. Independent variables: institution, year of diagnosis, patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, medical insurance, and presence of comorbidities. Results: Of 712,478 children seen in primary care at ages 3-5 years, 9,708 (1.4%) received an ADHD diagnosis at age 4-5 years (range 0.5-3.1% across institutions). Of those with ADHD, 76.4% (n=7414) were male, 39.0% (n=3782) were White. Of 9,708 preschool-age children with ADHD, 68.2% (6624) were prescribed ADHD medications before age 7, 42.2% (n=4092) were prescribed medications within 30 days of the first documentation of an ADHD-related diagnosis (range 26.0-49.0% across institution). Asian (aHR 0.50, CI 0.38-0.65), Hispanic (aHR 0.75, CI 0.70-0.81), and Black (aHR 0.90, CI 0.85-0.96) children with ADHD were less likely to be prescribed medication early compared to White children. Older (aHR 1.64, CI 1.57-1.72), male (aHR 1.74, CI 1.11-1.24) and publicly insured (aHR 1.10, CI 1.04-1.17) patients were more likely to be prescribed medication early compared to younger, female and privately insured patients, respectively. Conclusion and Relevance: Many preschool-age children with ADHD seen in primary care in 8 large pediatric health systems were prescribed medications at or shortly after the first documented diagnosis. Future analysis of clinical documentation is needed to understand the reasoning behind early prescription patterns.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Consensus Recommendations for Anti-Racist Child Health Research: A Modified Delphi Study

  UNC Libraries · 2025-12-11

  articleOpen access

  OBJECTIVES This study aimed to develop consensus on a comprehensive and abridged list of recommendations for conducting anti-racist research across all stages of a pediatric research project. Anti-racist research aims to ensure that the construct of race is correctly interpreted, and that racially and ethnically minoritized communities are fairly engaged throughout a research project. METHODS Using a modified Delphi approach, experts in equitable pediatric research methods completed three rounds of surveys and virtual focus groups between April and December 2023. Round 1 asked experts to add to or revise themes and subthemes gathered from a systematic review of published anti-racist practices. Round 2 included ranking items’ importance; items voted in the top 50% by 60% of experts were included in an abridged list of essential practices. In Round 3, experts reviewed the final guidance and had the option to rescue items for inclusion in the abridged guidance. RESULTS Fourteen experts with diverse personal and professional backgrounds participated. Experts added new themes and edited existing ones, creating a comprehensive list of 68 recommendations by consensus and identifying 36 to include in the abridged list of essential practices. They also discussed complex topics such as who these recommendations apply to, the nuances of equitable community engagement, and the dangers of health equity tourism. CONCLUSIONS An expert panel achieved consensus on a comprehensive and abridged list of recommendations for how to conduct research in an anti-racist, equitable way. These can inform research teams, regulatory agencies, and funders to improve pediatric research.

  PublisherDOI

• Suicide-Risk Identification Across Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Practices: A DBPNet Study

  Academic Pediatrics · 2025-02-10

  article1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• ADHD Diagnosis and Timing of Medication Initiation Among Children Aged 3 to 5 Years

  JAMA Network Open · 2025-08-29 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Early identification and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in preschool-age children is important for mitigating social, emotional, and academic problems. Clinical practice guidelines recommend first-line behavior intervention before considering medication treatment for children aged 4 to 5 years. Objective: To assess variation in rates of ADHD identification and rates and timing of medication initiation in children aged 3 to 5 years in primary care settings across 8 US pediatric health systems and to identify patient factors associated with the time from diagnosis to prescription. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used electronic health records from primary care clinics affiliated with 8 academic institutions participating in the PEDSnet Clinical Research Network. Participants were children aged 3 to 5 years seen between 2016 to 2023. Data were extracted from the PEDSnet database on April 18, 2025. Exposure: ADHD diagnosis at age 4 to 5 years. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were (1) rate of ADHD diagnosis, (2) rate of stimulant and nonstimulant prescription after diagnosis before age 7 years, and (3) time from first ADHD-related diagnosis (including symptom-level diagnoses) to medication prescription. Independent variables included institution, year of diagnosis, patient age, sex, race and ethnicity, medical insurance, and presence of comorbidities. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate associations between clinical and demographic variables and time from diagnosis to prescription. Results: Of 712 478 children seen in primary care at age 3 to 5 years, 9708 (1.4%) received an ADHD diagnosis at age 4 to 5 years (range across institutions, 0.5%-3.1%; median [IQR] age at first ADHD-related diagnosis, 5.31 [4.86-5.66] years). Of those with ADHD, 7414 (76.4%) were male, 1762 (18.1%) were Hispanic, 122 (1.3%) were non-Hispanic Asian, 3014 (31.0%) were non-Hispanic Black, 479 (4.9%) were non-Hispanic multiracial, 3782 (39.0%) were non-Hispanic White, 148 (1.5%) were non-Hispanic other, and 401 (4.1%) were of unknown race and ethnicity. Of 9708 preschool-age children with ADHD, 6624 (68.2%) were prescribed ADHD medications before age 7 years, and 4092 (42.2%) were prescribed medications within 30 days of the first documentation of an ADHD-related diagnosis (range across institutions, 26.0%-49.0%). Asian (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.38-0.68), Hispanic (aHR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.70-0.81), and Black (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.83-0.94) children with ADHD were less likely to be prescribed medication early compared with White children. Older vs younger patients (aHR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.55-1.69), male vs female patients (aHR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.11-1.25), and publicly insured vs privately insured patients (aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.03-1.15) were more likely to be prescribed medication early. Conclusion and Relevance: In this retrospective cohort study of preschool-age children with ADHD seen in primary care in 8 large pediatric health systems, many children were prescribed medications at or shortly after the first documented diagnosis. Analysis of clinical documentation is needed to understand early prescription patterns.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Evaluating More Granular Options for Socio‐Demographic Questions in Autism Research

  Autism Research · 2025-04-21

  articleOpen access

  We evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of adding more detailed choices for race, ethnicity, sex, gender, and socio-economic status for a demographic survey used by families both within and outside a large learning health network, the Autism Care Network (ACNet). We updated our demographic survey using an iterative approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative feedback from interested parties across the US and Canada. Pilot testing of the revised survey was conducted with families with and without autism served by two large academic pediatric tertiary care centers. Through purposive sampling, recruitment was enriched for families from ethnic, racial, or gender minority backgrounds. The updated demographic survey increased the number of response options for race and ethnicity, sex, gender, and language. 85 families within the ACNet and 242 families outside the ACNet provided feasibility and acceptability data. 41% of respondents were from nonWhite or multiple race groups. 99% of respondents rated the updated form same or better than the original. 91% of respondents rated the updated form as acceptable, while 97% rated the survey as feasible. Despite concerns about the burden on respondents, we found high rates of feasibility and acceptability of more granular response options in demographic surveys. Researchers can adapt this approach to make their own more granular demographic forms focused on the specific variables relevant to their study and local contexts. More granular demographic data can identify strengths and gaps in representation that could impact a study's generalizability.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Consensus Recommendations for Antiracist Child Health Research: A Modified Delphi Study

  Pediatrics Open Science · 2025-11-26

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop consensus on a comprehensive and abridged list of recommendations for conducting antiracist research across all stages of a pediatric research project. Antiracist research aims to ensure that the construct of race is correctly interpreted and that racially and ethnically minoritized communities are fairly engaged throughout a research project. METHODS Using a modified Delphi approach, experts in equitable pediatric research methods completed 3 rounds of surveys and virtual focus groups between April and December 2023. Round 1 asked experts to add to or revise themes and subthemes gathered from a systematic review of published antiracist practices. Round 2 included ranking items’ importance; items voted in the top 50% by 60% of experts were included in an abridged list of essential practices. In Round 3, experts reviewed the final guidance and had the option to rescue items for inclusion in the abridged guidance. RESULTS Fourteen experts with diverse personal and professional backgrounds participated. Experts added new themes and edited existing ones, creating a comprehensive list of 68 recommendations by consensus and identifying 36 to include in the abridged list of essential practices. They also discussed complex topics such as who these recommendations apply to, the nuances of equitable community engagement, and the dangers of health equity tourism. CONCLUSIONS An expert panel achieved consensus on a comprehensive and abridged list of recommendations for how to conduct research in an antiracist, equitable way. These can inform research teams, regulatory agencies, and funders to improve pediatric research.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Reducing Unnecessary Venous Blood Gas (VBG) Testing in the Emergency Department Through Targeted Education

  Open Access Emergency Medicine · 2025-04-01 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Objective: Our objective was to evaluate the amount of unnecessary Venous Blood Gas (VBG) tests initiated in the Emergency Department (ED) and to assess the effectiveness of clinical intervention, such as education, in reducing VBG tests. Methods: 497 consecutive patients were selected between 1 August and 30 September 2019. For Phase 1, 10 volunteer nurses were randomly assigned to 50 cases each and assessed whether they would perform a VBG. A brief educational intervention was then implemented regarding specific clinical indications to perform VBGs. After the education, they were asked the same questions. For Phase 2, the entire ED team was subjected to intervention and education (Phase 2). A monthly prospective audit of VBG testing numbers in St Vincent's Melbourne Emergency Department was compared from March 2022 to December 2022. Results: The phase 1 educational intervention saw a significant reduction in unnecessary VBG of 24% (p-value < 0.001, odd ratio of 15.8 [confidence interval (CI): 8.5-29.1]). During Phase two, a sustained reduction in absolute VBG testing in the ED was observed of 33.7% (9% adjusted reduction). This simple intervention would save around $22,000 in our ED based on an annual presentation of ~50,000. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of education to support the "Choosing wisely" campaign to reduce VBG testing in EDs. By reducing the number of VBGs, we not only limit unnecessary tests for our patients, but also reduce the cost associated with frequent and unnecessary blood gas analysis.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Philadelphia Latine Immigrant Birthing People’s Perspectives on Mitigating the Chilling Effect on Prenatal Care Utilization

  Medical Care · 2024-04-26 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  RESEARCH DESIGN: Community-engaged qualitative study using inductive thematic analysis of semistructured interviews. OBJECTIVE: To understand Latine immigrants' recent prenatal care experiences and develop community-informed strategies to mitigate policy-related chilling effects on prenatal care utilization. BACKGROUND: Decreased health care utilization among immigrants due to punitive immigration policies (ie, the "chilling effect") has been well-documented among Latine birthing people both pre and postnatally. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Currently or recently pregnant immigrant Latine people in greater Philadelphia were recruited from an obstetric clinic, 2 pediatric primary care clinics, and 2 community-based organization client pools. Thematic saturation was achieved with 24 people. Participants' pregnancy narratives and their perspectives on how health care providers and systems could make prenatal care feel safer and more comfortable for immigrants. RESULTS: Participants' recommendations for mitigating the chilling effect during the prenatal period included training prenatal health care providers to sensitively initiate discussions about immigrants' rights and reaffirm confidentiality around immigration status. Participants suggested that health care systems should expand sources of information for pregnant immigrants, either by partnering with community organizations to disseminate information or by increasing access to trusted individuals knowledgeable about immigrants' rights to health care. Participants also suggested training non-medical office staff in the use of interpreters. CONCLUSION: Immigrant Latine pregnant and birthing people in greater Philadelphia described ongoing fear and confusion regarding the utilization of prenatal care, as well as experiences of discrimination. Participants' suggestions for mitigating immigration-related chilling effects can be translated into potential policy and programmatic interventions which could be implemented locally and evaluated for broader applicability.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Complex Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a 4-Year-Old With Repaired Critical Congenital Heart Disease and Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics · 2024-11-26 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a risk factor for developmental delay and for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Outcome Collaborative has developed recommendations for ongoing monitoring of this at-risk population to be able to detect developmental, learning, and behavioral concerns, as they become apparent as a child ages. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old boy with tetralogy of Fallot with a ventricular septal defect repaired in infancy was followed periodically in the cardiac neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as well as additional developmental and medical issues. He received early childhood special education and therapeutic interventions as well as social skills training and applied behavior analysis. At age 4 years, Alex presented with symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and immediate safety concerns for elopement. The clinician diagnosed him with ADHD-combined type. He was recommended to start medication in addition to behavioral and developmental supports. Managing medications in a child with CHD and ADHD presents unique challenges, and medication decisions were carefully made in collaboration with the child's cardiologist. After some medication adjustments and ongoing behavioral therapy to address behaviors associated with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, the child is doing well academically and socially. CONCLUSION: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medications can be safely prescribed in patients with CHD. However, pharmacotherapy for co-occurring ADHD and CHD needs an additional level of oversight and collaboration between cardiology and prescribing clinicians. Behavioral therapies can be transdiagnostic and address challenges associated with autism and symptoms related to ADHD.

  PublisherDOI

• Screening for Autism

  Pediatric Clinics of North America · 2024-01-30 · 9 citations

  review1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• W. Spencer Guthrie

  Brigham Young University

  46 shared

• Judith S. Miller

  38 shared

• David S. Mandell

  May Institute

  27 shared

• Amanda Bennett

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  26 shared

• Diana Montoya‐Williams

  University of Pennsylvania

  24 shared

• Marsha Gerdes

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  23 shared

• Susan E. Levy

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  19 shared

• Lucero Cordero

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  16 shared

Labs

• Kate Wallis LabPI

Education

• Fellowship, Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics

  Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

  2018

• Residency, Department of Pediatrics

  New York University School of Medicine

  2015

• MD

  Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

  2012

• MPH, Graduate Program in Public Health

  Stony Brook University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

  2012