Michelle L. French, MD

Biography

As a pediatrician, I care for newborns and children with medically complex conditions. I always strive to treat my patients and their families as I would want my own children and family treated!

I began my journey on a medical career pathway while pursuing my undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University (OSU). While serving as a unit clerk at OSU Hospital, I had my first exposure to medicine. I wanted to work with children but thought I would pursue a teaching career as a college professor in biological sciences. Instead, during my third year at OSU, it became clear that I would pursue a career in medicine and choose pediatrics as my specialty!

In the early years of my medical career, I completed my pediatric residency and clinical cardiology fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s. Following completion of my training, my first position as an attending physician was in the intensive care units (PICU and CICU) at Cincinnati Children’s. Intensive care medicine was truly my first passion.

I then worked for ten years providing primary pediatric care in the community, followed by nine years back at Cincinnati Children’s caring for newborn infants in community hospitals. I thoroughly enjoyed caring for newborns and assisting young adults as they began their journey as new parents.

Next, I embarked upon a four-year tenure working in what I call “outpatient ICU,” serving as a primary care physician for children (youths) with medical complexity in the Complex Care Center at Cincinnati Children’s.

Caring for medically complex newborns and young children provides a perfect blend of my professional passions. I am honored and excited to be a member of the Newborn Follow-up Clinic team at Cincinnati Children’s. I adore working with children with medical complexity and cherish the time I spend caring for them. As a person and a physician, I feel an intense sense of fulfillment advocating for these children and assisting their families as they work tirelessly to fulfill their children's extensive medical needs every day.

I was chosen for membership in Alpha Omega Alpha (the National Medical Honor Society) in medical school in 1987. I was also named to The Best Doctors in America by Cincinnati Magazine in 1998, 2002, 2004 and 2005. Cincy Magazine named me as a Best Doctor in 2008 through 2011 and 2015 through 2017.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling (namely cruising) and bargain shopping. I love spending time with my husband, my two adult children and their spouses, my elderly mother and my extended family.