Jennifer Goetz, MD

I am a pediatric psychiatrist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders in children, adolescents and young adults—including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). As a physician trained in both general and child and adolescent psychiatry, I care for the whole picture: not just the eating disorder itself, but also the medical and psychiatric complications that often accompany it, such as anxiety and depression. My work spans the full range of care settings, from acute medical and psychiatric stabilization for the most seriously ill patients to ongoing outpatient support. At every step, I partner closely with families, pediatricians, and treatment teams to ensure comprehensive, compassionate care.  
 
A particular focus of my practice is the ethical and legal dimension of eating disorder care, the challenging questions that arise around a young person's autonomy and capacity when illness affects their ability to make decisions. Helping patients, families, and clinicians navigate these moments with clarity, compassion, and respect for the patient as a person is central to how I practice. I believe eating disorders are treatable, and that recovery is possible, even when it feels out of reach. My approach starts from respect for each patient as a whole person, and for the family walking alongside them. These illnesses thrive in shame and secrecy, so much of my work is about replacing those with honesty, connection and hope.  
 
My path to medicine was shaped by early experiences growing up around older adults. My father was the chief executive officer of a senior living community, and I watched what it looks like to care for society's most frail and vulnerable members with genuine compassion, dignity and thoughtfulness. Later, navigating my own health challenges as a teenager drew me toward medicine, and I found myself captivated by patients’ stories, their unique experiences, and the human side of care. Psychiatry, and especially working with young people, became my calling because I believe that meeting someone early in their illness can reshape their entire path ahead.  
 
I’ve been honored to be named a “Top Doctor” for pediatric eating disorders by Baltimore Magazine, elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society, and received the Paul Howard Award for compassionate care. I was also recognized with a Mass General Brigham “She Solves” award for helping develop a new inpatient eating disorder program. But the greatest honor is being entrusted with the care of patients and families.  
 
Outside of work, I’m an avid runner. I started running in college and have completed six marathons over the past five years, all for charity, including five Boston Marathons to raise money for pediatric cancer care. I live in Cincinnati with my husband, a pediatric neurologist (also at Cincinnati Children's) and our mini golden doodle.