Michelle C. Gorecki, MD, MPH, FAAP

As an attending physician, my clinical specialty is pediatric primary care. I also am a researcher passionate about leveraging pediatric primary care to promote health equity and address food and nutrition insecurity in childhood.

My research focuses on identifying and addressing food insecurity and other health-related social needs through innovative, family-centered interventions embedded in the pediatric medical home. I work closely with community partners, families, and interdisciplinary teams to co-design solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.

My long-term goal is to ensure all my patients, especially the youngest ones, have access to healthy food. I have always been interested in nutrition. What and how we eat has a significant impact on our physical health as well as our mood. Many of my patients and their families need help to afford food or lack consistent access to healthy foods. My research goals include finding ways outside the clinic to ensure my patients have consistent access to affordable healthy foods at home.

I am honored to have received the Academic-Community Research Partnership Award from the Center for Clinical & Translational Science & Training (December 2023), Excellence in General Pediatrics Award from the University of North Carolina (June 2022), the Region IV Resident Research Award from the Academic Pediatric Association (February 2021), and the Excellence in Public Health Service Award from the United States Public Health Service Physician Professional Advisory Committee (May 2019).

I’m committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Through my clinical care, research, and advocacy, I strive to build stronger connections between healthcare and community resources to support families and children in achieving their full potential.