Sean M. Gabany, MD

As a resident physician at Cincinnati Children’s and UC Medical Center, I specialize in pediatrics, psychiatry, and child and adolescent psychiatry. My passion is caring for children with complex medical and psychiatric needs, especially those affected by trauma, adversity, or chronic illness. I believe that caring for children means caring for the whole child — body, mind and community. That’s why I approach medicine in an integrated way, supporting families not only in their child’s physical health but also in their emotional and social well-being. I strive to practice with empathy, curiosity, and teamwork, so families know they are never facing challenges alone. Many of my patients call me “Dr. Sean,” a name that reflects the trust and comfort we build together (and, I’ll admit, my last name can be a bit tricky to pronounce!).

My journey into medicine was shaped by my own experiences of feeling unseen in the healthcare system. I wanted to become the doctor I, and so many others, never had — someone who could be a source of support and understanding. Working with children, whether teaching karate, mentoring youth or serving in migrant communities, showed me the power of connection and the importance of addressing both physical and emotional health. This combined program in Pediatrics and Psychiatry allows me to honor the whole child and truly make a difference.

I’m honored to have been inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society, which recognize excellence in scholarship and compassionate care. I’ve also received the Linda Stine Interprofessional Leadership Award for outstanding efforts in fostering team-based, interprofessional clinical education activities; the NORCEF AACAP Psychiatry Award for my commitment to advancing child and adolescent mental health; as well as the Chapman Humanism in Medicine Award for practicing the art of medicine and connecting with patients.

My research focuses on childhood adversity and trauma, exploring how early life experiences shape health across the lifespan. I’m especially interested in developing interventions that build resilience, integrate mental health into pediatric care and address health disparities in underserved communities. My goal is to destigmatize mental health for both patients and healthcare workers, and to create models of care that reduce barriers and improve long-term outcomes for children and families.

Outside of medicine, I’m a third-degree black belt in traditional Okinawan Shorin-Ryu karate and kobudo, and I’ve taught martial arts for more than a decade — including to students with special needs. I also enjoy rock climbing, writing poetry, everything music-related, and, of course, video games!