David K. Hooper, MD, MS

The endless energy, optimism and resilience of my patients and their families motivates and inspires me. As a pediatric nephrologist, I love the diversity of conditions and medical challenges I manage. I became a kidney transplant specialist after witnessing the lifesaving and life-altering effects of solid organ transplantation during my medical training.

I absolutely love what I do. I'm so inspired by the children I care for, who endure and overcome so much along their journey. I enjoy and thrive on the personal relationships I develop with each patient and family. It’s my goal to provide the highest level of care for patients with complex medical conditions.

At Cincinnati Children’s a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare specialists support all aspects of improving health and quality of life for every patient. I strive to provide the highest level of comprehensive care for patients with complex medical conditions. I use a holistic care approach, ensuring my patients and their families achieve the best possible emotional, spiritual and medical well-being, along with a high quality of life.

I became a pediatrician thanks to the influence of my own pediatrician from when I was six. I feel lucky that I’ve been able to merge my interest in math and science with my enjoyment of working with children and their families.

In my research, I study health outcomes for children with a kidney transplant. I also work to design systems of care that ensure the highest quality of care and the best possible outcomes.

My research includes:

• Developing healthcare delivery systems and information technology to track and improve all important health outcomes
• Developing systems to promote improved adherence and reduced risk of kidney transplant rejection
• Understanding how genetics should influence patient care

I also serve as the principal investigator of the Improving Renal Outcomes Collaborative (IROC), a group of 32 kidney transplant programs in the United States committed to partnering with patients and families to improve health, longevity and quality of life.

I’m honored that my work to develop healthcare systems for research and clinical care is recognized by several organizations, including:

• Best Doctor, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology (2019-2020)
• Top Doctor, Cincinnati Magazine (2018-2020)
• Top Doctor, Pediatric Nephrology, Castle Connolly (2018-2020)
• Research Team Achievement Award, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (2016-2020)
• Faculty Clinical Care Achievement Award, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (2014)

I also serve on the registry committee for the North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies (NAPRTCS) network.

In my free time, I enjoy reading Russian and other literature. I majored in Russian language and lived in Moscow for two years during college. My wife and I have five children. We love going camping, hiking and fishing together as well as participating in all types of athletics.