David W. Pruitt, MD

Growing up with a disability shaped every part of my life, but it also introduced me to the field that would ultimately become my calling. As a child, I was cared for by pediatric physiatrists who not only treated my medical needs but also invested deeply in my independence, confidence, and sense of possibility. Their mentorship—and the time, energy, and compassion they poured into my care—left a lasting imprint. They helped me see that disability does not diminish potential, and they modeled the kind of physician I aspired to become.

I was also fortunate to grow up in a family who encouraged me to pursue my interests fully, without allowing physical challenges to define or limit me. That combination of personal experience and unwavering support made the decision to pursue a career in pediatric rehabilitation medicine feel natural, even inevitable.

I completed my training at Cincinnati Children’s, where I was exposed to the full breadth of diagnoses and life experiences that shape the lives of children with disabilities. As a faculty member, I have been particularly drawn to caring for children who are newly experiencing disability—those navigating the early days after an injury or diagnosis, when uncertainty is high and families are just beginning to imagine what life will look like moving forward. Helping children and families recognize that a fulfilling, meaningful life is not only possible but achievable, even when it requires adaptive strategies or new equipment, remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.

My clinical practice includes caring for children on our inpatient rehabilitation unit and following them longitudinally throughout childhood and adolescence. I also serve as the dedicated pediatric rehabilitation specialist for children in the Brain Tumor Center, supporting patients from initial diagnosis through survivorship as part of a multidisciplinary team of experts.

Beyond clinical care, I serve as the Medical Director of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Cincinnati Children’s and as the Program Director for the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship. Training the next generation of pediatric physiatrists is one of my greatest professional passions, shaped by the mentorship I received as a child and the belief that our field thrives when we invest in its future.

Outside of Cincinnati Children’s, I have served on numerous national committees and currently serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. In this role, one of my primary efforts is advancing the growth of the pediatric rehabilitation workforce to ensure that children and adolescents with congenital and acquired disabilities have access to the specialized care they deserve.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and staying connected to the activities I’ve always loved—sports (especially college football—Go Irish), music, and theater.