Kimberly A. Risma, MD, PhD

I am a physician-scientist with a broad background in molecular immunology, molecular biology and translational research applications. I completed an MD and PhD in pharmacology from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), followed by clinical training in pediatrics and fellowship training in allergy/immunology at Cincinnati Children’s. I joined the Division of Allergy and Immunology faculty at Cincinnati Children’s in 2005.

My research as a faculty member has utilized basic, translational and genetic approaches to understanding pediatric disorders of immunodeficiency, immune dysregulation and adverse immune reactions to medications.

As a clinician, I see patients from around the country in consultation for immune deficiency, immune dysregulation and allergic disorders, particularly allergic drug reactions. My approach to patient care is the same as every other employee at Cincinnati Children’s — be the best at getting better!

Since 2019, I have been growing the scope and impact of the Cincinnati Children’s Drug Allergy Program. I’m honored to have received the Senior Faculty, Clinician Clinical Care Achievement Award (2020). This award honors our team's work building the drug allergy program at Cincinnati Children’s.

At least 10% of children have a medication allergy, which is generally unverified. Everybody wins when we can remove or confirm the allergy with allergy testing. I love the challenge of making the correct diagnosis and finding a treatment that improves the quality of people’s lives. I want to understand why children develop allergic symptoms with illnesses, how to treat their symptoms best, and the impact of medication allergy labels on the cost of medical care.

When not at work, I like to sail, walk my dog, watch sports and enjoy the outdoors with my family. I also love learning new science and making new research discoveries — this really energizes me!