Riley Children's Health welcomes nationally recognized pediatric oncologist-scientist Douglas K. Graham, MD, PhD, physician-in-chief at Riley Children's Health and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine, effective Aug. 1, 2026.
Dr. Graham brings extensive experience from leading one of the nation's largest pediatric hematology/oncology programs at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, where he oversaw clinical expansion, faculty recruitment, and research advancement. His national leadership experience includes serving as president of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, holding leadership positions within the Children's Oncology Group, and being elected to both the American Society for Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians.
Dr. Graham joins Riley Children's during a period of significant clinical and research momentum. The Department of Pediatrics ranked sixth nationally for NIH funding in federal fiscal year 2025, securing more than $41.6 million to support pediatric research. Its research enterprise spans discovery science, translational investigations, and clinical studies and is supported by the Child Health Research Institute infrastructure. Riley Children’s is also nationally ranked in all specialties, with seven programs in the top 25.
"Riley Children’s Health has tremendous strengths that deserve greater national visibility," Dr. Graham said. "The quality of clinical care, the ability to care for highly complex pediatric cases, and the organization’s reach across Indiana create meaningful opportunities to improve outcomes for children throughout the region. Combined with the depth of the research enterprise and the people who make it all possible, Riley Children’s has extraordinary potential."
As a physician-scientist, Dr. Graham has built his career around translating laboratory discoveries into therapies for children. He leads an NIH-funded laboratory focused on developing novel treatments for pediatric cancers, with discoveries advancing into early-phase clinical trials. That experience closely aligns with his vision for Riley's future. A key priority under his leadership will be expanding investigator-initiated clinical research to accelerate the path from discovery to treatment.
"This is a place with exceptional people, a strong culture of collaboration and a clear commitment to innovation," Dr. Graham said. "By strengthening the integration of research and clinical medicine across specialties, Riley is uniquely positioned to further distinguish itself as a sought-after national destination for pediatric care.”
Together, Riley Children's Health and Indiana University School of Medicine will continue advancing nationally recognized clinical programs, groundbreaking research and innovative care that improves outcomes for children everywhere. Learn more about Riley Children’s Health programs, research, and clinical breakthroughs in the annual report.
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