John Leventhal, MD

John M. Leventhal, MD, is a nationally recognized expert on child abuse who has made significant contributions to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. He says Yale Medicine’s approach to child abuse is distinguished by “the research that its physicians have contributed to the field, the quality of clinical care and strong links to the community professionals who care for maltreated children.”

Dr. Leventhal focuses his research on the epidemiology—patterns, causes and effects—of child abuse and neglect. His work has helped doctors to better distinguish between accidental injuries and those caused by abuse. He also helped develop the use of home visits as a prevention tool.

He is an active member of several statewide committees that address child abuse and prevention, and he works closely with child protective services and other state and community agencies. He is an advocate for children, meeting with legislators, writing op-ed pieces and helping to raise funding for prevention efforts.