Michael Shoykhet, MD, PhD, to lead the Center for Neuroscience Research at Children’s National Hospital

Children's National Hospital is proud to announce the appointment of Michael "Mish" Shoykhet, MD, PhD, as director of the Center for Neuroscience Research. Dr. Shoykhet has acted as interim Center for Neuroscience Research director since July 1, 2025, and was chosen to lead the center after a nationwide search.

Dr. Shoykhet joined Children's National in 2018 to serve as an attending physician in pediatric Critical Care Medicine and principal investigator in the Center for Neuroscience Research. More recently, he has served as co-director of research in pediatric Critical Care Medicine and medical director of Children's National pediatric Critical Care Medicine Service at the NIH Clinical Center. His training and experience as a physician-scientist uniquely position him to advance the Center for Neuroscience Research's mission to improve the lives of all children through excellence in science, collaboration and education.

"I am thrilled to serve as the next Center for Neuroscience Research director," Dr. Shoykhet said. "Children's National thrives on the culture of innovation and collaboration. In the Center for Neuroscience Research, neuroscientists in the lab work together with clinicians at the bedside to advance children's health. It is precisely the right environment for discovering new therapies rooted in mechanisms of adaptive and maladaptive brain development. I am excited to work with dedicated colleagues to make the future of neuroscience a reality at the Center for Neuroscience Research and at Children's National."

Dr. Shoykhet's laboratory and clinical research focus on protecting children from brain injury during critical illness. He uses pre-clinical, clinical and big-data studies to discover new ways to treat brain injury after cardiac arrest and other critical illnesses. At Children's National, he collaborates with colleagues across the Children's National Research Institute to translate discoveries into improved outcomes for critically ill children.

The Center for Neuroscience Research is a dynamic hub within the Children's National Research Institute, composed of highly accomplished developmental neuroscientists and clinical investigators. Under Dr. Shoykhet's leadership, the Center for Neuroscience Research will deepen its strengths in translational research which spans from molecular mechanisms to device innovation. The Center for Neuroscience Research will also continue to excel in training the next generations of physicians and scientists.

Catherine Bollard, MD, MBChB, chief research officer, said she is excited about Dr. Shoykhet's deep commitment to mentorship and fostering a collaborative environment. "I look forward to the vision, expertise and leadership he will bring as we continue advancing discoveries that improve the lives of children and families everywhere."

Dr. Shoykhet earned his medical degree and doctorate in neurobiology through an NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He completed pediatrics residency and pediatric critical care fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. His research has been continuously supported by the NIH since 2011. Dr. Shoykhet is committed to clinical excellence, impactful science and trainee education - a testament to outstanding mentors throughout his journey as a physician-scientist.