Tessie October, M.D., M.P.H.

Tessie October, M.D., M.P.H., is a pediatric intensive care and hospice and palliative care medicine physician who joined PTCIB as a medical officer in 2020. In this role, she serves as a program official for the pediatric critical care program, which includes research and training in pediatric critical care medicine, trauma, and injury.

Prior to joining NICHD, Dr. October was a clinical scientist with research interests in teaching communication skills to clinicians and supporting families through decision-making during critical illness and end-of-life care. She continues to provide clinical care to critically ill children.

Dr. October earned her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 2001. At Columbia University, she completed her pediatric critical care medicine training in 2007 and her master's degree in public health in 2009. She received board certification in hospice and palliative care medicine in 2012.