Hatim Omar, MD, Receives Adele Dellenbaugh Hofmann Award From American Academy of Pediatrics

Hatim Omar, MD, Chief, Section of Adolescent Medicine at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, has been recognized for his outstanding career with the Adele Dellenbaugh Hofmann Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Adolescent Health.

The annual award is given to clinicians who exemplify excellence in the field of adolescent health and work to advocate for and enhance the care of adolescents within the field of pediatrics over many years of service. Omar was specifically selected for his various clinical, research and voluntary achievements, including his national advocacy work in youth suicide prevention.

“Adolescents have very different needs from children and adults, however, they are often overlooked as a specific population that benefits from specialty medical care,” Omar says. “I have dedicated my career to caring for and supporting these patients, and it is an honor to be recognized by my peers at the American Academy of Pediatrics.”

Omar, a board-certified adolescent medicine physician who has worked specifically with this patient population for over 27 years, came to Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital in January 2021 to provide specialized care to teens and young adults throughout the region.

Under his leadership, the Children’s Hospital’s adolescent medicine program focuses on the unique health concerns of patients ages 10-25, including:

• Acne and other skin conditions
• Headaches and chronic pain
• Reproductive and sexuality concerns, including:
  • Menstruation
  • Sexually transmitted infection prevention
  • Pregnancy prevention
  • Puberty delays
• Developmental and intellectual disorders, including:
  • Autism
  • Learning disorders
  • Attention difficulties that affect learning
• Social and emotional concerns, including:
  • Adolescent mental health disorders (depression, anxiety and eating disorders)
  • Suicide prevention
• Substance abuse
• Nutrition

“Our behavioral health, gynecology and nutrition specialists have extensive experience treating adolescents and their specific health needs,” Omar says. “Our multidisciplinary approach to care helps patients achieve better health results, and more importantly, helps them grow up to be confident, healthy and happy adults.”