Meet Dr. Mahidhara
[MUSIC PLAYING] My name is Niru Muhidhara, and I'm a general pediatrician, and I've been in practice for 20 years. I went into medicine because I believe in the ability of science to improve our lives. We see science's impact on our lives every single day, whether it's public health interventions, such as childhood vaccinations, or our growing understanding of the profound impact that our environment, such as clean water and air, have on our health.
I love general pediatrics, because it gives me the opportunity to establish long term relationships with children and their families. And it's these relationships that help us work together to promote good health, both physical and emotional. Children are so dynamic as they're transforming from an infant to a young adult, and it's such a privilege to be a part of that journey.
Health behaviors are often established during childhood, and they set the foundation for adult well-being. So I think it's important to have a pediatrician who gives parents evidence-based information that's accurate so that families can make choices to help achieve their health goals.
My area of interest is child development, in particular parents' important role that they play as their child's first teacher. And I think our families do such a wonderful job in raising children. Parenting can be challenging, and establishing simple routines, such as reading aloud daily, family dinners, weekly trips to the park, all these small routines really help children thrive and become healthy young adults.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
Niru Mahidhara, MD, is a general pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience, primarily in community pediatrics. Her areas of interest include early childhood development and literacy, improving the quality of care delivered to underserved populations, and teaching medical students. Dr. Mahidhara serves as medical director of the Reach Out and Read program at Comer Children's Hospital.
Specialties
Areas of Expertise
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
- Language Development
Board Certifications
- Pediatrics
Languages Spoken
- English
Medical Education
- The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Internship
- University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- Aetna HMO (specialists only)
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
- BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna POS
- Cigna PPO
- CountyCare *see insurance page
- Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
- Medicare
- Multiplan PPO
- PHCS PPO
- United Choice Plus POS/PPO
- United Options (PPO)
- United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
- United W500 Emergent Wrap
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
- United Choice HMO (specialists only)
- University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)
Our list of accepted insurance providers is subject to change at any time. You should contact your insurance company to confirm UChicago Medicine participates in their network before scheduling your appointment. If your insurance company is not listed here, or if you have any other questions, please contact Managed.Care@uchospitals.edu.