John D. Spencer, MD

John Spencer is wearing a white coat with a shirt and tie underneath. He has his hands in his coat pockets and is smiling. Windows are shown in the hallway behind him.

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Biography

John David Spencer, MD, is chief of the Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, principal investigator and co-director of the Kidney and Urinary Tract Center in the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and professor of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Dr. Spencer's NIH-funded research focuses on defining the molecular mechanisms that regulate and prevent infections in the kidney and urinary tract, with an emphasis on the role that antimicrobial peptides play in maintaining sterility in the urinary tract.

Patient Care
Academic and Clinical Areas
Awards, Honors & Organizations
  • Mid-Career Award, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, 2025
  • John E. Fisher Endowed Chair, Clinical and Translational Research / Nationwide Innovation Fund, 2023
  • Faculty Investigator of the Year, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2021
  • Elected member, Society of Pediatric Research, 2019
  • Fellow, American Society of Nephrology, 2018
  • Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017
  • Leadership Development Program, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2016
  • Pediatric Nephrology Leadership Development Course, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, 2013
  • Loan Repayment Program, National Institutes of Health, 2013
  • Trainee Publication of the Year, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2012
  • Best Research Abstract, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 2012
  • John E. Lewy Patient Advocacy Scholar, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, 2012
  • Member, Society of Pediatric Research, 2021 - Present
  • Member, American Society of Urology, 2018 - 2022
  • Fellow, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2017 - Present
  • Fellow, American Society of Nephrology, 2017 - Present
  • Member, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, 2009 - Present
  • Member, American Society of Nephrology, 2009 - Present
  • Member, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005 - Present
Education

Date of Appointment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital: 07/01/2012

Board Certifications
  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Pediatrics
Fellowship Nationwide Children's Hospital Date Completed: 06/30/2012
Residency LeBonheur Children's Hospital Date Completed: 06/30/2009
Medical School Indiana University School of Medicine Date Completed: 07/30/2006
Graduate School Indiana University Date Completed: 05/01/2005
Clinical Interests
  • Congenital kidney and urinary tract anomalies
  • Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Professional Experience

2009 - 2012 Nationwide Children's Hospital, Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship

2005 - 2009 Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Pediatric Residency & Pediatric Chief Residency

Contact Information
Pediatrics