Megan R. Schaefer, PhD
Contact Information
Megan Schaefer, PhD, is a pediatric psychologist in the Department of Pediatric Psychology and Neuropsychology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, specializing in Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pain, and Palliative Care. She is also a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University.
Clinically, Dr. Schaefer provides services to children and families impacted by serious illness, specifically hematological and oncological diagnoses, with a particular focus on supporting pediatric populations impacted by incurable brain tumors. Dr. Schaefer recognizes the psychosocial impact of pediatric serious illness on the entire family system and seeks to provide family-centered care by supporting patients, caregivers, siblings, and extended family as they navigate these difficult journeys. She has a passion for helping patients and families identify their goals/wishes/hopes throughout treatment, engage in decision-making, support non-pharmacological management of symptoms, prioritize quality of life, process their anticipatory grief, and find meaning in their illness journey.
Dr. Schaefer also has a strong passion for supporting children and families following the death of a loved one. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Schaefer is deeply committed to advancing bereavement care through programmatic development and quality improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening support for bereaved children, siblings, and families across the healthcare system. She considers it a true privilege to walk alongside children and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and is committed to ensuring that bereaved families feel seen, supported, and connected to meaningful resources throughout their grief journey.
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Pediatric Psychology
Physician Team -
Primary Department
Psychiatry and Behavioral Health -
Primary Section
Psychology
- Young Investigator Award, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 2018
- Clinical Co-Pillar Lead, Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Care in Childhood Cancer, 2026 - Present
- Member, Zach's Bridge Advisory Council, 2026 - Present
- CARE Committee Member, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 2025 - Present
- Member, American Psychosocial Oncology Society, 2021 - Present
- Co-Chair, Division 54 Pediatric Palliative Care and End-of Life Special Interest Group, 2021 - 2023
- Member, Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Care in Childhood Cancer, 2019 - 2021
- Member, Division 54, Society of Pediatric Psychology, 2014 - Present
- Member, Division 54 Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Special Interest Group, 2014 - Present
Date of Appointment at Nationwide Children’s Hospital: 10/29/2021
| Fellowship | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital | Date Completed: 09/30/2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Internship | Nationwide Children's Hospital | Date Completed: 08/21/2020 |
| Graduate School | Auburn University | Date Completed: 08/08/2020 |
| Undergraduate School | Miami University | Date Completed: 05/31/2014 |
- Grief/Bereavement
- Pain
- Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/Bone Marrow Transplant
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Siblings