Featured Physician
Grace Paul, MD, is an associate professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pulmonary, Sleep Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis at Nationwide Children’s. Her clinical interests include cystic fibrosis (CF), asthma and the pulmonary and sleep manifestations of neuromuscular disorders. Her research focuses on advancing CF care in the United States through clinical and translational research and improving understanding of CF globally, particularly in India, through epidemiological research supported by external funding.
Dr. Paul serves as director of the Pulmonary-Global Health Team at Nationwide Children’s and mentors trainees and faculty members nationally and internationally. She is also a faculty mentor in the American Thoracic Society’s VIPPRA research mentorship program and co-director of the Nationwide Children’s Residency Global Health Advanced Competency Program. She has presented lectures in many countries and has published in reputed pulmonary journals.
Q & A With Dr. Paul
What inspired you to become a pediatric pulmonologist?
“I was fascinated to learn about the complexities of the lungs’ structure and physiology and the resilience and recovery of the lungs following disease or injury. Performing bronchoscopies, interpreting sleep studies and pulmonary function tests added to my interest. The balance between inpatient and outpatient care, especially the continuity of care in children, offered personal contentment and work-life balance. The innocence and joy of young children are both heartwarming and deeply rewarding.”
Can you share a little about your career path and how you arrived at Nationwide Children's? What do you find most rewarding about your work?
“I grew up in India and completed medical school at Christian Medical College, Vellore. I have lived in the United States for the past 25 years, completing my pediatric residency at Case Western Reserve University, pediatric pulmonology fellowship in Pittsburgh, and sleep medicine fellowship at The Ohio State University. I joined Nationwide Children’s in 2012 and feel fortunate to work alongside outstanding colleagues whose support and friendship I deeply value. With the guidance of mentors both in the U.S. and internationally, I have had the privilege of helping advance cystic fibrosis care in resource-limited settings, particularly in India. My work has focused on building capacity through strengthening education, diagnostic capabilities, clinical infrastructure and patient advocacy. I am grateful for the opportunity to bridge my roots in India with my professional life in the U.S. and to mentor trainees and faculty from diverse backgrounds around the world, making me a true global citizen.”
Last great book or show you enjoyed? Book: The Covenant of Water and Show: White Collar
Favorite place you've traveled? Chennai, India (my hometown) and Lisbon, Portugal
What’s your favorite food? Biriyani (spicy rice) and tiramisu
Favorite band, genre or artist? Bands: Queen, ABBA. Artist: AR Rahman and Christian hymns
Favorite way to relax? Painting with acrylics, word games and spending time with my three kids
Favorite thing you’ve bought this year? The Starry Night painting by VanGogh (in my dreams!)