(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Benjamin Kopp, MD, MPH, ATSF, FAAP, has been named chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Sleep Medicine and Cystic Fibrosis at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, effective March 2, 2026.
Dr. Kopp currently is an associate professor of pediatrics at Emory University and a nationally recognized physician scientist specializing in pediatric pulmonology. He also serves as the director of the Pulmonary Sickle Cell Program, director of Pulmonary and Sleep Physician Research, co-director of the Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research (CF-AIR), and co-director of the Pediatric Residency Investigative Scholars at Emory University (PRISE).
As a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Thoracic Society, Dr. Kopp has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. He is a leading figure in clinical and translational research focused on the immunobiology of cystic fibrosis and sickle cell lung disease. His research work has contributed to innovative care models, such as multidisciplinary pulmonary sickle cell clinics, and has helped reduce healthcare disparities.
“Dr. Kopp brings clinical expertise and a vision of leadership to the pulmonary medicine program at Nationwide Children’s,” said Catherine Krawczeski, MD, physician-in-chief and chief of the Department of Pediatrics. “Dr. Kopp will continue to elevate the excellent quality of care and further advance the field of pediatric pulmonary medicine.”
Dr. Kopp is a frequent national and international speaker, an advocate for environmental health equity, and a dedicated mentor to trainees across disciplines. His leadership roles within the American Thoracic Society further underscore his influence in the field of pediatric pulmonary medicine.
“I cannot wait to rejoin my amazing colleagues at Nationwide Children’s,” said Dr. Kopp. “The commitment to a four-tiered mission of clinical care, research, education and advocacy is unparalleled, and one I hope to foster to new heights.”
Dr. Kopp received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine and completed both his pediatrics residency and pediatric pulmonology fellowship at Nationwide Children’s. He later earned a Master of Public Health degree from The Ohio State University. He served on the faculty at The Ohio State University and was a principal investigator at the Center for Microbial Pathogenesis.