Dr. Becky Riggs | OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital | United States
Dr. Rebecca J. Riggs is an accomplished physician–scientist and academic leader in pediatric critical care and neurocritical care. With advanced training in pediatrics, critical care, and neurocritical care at top U.S. institutions, she has built a career that blends clinical excellence, research innovation, and educational leadership. Her research centers on ultrasound medicine, neuro-monitoring, viral pathogens affecting the nervous system, and neurodevelopmental outcomes of critically ill children. She has served as principal investigator in national multi-center studies funded by the NIH and CDC, contributing to evidence-based guidelines for conditions such as acute flaccid myelitis and pediatric COVID-19. Alongside her research, she has directed neurocritical care programs, led safety and quality initiatives, and mentored future physicians. Her work demonstrates a rare combination of technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to advancing both patient care and the broader field of pediatric intensive care medicine.
Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Rebecca J. Riggs, widely known as Becky, laid the foundation for her medical career through an early commitment to both emergency medicine and the social sciences. With training as an emergency medical technician and paramedic, followed by a degree in women’s studies, she cultivated a broad perspective that combined scientific rigor with a deep awareness of social contexts. This unique academic blend informed her later clinical approach, emphasizing both medical expertise and patient-centered care. She advanced her education by completing her medical degree at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, and subsequently pursued specialized training in pediatrics, pediatric critical care, and pediatric neurocritical care at leading institutions across the United States.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Riggs’ professional path reflects her dedication to pediatric intensive care and academic medicine. She held early faculty roles at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she became a key figure in pediatric anesthesiology and critical care medicine. Her work extended beyond bedside care into administrative leadership, including directing pediatric neurocritical care services and serving on multiple institutional committees aimed at advancing patient safety, quality improvement, and team culture within the intensive care environment. Later, her transition to Oregon Health & Science University marked a continuation of her leadership in pediatric critical care, where she now serves as an associate professor and directs programs that integrate neurology, cardiology, and intensive care.
Contributions to Neurocritical Care
Central to Dr. Riggs’ career has been her pioneering contributions to the development and expansion of pediatric neurocritical care. She co-directed and later directed programs that established protocols, pathways, and education models for the care of critically ill children with neurological conditions. Her leadership in culture change initiatives within the pediatric intensive care unit highlights her commitment to improving team dynamics and patient-centered outcomes. She has also served as a mentor and educator, leading simulations, workshops, and educational events to strengthen the capacity of clinicians in this demanding subspecialty.
Research Focus
Dr. Riggs’ scholarly contributions are strongly anchored in her research on ultrasound medicine and neuro-monitoring in critically ill children. Her investigations include ophthalmic ultrasonography, neurosonography, and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, all aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring in neonatal and pediatric intensive care settings. She has been particularly engaged in studying viral pathogens with neurological effects and in examining the neurodevelopmental outcomes of children after critical illness. Her role as site principal investigator for multi-center studies funded by the NIH and CDC underscores her central position in national efforts to improve understanding and care of acute flaccid myelitis and pediatric COVID-19 outcomes.
Leadership in Collaborative Studies
Dr. Riggs has played a vital role in large-scale, collaborative pediatric studies of national importance. She served as the Johns Hopkins site principal investigator for the NIH-funded Acute Flaccid Myelitis Natural History study, contributing to the creation of evidence-based guidelines for this rare but devastating condition. She also guided institutional involvement in the CDC-funded Overcoming COVID-19 study, which shaped the understanding of how children are affected by emerging viral illnesses. Through these collaborations, she has demonstrated an ability to bridge clinical expertise with research that informs global health policy and clinical standards.
Accolades and Recognition
Her research achievements have been supported by competitive federal funding, including NIH Loan Repayment Program awards for her pioneering work in pediatric ophthalmic ultrasound and imaging in cases of traumatic brain injury. These grants reflect recognition of both the novelty and impact of her research directions. Her leadership appointments at Johns Hopkins and Oregon Health & Science University further testify to her peers’ trust in her capacity to shape the future of pediatric critical care medicine.
Impact, Influence, and Future Contributions
The impact of Dr. Riggs’ work is evident in the improved protocols, expanded research pathways, and enhanced patient care strategies she has championed. By integrating ultrasound technology into pediatric neurocritical care, she has opened new avenues for bedside diagnostics and monitoring. Her influence extends through her leadership in guideline development, her mentorship of future physicians, and her advocacy for collaborative approaches to rare and emerging pediatric conditions. Looking ahead, her ongoing research and clinical leadership are poised to further shape the evolving field of pediatric neurocritical care, leaving a legacy of innovation, compassion, and transformative impact on children’s health worldwide.
Publications
1. Ophthalmic ultrasonography can identify retinal injury associated with abusive head trauma more quickly and accurately than other neuroimaging modalities — Authors: (not listed), 2025
2. A novel approach to thrombectomy and catheter directed tissue-type plasminogen activator in a toddler post-fontan — Authors: (not listed), 2024
Conclusion
Dr. Riggs’ career reflects a profound dedication to improving the lives of critically ill children through innovation in research, excellence in clinical care, and leadership in program development. Her contributions have significantly advanced pediatric neurocritical care by integrating novel diagnostic tools, shaping national guidelines, and fostering collaborative research networks. With her continued focus on emerging pathogens and neurodevelopmental outcomes, she is poised to further influence the future of pediatric intensive care on both national and international levels. Her legacy will be defined by her impact on patient outcomes, her mentorship of future leaders, and her role in shaping the evolving landscape of pediatric neurocritical care.