Biography

Dr. Merrian Brooks, DO, MS, is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Adolescent Medicine) at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and Attending Physician in the Craig Dalsimer Division of Adolescent Medicine at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. She serves as Lead Pediatrician and Research Director of the Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Assistant Director (Botswana-based) of the David Pincus Global Health Fellowship, and Co-Director of the International Core at the Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).

Board-certified in both pediatrics and adolescent medicine, Dr. Brooks is a comprehensive adolescent and young adult medicine specialist providing full-service care across the spectrum of adolescent health issues. Based in Gaborone, Botswana, her research focuses on mental health and mental health services for adolescents in low-middle income countries, particularly examining screening for common mental disorders, integration of mental health services into various settings, and how social support systems and family dynamics influence psychological wellbeing. She serves on the Covenant House International Board of Directors and is dedicated to improving health systems and promoting positive health outcomes for globally underserved adolescents.