Tamara Simon, MD, MSPH, FAAP
Institute Co-Director, CHLA; Workforce Development Unit Lead; Director of Workforce Development
SC CTSI Role
CHLA Site Principal Investigator
Dr. Simon provides strategic and operational leadership for the SC CTSI at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), ensuring that the institute’s clinical and translational research priorities reflect the needs of CHLA investigators and the communities they serve. In this role, she partners with CHLA leadership, investigators, and SC CTSI colleagues to expand opportunities in clinical, health system, community-engaged research, education, and training.
Her work includes advancing access to SC CTSI resources and services, identifying barriers to research infrastructure and participation, strengthening coordination across CHLA and USC, and supporting initiatives that accelerate translation and improve health outcomes for children, families, and special populations. Dr. Simon also serves as Principal Investigator for the CHLA SC CTSI subcontract, works closely with CHLA SC CTSI co-investigators, and contributes to institute-wide strategy as a member of the SC CTSI Director’s Team.
Director, Workforce Development
Dr. Simon leads SC CTSI workforce development efforts focused on preparing a diverse, collaborative, and highly skilled clinical and translational research workforce. Her work supports career clinical researchers, research staff, clinicians, community partners, and other collaborators through education, training, mentoring, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts emphasize team science, community-engaged research, health equity, and the practical skills needed to conduct impactful clinical and translational science across varied settings.
Contact Information
tsimon@chla.usc.edu
323-361-6177
View USC Profile
Professional Background
Dr. Tamara Simon is a Professor of Pediatrics (Clinical Scholar) in the Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, and a pediatric hospitalist at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her research focuses on improving the quality, effectiveness, and evidence base of inpatient care for children with medical complexity. Her program spans clinical, translational, and health services research, with an emphasis on generating evidence that supports better systems of care, improved outcomes, and more equitable approaches for children and families.
Dr. Simon is nationally recognized for her contributions to pediatric hospital medicine, clinical and translational research, and mentorship. She received the Outstanding Research Award in Pediatric Hospital Medicine in 2018 and was inducted into the American Pediatric Society in 2019. Her national leadership has included service as co-chair of the Academic Pediatric Association Hospital Medicine Special Interest Group, co-chair of the Pediatric Hospital Medicine annual meeting, and co-chair of the Academic Pediatric Association Leadership Precourse planning committee. She has also served on the Society for Pediatric Research Executive Council and led its Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion taskforce from 2019 to 2022. A member of the editorial board of Hospital Pediatrics since 2010 and an Associate Editor since 2014, Dr. Simon also reviews grants for the National Institutes of Health and other foundations. Across her roles, she remains deeply committed to mentoring residents, fellows, junior faculty, and emerging physician-scientists, particularly those pursuing careers in hospital medicine, general pediatrics, and related areas of clinical and translational science.
Interests
Tamara enjoys hanging out with her children, watching baseball, and occasionally yoga, hiking, and reading.