Dr. Brittany Huynh, currently based in Indianapolis, IN, is a combined fellow in pediatric rheumatology and adolescent medicine at Riley Hospital for Children and the Indiana University School of Medicine. She will soon begin her new role as an attending physician at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she plans to continue her work at the intersection of rheumatology and adolescent health.
Her journey into pediatric rheumatology began during medical school, when an elective rotation with the team at Riley sparked her interest. She was drawn to the field by the meaningful impact it has on patients’ lives, particularly the ability to help young people maintain mobility and live more typical lives than would have been possible in the past. She found the families and youth she encountered deeply inspiring and felt eager to join such a vibrant and committed community.
Dr. Huynh’s involvement with CARRA has played a significant role in her journey. In her role as the fellow liaison for the Reproductive Health Workgroup, she has contributed to research and initiatives that prioritize the needs of adolescents. She recalls being inspired by the inclusion of patient and family voices when she attended her first CARRA meeting during residency, noting how impactful it was to see the work grounded in the lived experiences of those affected by these diseases. She credits her participation in CARRA with helping her shape her professional identity and build connections with mentors and peers who share her interest in reproductive and adolescent health within rheumatology.
Among her proudest achievements is her ongoing research project, a qualitative interview study focused on improving teratogenicity education for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). The study explores how AYAs and their caregivers understand the reproductive health risks associated with their medications, and how healthcare providers can better support them in applying that knowledge to their evolving lives. Through this work, Dr. Huynh has gained deeper insight into how medical information is communicated and absorbed which has inspired her to seek more effective ways to deliver this education both in her individual practice and across healthcare systems.
Looking ahead, Dr. Huynh hopes to develop a research program that creates tools and systems to help young people with rheumatic diseases take charge of their reproductive and overall health. Her goal is to promote autonomy through education and foster collaboration among providers, youth, and caregivers to address these essential needs.
Outside of work, Dr. Huynh enjoys spending time with her daughter Isabel, especially visiting museums, going to the library, and baking together. A dedicated hobby baker, she bakes nearly 500 cookies during the holiday season! She also finds joy in gardening and caring for her many houseplants.
CARRA is proud to spotlight Dr. Brittany Huynh for her dedication, compassion, and innovative contributions to the field of pediatric rheumatology!
– Bailey Parker, Membership Coordinator
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