Research Faculty Spotlight: Atu Agawu, MD, MPH, MSCE

Lifelong curiosity drew Atu Agawu, MD, MPH, MSCE, to a career in research. “Growing up, I was always asking ‘why?’” he explains. “Now I'm interested in understanding clinical outcomes for pediatric intestinal failure.”

In this condition, the intestines cannot keep the body sufficiently hydrated, absorb nutrients, and support growth. To treat the condition, central venous catheters are often used to supply patients with nutrition and hydration. That’s where Dr. Agawu’s work comes in.

An attending physician and investigator in CHLA’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Dr. Agawu’s current research explores central line-associated bloodstream infections in children with intestinal failure. “Often, children who are living at home depend on their parents or caregivers to maintain the hygiene of these central venous lines and prevent infection,” he explains.

One of Dr. Agawu’s projects involves gathering focus groups of caregivers from diverse backgrounds to understand how they take care of central lines and how their practices impact infection risk. “I'm hoping to gain a multicultural perspective on how these devices are managed at home,” he explains.

His other major project is an observational study exploring how social determinants of health can impact long-term clinical outcomes for patients with intestinal failure.

Dr. Agawu’s goal is to use his findings to support equity of clinical outcomes by developing tools to help patient families and their clinicians identify risk factors for disease complications. “My favorite part about caring for patients is having conversations with families and seeing the look in their eyes when they understand something new,” he says.

Dr. Agawu explains that his curious nature derives from his upbringing. “I grew up on three different continents,” he says. “I was born in England, so I still follow London sports teams. My parents are originally from Ghana, so I spent time there and have a strong cultural connection there. And then I came to the United States, where I’ve spent most of my life.”

In addition to studying biomedical engineering and obtaining a degree in public health and clinical epidemiology, Dr. Agawu attended the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He then came to CHLA in 2023 to take part in a one-year gastroenterology nutrition training program before moving into his current position.

After hours, Dr. Agawu enjoys following London’s Arsenal Football Club, building wildlife-themed Lego sets and reading.