Dr. Cruz joined Philadelphia FIGHT in 2017 with the goal of building Philadelphia FIGHT’s first (and best!) Pediatric health center. He joined Philadelphia FIGHT Pediatrics after 9 years as an academic pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, where he led the medical training program as an Associate Residency Program Director. In addition to being recognized as one of Philadelphia’s best pediatricians and receiving numerous awards for community service, social innovation, teaching and mentorship, Dr. Cruz has unique expertise and training in Child Abuse Pediatrics through the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Child Abuse Preceptorship.
Six months ago, in a significant moment of transition for the health centers, Dr. Cruz agreed to serve as the Interim Director of Y-HEP while continuing to serve as the Medical Director of Pediatrics. Over the last several months, Dr. Cruz and Y-HEP staff members have worked together to continue the excellent work of serving adolescents and young adults. Dr. Cruz is committed to continuing the innovative work that makes Y-HEP so special while also continuing to build the best pediatric practice in the City.
“I’m excited to contribute towards the mission of Philadelphia FIGHT in a broader capacity. The reality is that some youth are suffering and dying more than others, simply because of who they are. My role is to harness the tremendous skills, resources and creativity of the Pediatrics and YHEP clinics towards the elimination of these disparities.”
Dr. Mario Cruz, Director of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine
FIGHT Pediatrics provides high-quality, comprehensive primary care to address the physical and emotional health needs of children from birth through age 18. Located in Center City Philadelphia, we are specially tailored to care for children and adolescents who have experienced social adversity. Patients of all income levels, races, nationalities, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, insurance statuses, are welcomed regardless of ability to pay.
The Y-HEP Health Center offers an inclusive, trauma-informed, gender affirming approach to healthcare for adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24), providing access to comprehensive primary care, sexual and reproductive health services, integrated behavioral health, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV), and other relevant social services that aim to address the social determinants of health.