My research interests center around transitions of care from pediatric to adult healthcare settings for adolescents and young adults with disabilities. I am particularly interested in research that involves patients and families to develop effective and successful transition programs for all involved parties. I am also interested in improving overall healthcare for individuals with disabilities in order to reduce health disparities.
Publications
Sarmiento, C.A.; Wyrwa, J.M.; Chambliss, A.V.; Stearns-Yoder, K.A.; Hoffberg, A.S.; Appel, A.; Brenner, B.O.; Brenner, L.A. (2022). Developmental outcomes following abusive head trauma in infancy: A systematic review. Journal of Head Trauma. DOI: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000808
Barber K, Sarmiento C, Niehaus W. Hyperextension-Induced Dorsal Cord Syndrome: Case Presentation. PM R. 2020 May;12(5):518-521. PubMed PMID: 31498971
Sarmiento C, Miller SR, Chang E, Zazove P, Kumagai AK. From Impairment to Empowerment: A Longitudinal Medical School Curriculum on Disabilities. Acad Med. 2016 Jul;91(7):954-7. PubMed PMID: 26422593
Professional Memberships
American Academy of Pediatrics, Member, Council on Children with Disabilities
American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Member
American Academy of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry, Member
American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine, Member, Complex Care Committee
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Board Certification
Pediatrics, Board Certification
Clinical Interests
General pediatric rehabilitation, inpatient and consult pediatric rehabilitation medicine, transitions of care for adolescents and young adults with disabilities
Care Philosophy
I am passionate about providing comprehensive and developmentally appropriate care for individuals with disabilities across the lifespan. I am particularly interested in empowering adolescents and young adults with disabilities to be advocates for themselves and their healthcare.
Personal Interests
I love being outside in beautiful Colorado - hiking, running, camping, snowshoeing - especially if my two dogs (Sulley and Pula) can come along. I also enjoy trying new restaurants, creative plant-based cooking, and going to concerts (especially at Red Rocks!).
Volunteer Activities
I am passionate about improving inclusion and universal accessibility for individuals with disabilities. I helped to establish the Boulder Ballet Adaptive Dance Program and enjoy volunteering with them. Additionally, I love talking to medical students about how wonderful Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (especially Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine) is!
Public Speaking Yes
I enjoy speaking about and advocating for Disability Rights, transitions of care for adolescents and young adults with medical complexity, and overall improving the quality of care for individuals with disabilities to reduce health disparities.
General Information
Medical Schools:
MD, University of Michigan Medical School
(2016)
Undergraduate Schools:
BA/BS, Ohio State University (OH)
(2012)
Internships:
University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program
(2017)
Residency Programs:
University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program, Pediatrics (2021)
University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program, Chief Resident, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2021)
Fellowships:
University of Colorado (Children's Hospital Colorado) Program, Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
(2021)