Kirsten Bechtel, MD
Biography
Even in the hectic atmosphere of the Pediatric Emergency Department, Kirsten A. Bechtel, MD, who specializes in forensic medicine and child abuse, strives to never interrupt her patients or their caregivers.
“I like to ask open-ended questions and just let people talk. As health care providers, we can be so task-oriented and have to check off all of our boxes, it ends up being more of a transaction with a patient rather than a relationship,” she says. “So, I say, ‘Tell me everything that is going on.’ By not saying anything until they finish talking, you get an idea of what the real issues are.”
The Pediatric Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH) is a Level 1 trauma center and has exceptional subspecialty care for vulnerable children, such as those who have experienced abuse and neglect, sexual assault, domestic minor sex trafficking, and behavioral health emergencies, Dr. Bechtel says. “We know that the fewer adverse childhood experiences kids have, the more likely they will grow up to be productive, positive adults, which makes trying to recognize abuse, report it, and protect the child vital,” she adds.
The ED can be a difficult place for families, too, and Dr. Bechtel tries to reassure parents, telling them, “You are doing a beautiful job with this child. You just need a little help right now, and I am going to provide that.”
Dr. Bechtel ensures families are comfortable during ED visits, offering warm blankets and pillows, hot beverages, popsicles for the patients and their siblings, and activities such as coloring or blowing bubbles.
She is the co-medical director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at YNHCH. “This includes trying to prevent child abuse, medical injuries, or behavioral health injuries,” she explains. “Post-traumatic stress symptoms can be disabling to kids after they’ve gone through a traumatic event. We also look into trends in pedestrian and bicycle safety.”
Dr. Bechtel is an associate professor of pediatrics and of emergency medicine at Yale School of Medicine.
Titles
- Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and of Emergency Medicine
Education & Training
- FellowChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1996)
- ResidentSt. Christopher's Hospital for Children (1994)
- MDUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1991)
Additional Information
- David Leffell Prize for Clinical Excellence: Yale Medicine (2021)
- Ather Ali Award for Humanism in Medicine: Department of Pediatrics Yale School of Medicine (2020)
- Eton Ivy Award: Yale University-Office of New Haven Affairs and City of New Haven (2015)
- Partners Award: Children In Placement New Haven CT (2010)
- Invitation by the Surgeon General Multidisciplinary Workshop Child Maltreatment Prevention Bethesda MD: (2005)
- Child Advocacy Award : Children In Placement New Haven CT (2004)
- Public Service Award: Secretary of the State of Connecticut (2003)
- American Academy of Pediatrics Grand Rounds (2020 - Present): Editorial Board
- American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Child Death Review and Prevention (2019 - Present): Executive Committee Member
- Gaither J, McCollum S, Bechtel K, Leventhal J, Mintz S. The Circumstances Surrounding Fatal Pediatric Opioid Poisonings, 2004-2020. Pediatrics 2024, 154 PMID: 39484873, PMCID: PMC11528886, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-067043n.
- Bechtel K, Langhan M, Levine D, Hanson J. Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Mentoring. Pediatric Emergency Care 2024, 40: 449-453. PMID: 38563806, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003192.
- Reichard K, Levine D, Reed J, Barrick‐Groskopf L, Bechtel K, Cooper G, Hall J, White M, Langhan M. Spotlighting the imbalance: Gender disparities among speakers and awardees at pediatric emergency medicine conferences. Academic Emergency Medicine 2023, 30: 1138-1143. PMID: 37550843, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14786.
- Lepore C, Bechtel K, Choi J, Gawel M, Griggs S, Pathy S. Improving Care After Sexual Assault: A Needs Assessment for a Standardized, Patient-Centered Educational Resource [ID: 1377465]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2023, 141: 91s-91s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000931112.50405.07.
- Barrick L, Bechtel K, Cooper G, Hall J, Levine D, Reichard K, Reed J, White M, Langhan M. Building the Foundation. Pediatric Emergency Care 2023, 39: 294-295. PMID: 36625447, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002902.
- Schenck C, Wilson M, Tiyyagura G, Bechtel K. Parental attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to firearm storage: a qualitative study. Injury Epidemiology 2022, 9: 35. PMID: 36544237, PMCID: PMC9768769, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-022-00400-x.
- Bechtel K. Chest Radiograph Utility in Children With Asthma and Chest Pain. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 43-43. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-4-43.
- Shapiro-Mendoza C, Palusci V, Hoffman B, Batra E, Yester M, Corey T, Sens M, Moon R, Goodstein M, Abu Jawdeh E, Carlin R, Colvin J, Hwang S, Hauck F, Haney S, Sirotnak A, Asnes A, Gavril A, Greenlee Girardet R, Hoffert Gilmartin A, Heavilin N, Laskey A, Messner S, Mohr B, Nienow S, Rosado N, Agran P, Hirsh M, Johnston B, Kendi S, Lee L, Monroe K, Schaechter J, Tenenbein M, Zonfrillo M, Quinlan K, Bechtel K, Berkowitz C, Needelman H. Half Century Since SIDS: A Reappraisal of Terminology. Pediatrics 2021, 148: e2021053746. PMID: 34544849, PMCID: PMC8487943, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053746.
- Bechtel K. Invasive Bacterial Infections in Infants With Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 27-27. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-3-27.
- Bechtel K. Treating AGE in the ED: More ORT and Less IVF. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 18-18. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-2-18.
- Bechtel K. Window Falls in Preschool Aged Children: Uncommon But Preventable. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 3-3. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-1-3.
- Emerson BL, Setzer E, Bechtel K, Grossman M. Improving Patient Experience Scores in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Quality And Safety 2021, 6: e417. PMID: 34235347, PMCID: PMC8225380, DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000417.
- Bechtel K. Follow-Up Care of Distal Radius Buckle Fractures. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 51-51. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-5-51.
- Bechtel K. Cervical Spine Injuries in Brain-Injured Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 43-43. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-4-43.
- Bechtel K, Greenbaum J, Passmore S, Graff A. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition of Child Trafficking in Emergency Departments. Pediatrics 2021, 147: 193-193. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3ma2.193.
- Eysenbach L, Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Context Of Injury Among Abusive And Accidental Injuries In Children. Pediatrics 2021, 147: 198-199. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3ma2.198.
- Bechtel K. Rest and Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: Longer is Not Better. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 34-34. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-3-34.
- Bechtel K, Greenbaum J, Passmore S, Graff A. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition of Child Trafficking in Emergency Departments. 2021, 193-193. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3_meetingabstract.193.
- Eysenbach L, Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Context Of Injury Among Abusive And Accidental Injuries In Children. 2021, 198-199. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3_meetingabstract.198.
- Bechtel K. Radial Head Subluxation: Reduction Instead of Radiography. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 15-15. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-2-15.
- Bechtel K. Are We Reading Too Much into Nitrate-Negative Urine Dipsticks? AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 7-7. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-1-7.
- Bechtel K. Concussion Characteristics and Course in School-Aged Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 67-67. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-6-67.
- Shum M, Asnes A, Leventhal JM, Bechtel K, Gaither JR, Tiyyagura G. The Use of Experts to Evaluate a Child Abuse Guideline in Community Emergency Departments. Academic Pediatrics 2020, 21: 521-528. PMID: 33160081, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2020.11.001.
- Tiyyagura G, Emerson B, Gaither JR, Bechtel K, Leventhal JM, Becker H, Della Guistina K, Balga T, Mackenzie B, Shum M, Shapiro ED, Auerbach M, McVaney C, Morrell P, Asnes AG. Child Protection Team Consultation for Injuries Potentially Due to Child Abuse in Community Emergency Departments. Academic Emergency Medicine 2020, 28: 70-81. PMID: 32931628, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14132.
- Bechtel K. Bedside Ultrasound to Diagnose Skull Fractures in Young Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 33-33. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-3-33.
- Sexual Assault in an Adolescent Female: A Pediatric Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine ProvidersBechtel K, Bhatnagar A, Joseph M, Auerbach M. Sexual Assault in an Adolescent Female: A Pediatric Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine Providers. MedEdPORTAL 2020, 16: 10942. PMID: 32875091, PMCID: PMC7449576, DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10942.
- Bechtel K, Gawel M, Pina V. Impact of Statewide Safe Sleep Legislation on Hospital Practices and Rates of SUIDs. Pediatrics 2020, 146: 155-156. DOI: 10.1542/peds.146.1ma2.155.
- Bechtel K. Ondansetron for Home Use: Use It or Lose It? AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 6-6. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-1-6.
- Bechtel K, Gawel M, Vincent GA, Violano P. Impact of statewide safe sleep legislation on hospital practices and rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths. Injury Epidemiology 2020, 7: 22. PMID: 32532344, PMCID: PMC7291413, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-020-00247-0.
- Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Impact of the Take 5 Safety Plan for Crying on the Occurrence of Abusive Head Trauma in Infants. Child Abuse Review 2020, 29: 282-290. DOI: 10.1002/car.2622.
- Bechtel K. Effect of Depression and Anxiety on Childhood Asthma ED Visits. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 43: 35-35. DOI: 10.1542/gr.43-3-35.
- Bechtel K. Getting Specific About Urine Specific Gravity. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 43: 18-18. DOI: 10.1542/gr.43-2-18.
- Bechtel K. Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Steroids in Croup. AAP Grand Rounds 2019, 42: 68-68. DOI: 10.1542/gr.42-6-68.
- Bechtel K. When Can Hospitalized Neonates With Only Historical Fever Be Discharged? AAP Grand Rounds 2019, 42: 55-55. DOI: 10.1542/gr.42-5-55.
- Wiley M, Schultheis A, Francis B, Tiyyagura G, Leventhal JM, Rutherford H, Mayes LC, Bechtel K. Parents’ Perceptions of Infant Crying: A Possible Path to Preventing Abusive Head Trauma. Academic Pediatrics 2019, 20: 448-454. PMID: 31629119, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2019.10.009.
- Choi J, Bechtel K, Pathy S. Patients Presenting After Sexual Assault: Population Characteristics and Rates of Follow up [1D]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2019, 133: 42s-41s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000558959.60784.2f.
- Woolf SM, Leventhal JM, Gaither JR, Hardikar P, Langhan ML, Bechtel K, Auerbach MA, Tiyyagura G. Oral injuries in children less than 24 months of age in a pediatric emergency department. Child Abuse & Neglect 2019, 89: 70-77. PMID: 30639971, DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.006.
- Bechtel K, Derbyshire M, Gaither JR, Leventhal JM. Characteristics That Distinguish Abusive From Nonabusive Causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths. Pediatric Emergency Care 2019, 37: e780-e783. PMID: 30829845, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001787.
- Violano P, Aysseh N, Lucas M, Gawel M, Morrell P, Norway C, Alfano A, Bechtel K. Feasibility of providing child restraint devices after a motor vehicle crash in a pediatric emergency department. Traffic Injury Prevention 2018, 19: 844-848. PMID: 30657709, DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2018.1496243.
- Wong K, Sequeira S, Bechtel K. Pediatric Bilateral Facial Paralysis: An Unusual Presentation of Lyme Disease. Pediatric Emergency Care 2018, Publish Ahead of Print: 1. PMID: 30365410, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001648.
- Bechtel K, Bhatnagar A, Auerbach M. Simulation-based research to improve infant health outcomes: Using the infant simulator to prevent infant shaking. Infant Behavior And Development 2018, 56: 101263. PMID: 29903429, DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2018.05.006.
- Mbachu SN, Pieribone VA, Bechtel KA, McCarthy ML, Melnick ER. Optimizing recruitment and retention of adolescents in ED research: Findings from concussion biomarker pilot study. The American Journal Of Emergency Medicine 2017, 36: 884-887. PMID: 28918968, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.09.014.
- Tiyyagura G, Beucher M, Bechtel K, Pade KH. Nonaccidental injury in pediatric patients: detection, evaluation, and treatment [digest]. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2017, 14: S1-S2. PMID: 28742308.
- Tiyyagura G, Beucher M, Bechtel K. Nonaccidental Injury in Pediatric Patients: Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2017, 14: 1-32. PMID: 28665574.
- Leventhal JM, Asnes AG, Bechtel K. Prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Time to Rethink Interventions and Reframe Messages. JAMA Pediatrics 2017, 171: 218-220. PMID: 28135369, DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.4512.
- Alphonso A, Auerbach M, Bechtel K, Bilodeau K, Gawel M, Koziel J, Whitfill T, Tiyyagura GK. Development of a Child Abuse Checklist to Evaluate Prehospital Provider Performance. Prehospital Emergency Care 2016, 21: 222-232. PMID: 27700209, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2016.1229824.
- Dodington J, Violano P, Baum CR, Bechtel K. Drugs, guns and cars: how far we have come to improve safety in the United States; yet we still have far to go. Pediatric Research 2016, 81: 227-232. PMID: 27673424, DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.193.
- Tiyyagura GK, Gawel M, Alphonso A, Koziel J, Bilodeau K, Bechtel K. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse by Prehospital Providers. Prehospital Emergency Care 2016, 21: 46-53. PMID: 27436455, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2016.1204038.
- Riera A, Bokhari SA, Bechtel K. If You Twinkle When You Tinkle, Stones Are Found on Ultrasound. Pediatric Emergency Care 2016, 32: 246-249. PMID: 26359827, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000542.
- Violano P, Roney L, Bechtel K. The incidence of pedestrian distraction at urban intersections after implementation of a Streets Smarts campaign. Injury Epidemiology 2015, 2: 18. PMID: 27747750, PMCID: PMC5005686, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-015-0050-7.
- Tiyyagura G, Gawel M, Koziel JR, Asnes A, Bechtel K. Barriers and Facilitators to Detecting Child Abuse and Neglect in General Emergency Departments. Annals Of Emergency Medicine 2015, 66: 447-454. PMID: 26231409, DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.06.020.
- Becker HJ, Bechtel K. Recognizing Victims of Human Trafficking in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2015, 31: 144-147. PMID: 25651385, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000357.
- Emerson BL, Bradley ER, Riera A, Mayes L, Bechtel K. Postpartum Depression Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2014, 30: 788-792. PMID: 25343740, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000260.
- Alfonzo MJ, Bechtel K, Babineau S. Management Of Headache In The Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2013, 10: 1-25. PMID: 26505695.
- Emerson B, Bechtel K. Sexual Assault and Date Rape. 2013, 371-374. DOI: 10.1002/9781118538555.ch53.
- Bechtel K. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. Pediatric Emergency Care 2012, 28: 1085-1089. PMID: 23034500, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31826d1e9a.
- Bechtel K, Le K, Martin KD, Shah N, Leventhal JM, Colson E. Impact of an Educational Intervention on Caregivers’ Beliefs About Infant Crying and Knowledge of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Academic Pediatrics 2011, 11: 481-486. PMID: 21940233, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2011.08.001.
- Bechtel K, Siew L. Arm Pain and Fever as an Unusual Presentation of Lobar Pneumonia in a 3-Year-Old Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2011, 27: 420-421. PMID: 21546807, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e318218754e.
- Hepatosplenomegaly and Reticulocytopenia as Prominent Features of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic SyndromeBechtel K, Iragorri S. Hepatosplenomegaly and Reticulocytopenia as Prominent Features of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Pediatric Emergency Care 2010, 26: 510-511. PMID: 20622633, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e3181e5bffb.
- Bechtel K. Sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections in children and adolescents. Current Opinion In Pediatrics 2010, 22: 94-99. PMID: 19952927, DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32833502ad.
- Bechtel K, Frasure S, Marshall C, Dziura J, Simpson C. Relationship of Serum S100B Levels and Intracranial Injury in Children With Closed Head Trauma. Pediatrics 2009, 124: e697-e704. PMID: 19786430, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-1493.
- Lindberg D, Makoroff K, Harper N, Laskey A, Bechtel K, Deye K, Shapiro R. Utility of Hepatic Transaminases to Recognize Abuse in Children. Pediatrics 2009, 124: 509-516. PMID: 19620197, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-2348.
- Bechtel K, Soltis M. Traumatic bone cyst of the mandible in a 10-year-old boy. Pediatric Emergency Care 2009, 25: 96-7. PMID: 19225375, DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e318196eadf.
- Bechtel K, Ryan E, Gallagher D. Impact of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on the Evaluation of Sexual Assault in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2008, 24: 442-447. PMID: 18580706, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31817de11d.
- Bechtel K, Santucci K, Walsh S. Hematoma of the Labia Majora in an Adolescent Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2007, 23: 407-408. PMID: 17572528, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000278399.47999.0b.
- Bechtel K, Berger R. Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury: Making the Diagnosis in the Emergency Department. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2006, 7: 138-142. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2006.05.002.
- Bechtel K, Moss RL, Leventhal JM, Spiro D, Abo A. Duodenal Hematoma After Upper Endoscopy and Biopsy in a 4-Year-Old Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2006, 22: 653-654. PMID: 16983252, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000235840.52072.0c.
- Bechtel K, Stoessel K, Leventhal J, Duncan C. Retinal Hemorrhages in Accidental and Nonaccidental Injury: In Reply. Pediatrics 2005, 115: 192-192. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-2150.
- Bechtel K, Stoessel K, Leventhal JM, Ogle E, Teague B, Lavietes S, Banyas B, Allen K, Dziura J, Duncan C. Characteristics That Distinguish Accidental From Abusive Injury in Hospitalized Young Children With Head Trauma. Pediatrics 2004, 114: 165-168. PMID: 15231923, DOI: 10.1542/peds.114.1.165.
- Bechtel K. Acute Mental Status Change due to Acute Confusional Migraine. Pediatric Emergency Care 2004, 20: 238-241. PMID: 15057179, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000121244.99242.67.
- Mull CC, Scarfone RJ, Ferri LR, Carlin T, Salvaggio C, Bechtel KA, Trephan MA, Rissman RL, Gracely EJ. A Randomized Trial of Nebulized Epinephrine vs Albuterol in the Emergency Department Treatment of Bronchiolitis. JAMA Pediatrics 2004, 158: 113-118. PMID: 14757602, DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.158.2.113.
- Listman DA, Bechtel K. Accidental and abusive head injury in young children. Current Opinion In Pediatrics 2003, 15: 299-303. PMID: 12806261, DOI: 10.1097/00008480-200306000-00013.
- Bechtel K, Carroll M. Medical and forensic evaluation of the adolescent after sexual assault. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2003, 4: 37-46. DOI: 10.1016/s1522-8401(03)80005-8.
- Leventhal J, Bechtel K. Child Abuse, Head Injuries. 2003, 696-701. DOI: 10.1016/b0-12-226870-9/00037-x.
- ISAACMAN D, POIRIER M, BAXTER A, BECHTEL K, PIERCE M. Abuse or not abuse: That is the question. Pediatric Emergency Care 2002, 18: 203-208. PMID: 12066010, DOI: 10.1097/00006565-200206000-00014.
- Bechtel K, Bhende M, Venkataraman S, Allen J. Use of the esophageal detector device in a newborn-piglet model. Annals Of Emergency Medicine 1998, 31: 344-50. PMID: 9506492.
- Chadwick DL, Kirschner RH, Reece RM, Ricci LR, Alexander R, Amaya M, Bays JA, Bechtel K, Beltran-Coker R, Berkowitz CD, Blatt SD, Botash AS, Brown J, Carrasco M, Christian C, Clyne P, Coury DL, Crawford J, Cunningham N, DeBellis MD, Derauf C, de Triquet J, Dreyer BP, Dubowitz H, Zenel JA. Shaken baby syndrome--a forensic pediatric response. Pediatrics 1998, 101: 321-3. PMID: 9457163.
- Bowe CM, Veale K. Sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine observed in mammalian sciatic nerves during acute pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy and recovery. Experimental Neurology 1988, 100: 448-58. PMID: 2835253.
Biography
Even in the hectic atmosphere of the Pediatric Emergency Department, Kirsten A. Bechtel, MD, who specializes in forensic medicine and child abuse, strives to never interrupt her patients or their caregivers.
“I like to ask open-ended questions and just let people talk. As health care providers, we can be so task-oriented and have to check off all of our boxes, it ends up being more of a transaction with a patient rather than a relationship,” she says. “So, I say, ‘Tell me everything that is going on.’ By not saying anything until they finish talking, you get an idea of what the real issues are.”
The Pediatric Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital (YNHCH) is a Level 1 trauma center and has exceptional subspecialty care for vulnerable children, such as those who have experienced abuse and neglect, sexual assault, domestic minor sex trafficking, and behavioral health emergencies, Dr. Bechtel says. “We know that the fewer adverse childhood experiences kids have, the more likely they will grow up to be productive, positive adults, which makes trying to recognize abuse, report it, and protect the child vital,” she adds.
The ED can be a difficult place for families, too, and Dr. Bechtel tries to reassure parents, telling them, “You are doing a beautiful job with this child. You just need a little help right now, and I am going to provide that.”
Dr. Bechtel ensures families are comfortable during ED visits, offering warm blankets and pillows, hot beverages, popsicles for the patients and their siblings, and activities such as coloring or blowing bubbles.
She is the co-medical director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids at YNHCH. “This includes trying to prevent child abuse, medical injuries, or behavioral health injuries,” she explains. “Post-traumatic stress symptoms can be disabling to kids after they’ve gone through a traumatic event. We also look into trends in pedestrian and bicycle safety.”
Dr. Bechtel is an associate professor of pediatrics and of emergency medicine at Yale School of Medicine.
Titles
- Professor of Pediatrics (Emergency Medicine) and of Emergency Medicine
Education & Training
- FellowChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh (1996)
- ResidentSt. Christopher's Hospital for Children (1994)
- MDUniversity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1991)
Additional Information
- David Leffell Prize for Clinical Excellence: Yale Medicine (2021)
- Ather Ali Award for Humanism in Medicine: Department of Pediatrics Yale School of Medicine (2020)
- Eton Ivy Award: Yale University-Office of New Haven Affairs and City of New Haven (2015)
- Partners Award: Children In Placement New Haven CT (2010)
- Invitation by the Surgeon General Multidisciplinary Workshop Child Maltreatment Prevention Bethesda MD: (2005)
- Child Advocacy Award : Children In Placement New Haven CT (2004)
- Public Service Award: Secretary of the State of Connecticut (2003)
- American Academy of Pediatrics Grand Rounds (2020 - Present): Editorial Board
- American Academy of Pediatrics Section of Child Death Review and Prevention (2019 - Present): Executive Committee Member
- Gaither J, McCollum S, Bechtel K, Leventhal J, Mintz S. The Circumstances Surrounding Fatal Pediatric Opioid Poisonings, 2004-2020. Pediatrics 2024, 154 PMID: 39484873, PMCID: PMC11528886, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2024-067043n.
- Bechtel K, Langhan M, Levine D, Hanson J. Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Mentoring. Pediatric Emergency Care 2024, 40: 449-453. PMID: 38563806, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000003192.
- Reichard K, Levine D, Reed J, Barrick‐Groskopf L, Bechtel K, Cooper G, Hall J, White M, Langhan M. Spotlighting the imbalance: Gender disparities among speakers and awardees at pediatric emergency medicine conferences. Academic Emergency Medicine 2023, 30: 1138-1143. PMID: 37550843, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14786.
- Lepore C, Bechtel K, Choi J, Gawel M, Griggs S, Pathy S. Improving Care After Sexual Assault: A Needs Assessment for a Standardized, Patient-Centered Educational Resource [ID: 1377465]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2023, 141: 91s-91s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000931112.50405.07.
- Barrick L, Bechtel K, Cooper G, Hall J, Levine D, Reichard K, Reed J, White M, Langhan M. Building the Foundation. Pediatric Emergency Care 2023, 39: 294-295. PMID: 36625447, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000002902.
- Schenck C, Wilson M, Tiyyagura G, Bechtel K. Parental attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to firearm storage: a qualitative study. Injury Epidemiology 2022, 9: 35. PMID: 36544237, PMCID: PMC9768769, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-022-00400-x.
- Bechtel K. Chest Radiograph Utility in Children With Asthma and Chest Pain. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 43-43. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-4-43.
- Shapiro-Mendoza C, Palusci V, Hoffman B, Batra E, Yester M, Corey T, Sens M, Moon R, Goodstein M, Abu Jawdeh E, Carlin R, Colvin J, Hwang S, Hauck F, Haney S, Sirotnak A, Asnes A, Gavril A, Greenlee Girardet R, Hoffert Gilmartin A, Heavilin N, Laskey A, Messner S, Mohr B, Nienow S, Rosado N, Agran P, Hirsh M, Johnston B, Kendi S, Lee L, Monroe K, Schaechter J, Tenenbein M, Zonfrillo M, Quinlan K, Bechtel K, Berkowitz C, Needelman H. Half Century Since SIDS: A Reappraisal of Terminology. Pediatrics 2021, 148: e2021053746. PMID: 34544849, PMCID: PMC8487943, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-053746.
- Bechtel K. Invasive Bacterial Infections in Infants With Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 27-27. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-3-27.
- Bechtel K. Treating AGE in the ED: More ORT and Less IVF. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 18-18. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-2-18.
- Bechtel K. Window Falls in Preschool Aged Children: Uncommon But Preventable. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 46: 3-3. DOI: 10.1542/gr.46-1-3.
- Emerson BL, Setzer E, Bechtel K, Grossman M. Improving Patient Experience Scores in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Quality And Safety 2021, 6: e417. PMID: 34235347, PMCID: PMC8225380, DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000417.
- Bechtel K. Follow-Up Care of Distal Radius Buckle Fractures. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 51-51. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-5-51.
- Bechtel K. Cervical Spine Injuries in Brain-Injured Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 43-43. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-4-43.
- Bechtel K, Greenbaum J, Passmore S, Graff A. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition of Child Trafficking in Emergency Departments. Pediatrics 2021, 147: 193-193. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3ma2.193.
- Eysenbach L, Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Context Of Injury Among Abusive And Accidental Injuries In Children. Pediatrics 2021, 147: 198-199. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3ma2.198.
- Bechtel K. Rest and Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms: Longer is Not Better. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 34-34. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-3-34.
- Bechtel K, Greenbaum J, Passmore S, Graff A. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition of Child Trafficking in Emergency Departments. 2021, 193-193. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3_meetingabstract.193.
- Eysenbach L, Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Context Of Injury Among Abusive And Accidental Injuries In Children. 2021, 198-199. DOI: 10.1542/peds.147.3_meetingabstract.198.
- Bechtel K. Radial Head Subluxation: Reduction Instead of Radiography. AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 15-15. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-2-15.
- Bechtel K. Are We Reading Too Much into Nitrate-Negative Urine Dipsticks? AAP Grand Rounds 2021, 45: 7-7. DOI: 10.1542/gr.45-1-7.
- Bechtel K. Concussion Characteristics and Course in School-Aged Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 67-67. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-6-67.
- Shum M, Asnes A, Leventhal JM, Bechtel K, Gaither JR, Tiyyagura G. The Use of Experts to Evaluate a Child Abuse Guideline in Community Emergency Departments. Academic Pediatrics 2020, 21: 521-528. PMID: 33160081, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2020.11.001.
- Tiyyagura G, Emerson B, Gaither JR, Bechtel K, Leventhal JM, Becker H, Della Guistina K, Balga T, Mackenzie B, Shum M, Shapiro ED, Auerbach M, McVaney C, Morrell P, Asnes AG. Child Protection Team Consultation for Injuries Potentially Due to Child Abuse in Community Emergency Departments. Academic Emergency Medicine 2020, 28: 70-81. PMID: 32931628, DOI: 10.1111/acem.14132.
- Bechtel K. Bedside Ultrasound to Diagnose Skull Fractures in Young Children. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 33-33. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-3-33.
- Sexual Assault in an Adolescent Female: A Pediatric Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine ProvidersBechtel K, Bhatnagar A, Joseph M, Auerbach M. Sexual Assault in an Adolescent Female: A Pediatric Simulation Case for Emergency Medicine Providers. MedEdPORTAL 2020, 16: 10942. PMID: 32875091, PMCID: PMC7449576, DOI: 10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10942.
- Bechtel K, Gawel M, Pina V. Impact of Statewide Safe Sleep Legislation on Hospital Practices and Rates of SUIDs. Pediatrics 2020, 146: 155-156. DOI: 10.1542/peds.146.1ma2.155.
- Bechtel K. Ondansetron for Home Use: Use It or Lose It? AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 44: 6-6. DOI: 10.1542/gr.44-1-6.
- Bechtel K, Gawel M, Vincent GA, Violano P. Impact of statewide safe sleep legislation on hospital practices and rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths. Injury Epidemiology 2020, 7: 22. PMID: 32532344, PMCID: PMC7291413, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-020-00247-0.
- Bechtel K, Gaither J, Leventhal J. Impact of the Take 5 Safety Plan for Crying on the Occurrence of Abusive Head Trauma in Infants. Child Abuse Review 2020, 29: 282-290. DOI: 10.1002/car.2622.
- Bechtel K. Effect of Depression and Anxiety on Childhood Asthma ED Visits. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 43: 35-35. DOI: 10.1542/gr.43-3-35.
- Bechtel K. Getting Specific About Urine Specific Gravity. AAP Grand Rounds 2020, 43: 18-18. DOI: 10.1542/gr.43-2-18.
- Bechtel K. Comparative Effectiveness of Oral Steroids in Croup. AAP Grand Rounds 2019, 42: 68-68. DOI: 10.1542/gr.42-6-68.
- Bechtel K. When Can Hospitalized Neonates With Only Historical Fever Be Discharged? AAP Grand Rounds 2019, 42: 55-55. DOI: 10.1542/gr.42-5-55.
- Wiley M, Schultheis A, Francis B, Tiyyagura G, Leventhal JM, Rutherford H, Mayes LC, Bechtel K. Parents’ Perceptions of Infant Crying: A Possible Path to Preventing Abusive Head Trauma. Academic Pediatrics 2019, 20: 448-454. PMID: 31629119, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2019.10.009.
- Choi J, Bechtel K, Pathy S. Patients Presenting After Sexual Assault: Population Characteristics and Rates of Follow up [1D]. Obstetrics And Gynecology 2019, 133: 42s-41s. DOI: 10.1097/01.aog.0000558959.60784.2f.
- Woolf SM, Leventhal JM, Gaither JR, Hardikar P, Langhan ML, Bechtel K, Auerbach MA, Tiyyagura G. Oral injuries in children less than 24 months of age in a pediatric emergency department. Child Abuse & Neglect 2019, 89: 70-77. PMID: 30639971, DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.006.
- Bechtel K, Derbyshire M, Gaither JR, Leventhal JM. Characteristics That Distinguish Abusive From Nonabusive Causes of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths. Pediatric Emergency Care 2019, 37: e780-e783. PMID: 30829845, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001787.
- Violano P, Aysseh N, Lucas M, Gawel M, Morrell P, Norway C, Alfano A, Bechtel K. Feasibility of providing child restraint devices after a motor vehicle crash in a pediatric emergency department. Traffic Injury Prevention 2018, 19: 844-848. PMID: 30657709, DOI: 10.1080/15389588.2018.1496243.
- Wong K, Sequeira S, Bechtel K. Pediatric Bilateral Facial Paralysis: An Unusual Presentation of Lyme Disease. Pediatric Emergency Care 2018, Publish Ahead of Print: 1. PMID: 30365410, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001648.
- Bechtel K, Bhatnagar A, Auerbach M. Simulation-based research to improve infant health outcomes: Using the infant simulator to prevent infant shaking. Infant Behavior And Development 2018, 56: 101263. PMID: 29903429, DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2018.05.006.
- Mbachu SN, Pieribone VA, Bechtel KA, McCarthy ML, Melnick ER. Optimizing recruitment and retention of adolescents in ED research: Findings from concussion biomarker pilot study. The American Journal Of Emergency Medicine 2017, 36: 884-887. PMID: 28918968, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.09.014.
- Tiyyagura G, Beucher M, Bechtel K, Pade KH. Nonaccidental injury in pediatric patients: detection, evaluation, and treatment [digest]. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2017, 14: S1-S2. PMID: 28742308.
- Tiyyagura G, Beucher M, Bechtel K. Nonaccidental Injury in Pediatric Patients: Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2017, 14: 1-32. PMID: 28665574.
- Leventhal JM, Asnes AG, Bechtel K. Prevention of Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma: Time to Rethink Interventions and Reframe Messages. JAMA Pediatrics 2017, 171: 218-220. PMID: 28135369, DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2016.4512.
- Alphonso A, Auerbach M, Bechtel K, Bilodeau K, Gawel M, Koziel J, Whitfill T, Tiyyagura GK. Development of a Child Abuse Checklist to Evaluate Prehospital Provider Performance. Prehospital Emergency Care 2016, 21: 222-232. PMID: 27700209, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2016.1229824.
- Dodington J, Violano P, Baum CR, Bechtel K. Drugs, guns and cars: how far we have come to improve safety in the United States; yet we still have far to go. Pediatric Research 2016, 81: 227-232. PMID: 27673424, DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.193.
- Tiyyagura GK, Gawel M, Alphonso A, Koziel J, Bilodeau K, Bechtel K. Barriers and Facilitators to Recognition and Reporting of Child Abuse by Prehospital Providers. Prehospital Emergency Care 2016, 21: 46-53. PMID: 27436455, DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2016.1204038.
- Riera A, Bokhari SA, Bechtel K. If You Twinkle When You Tinkle, Stones Are Found on Ultrasound. Pediatric Emergency Care 2016, 32: 246-249. PMID: 26359827, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000542.
- Violano P, Roney L, Bechtel K. The incidence of pedestrian distraction at urban intersections after implementation of a Streets Smarts campaign. Injury Epidemiology 2015, 2: 18. PMID: 27747750, PMCID: PMC5005686, DOI: 10.1186/s40621-015-0050-7.
- Tiyyagura G, Gawel M, Koziel JR, Asnes A, Bechtel K. Barriers and Facilitators to Detecting Child Abuse and Neglect in General Emergency Departments. Annals Of Emergency Medicine 2015, 66: 447-454. PMID: 26231409, DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2015.06.020.
- Becker HJ, Bechtel K. Recognizing Victims of Human Trafficking in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2015, 31: 144-147. PMID: 25651385, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000357.
- Emerson BL, Bradley ER, Riera A, Mayes L, Bechtel K. Postpartum Depression Screening in the Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2014, 30: 788-792. PMID: 25343740, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000000260.
- Alfonzo MJ, Bechtel K, Babineau S. Management Of Headache In The Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice 2013, 10: 1-25. PMID: 26505695.
- Emerson B, Bechtel K. Sexual Assault and Date Rape. 2013, 371-374. DOI: 10.1002/9781118538555.ch53.
- Bechtel K. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death. Pediatric Emergency Care 2012, 28: 1085-1089. PMID: 23034500, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31826d1e9a.
- Bechtel K, Le K, Martin KD, Shah N, Leventhal JM, Colson E. Impact of an Educational Intervention on Caregivers’ Beliefs About Infant Crying and Knowledge of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Academic Pediatrics 2011, 11: 481-486. PMID: 21940233, DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2011.08.001.
- Bechtel K, Siew L. Arm Pain and Fever as an Unusual Presentation of Lobar Pneumonia in a 3-Year-Old Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2011, 27: 420-421. PMID: 21546807, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e318218754e.
- Hepatosplenomegaly and Reticulocytopenia as Prominent Features of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic SyndromeBechtel K, Iragorri S. Hepatosplenomegaly and Reticulocytopenia as Prominent Features of Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Pediatric Emergency Care 2010, 26: 510-511. PMID: 20622633, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e3181e5bffb.
- Bechtel K. Sexual abuse and sexually transmitted infections in children and adolescents. Current Opinion In Pediatrics 2010, 22: 94-99. PMID: 19952927, DOI: 10.1097/mop.0b013e32833502ad.
- Bechtel K, Frasure S, Marshall C, Dziura J, Simpson C. Relationship of Serum S100B Levels and Intracranial Injury in Children With Closed Head Trauma. Pediatrics 2009, 124: e697-e704. PMID: 19786430, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-1493.
- Lindberg D, Makoroff K, Harper N, Laskey A, Bechtel K, Deye K, Shapiro R. Utility of Hepatic Transaminases to Recognize Abuse in Children. Pediatrics 2009, 124: 509-516. PMID: 19620197, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2008-2348.
- Bechtel K, Soltis M. Traumatic bone cyst of the mandible in a 10-year-old boy. Pediatric Emergency Care 2009, 25: 96-7. PMID: 19225375, DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0b013e318196eadf.
- Bechtel K, Ryan E, Gallagher D. Impact of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners on the Evaluation of Sexual Assault in a Pediatric Emergency Department. Pediatric Emergency Care 2008, 24: 442-447. PMID: 18580706, DOI: 10.1097/pec.0b013e31817de11d.
- Bechtel K, Santucci K, Walsh S. Hematoma of the Labia Majora in an Adolescent Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2007, 23: 407-408. PMID: 17572528, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000278399.47999.0b.
- Bechtel K, Berger R. Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury: Making the Diagnosis in the Emergency Department. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2006, 7: 138-142. DOI: 10.1016/j.cpem.2006.05.002.
- Bechtel K, Moss RL, Leventhal JM, Spiro D, Abo A. Duodenal Hematoma After Upper Endoscopy and Biopsy in a 4-Year-Old Girl. Pediatric Emergency Care 2006, 22: 653-654. PMID: 16983252, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000235840.52072.0c.
- Bechtel K, Stoessel K, Leventhal J, Duncan C. Retinal Hemorrhages in Accidental and Nonaccidental Injury: In Reply. Pediatrics 2005, 115: 192-192. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-2150.
- Bechtel K, Stoessel K, Leventhal JM, Ogle E, Teague B, Lavietes S, Banyas B, Allen K, Dziura J, Duncan C. Characteristics That Distinguish Accidental From Abusive Injury in Hospitalized Young Children With Head Trauma. Pediatrics 2004, 114: 165-168. PMID: 15231923, DOI: 10.1542/peds.114.1.165.
- Bechtel K. Acute Mental Status Change due to Acute Confusional Migraine. Pediatric Emergency Care 2004, 20: 238-241. PMID: 15057179, DOI: 10.1097/01.pec.0000121244.99242.67.
- Mull CC, Scarfone RJ, Ferri LR, Carlin T, Salvaggio C, Bechtel KA, Trephan MA, Rissman RL, Gracely EJ. A Randomized Trial of Nebulized Epinephrine vs Albuterol in the Emergency Department Treatment of Bronchiolitis. JAMA Pediatrics 2004, 158: 113-118. PMID: 14757602, DOI: 10.1001/archpedi.158.2.113.
- Listman DA, Bechtel K. Accidental and abusive head injury in young children. Current Opinion In Pediatrics 2003, 15: 299-303. PMID: 12806261, DOI: 10.1097/00008480-200306000-00013.
- Bechtel K, Carroll M. Medical and forensic evaluation of the adolescent after sexual assault. Clinical Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2003, 4: 37-46. DOI: 10.1016/s1522-8401(03)80005-8.
- Leventhal J, Bechtel K. Child Abuse, Head Injuries. 2003, 696-701. DOI: 10.1016/b0-12-226870-9/00037-x.
- ISAACMAN D, POIRIER M, BAXTER A, BECHTEL K, PIERCE M. Abuse or not abuse: That is the question. Pediatric Emergency Care 2002, 18: 203-208. PMID: 12066010, DOI: 10.1097/00006565-200206000-00014.
- Bechtel K, Bhende M, Venkataraman S, Allen J. Use of the esophageal detector device in a newborn-piglet model. Annals Of Emergency Medicine 1998, 31: 344-50. PMID: 9506492.
- Chadwick DL, Kirschner RH, Reece RM, Ricci LR, Alexander R, Amaya M, Bays JA, Bechtel K, Beltran-Coker R, Berkowitz CD, Blatt SD, Botash AS, Brown J, Carrasco M, Christian C, Clyne P, Coury DL, Crawford J, Cunningham N, DeBellis MD, Derauf C, de Triquet J, Dreyer BP, Dubowitz H, Zenel JA. Shaken baby syndrome--a forensic pediatric response. Pediatrics 1998, 101: 321-3. PMID: 9457163.
- Bowe CM, Veale K. Sensitivity to 4-aminopyridine observed in mammalian sciatic nerves during acute pyridoxine-induced sensory neuropathy and recovery. Experimental Neurology 1988, 100: 448-58. PMID: 2835253.