Joelle Simpson, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She is Chief of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness at Children's National Hospital in Washington DC where she provides strategic leadership for disaster preparedness, response, and community outreach efforts.  Dr Simpson serves as co-principal investigator of the Pediatric Pandemic Network, a federally funded program of the Health Resources and Services Administration. The purpose of the PPN is to coordinate among the Nation’s children’s hospitals and their communities in preparing for and responding to global health threats, including the coordination, preparation, response, and real-time dissemination of research-informed pediatric care for future pandemics and disasters. Dr Simpson is also a member of the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) providing guidance to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response on scientific, technical, and other matters related to public health emergency preparedness and response. She currently serves as Treasurer/Secretary on the American Academy of Pediatrics Board of Directors