November 3, 2021 -- In a new partnership between Columbus City Schools and Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Sara Bode will serve as the District Medical Consultant for the 2021-2022 school year. 

Dr. Bode, who is a primary care pediatrician and the medical director of Nationwide Children's Hospital's Care Connection School-Based Health and Mobile Clinics, will support CCS in a dual role between the District and Nationwide Children’s.

“We are fortunate to have a national expert of Dr. Bode’s caliber in our own backyard here in Columbus,” said CCS Superintendent/CEO Dr. Talisa Dixon. “Dr. Bode has been a trusted advisor and resource throughout the pandemic, and we are excited to have her on our team in a larger role through this new partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

“Her expertise will be valuable as we continue to navigate the pandemic and prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff while maintaining in-person learning.”

In addition to providing leadership and counsel on pandemic learning, Dr. Bode will assist in establishing an innovative plan for the future of school- and community-based health resources in Columbus City Schools.

“Pandemic or not, we know that we cannot do this work in isolation,” added Dr. Dixon. “Our partners, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, have been with us every step of the way to support our students, staff, families, and community. I look forward to the work ahead as we find innovative ways to strengthen our school-based health resources.”

Dr. Bode is also the co-director of the Pediatric Residency Advocacy Training at Nationwide Children's Hospital. She serves on the Executive Committee for the AAP Council on School Health and is also the Deputy Editor for AAP’s Pediatric Care Online. Her clinical work and research centers around the intersection of health and education and providing care for the underserved.