Children’s National names Natasha Shur, MD, chief of the Division of Genetics and Metabolism

Children’s National has named Natasha Shur, MD, as chief of the Division of Genetics and Metabolism, a part of the Hospital Based Specialties Center of Excellence.

Dr. Shur brings nearly two decades of experience as a medical geneticist and clinician leader dedicated to advancing care and research for children with genetic and metabolic conditions. She will help lead efforts to strengthen multidisciplinary care, expand research initiatives and advance innovation for children and families navigating rare diseases.

“We are thrilled to elevate Dr. Shur into this important leadership role,” said Ethan Leonard, MD, MBA, senior vice president of Hospital Based Specialties at Children’s National. “She brings exceptional clinical expertise, a strong commitment to research and education, and a passion for improving outcomes for children with rare and complex conditions. Her leadership will help strengthen our nationally recognized genetics and metabolism programs and continue advancing care for patients and families.”

Dr. Shur earned her medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her pediatric residency and genetics training at Montefiore Medical Center. She is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics and is a member of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.

Her clinical work has focused on supporting multidisciplinary programs, including the Children’s National Cleft and Craniofacial Program, Vascular Anomalies Clinic and Growth Program for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Her academic and research interests center on child advocacy and improving care for children living with rare diseases. Dr. Shur’s research portfolio spans clinical trials investigating novel therapies for rare disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU) and Niemann-Pick disease type C, as well as investigator-initiated studies focused on conditions such as rhabdomyolysis.

She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and numerous book chapters and recently co-edited an issue of Pediatric Annals focused on multidisciplinary growth perspectives. Her work has earned multiple recognitions for teaching excellence, patient care and leadership, including the 2021 NORD Rare Impact Award.

“It is the honor of a lifetime to represent the talented faculty and team members of the Division of Genetics and Metabolism at Children’s National,” Dr. Shur said. “My colleagues and I are dedicated to improving care for children during this pivotal moment in rare disease care and research, and I am excited to help shape the future of the field together."