Dr. Jonathan Pletcher
Courtesy of Jonathan Pletcher
Dr. Jonathan Pletcher, whose career has focused on adolescent and young adult medicine, will become the next director of medical services for Princeton University Health Services (UHS). His appointment is effective Sept. 14.
Pletcher is currently the clinical director of the Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). He also is an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
"Jon Pletcher is a superb clinician and compassionate medical leader," said UHS Executive Director John Kolligian. "He will be a great asset to Princeton."
UHS is a fully accredited health care facility that provides medical, mental health and wellness services to Princeton undergraduate and graduate students, their dependents, and faculty and staff. Pletcher will oversee all medical areas at UHS, including outpatient medical services, athletic medicine, employee health and the Infirmary.
"Jon will work with other UHS staff to guide high-quality clinical, prevention and community-based solutions to campus health issues," Kolligian said. "He cares deeply about students and grasps the essential role of health and well-being in advancing student learning and success."
Pletcher earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He has served in many leadership roles to create, expand and improve hospital-based health services for adolescents and young adults.
"Princeton University Health Services has both a history of excellence as well as a continued commitment to move the bar forward of what high quality college health care can do," Pletcher said. "I am excited to be a part of the collaborative working environment at UHS and Princeton, and to engage with a diverse and vibrant community of students, faculty and staff."
Pletcher has been at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh since 2008, having served as interim director of the Adolescent Medicine Fellowship in 2010 before being appointed clinical director. While there, he worked with local foundations and community stakeholders to create a youth development program that provides social, educational and other inclusive opportunities for the hospital's patients and their families.
Prior to that, he was a pediatric specialist at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where he established the subspecialty of adolescent medicine to respond to the community's growing and diversifying population of teens and young adults.
From 2000 to 2006, Pletcher held leadership positions at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, first as medical director of the Community Pediatrics and Advocacy Program, and later as medical director of the Adolescent Care Center. During this time, he also served as a clinical associate and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
"Jon has a proven track record in medicine for leading complex medical programs, creative problem-solving and cultivating strong relationships," Kolligian said. "He is also a gifted educator. He has been actively involved in medical education, supervision and mentorship at all levels, from medical students to residents and fellows, receiving numerous teaching awards."
Pletcher completed his medical internship and residency at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he also served as an adolescent medical fellow. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and serves on the board of the Education Law Center.
Pletcher will succeed Dr. Peter Johnsen, who will retire from the University on Aug. 31.
