About Dr. Barbara Knox
Dr. Barbara Knox, MD, is a Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Florida and a board-certified expert in General and Child Abuse Pediatrics. She serves as a Child Protection Team physician and directs fellowships in Child Abuse Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine, Barbara Knox MD completed training at Mayo Clinic and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on child torture and complex maltreatment. She consults with federal agencies and has published widely on child abuse, including abusive head trauma and burns. Dr. Barbara Knox is recognized globally for her contributions to child protection.
Core Competencies
Child Abuse Pediatrics
Expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical, psychological in children, with board certification in Child Abuse Pediatrics.
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Medical Education and Fellowship Leadership
Directs multiple fellowship programs, including Child Abuse Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine, with a focus on advanced medical training and mentorship.
Research in Child Maltreatment and Torture
Leads national and international research on child abuse, particularly in the areas of child physical/psychological torture as recognized forms of abuse.
Grant and Contract Management
Serves as Principal Investigator for multiple federally and institutionally funded research grants and contracts related to child protection and abuse prevention.
Scholarly Publishing and Thought Leadership
Widely published author on topics in child abuse, including child torture, with national and international recognition for academic and clinical contributions.
Expertise Of Dr. Barbara Knox
My Mission
My mission is to protect vulnerable children through expert clinical care, evidence-based research, and national leadership in child abuse prevention. I am committed to advancing the early identification and treatment of child maltreatment, especially severe forms such as physical, psychological, and sexual torture, while training future medical leaders and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to strengthen systems of care. Through education, advocacy, and partnership with public health and law enforcement agencies, I strive to ensure every child has the chance to grow up safe, supported, and heard.
My Vision
My vision is to build a world where every child is protected from abuse and supported by systems that recognize, respond to, and prevent harm. I strive for a future where healthcare providers are empowered with the knowledge and tools to identify all forms of maltreatment, where children’s voices are heard, and where collaborative efforts between medicine, law enforcement, and public health lead to lasting safety, justice, and healing for the most vulnerable. I believe prevention starts with awareness, and meaningful change begins when we prioritize child well-being at every level of society.
