Dr. Gwendolyn J. Messer is Medical Director of Children's Research Triangle, where she works with a team of child psychologists, infant mental health specialists, social workers, and therapists to provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment for children with a history of prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, childhood traumatic stress, emerging mental health disorders, and developmental delays. Dr. Messer attended medical school and completed her pediatric residency at Emory University School of Medicine and subsequently earned a master’s degree in Bioethics and Health Policy at Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Messer is committed to educating students, professionals, and caregivers about the impact of prenatal substance exposure and traumatic stress on the developing child, with a goal of improving access to informed care and promoting prevention.  She has presented locally and nationally on topics related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), prenatal substance exposure, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), childhood trauma, adoption, and children’s emotional and behavioral health.

Dr. Messer is pleased to serve CMS and RFUMS as a clinical preceptor for third-year medical students in their pediatrics rotation as well as a Learning Community Mentor and Clinical Reflections faculty for Emanuel House.