Scott Jelinek, MD, MPH, MAEd

Tagline:Adolescent Medicine Physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Instructor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia, PA, USA

personal photo of Scott Jelinek, MD, MPH, MAEd

About Me

Scott Jelinek, MD, MPH, MAEd (he/him) is an Attending Physician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where he serves as the Clinical Informatics Champion for Adolescent Medicine and Patient Privacy, and an Instructor of Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. His research is dedicated to investigating ways to leverage health information technology, educational interventions, and clinical innovations to advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth and their families and improve their access to outstanding and affirming health care.

Dr. Jelinek strives to be a healer and advocate for his patients through his commitment to serve those who are most deserving of focused attention. To that end, he is centering his practice in positive youth development, strength-based communication, and the strong belief that all adolescents deserve to live their full and authentic selves. Dr. Jelinek provides medical care at CHOP’s Adolescent Initiative and the Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic.

Dr. Jelinek received both his MD and MPH from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he was a Human Rights and Social Justice Scholar and completed his pediatric residency training. Dr. Jelinek was also a public policy fellow with the New York Academy of Medicine and completed a Fellowship in Healthcare Consulting and Leadership with Deloitte Consulting in Washington, D.C. Dr. Jelinek received an MA in Education from the University of Colorado while he worked as a high school science teacher in the Denver public school system through Teach for America.

Education

  • Certificate

    from: 2023, until: present

    Field of study:Implementation ScienceSchool:University of Pennsylvania School of MedicineLocation:Philadelphia, PA

  • Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

    from: 2013, until: 2018

    Field of study:Distinction in Medical EducationSchool:Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiLocation:New York, NY

  • Masters of Public Health

    from: 2013, until: 2015

    Field of study:Public HealthSchool:Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiLocation:New York, NY

    Description

    Thesis titled "Anal Superficially Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SISCCA) Treatments and Outcomes.”
    Practicum with the Men’s Sexual Health Project: Conducted HIV and STI testing in public sex venues including clubs and bathhouses. Learned how to assess risk factors and counsel men on safer sex practices, harm reduction strategies, and biomedical interventions (PEP and PrEP) as well as how to connect the patients to care.

  • Masters of Arts in Education

    from: 2010, until: 2013

    Field of study:Curriculum & Instruction: Pedagogy for Urban LeadershipSchool:University of Colorado DenverLocation:Denver, CO

    Description

    Concentration: Health Education and Health Promotion

  • Bachelor's Degree

    from: 2006, until: 2010

    Field of study:International Studies with a focus on Global Health, Theology, and Pre-MedSchool:Boston College

    Description

    Graduating from the Honors Program with an International Studies major and Theology minor. Studied Abroad in Amman, Jordan. Received a Presidential Scholars Program.

Publications

  • The Role of Family Support in Moderating Mental Health Outcomes for LGBTQ+ Youth in Primary Care

    Journal ArticlePublisher:JAMA PediatricsDate:2024
    Authors:
    Joseph DelFerroJoseph WhelihanJungwon MinMaura PowellGabrielle DiFioreAri GzeshScott K. JelinekKaren T. G. SchwartzMolly DavisJason D. JonesAlexander G. FiksBrian P. JenssenSarah Wood
  • Rainbow Resilience: Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Sexual-and Gender-Diverse Youth

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Contemporary PediatricsDate:2024
    Authors:
    Ari S. GzeshScott K. JelinekRenata Arrington Sanders
  • 19. Telehealth Versus In-Person Instruction for Adolescents and Young Adults Initiating Gender-Affirming Testosterone Therapy

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Adolescent HealthDate:2024
    Authors:
    Kira J. NightingaleScott K. JelinekCaleb JonesLinda M. BevingtonKaja DarienAlexander DingAndi FuLinda S. KocentMiriam LangerKevin SuNadia Dowshen
  • “Death threats and despair”: A conceptual model delineating moral distress experienced by pediatric gender-affirming care providers

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Social Sciences & Humanities OpenDate:2024
    Authors:
    Ari S. GzeshDana PrinceScott K. JelinekAmy HillierShanna K. KattariJama SheltonMegan S. Paceley
    Description:
    Gender-Affirming Care Providers (GACPs) for children and adolescents function within an intricate socio-political landscape that necessitates navigating legislative restrictions, institutional betrayals, and overarching societal prejudices. This manuscript presents a conceptual model that captures the multifaceted factors inducing moral distress among these professionals, including social workers, counselors, nurses, and physicians. Employing a system dynamics lens, our model delineates the complex interplay of legislative, societal, and institutional pressures with individual experiences, coping mechanisms, and resilience-building endeavors. While underscoring the pronounced challenges confronting pediatric GACPs—ranging from societal oversight to the long-term implications of decisions made during adolescence—we also highlight the pivotal role of identity concordance in enhancing patient-provider interactions. Shared identities between transgender and gender-diverse patients and providers can act as catalysts for fostering trust, bridging communication gaps, and serving as affirming representations of societal acceptance and success. Based on these insights, we offer robust recommendations including comprehensive institutional training, technological safeguards against online harassment, community alliances for multifaceted support, and intensified nationwide advocacy campaigns emphasizing the evidence-based nature of gender-affirming care. Through this comprehensive exploration, our aim extends beyond merely outlining challenges; we spotlight potent avenues for intervention, positive change, and reinforced support structures for GACPs. In sum, this paper contributes a profound understanding of the dynamics influencing GACPs, offering a clarion call for proactive measures to support these professionals and their patients in today's challenging socio-political environment.
  • Queer-Affirming Mentorship: A Catalyst for Change and a Challenge to Power Structures

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Academic MedicineDate:2023
    Authors:
    Scott K. JelinekAri S. GzeshJoseph T. Whelihan
  • Gender-Affirming Medical Care for Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Patients

    Book ChapterPublisher:Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Practical Guide for Primary Care Date:2022
    Authors:
    Linda WespA. C. DemidontScott K. JelinekZil Goldstein
    Description:
    Transgender and gender nonbinary (TGNB) people often experience discrimination, homo−/transphobia, ineffective care from the healthcare system, and other broad structural determinations of health that place TGNB people at increased risk for poor health outcomes. This is particularly true for sexual and reproductive health. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of providing medical care to TGNB people, including a review of the effects of gender-affirming hormones, how to take an appropriate sexual and reproductive health history, considerations for sexual and reproductive health screenings, contraception options, and HIV prevention, all within a trauma-informed and gender-affirming framework.
  • Sexual and Reproductive Health in Adolescents and Young Adults

    Book ChapterPublisher:Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Practical Guide for Primary Care Date:2022
    Authors:
    David E. DeLaetScott K. Jelinek
    Description:
    Adolescence and young adulthood is a period during which individuals experience significant physical, emotional, mental, and social growth and development. Maintenance of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is critical in assuring that such growth and development occurs appropriately. This chapter explores the SRH of adolescents and young adults across a broad span of topics including the SRH visit, disorders of pubertal development and menstruation, sexual dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections, prevention of human immunodeficiency virus infection, pregnancy prevention and family planning, pregnancy and abortion, immunizations, cancer screening, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and care of sexual and gender minority youth. These issues will be reviewed using the best available evidence while emphasizing the importance of providers being familiar with standards regarding confidentiality and consent to care of minors as well as being competent in the care of patients of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and medical backgrounds.
  • Building Inclusive Healthcare for LGBTQ+ Youth: Improving the Collection and Utilization of Patients’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Information, Preferred Names and Gender Pronouns in a Pediatric Clinic

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Journal of Scientific Innovation in MedicineDate:2020
    Authors:
    Scott JelinekFatima ToorKristian BeckerKelly SmithBenjamin SchindelNicholas PuoploCamille HebertBari WinikNicole MannLauren AmblerCarolyn BirbigliaArnoldys StengelLaura Nell HodoChristopher TenoreCynthia Katz
  • Anal superficially invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SISCCA) treatments and outcomes

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Sexual HealthDate:2015
    Authors:
    Scott K. JelinekNinad PatilMichael M. GaisaStephen E. Goldstone
    Description:

    Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes high-grade dysplasia (HSIL), the anal cancer (AC) precursor. SISCCA is defined as ≤3 mm depth of invasion and ≤7 mm horizontal spread. AC with concomitant HSIL is often treated with chemotherapy and radiation (CRT). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with histology diagnosis of “minimally invasive” AC between 2004 and 2014. All specimens were reviewed to confirm SISCCA. Charts were analyzed for treatment and response. Patients with invasion close to SISCCA (1–5 mm invasion but 7–10 mm lateral spread) were also included. Results: Of 96 minimally invasive AC’s identified 25 had SISCCA and close to SISCCA. 19 were HIV+ MSM; median age 57 years. Initial biopsy yielded HSIL in 40% but suspicion led to excision and AC diagnosis. Treatment was excision in 13 and CRT in 12. None treated with excision had AC recurrence. Two treated with CRT recurred at 1.5 and 1.74 years. Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves predict HSIL recurrence at 2 years of 80.0% and 30.7% in those treated with excision and CRT, respectively; P = 0.003. Two patients, both treated with CRT, died of non-AC causes at 2.2 and 1.7 years. KM curves predict no difference in cancer recurrence between excision versus CRT; P = 0.229. Of 6 patients with lesion size slightly >SISCCA, 2 were treated with excision and 4 with CRT; all without AC recurrence. Conclusions: Superficially invasive AC must be fully excised to ensure it meets the definition of SISCCA as most will not. SISCCA at first is often diagnosed as HSIL and excision confirms the diagnosis. Although the numbers are small, SISCCA might be amenable to local excision. Excision did not increase risk of AC recurrence but increased risk of HSIL recurrence.

  • FDA: Base blood donation policy on science, not stigma

    ReportPublisher:STAT First OpinionDate:2023
    Authors:
    Scott K. Jelinek

Work Experiences

  • Adolescent Medicine Fellow

    from: 2021, until: 2024

    Organization:Children's Hospital of PhiladelphiaLocation:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

    Description:

    Dr. Jelinek provides medical care for adolescents and young adults at CHOP’s Adolescent Special Care Center and at the Gender and Sexuality Development Clinic, as well as primary care at Karabots Pediatric Care Center in West Philadelphia. Dr. Jelinek’s research is dedicated to investigating ways to leverage health information technology, educational interventions, and clinical innovations to advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth and their families and improve their access to outstanding and affirming health care.

  • Instructor of Pediatrics

    from: 2023, until: present

    Organization:Perelman School of Medicine at the University of PennsylvaniaLocation:Philadelphia, PA

    Description:

    Associate Fellow with the Leonard Davis Institute (LDI) of Health Economics at the University of Pennsylvania and on faculty at the Perelman School of Medicine.

  • Pediatric Resident Physician

    from: 2018, until: 2021

    Organization:The Mount Sinai HospitalLocation:New York, New York, United States

  • Consultant

    from: 2016, until: 2017

    Organization:DeloitteLocation:Washington D.C. Metro Area

    Description:

    Completed a ‘MD Fellowship in Health Care Consulting and Leadership’ with Deloitte’s Federal Practice

  • Science Teacher

    from: 2011, until: 2013

    Organization:Denver Center for International Studies at MontbelloLocation:Denver, CO

  • Science Teacher

    from: 2010, until: 2011

    Organization:Montbello High School

Honors & Awards

  • Richard D. Rowe Award for Clinical Research

    date: 2024-05-02

    Issuer:Society for Pediatric Research (SPR)

    Description:

    The SPR Richard D. Rowe Award for Clinical Research was established in 1988 by the colleagues, trainees, and friends of Dr. Rowe to honor his many personal achievements, commitment to academic excellence, integrity and humility.

  • Rica Arnon Award for Quality Improvement

    date: 2021-06-02

    Issuer:Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

  • Dr. David K. McDonogh Award for Diversity in Medical Education

    date: 2018-05-15

    Issuer:Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

  • Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society

    date: 2015-05-15

    Issuer:Beta Omicron Chapter of Delta Omega, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

    Description:

    Recognition of excellence in academics, research, and public health practice

  • Medical Student Excellence in Teaching Award

    date: 2015-05-15

    Issuer:Institute for Medical Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

  • Chief Marshall of the Cross & Crown Honors Society

    date: 2010-05-18

    Issuer:Boston College: Order of the Cross & Crown

    Description:

    The Order of the Cross and Crown is the Arts & Sciences honor society for seniors who, while achieving an average of at least A-, have established records of unusual service and leadership on the campus.

  • Finneran Valedictorian Commencement Award

    date: 2010-05-18

    Issuer:Boston College: College of Arts & Sciences

    Description:

    An award, the gift of Elizabeth and Theresa Finneran, given to the student who has achieved outstanding success in studies, while also devoting time and talents to other activities for the enrichment of the College and student life.

  • Advanced Study Grant

    date: 2008-06-02

    Issuer:Boston College

    Description:

    "Micro-Economics, Institutional Policies, and HIV/AIDS in Mozambique:" To support a study of the impact of standard of living and cultural attitudes on health care delivery.

  • Edward H. Finnegan, SJ, Memorial Award Candidate

    date: 2010-05-15

    Issuer:Boston College

    Description:

    Scott Jelinek is a Presidential Scholar majoring in international studies with a concentration in health care policy and minor in theology; worked intensively on HIV/ AIDS prevention and other public health initiatives with Opportunity International in Mozambique; served as a market surveyor in China and traveled to West Africa and East Asia; AIDS Awareness Committee co-president and publicity director; UGBC vice president and liaison to the GLBTQ Leadership Council, AHANA Leadership Council and Community Relations Department. “What I found most exciting was how humbly he wore his extraordinary intelligence,” said Founders Professor of Theology James Keenan, SJ, (Theology). “For him, knowledge is deeply connected, not to ambition, but to service. He sees that his talents are driven by his faith to serve his neighbor. Whether working in Project Bread, Mount Sinai or Rosie’s Place, Scott is able to find his neighbor in the hungry person, the elderly man with kidney disease or the homeless woman. Similarly, from Ghana to Mozambique, from Kenya to China, Scott can modestly yet confidently enter into another culture to learn and to assist. He knows, globally, who is my neighbor.”

Certifications

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor

    Issue date: Mar 2014,

    Expires date: Mar 2016,

  • HIV Testing and Delivering HIV Positive Results

    Issue date: Aug 2014,

  • Writing in Plain English

    Issue date: Dec 2016,

    Expires date: Dec 2016,

    Issued by: lynda.com .

  • Board Certified Pediatrician

    Issue date: Oct 2021,

    Issued by: American Board of Pediatrics .

  • Physician Builder

    Issue date: Feb 2022,

    Issued by: Epic .

Skills

  • Lesson Planning
  • Curriculum Design
  • Curriculum Development
  • Public Policy
  • Healthcare
  • Tutoring
  • Program Development
  • Community Outreach
  • Research
  • Social Media
© 2025 Scott Jelinek, MD, MPH, MAEd