Kristen Leadbetter, MD, is an assistant professor of pediatrics at Southern Illinois Univeristy School of Medicine, specializing in neonatal-perinatal medicine. Dr. Leadbetter completed a fellowship in neonatal-perinatal medicine at Washington University School of Medicine (2014) and a pediatrics residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital (2011) in St. Louis. She earned her bachelor's and medical degree through a combined BA/MD program at University of Missouri-Kansas City (2008). Dr. Leadbetter is board-certified in pediatrics and neonatal-perinatal medicine. Her clinical interests including promoting family-centered, developmentally supportive care and she has conducted research regarding the best oral feeding practices for premature babies. She is active in medical student education and holds administrative roles within the pediatric residency program. Dr. Leadbetter is married and has two children.