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.
Core Competencies
Child Abuse Pediatrics
Expertise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing physical, psychological in children, with board certification in Child Abuse Pediatrics.
Medical Education and Fellowship Leadership
Research in Child Maltreatment and Torture
Grant and Contract Management
Scholarly Publishing and Thought Leadership
Expertise Of Dr. Barbara Knox
Leadership in Multidisciplinary Child Protection
Serves as a key physician on the UF-First Coast Child Protection Team, working closely with medical, legal, and social service professionals.
Authority in Burn Injuries and Abusive Head Trauma
Advanced Medical Training and Fellowship Oversight
Directs specialized fellowship programs in Child Abuse Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine, guiding physician education and clinical excellence.
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.