Jia Zhu, MD

Dr. Jia Zhu is a pediatric endocrinologist and physician-scientist whose research integrates computational genetics with clinical investigation to understand the biological mechanisms underlying common reproductive endocrine disorders. Her work focuses on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its associated metabolic and reproductive features across the lifespan. As a faculty member at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Zhu aims to use genetic insights to inform precision prevention and treatment strategies for complex endocrine conditions in children and adolescents.   Dr. Zhu’s research has shown that polygenic risk for PCOS—although clinically defined in women—is associated with metabolic and androgenic traits in men and children, providing evidence that PCOS genetic risk factors influence systemic metabolic pathways that are independent of ovarian function. Her work has been published in leading journals and presented at national meetings, including the Endocrine Society, Pediatric Endocrine Society, and the Androgen Excess and PCOS Society. She is supported by a K08 Career Development Award and R03 Small Research Grant from the NICHD, as well as a Career Development Award from the American Heart Association.  In addition to her research, Dr. Zhu is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has been recognized with multiple teaching awards from Harvard Medical School and the Boston Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics. She continues to mentor trainees in computational genetic research and is dedicated to advancing precision medicine in pediatrics through innovations in research and clinical care.