Chris Derauf, M.D.

Chris Derauf, M.D., is a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he specializes in child abuse pediatrics. Dr. Derauf cares for children and families impacted by abuse and neglect, offering expertise in evaluating and managing complex cases in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. He provides care across Rochester and surrounding areas through the Mayo Clinic Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Adolescents, a nationally accredited child advocacy program. Dr. Derauf serves as Chair of the Division of Child Abuse Pediatrics and Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Safe and Healthy Children. His work emphasizes compassionate, comprehensive care for vulnerable children while supporting families and communities.

"I believe that the community — in the fullest sense: a place and all its creatures – is the smallest unit of health and that to speak of the health of an isolated individual is a contradiction in terms." — Wendell Berry, Health is Membership

Areas of expertise

Dr. Derauf focuses on identifying and addressing child maltreatment through evidence-based, trauma-informed care. His areas of expertise include:

• Child physical abuse: Clinical evaluation, diagnosis and multidisciplinary care for suspected cases of bodily harm
• Child sexual abuse: Sensitive assessment and coordination of resources for children and families
• Child neglect: Medical assessment of failure to thrive, lack of supervision, and unmet healthcare needs
• Medical child abuse: Recognition and management of fabricated or induced illness in children
• Abusive head trauma: Comprehensive evaluation of infants and young children with suspected inflicted injuries
• Prenatal drug exposure: Assessment and consultation regarding substance exposure during pregnancy and its impact on child health
• Social determinants of health: Addressing systemic risks tied to poverty, housing instability, and community violence
• Pediatric traumatic stress: Care planning and advocacy to mitigate long-term psychological and physical effects

Research and expertise

Dr. Derauf is board-certified in general pediatrics and child abuse pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics. He serves as Professor of Pediatrics at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and leads interdisciplinary education programs on child abuse recognition and prevention. His academic contributions and leadership reflect a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children affected by abuse and social adversity.