About us

Sandra L. McKay, MD, is a dedicated, board-certified pediatrician and an associate professor at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. She leads the Division of Community and General Pediatrics and is a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. 
McKay completed her medical degree at the University of Missouri, Columbia. She did her pediatrics residency at St. Louis University School of Medicine. 
She’s the vice chair for advocacy and the director of population health at UTHealth Houston, where she focuses on injury prevention, firearm safety, and health policy. She co-leads a National Institutes of Health project on hospital-based violence intervention and has developed essential curricula on advocacy and secure firearm storage. 
McKay is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Texas Pediatric Society. She has received numerous awards for her teaching and advocacy efforts. 
Beyond her clinical and academic work, McKay is a prolific researcher and a committed mentor, guiding future medical professionals in public health and advocacy.