Carolyn M. Sawyer, MD

Carolyn Sawyer, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Developmental-behavioral pediatricians work with families to evaluate, treat, and coordinate care for children with developmental delays, behavioral issues, learning difficulties or mental health concerns.

As a pediatrician in the NICU Follow-Up and Early Development Clinic at UC San Diego Health, she provides special examinations for infants and toddlers whose condition puts them at increased risk for neurological problems or developmental delays. Dr. Sawyer believes that preventive care is paramount to setting children up for a healthy life and establishing good lifelong habits.

She finds it rewarding to work with children and their families to better understand and support child development. And she enjoys collaborating with care providers across disciplines to best support the needs of the child and family.

As an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics, she trains medical students, residents and fellows at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Dr. Sawyer's research interests include neurodevelopmental outcomes of children born preterm. Her work has appeared in medical and research publications, including Clinical Pediatrics.

Dr. Sawyer completed a fellowship in developmental-behavioral pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine, where she also earned her medical degree. She did her residency in pediatrics at Duke University in Durham, N.C., where she received a resident teaching award. She is board certified in pediatrics.

She is a member of the Society for Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Sawyer is conversant in Spanish.

In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and outdoor activities, including gardening and hiking, with family and friends.

UC San Diego Health Links
For more information, see Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics and NICU Follow-Up and Early Development Clinic.