Overview
Dr. Armstrong's clinical and research interests include pediatric nutrition and the treatment of childhood and adolescent obesity, along with related health problems. As director of the Duke Children's Healthy Lifestyles Program, Dr. Armstrong oversees a cohort of over 3000 overweight children and teenagers. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Obesity. Dr. Armstrong's research focuses on leveraging innovative strategies to improve children's nutrition and activity, including mobile health interventions, community partnerships, and medication or surgical approaches.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Pediatrics
·
2021 - Present
Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health,
Pediatrics
Chief, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health
·
2021 - Present
Pediatrics, General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health,
Pediatrics
Professor in Population Health Sciences
·
2020 - Present
Population Health Sciences,
Basic Science Departments
Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
·
2020 - Present
Family Medicine and Community Health, Community Health,
Family Medicine and Community Health
Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute
·
2016 - Present
Duke Global Health Institute,
University Institutes and Centers
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute
·
2017 - Present
Duke Clinical Research Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2025 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Publications
Duke STAR Program and the Pediatric Trials Network.
Journal Article J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther · February 2026 Full text Open Access Link to item CiteNutrition and obesity in under-represented population (NOURISH): study protocol to examine the effect of restricted and unrestricted financial benefits on infant food insecurity, growth, and nutrition.
Journal Article BMC Pediatr · January 10, 2026 BACKGROUND: Studies have shown that food insecurity (FI) during infancy is associated with higher odds of obesity in early childhood, but the evidence regarding the impact of FI interventions on improving child body mass index (BMI) remains inconclusive. T ... Full text Link to item CiteParent Perspectives on the 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for Pediatric Obesity: A Mixed-Methods Study of Acceptance and Concerns.
Journal Article Pediatr Obes · January 2026 BACKGROUND: The 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for pediatric obesity recommends immediate, intensive treatment, including behavioral therapy, medications, and surgery when indicated. Understanding parental agreement with the guideline is critical for suc ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
iPediHeart: Interdisciplinary Research Training Program for Pediatric Heart Disease
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 20302/3 CTSA K12 Program at Duke University
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Unified Program for Therapeutics in Children
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030View All Grants
Education
University of Virginia ·
2000
M.D.