Research In Action

Moderator’s Note: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Center for Violence Prevention (CVP) at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), we are highlighting CVP’s pillars and programs (including the people leading these programs) that help to reduce exposure to and impact of violence among youth and their families. Previously, we’ve highlighted Aggression and Bullying Prevention, Community Violence and Trauma Support, and the Intimate Partner Violence Prevention, Suicide Prevention, and Gun Safety Pillars. In our final installment, we take a look at the Professional Development and Training Pillar. 

Led by an exceptional team of researchers, clinicians, educators, and specialized staff, CVP works tirelessly to prevent violence by addressing bullying in schools, youth suicide, intimate partner violence, gun safety, community violence and other forms of trauma. CVP also works to help youth and their families affected by the aftermath of violence—from treating young victims in the Emergency Department to helping children and families cope long after an incident. 

On the front lines of treating patients affected by violence, our nation’s healthcare workers and professional staff also bear a disproportionate amount of stress and trauma. CVP’s dedicated efforts to change the trajectory of youth violence is complemented by groundbreaking professional development and training programs that are poised to create a positive ripple effect throughout CHOP, Philadelphia, and the nation: 

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training: Rooted in health equity principles, this training teaches clinical and non-clinical personnel how to integrate an understanding of traumatic stress and pre-existing trauma into routine, culturally sensitive care, in order to help patients and families cope with illness or injury. 

Stress-Less Initiative (SLI): Embedded into a team, this strengths-based, monthly peer support group offers coping skills and strategies that enhance staff well-being and mitigate the impact of secondary traumatic stress. 

Anti-Racism Training: To combat racism, CVP is contributing to the development of internal anti-racism and microaggression trainings for CHOP faculty and trainees with the hope to adapt them for school-based programming over time. Microaggressions, which are often subconscious, are discriminatory beliefs, values and behaviors directed toward minoritized individuals or groups. 

Meet the Professional Development and Training Leaders: Samantha Matlin, PhD (Overall Pillar Leader), Carol Murray, MSS, MLSP (TIC), Rui Fu, PhD (Anti-Racism Training) and Nathalie Duroseau, DO, MS (Anti-Racism Training). Read a prior profile of SLI leader Laura Vega, DSW, LCSW here.

What is your title? 

Samantha Matlin: Psychologist; Teaching Faculty at University of Pennsylvania; Practice-Based Scholar, Center for Violence Prevention 

Carol Murray: Training Manager, Trauma-Informed Care 

Rui Fu: Research Scientist; Research Scholar, Center for Violence Prevention 

Nathalie Duroseau: Attending Physician, Assistant Professor, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics; DEI Champion for the Division of Adolescent Medicine; Practice-Based Scholar, Center for Violence Prevention 

How long have you worked at CHOP? 

Samantha Matlin: 1.5 years 

Carol Murray: 22 years 

Rui Fu: 5 years 

Nathalie Duroseau: 2.5 years 

What is your favorite project on which you have worked and why? 

Samantha Matlin: Being part of the new trauma outpatient team at CHOP and expanding excellent care for children and families. 

Carol Murray: Providing Trauma-Informed Care training throughout CHOP. It introduces me to amazing and dedicated people who work here. Continuously learning about and practicing being trauma informed/sensitive has had a meaningful personal and professional impact on my life. 

Rui Fu: I have had the opportunity to participate in many interesting, educationally insightful projects. My two favorites are 1) Respect4All, which is one of the first skill-building programs that teach people how to address workplace racial and intersectional microaggressions, and 2) The Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools (MDS3) Initiative—a large-scale study that allowed me to explore racial-ethnic differences in youth, parent and school staff perspectives of bullying—especially race-based bullying—and their implications for youth development. 

Nathalie Duroseau: Respect4All, which is a pilot intervention teaching individuals how to address racial and intersectional microaggressions. It is something I am incredibly passionate about. Having joined the project in late 2022 during the initial pilot phase, I have had the opportunity to watch it grow and develop and to help facilitate. It has also given me the opportunity to meet so many like-minded individuals at CHOP who are also passionate about DEI work. 

What values drive your work? 

Samantha Matlin: Compassion, because when we have compassion for others, it compels us to do more, provide quality care and care about the well-being of everyone. 

Carol Murray: Compassion helps me to stay grounded and humble, to see and hear people and to take purposeful action.

Rui Fu: All CHOP values are critical, as I consider they work hand in hand with one another to enhance our work performance and the workplace culture. 

Nathalie Duroseau: Each ICARE value (integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence) provides a critical foundation for my approach to patient care. I aim that every patient I encounter is treated in a way that encompasses these values. 

What do you like to do outside of work? 

Samantha Matlin: Spend time with my kids and husband.

Carol Murray: Spend time with my wife and chosen family, fishing and hiking. 

Rui Fu: I love hiking (Poconos are my all-time favorite place) and spending time with family and friends. I have a 5-year-old daughter, so we do lots of arts and crafts on the weekend. 

Nathalie Duroseau: I love to work out/try new fitness classes. Currently, I’m really into Pilates. I’m also a big foodie, so I like to try out new restaurants around the city. Most recently, one of my best friends from medical school and I have started an international annual wellness retreat specifically for Black women. We plan to host our second retreat this spring! 

What is your “must-visit” spot in Philadelphia? 

Samantha Matlin: So hard to choose— I'd say The Mann.

Carol Murray: Take a Mural Arts tour and end it with a great meal at one of the city’s fabulous restaurants. 

Rui Fu: Penn Museum which is truly Philadelphia’s mummy central. It allows visitors to see how mummies and other ancient Egyptian items are being cleaned and repaired. 

Nathalie Duroseau: My favorite restaurant in Philly right now is Kalaya; I bring everyone who visits me from out of town here. Sometimes it’s easier to get a reservation after 9 p.m. or on a weekday.