Krista Lynette Tookhan, MD

Bachelor of Science, Biology - University of Miami, FL - 2005

Doctor of Medicine - State University of New York Upstate Medical University, NY - 2015

Pediatrics Residency - University of Maryland, MD - 2018

Krista L. Tookhan, MD is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and a Pediatric Hospitalist at the University of Maryland Golisano Children’s Hospital. Dr. Tookhan is board certified in both General Pediatrics and Pediatric Hospital Medicine and is dedicated to delivering high-quality inpatient care while advancing medical education through innovative teaching and mentorship.

Dr. Tookhan earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Miami and her Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Upstate Medical University. She completed her pediatric residency training at the University of Maryland Medical Center and later pursued advanced training in medical education through the Educator Development for Growth and Effectiveness Fellowship at the University of Maryland, Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning.

A passionate educator, Dr. Tookhan is deeply committed to undergraduate and graduate medical education. She teaches medical students and residents across multiple stages of training. Her educational work focuses on creating engaging learning environments that promote clinical reasoning, hands-on skills, and meaningful mentorship.

Dr. Tookhan’s academic interests center on curriculum development, innovative teaching strategies, and mentorship. She serves as a Faculty Advisor & Mentor for the Pediatrics Clerkship, where with the support of the LEAPS Instructional Innovation Seed Grant, she is designing and implementing a novel curriculum incorporating case-based learning, gamified educational tools, and active learning strategies to enhance student engagement and knowledge retention. She is also actively involved in simulation-based procedural training and was awarded the Pass & Susel Medical Education Tool Chest Award to develop 3D-printed procedural task trainers that support hands-on training for medical students and residents.

In addition to her educational roles, Dr. Tookhan is committed to mentorship and professional development. She serves as a House Advisory Mentor and resident mentor, guiding learners through career exploration clinical skill development. She is also engaged in institutional service, including leadership roles in the Pediatric Morbidity & Mortality Committee, Pediatric Council on Inclusion and Belonging, and multiple quality improvement and education committees.

Dr. Tookhan’s work reflects a commitment to excellence in patient care, fostering inclusive learning environments, and preparing the next generation of physicians.