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For the latest cutting-edge research, innovative collaborations and remarkable discoveries in child health, read stories from across all our areas of study in Q: Advances and Answers in Pediatric Health.
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Children’s Hospital Colorado
Anschutz Medical Campus
13123 East 16th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Emergency and urgent care locations
In life-threatening emergencies, find the emergency room location nearest you. For non-life-threatening medical needs when your pediatrician is unavailable, visit one of our urgent care locations.
Urgent care locations (hours vary)
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All locations
See a listing of all our Children’s Hospital Colorado locations including inpatient, outpatient, therapy, surgery facilities and more.
Locations near you
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Ricka Messer, MD, PhD
Provider's Specialties
- Neurology - Pediatric
- Clinical Informatics
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Insurance plans accepted
We participate with most major health insurance plans and national transplant networks.
Prepare for your visit
We want to make sure you know what to expect before you arrive.
My care philosophy
I strive to provide comprehensive care and up-to-date treatments for my patients, throughout their hospitalization and after. I also seek to be a compassionate resource for patients and families.
Get to know Ricka Messer, MD, PhD
Departments and Programs
Conditions Treated
- Brain Injury
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Stroke
- Meningitis
- Epilepsy Seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis
Languages spoken
- English
Experience and background
Acquired brain injury and acute neurologic issues, including inpatient neurology consults and post-hospitalization outpatient follow-up. Abusive head trauma and infantile spasms are two areas of focus.
Undergraduate 2002
University of Texas System (TX)
Graduate 2010
University of Connecticut Health Center
Medical Education 2010
University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Internship 2012
University of Connecticut / Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Residency 2015
Johns Hopkins University Program
Excellence in Teaching 2012
Gold Humanism Award
Education Chief Resident 2014
Johns Hopkins Neurology Residency
Paul G. Moe Excellence in Child Neurology Award 2017
For Exemplary Service in Teaching, Teamwork, and Patient Care
Pediatric Neurology Department
Golden Stethoscope Award 2018
Subspecialty Preceptor
Foundations of Doctoring Medical Student Program
Century Award 2019
Recognizes a staff member with five or fewer years of training who has made major contributions to improving child health through committee work, leadership and advocacy.
Children's Hospital Colorado
Faculty member of
Provider's location(s)
Patient ratings and reviews
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Meet other experts
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Whitney Woodhull, MD, MPH
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Michele Turek, LPC
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Hannah Gilbert, MD
Neurology - Pediatric
Michael Handler, MD
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Chelsey Stillman, PA
Physician Assistant
Allyson Alexander, MD, PhD
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