In Memoriam: Michael Sorter, MD, 1959 – 2025
Post Date: February 17, 2025 | Publish Date:
With great sadness, we share the passing of Michael Sorter, MD, professor and former director of Cincinnati Children’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, on Feb. 14, 2025, after a battle with cancer.
Sorter was a visionary leader for improving pediatric mental health in Cincinnati and beyond. His 35-year career included serving as a personal guiding light to thousands of youth in crisis, as a researcher whose 80+ publications helped advance the field, and as a systems builder who helped transform Cincinnati Children’s into the nation’s largest provider of inpatient pediatric mental health services.
Sorter devoted his entire career to Cincinnati Children’s. Shortly after earning his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1985 and completing his residency and fellowship programs there, he began practicing at Cincinnati Children’s. He quickly emerged as a leader, including coordinating the launch of an inpatient adolescent psychiatry unit in 1995. By 2003, he had become the division director—a role he held for the next 21 years, making him the first person at Cincinnati Children’s to have held such a role for this long. He stepped down in Nov. 2024 from this position but continued work clinically.
“Mike’s leadership and vision fundamentally transformed pediatric mental health care at Cincinnati Children’s and beyond,” said Tina Cheng, MD, MPH, director of the Cincinnati Children’s Research Foundation, chief medical officer of Cincinnati Children’s, and the Chair of Pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. “His commitment to expanding services, mentoring future leaders, and championing the needs of vulnerable children has left a profound legacy here.”
Sorter often served as the first point of contact for children in crisis, serving as a guiding light in some of the darkest moments patients and families can face. His colleagues recall how Sorter’s tall, towering presence and calming demeanor frequently provided hope and reassurance. His dedication was so deep that even late into his illness, he continued providing direct patient care.
Throughout his career, Sorter never wavered in his mission to bridge the gap in mental health services. He was instrumental in the development and expansion of the College Hill campus, the introduction of neurobehavioral subspecialty care, and the establishment of Cincinnati’s first school-based mental health clinics, now available in 70 schools regionally. He also played a crucial role in launching several intensive outpatient programs including the Therapeutic Interagency Program (TIP), Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and the 24-hour Psychiatric Intake Response Center (PIRC).
“Mike’s support for the start and growth of new clinical programs has led to expanded access to mental health care services and innovative models of care,” said Suzanne Sampang, MD, interim division director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. “He built a system of care for pediatric mental health in the city from almost nothing.”
Sorter’s dedication didn’t stop at the bedside. He was also a respected researcher, authoring and co-authoring more than 80 scientific publications. His research into childhood aggression, mood disorders, and suicide prevention has contributed to significant advancements in the field, and his work in genetic pharmacology and artificial intelligence have paved the way for personalized psychiatric treatments.
Beyond Cincinnati, his influence reached national and international levels through speaking engagements, mentorship, and advocacy. As a mentor, he inspired hundreds of professionals working in psychiatry and related fields.
“Mike has created a legacy of healing and hope that will have a great impact for many years to come,” said Sampang. “While his loss is deeply felt, his leadership and passion in this field will continue to inspire us all.”
Sorter’s many accolades include recognition as an outstanding mentor by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and as an exceptional psychiatrist by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Earlier this month, he was awarded a Healthcare Hero Award in the provider category from the Cincinnati Business Courier.
He is survived by his wife, Patty; his children, Dana, Michael, and William with his wife, Brielle, and their children, Cece and Kane; as well as his siblings, Dave, Tom, and Sherie Pierce.
MEMORIAL INFORMATION
Visitation will be held at Tufts Schildmeyer Family Funeral Home, 129 Riverside Ave, Loveland, OH 45140, on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 5-7 pm. A funeral mass will follow on Friday, Feb. 21, at 11 am at St. Columban Catholic Church, 894 Oakland Rd, Loveland, OH 45140. All are welcome to attend.
Details related to a Celebration of Life event at Cincinnati Children’s will be shared soon. To share a quote or photo for this event, please contact Connie Pabst, Constance.Pabst@cchmc.org.
Many colleagues, friends, and loved ones have asked how they can honor Dr. Sorter’s legacy. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations in his memory may be directed to Cincinnati Children’s Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (gifts may also be made by calling 513-636-4484), the Cincinnati Zoo, or 1N5.
READ MORE ABOUT DR. SORTER’S WORK
- Dr. Michael Sorter: Tireless Mental Health Care System Builder
- Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Facing Our Youth: Cincinnati Children’s Takes a Proactive Approach
- State-of-the-Art Mental Health Facility Opens in October
- Cincinnati Children’s Screening Tool for Predicting Aggression Can Help Reduce Violence
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The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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