Adolfo J. Ariza, MD, is a Research Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, at Northwestern University and the Associate Director, Pediatric Practice Research Group (PPRG).  He is also the co-director of the Practice-Based Research Program for CERC. Dr. Ariza completed his residency training in pediatrics in Argentina and a nutrition fellowship there in 1995.  Dr. Ariza is experienced in practice-based research. He has been a participant in PPRG projects over the past 12 years; he has worked as a planning manager, co-investigator and principal investigator for various research projects funded by federal and private agencies. The research projects in which he is involved are completely aligned with the development of research programs aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles by focusing on prevention of adverse effects of unhealthy lifestyles early in life. He is the former Planning and Program Director for the Nutrition Evaluation Clinic at Children's Memorial Hospital.  He has managed the development of the software systems to be used in evaluation and intervention aspects of studies that focus on health promotion in primary care.  He has also participated in the development of tools and methods to improve obesity care in primary care practices. Dr. Ariza has a particular interest in issues related to the Hispanic community.