New K awardees show the promise of translational research

Diverse research projects collectively aim to enhance pediatric health and well-being, as shown by the Center for Translational Research’s new Research Career Development (K) awardees. By addressing critical challenges in child health, these researchers demonstrate the Center’s commitment to innovative, disease-agnostic research that translates into improved patient care.

United by their dedication to tackling health inequities, each K awardee brings a unique focus to their work. Caleb E Ward, M.B.B.Chir., M.P.H., a pediatric emergency medicine physician, is committed to developing a novel pediatric triage tool for emergency medical services (EMS). His firsthand experiences in the field have highlighted the need for improved efficiency and safety in prehospital care, especially for children who are often left at the scene without appropriate assessment. Motivated by his desire to enhance outcomes in this area, Dr. Ward sought advanced training and mentorship, ultimately leading him to apply for the K award.

Similarly, Rachel Margolis, Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W., is addressing the psychosocial factors that impact health outcomes in pediatric asthma. Her research focuses on maternal depression, a significant yet often overlooked aspect affecting asthma management in children. With the K award, Dr. Margolis plans to implement a treatment intervention designed to improve both maternal mental health and child health outcomes, reinforcing the interconnectedness of these factors in pediatric care.

In the realm of understanding health disparities, Jordan Nicole Tyris, M.D., is committed to identifying and mitigating inequities in pediatric asthma morbidity. She aims to leverage machine learning and stakeholder engagement to design effective family-centered interventions that directly address these disparities. Dr. Tyris’s decision to pursue the K award stems from her desire to transition into an interventionist role, allowing her the time and resources to develop critical skills that will enable her to make a lasting impact in this field.

Sarah Schaffer DeRoo, M.D., M.A., meanwhile, is focused on enhancing vaccine uptake among children. By characterizing the perspectives of parents and pediatricians on seasonal respiratory immunizations, she seeks to address vaccine hesitancy through a targeted communication intervention. Her journey to applying for the K award was motivated by the desire for formal research training and dedicated time to pursue her independent research goals.

A common thread among these K awardees is the recognition of mentorship as a vital component of their research journeys. Dr. Ward credits the support he has received from mentors at Children’s National, including James Chamberlain, M.D., Joelle Simpson, M.D., M.P.H., and Monika Goyal, M.D., M.S.C.E., as instrumental to his success in developing independent research skills. He is eager to pay it forward by mentoring future pediatric investigators, thereby reinforcing the Center’s commitment to cultivating diversity in research.

Dr. Margolis emphasized the importance of her multidisciplinary mentorship team, which includes Stephen Teach, M.D., M.P.H., Heather Gordish-Dressman, Ph.D., Randi Streisand, Ph.D., C.D.C.E.S., Betsy Bledsoe, Ph.D., M.Phil., M.S.W., and Beth McQuaid, Ph.D. Their guidance has been crucial in her transition from a postdoctoral fellow to a faculty member, positioning her to effect meaningful change in pediatric asthma care.

Similarly, Dr. Tyris appreciates the invaluable mentorship of Kavita Parikh, M.D., Neha Shah, M.D., and Shilpa Jayanti Patel, M.D., who have helped her identify new research opportunities and expand her expertise. She aims to emulate this supportive model as she begins mentoring pediatric residents and fellows.

Dr. Schaffer DeRoo highlighted the pivotal role of Beth Tarini, M.D., M.S., M.B.A., Amanda Dempsey, Ph.D., M.D., M.P.H., Rupali Limaye, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.A., James Bost, Ph.D., M.S., Karen McDonnell, Ph.D., and Sherrie Wallington, Ph.D., M.A., who have provided her with essential guidance in research design, methods and content expertise. Inspired by this support, she is eager to guide future researchers through their own journeys, sharing her institutional knowledge and research experience to foster growth and innovation.

As these K awardees embark on their projects, their combined efforts are poised to make significant contributions to pediatric health, directly influencing patient care and outcomes. Dr. Ward’s work on an evidence-based pediatric triage tool aims to ensure that children receive appropriate care, potentially reducing adverse outcomes in prehospital settings. Dr. Margolis’s investigation into maternal depression addresses a critical factor affecting pediatric asthma management, promoting health equity among families and transforming care delivery.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tyris’s family-centered interventions seek to combat health inequities among children with asthma, contributing to a healthier future for vulnerable populations, as she develops skills in risk prediction using machine learning, stakeholder-engaged intervention design, clinical trials and methods. Dr. Schaffer DeRoo’s communication intervention will enhance understanding and acceptance of seasonal immunizations, directly impacting vaccination rates and overall public health among children.

The Center for Translational Research is proud to support these awardees as they work towards improving pediatric health outcomes through their focused research initiatives. “We are incredibly proud of Drs. Ward, Margolis, Tyris and DeRoo’s work to improve our community’s health through research. We are committed to ensuring the success of the next generation of clinician investigators,” stated the Center’s Co-Directors, Drs. Goyal and Dr. Tarini.

Through their diverse approaches and shared commitment to enhancing child health, these K awardees are poised to make meaningful strides in pediatric medicine and foster better health equity for all children.