News and Events

Austin Wesevich, MD, MPH receives the Robert M. Califf, MD, Medicine Resident Research Award for his study entitled Utilization of Text Messages to Supplement Rounding Communication.

Gabriela M. Maradiaga Panayotti, MD, FAAP, associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, was recently selected by the Duke University School of Medicine (SoM) Office of Diversity and Inclusion to receive the 2021 Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Team Award for her work with Viviana Martinez-Bianchi, MD on “Latinx Health During COVID-19”.

Through the Moments to Movement initiative, the Duke School of Medicine has begun work to create a truly diverse and just institution. On June 23, 2021, during the annual State of the School Address, Dean Mary E. Klotman will share highlights from the School's plan to dismantle racism.

Gabriela M. Maradiaga Panayotti, MD, FAAP, associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, has received the 2021 John A. Feagin Alumni Network Award.

New and competing renewal awards were made to faculty in the Department of Pediatrics for the month of April 2021.

Tellus Therapeutics, Inc. announced a seed investment to develop the first treatment for newborns with white matter brain injury. Tellus is translating breakthrough science licensed from Duke University that originated in board-certified neonatologist Eric Benner’s research laboratory.

Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was granted an emergency use authorization for 12- to 15-year-olds by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration on Monday. Dr. Michael Smith, a Duke University pediatrician and infectious disease specialist involved in the pediatric trials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, discussed vaccination of adolescents during a video conference call for the media on Tuesday.

In this week's Spotlight, Kristen Ammon, MSN, RN, NE-BC, discusses her current responsibilities as nurse manager for the 5200 Unit and offers her perspectives on the biggest challenges and opportunities in nursing. She also talks about what she enjoys most about her work and offers some valuable advice for aspiring nurses.

A new $8 million NIH grant seeks to uncover more clues into what genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. Greg Crawford, Charles Gersbach, Timothy Reddy, and Raluca Gordân at Duke have teamed up with researchers from UNC Chapel Hill and Yale University to narrow down areas of the genome previously marked relevant to schizophrenia risk.

Department of Pediatrics faculty, staff, and trainees are asked to consider nominating a colleague for one of the Department of Pediatrics Awards by May 16, 2021.