WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Katherine A. Poehling, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, has been awarded the 2008 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Outstanding Achievement Award in Epidemiology.
Poehling was nominated for the award by Jon S. Abramson, M.D., for her influenza study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006. The study estimated the national rates of inpatient and outpatient visits for laboratory-confirmed influenza infections and partially contributed to the decision by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to expand influenza vaccine recommendations for children.
The AAP annually recognizes a pediatrician who has made outstanding contributions toward advocating for children and child health in the community through the effective use of epidemiologic information.
Poehling’s research interests include epidemiology of respiratory infections, particularly pneumococcus, influenza virus and impact of vaccines. In 2001, Poehling was awarded the Pfizer Pediatric Health and Ambulatory Pediatric Association’s Fellow Award and was selected to join the Society of Pediatric Research in 2006. She joined the faculty at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2007 to develop a new Program in Vaccine Sciences.
Poehling received her bachelor’s degree at Vanderbilt University and her medical degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. She did a pediatric residency at Baylor College of Medicine and completed a fellowship with a master’s of public health at Vanderbilt University. Poehling is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
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Media Contacts: Lisa Davanzo, (336) 716-6906, ldavanzo@wfubmc.edu, Bonnie Davis, bdavis@wfubmc.edu, or Shannon Koontz, shkoontz@wfubmc.edu, at (336) 716-4587.