Kidd receives highest research honor from Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine

Kacie Kidd, M.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics and medical director for WVU Medicine Children’s Gender and Sexual Development Clinic, recently was awarded the Charles E. Irwin, Jr. New Investigator Award by the Society of Adolescent Health and Medicine at the organization’s annual meeting that took place in early March in Chicago.

The award recognizes the research efforts of a doctor who is less than five years out of training that speak specifically to the development and health care needs of adolescents and aligns to the organization’s goals.

For Kidd, however, the award was more than recognition and joining the ranks of her mentors and industry peers, it was a fulfillment of a dream she’s had since medical school.

“Dr. Pam Murray who was a faculty member at WVU when I was a student and impressed on me early on the importance of research and using science-based medicine for my patients,” Kidd said. “She took me to the research presentation session at my first SAHM conference and emphasized how important this award is to our field.”

“Dr. Murray was in the audience when my name was called, and the journey came full circle,” she recounted. “I’m honored to be recognized for my research efforts to date, and I hope to continue to advance my field, serve my patients better and inspire those around me to pursue their own projects.”

Those under consideration for the award needed to submit an abstract, then once the finalists were notified they were in the running, finalists needed to develop a full manuscript in three weeks’ time and then present live at the annual meeting.

Kidd added the support of the department was vital in the process.

“Dr. Kidd's commitment to evidence-based medicine and her passion for serving her patients are truly inspiring. Her accomplishment is a source of pride for our department and an inspiration for all who are dedicated to advancing the field of adolescent medicine,” said Charles Mullett, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Pediatrics.

“I am so happy that she chose to bring her evident talents back to her home state to make a positive impact for the patients she serves, and to be a role model for others to emulate. I am excited to see what the future holds for her and the Department of Pediatrics,” he concluded.

For more information about the Department of Pediatrics, visit medicine.wvu.edu/pediatrics.