Morven S. Edwards, MD, FPIDS, an expert on bacterial infections in newborns, is the recipient of a 2021 Distinguished Physician Award from the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). The annual award recognizes a pediatrician who has an extensive and distinguished career in pediatric infectious diseases marked by significant accomplishments and contributions in infectious diseases, including those as a clinician, educator and/or investigator. The honor is presented this year following the virtual IDWeek (September 29 – October 3, 2021), the premier scientific meeting for infectious diseases professionals.
A professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, where she joined the faculty in 1980, Dr. Edwards is recognized worldwide as an expert on neonatal infections, most notably those caused by Group B Streptococcus bacteria. Her innovative work has defined the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, pathogenesis and outcomes of these serious infections, which still affect far too many infants with tragic consequences. She has also detailed how this pathogen affects vulnerable adults and has advanced our understanding of the body’s immune response to this bacteria, thereby leading towards the development of vaccines.
“PIDS is pleased to honor Dr. Edwards with this prestigious award for her extensive contributions to the field of pediatric infectious diseases throughout her distinguished career, which demonstrate her strong commitment to excellence and to improving children’s health,” said PIDS President Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS.
A skilled clinician and educator, Dr. Edwards has also been an inspiring role model for medical students and other trainees throughout her time at Baylor, where she has supervised or co-supervised the research of 36 postdoctoral fellows and pediatric residents. She has published more than 160 original publications and 70 book chapters and reviews, from epidemiologic and clinical studies of pediatric bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and fungal infections to basic science and translational research about the pathogenesis of disease.
Dr. Edwards earned her medical degree and completed her residency at Baylor. She completed her fellowship training in pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases at Baylor and Harvard Medical School in Boston.
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About PIDS
PIDS membership encompasses leaders across the global scientific and public health spectrum, including clinical care, advocacy, academics, government, and the pharmaceutical industry. From fellowship training to continuing medical education, research, regulatory issues and guideline development, PIDS members are the core professionals advocating for the improved health of children with infectious diseases both nationally and around the world, participating in critical public health and medical professional advisory committees that determine the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, immunization practices in children, and the education of pediatricians. For more information, visit http://www.pids.org.
Improving the health of children worldwide through philanthropic support of scientific and educational programs.
