Anita McElroy, MD, PhD, an outstanding clinician and physician-scientist, has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Young Investigator Award from the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS). Presented to a physician who has completed pediatric infectious diseases fellowship training in the past seven years, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field. The honor was presented during the recent virtual PIDS Business Meeting held in conjunction with IDWeek, the premier scientific meeting for infectious diseases professionals.
An assistant professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Pittsburgh and the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Dr. McElroy focuses her research on the pathogenesis and immunity of emerging viral diseases. These efforts combine cutting-edge human immunology studies of highly pathogenic viral infections with in vitro and animal models of these diseases. During the 2013-2016 Ebola outbreak, she spent countless hours under difficult conditions in the lab working to characterize early immune responses to Ebola virus infection and in the field as part of international response efforts. In addition to her work on Ebola, Dr. McElroy’s studies on Rift Valley Fever virus and Lassa virus have provided important new insights into the interaction of these viruses with host immune response symptoms.
“Dr. McElroy is a stellar physician-scientist who has shown an inspiring commitment to science and public health,” said PIDS President Kristina Bryant, MD, FPIDS. “PIDS is proud to recognize her achievements with this year’s Young Investigator Award.”
The author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications across a broad range of topics related to microbiology, infectious diseases, and immunology in prominent journals, Dr. McElroy has won numerous awards and has established herself as a leader in the field of viral hemorrhagic fever. She received a PhD from the University of California-San Diego and a medical degree from George Washington University, and completed her residency in pediatrics and fellowship training in pediatric infectious diseases at Emory University.
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The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (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. @PIDSociety
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