Physician Scientists
Training the next generation of academic leaders in pediatrics is a priority for our department. We support residents who pursue a traditional three-year training program as well as those who choose one of the research pathways developed by the American Board of Pediatrics. In addition, our campus is very eager to support physician-scientist training, as evidenced by our strong NIH-supported MD-PhD program; the Director for this program is Dr. Anna Huttenlocher, a faculty member in our department. We also have T-32 Training Grants for primary care research and health services research.
Research Opportunities
Our department has a number of NIH-funded investigators with a record of collaboration across the UW campus. Faculty members in our department are performing research in the basic sciences, as well as translational and clinical research. Our institution is pleased to have received one of NIH’s prestigious Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA). With this funding, we have developed the UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR). As a result, the resources of our medical school and the entire UW campus are available to help foster the careers of our physician-scientists.
Our Research Groups
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Christian M. Capitini, MD
Dr. Capitini's research group focuses on using preclinical mouse models of allogeneic blood and marrow transplant (alloBMT) to cure pediatric leukemias and solid tumors with tumor-directed immunotherapeutic therapies such as dendritic cell vaccines, adoptive NK cell and T cell-based infusions. The goal of this research is to both improve presently used biological therapies in clinical alloBMT, such as donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), as well as develop novel immune-based therapies that have potential to be translated into the clinic. |
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Elizabeth D. Cox, MD, PhD
Dr. Cox’s research addresses quality and safety in pediatric care by examining interactions between parents, the child patient and the healthcare team. |
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Marlowe W. Eldridge, MD
Dr. Eldridge’s research addresses the function, regulation, and consequences of newly identified lung blood vessels in health and disease. More information is on his lab website. |
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Anna Huttenlocher, MD
Dr. Huttenlocher’s research focuses on characterizing the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell migration. Implications to tumor metastasis and inflammation are also areas of interest. |
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Pamela J. Kling, MD
Dr. Kling is exploring the disparity in iron deficiency anemia among diverse populations of neonates. Her research brings together basic and clinical researchers in conjunction with the state screening program. More information is on her lab website. |
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Bruce S. Klein, MD
Dr. Klein’s lab is interested in host-pathogen interactions, with an emphasis on fungi. They study the molecular and genetic mechanisms that enable fungi to invade human hosts, and the host defense mechanisms that promote recognition and clearance of fungal pathogens. They also investigate microbial pathogenesis and microbial immunity. |
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Mario Otto, MD, PhD
Dr. Otto's research is pursuing novel, alternative approaches to treat childhood cancer. His research includes areas such as adoptive immunotherapies, nano-oncology and stem cell graft design for the transplant setting. Learn more on his research site. |
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De-Ann M. Pillers, MD, PhD
Dr. Pillers’ research focus is in understanding the pathobiology and molecular basis of the nonmuscle manifestations of inherited muscular dystrophies. Dr. Pillers also investigates the genetic basis of disease in the newborn, and the application of molecular diagnostic methods to complications of prematurity. |
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Christine M. Seroogy, MD
Dr. Seroogy's research interests are focused on CD25+ T regulatory cells, specifically their role in allergic diseases and the role of a novel E3 ubiquitin ligase, GRAIL in their biological function. Her studies utilize murine models and human cells. More information is available on Dr. Seroogy's lab website. |
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Paul M. Sondel, MD, PhD
Dr. Sondel's research interests are in the area of Clinical immunotherapy of cancer and tumor immunology. He is pursuing mechanisms to enhance cell-mediated tumor destruction that is facilitated by antibody recognition of tumor antigens in vitro, in preclinical mouse models and in clinical trials. His lab website provides more information on his research. |
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Michael Wilhelm, MD
Dr. Wilhelm researches how the strength of neuronal synapses is regulated to learn and form new memories. He is interested in how this process is perturbed in inherited disorders and after insults to the developing brain. More information is available on his research group web site. |
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Fellowships
Our department sponsors fellowships in the following areas:
Allergy & Immunology
Critical Care
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Genetics & Metabolism
Hematology & Oncology
Infectious Diseases
Neonatal & Perinatal Medicine
Primary Care Sports Medicine
Pulmonology
More detailed information for each fellowship can be found on the fellowship page.
We are fortunate to have a faculty that includes a number of MD-PhD-trained investigators who serve as physician-scientist role models and mentors for our residents.
