Dr. Lara Shekerdemian, Pediatrician-in-Chief at Texas Children’s and Chair of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, was honored with the 2024 Section on Critical Care Distinguished Career Award by the American Academy of Pediatrics. She is only the fifth woman in 29 years to receive this honor.
“Under Dr. Lara Shekerdemian’s leadership, previously as Chief of Critical Care and today as Pediatrician-in-Chief, Texas Children’s has more than doubled its critical care capacity across Houston and Austin,” said President and CEO Dr. Debra F. Sukin. “We are thrilled to see this recognition of her incredible career in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and no one is more deserving of this recognition. Dr. Shekerdemian’s compassion and commitment to clinical excellence make her an outstanding role model for our over 2,000 medical professionals at Texas Children’s.”
Dr. Shekerdemian was presented this prestigious award by her successor as Critical Division Chief, Dr. Katri Typpo at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. In accepting this honor, Dr. Shekerdemian paid tribute to her mentors, family, colleagues from around the world and to her Department of Pediatrics community, which she highlighted her pride in leading. Dr. Fernando Stein, Professor of Pediatrics and former President of the American Academy of Pediatrics, was awarded the Distinguished Career Award in 2019.
Here, more than 80 pediatricians, pediatric subspecialists and trainees were recognized for their exemplary achievements in advocacy, practice and research that impact the care of children every day.
Several other Texas Children’s physicians were recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics this year including:
Dr. Nancy Butte – AAP Samuel J. Fomon Nutrition Award
Dr. Marietta M.de Guzman – James T. Cassidy Award
Dr. Seema Jilani – Holroyd-Sherry Award
Dr. Keila Lopez – Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award
Congratulations to each of these physicians! Thank you for all you do to advance pediatrics while serving the mission of Texas Children’s and Baylor College of Medicine.