MADERA, Calif. – A second-year pediatric resident at Valley Children’s has received national recognition for her efforts to bridge the gap between research and patient care.
Dr. Navya Katragadda (on the left in the photo above) received the Osteopathic Trainee Award from the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, an organization that aims to further pediatric research by highlighting scientific discovery and promoting academic career development.
Dr. Katragadda was recognized for her research, “Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Causes and Timing of Death in a Modern Cohort of Preterm Infants Born at 22–23 Weeks’ Gestational Age in the United States.” Her study identifies significant differences in timing and causes of death among extremely preterm infants, with Black and Hispanic infants experiencing higher mortality rates.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” said Dr. Katragadda. “My research underscores the urgent need to better understand and address health disparities affecting our most vulnerable patients.”
She added that she was especially grateful for her mentor, Dr. Fredrick Dapaah Siakwan, who provided guidance and support during the research.
Dr. Vini Vijayan, Pediatric Residency Program Director at Valley Children’s, said the recognition reflects both Dr. Katragadda’s academic excellence and the oganization’s growing national research presence.
“This highly competitive national recognition reflects Dr. Katragadda’s exceptional scholarship and places Valley Children’s on a national stage among leading pediatric research institutions in health equity research,” said Dr. Vijayan.
Dr. Katragadda will represent the region at the Society for Pediatric Research Showcase during the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in Boston. She’s one of only two residents chosen to represent the region during the April meeting.
To learn more about the residency program at Valley Children’s, click here.
