B. Price Kerfoot, M.D., Ed.M., a core investigator with HSR&D's Center for Organization, Leadership and Management Research (COLMR) has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
In addition to being an investigator with COLMR, Dr. Kerfoot also is an HSR&D Research Career Development Awardee (CDA). His CDA work involves a randomized trial investigating whether care patterns of VA practitioners can be optimized using web-based educational interventions. Dr. Kerfoot also is a staff urologist with the VA Boston Healthcare System and an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School.
In addition to Dr. Kerfoot, three other VA researchers also were PECASE recipients: Tanya Z. Fischer, M.D., Ph.D., of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System; Christine M. Freeman, Ph.D., with the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System; and Kristina M. Utzschneider, M.D., of the VA Medical Center Seattle. Dr. Fischer is being recognized for her research on chronic pain, particularly pain from severe burns. Dr. Freeman is being honored for her work on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is highly prevalent among Veterans. Dr. Utzschneider is being recognized for her work on Type 2 diabetes and its relationship to obesity and liver disease.
Established in 1996, PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government upon outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. The award is given annually by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy; it recognizes preeminent young scientists and engineers for their innovative research and their "exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership." All four VA researchers received their PECASE awards from President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on October 14, 2011. For a list of all award winners, or to learn more, read the White House press release.