From left, Sophie Katz, MD, MPH; Anthony Flores, MD, MPH, PhD; Rachel Alexander, DO; and Juan Salazar, MD, MPH, at IDWeek 2026. (submitted photo)
Three members of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Vanderbilt Health have earned national recognition from the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society (PIDS) for their contributions to research, mentorship, workforce development and antimicrobial stewardship.
The three physicians, recognized recently during IDWeek 2026, are Anthony Flores, MD, MPH, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases; Sophie Katz, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics; and Rachel Alexander, DO, a pediatric infectious diseases fellow.
The honors underscore Monroe Carell’s national leadership in pediatric infectious diseases research, mentorship and efforts to help children achieve healthier futures, noted Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, System Pediatrician-in-Chief and James C. Overall Professor of Pediatrics.
“These recognitions reflect the exceptional talent, innovation and commitment to improving child health that define our division,” Salazar said. “Dr. Flores has made a lasting impact through his leadership and mentorship; Dr. Katz is advancing the field through groundbreaking stewardship research; and Dr. Alexander’s award demonstrates the strength of our fellowship program and the next generation of leaders it is producing.”
Flores, the Edward Claiborne Stahlman Professor, received the 2026 Champion of Opportunity, Representation and Excellence (CORE) Award. The CORE Award recognizes a PIDS member who has made outstanding contributions to expanding access to vital treatments or to making the field more representative.
Flores has built a lasting legacy through mentorship and research, creating opportunities that continue to shape the careers of trainees and emerging pediatric infectious disease leaders through the organization’s partnership with the Research in Academic Pediatrics Investigator Development program of the Academic Pediatric Association. His National Institutes of Health-funded research focuses on streptococcal diseases and infectious diseases that disproportionately affect underserved populations.
Katz received the 2026 PIDS Young Investigator Award, which recognizes early-career investigators whose research is making a significant impact on the field.
Katz has developed a nationally recognized research program focused on pediatric outpatient antimicrobial stewardship, rural health, and innovative strategies to improve antibiotic prescribing. Her work has demonstrated the effectiveness of tele-stewardship programs and statewide partnerships in improving guideline-concordant antibiotic use in community and rural settings. She also serves as Director of Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship at Monroe Carell and Director of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship program.
Alexander received the PIDS Antimicrobial Stewardship Trainee Award, a result of the division’s commitment to training future leaders. Reviewers highlighted the strength of her proposed research project, innovative use of qualitative methods, and dedication to antimicrobial stewardship.
