UF pediatric resident recognized for outstanding research

Dr. Matthew Saxonhouse, a second-year pediatrics resident at the University of Florida College of Medicine, recently received national recognition for his research with newborns.

Saxonhouse was one of only three physicians in North America to win the American Pediatric Society/Society for Pediatric Research Housestaff Research Award, designed to encourage pediatricians in training to pursue careers in academic pediatrics. He was nominated by his research mentors, UF neonatologists Dr. Martha Sola, a third-year fellow, and Dr. Robert Christensen, chief of the neonatology division.

His research focuses on thrombocytopenia in full-term and premature babies, a condition characterized by abnormal bleeding due to a deficiency of platelets in the circulating blood. He is studying the cells that generate platelets, which work to form clots and help stop bleeding.

Saxonhouse, who was honored during the joint annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies and the American Academy of Pediatrics held recently in Boston, received a plaque and $1,000. He also presented his research at a resident research symposium and during a poster session.

The American Pediatric Society encourages the advancement of the study of children and their diseases, illness prevention, childhood health promotion, and the promotion of education and research. By providing a forum for exchanging ideas and presenting research findings, the Society for Pediatric Research encourages young investigators engaged in research to improve the health of children.