Karen Santucci, M.D. , professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Yale, has been described as a “tireless leader,” a “superb mentor,” and “the face of the section.” Now she can add well-deserved recipient of the 2014 David J. Leffell Prize for Clinical Excellence.
Dean Robert Alpern, MD, presented her with the award in October at a gathering that included clinical chairs, colleagues, and members of her family. Fellow physicians and staff in the pediatric ED couldn’t have been happier about the choice.
“Karen is absolutely beloved for who she is as a person and her outstanding skills as a physician,’ said a fellow faculty member. “Nearly the entire faculty in our section came to Yale or have stayed for the opportunity to work under Karen’s leadership, and we all believe so strongly in what she is doing every day to improve the care of children. Karen is one of those special human beings you are fortunate to meet even once in your life, let alone to have at Yale on a daily basis.”
Dr. Santucci attended SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, where she also served as chief resident in pediatrics. She completed her fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Hasbro Children’s Hospital/Brown Medical School. She came to Yale 15 years ago as an assistant professor, and became medical director of pediatric emergency medicine in 2005 and section chief in 2009.
Enjoys the overnight shifts
As a clinician in Yale-New Haven Hospital (YNHH)’s level one pediatric trauma center, Dr. Santucci handles a wide variety of illnesses, all falling into one of three categories: medical, surgical/trauma and behavioral health. She is passionate about her patients; one colleague said Dr. Santucci “enjoys overnight shifts, because it allows her more time to spend with patients and their families.”
Her research and clinical interests have led her into such areas as clinical forensic medicine, medical education, and the recognition and management of psychiatric emergencies. A dedicated teacher, Dr. Santucci started the Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital Emergency Medicine Fellowship Program, and developed the AMISTAD educational simulation program where high-school students served as scripted actors as an innovative way to teach medical interviewing.
The Leffell Prize was a great honor; however, Dr. Santucci said she credits the award to the many accomplishments and outstanding talent and dedication of her team in the children’s ED and in the section of pediatric emergency medicine at Yale.
The David J. Leffell Prize for Clinical Excellence was established five years ago with a gift from David Leffell, M.D., and his wife, Cindy. The winner receives a monetary award and a plaque, engraved with his or her name, to be displayed in the Sterling Hall of Medicine.