GCH Chair Honored with National Research Mentorship Award

Jill Halterman, MD, MPH, chair of the Department of Pediatrics and physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s Hospital, has led a distinguished research career, including having published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles and secured more than $28 million in extramural research funding to investigate methods to improve the delivery of care for children with asthma.

Throughout all of these accomplishments, however, Halterman describes the mentorship of young researchers as the most rewarding part of her career.

“It’s been a privilege to work with trainees and junior faculty members and to see them move forward with meaningful research,” she said.

Halterman’s mentorship was recognized during the 2024 Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) annual meeting in Toronto, Ontario, as she was honored with the Academic Pediatric Association (APA) Miller Sarkin Mentoring Award for Research on May 4. The APA Miller Sarkin Mentoring Award for Research recognizes the contributions of APA members who have provided outstanding mentorship to learners or colleagues, both locally and nationally, and served as a model to others who aspire to mentor others as they mature.

For Halterman, effectively mentoring trainees includes ensuring they have the support to manage the highs and lows that are part of the research process.

“In our field, there are times when you can be rigorous in your approach and meticulous with your writing, and still not do as well in review as you hoped,” she said, “It is important to stay true to your process, allow yourself to be disappointed, and then move forward. And then there is nothing better than celebrating with a mentee with they ultimately achieve their goal!”

Halterman also believes that young researchers must focus on an area they’re truly passionate about to succeed. “Full commitment to a topic of research ensures investigators will have the motivation to push through the up and down cycles that are part of the process, and ultimately make an impact.”

Halterman found her own passion more than 20 years ago during her fellowship training in clinical care when she noticed gaps in treatment for children from historically marginalized backgrounds.

“I observed children who had Emergency Department visits due to an asthma attack, and medications that could have prevented that visit weren’t accessible. I wondered why they were not receiving the treatments they needed, and spent the early part of my research working with my team to understand those gaps. We then established community partnerships to develop and test new methods to overcome gaps in asthma care,” she said.

This led to a research career that helped produce positive clinical outcomes for children. Halterman worked with a team to develop the Preventive Care Program for Children with Asthma, an initiative that partners with the Rochester City School District and School Health Program to decrease the burden of asthma among children at highest risk for poor outcomes. Over time, more than 1,500 children have received care under this program, leading to improvements in symptoms, reduced absenteeism from school, and decreased asthma attacks.

Throughout her early career, Halterman also relied on her own mentors to help her push forward, including Lissa McAnarney, MD, former chair of Department of Pediatrics at URMC.

“From the start, Jill showed a full commitment to her research and an understanding that patience and rigor would pay off, to ultimately help the children she was trying to serve,” said McAnarney, “it is these attributes that have helped her be an excellent mentor to young trainees both here at the university and across the country.”

Beyond the academic realm, mentees share that Halterman’s genuine concern for the holistic well-being of coworkers sets her apart, highlighting her kindness and commitment that transcend scientific pursuits. Halterman noted, “It is important to sincerely care for each individual’s personal growth, because that is how research mentees will be set up for the greatest success.”