Barbara Ostrov, MD, Wins Career Achievement Award
Professor and Pediatric Rheumatologist Barbara E. Ostrov, MD, has received the 2023 James T. Cassidy Award in Rheumatology from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Rheumatology. Dr. Ostrov is the Martha Lepow, MD, Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, the Chief of Service of the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital, and the Vice Dean of Clinical Affairs at Albany Medical College.
This national award recognizes Dr. Ostrov for her outstanding, career-long achievements in the field of pediatric rheumatology, along with her contributions to the field through research, publications, and advocacy. It recognizes her work as an outstanding educator, and her involvement in training and mentoring others in the field of pediatric rheumatology.
“It is an incredible honor, and surprise, to be recognized,” said Dr. Ostrov. “I’m thankful to work with a dedicated team of health care professionals to bring a high level of specialized care to our young patients across a vast region. I appreciate the acknowledgement of my colleagues.”
Each year, one pediatric rheumatologist is awarded at the national meeting for the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Rheumatology. Dr. James T. Cassidy was the foremost educator in pediatric rheumatology in the United States, educating and mentoring many students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Cassidy was an advocate for children with rheumatic disease. He created the first edition of the Textbook of Pediatric Rheumatology, which is now in its seventh edition.
Dr. Ostrov received her medical degree from the University of Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; her master’s degree in nutritional biochemistry and metabolism from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and her bachelor’s degree in life sciences from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She completed her internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine; her fellowship in rheumatology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; and her fellowship in pediatric rheumatology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Ostrov is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and its Sub-board of Pediatric Rheumatology as well as the American Board of Internal Medicine and the Sub-board of Rheumatology.
Service has been one of the cornerstones of Dr. Ostrov’s career. She has also been recognized for leadership, teaching, and clinical care. As a rheumatologist, she has served the Arthritis Foundation, both regionally and nationally. In her leadership capacity in pediatrics, she has been a board member for the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She has also served the Ronald McDonald House Charities and Children’s Miracle Network, both in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Four Diamonds, which supports pediatric cancer care and research.