Dr. Karen Dineen Wagner, professor and chair in the University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences has been named the Virginia Q. Anthony Outstanding Woman Leader Award by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). 

Established in 2013 to celebrate the lifetime achievements of extraordinary women in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry who have applied their talents, medical skills and leadership to dramatically improve the wellbeing of children with mental illness, the honor is awarded by the organization’s president. 

Wagner is an internationally recognized expert in the pharmacological treatment of childhood mood disorders, and her work has contributed to the development of evidence-based treatments for children and adolescents with major depression and bipolar disorder. 

A long-time supporter, member and former president of AACAP, Wagner said she is thankful to be recognized in this way.  

 “I am honored to receive this award,” she said. “It has been a privilege to serve in leadership roles within AACAP to promote the mental health of children and adolescents and to improve the quality of their lives. A career as an academic child and adolescent psychiatrist is an extraordinary experience." 

Reflecting on Wagner’s accolade, UTMB President and Health System CEO Dr. Jochen Reiser share these thoughts.  

“Like so many of our experts here at UTMB Health, Dr. Wagner is in the top of her field, so an honor like this is absolutely fitting and appropriate,” he said. “We are so proud of her work to understand and treat childhood mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. UTMB is fortunate to have her, and I appreciate the AACAP recognizing her many professional achievements in this way.”

To learn more about AACAP, visit their website.