Each year, UW Medicine recognizes up to four dedicated University of Washington (UW) Department of Medicine trainees with the Chair of Medicine Scholars Awards to support their transition to the roles of physician-scientist and principal investigator.
In May, Sarah Holton, MD, PhD, a visiting scientist in the Mikacenic Lab at Benaroya Research Institute (BRI), was one of four recipients of the 2026 awards. Dr. Holton completed the Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine, receiving her PhD in bioengineering in 2013 and her MD in 2016. She began her clinical residency in internal medicine at UW in 2016, and followed her residency with a fellowship in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine.
She joined BRI in 2021 to study myeloid cell populations in the lung during acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome under the mentorship of BRI principal investigator Carmen Mikacenic, MD. More recently, she has used spatial transcriptomics to investigate the role of immune cell populations in the development of fibrosis in patients with interstitial lung disease. “Her background as both a clinician and a researcher has contributed tremendously to my lab. She consistently brings thoughtful insights and scientific rigor, and it has been rewarding to watch her continue to grow as a scientist,” said Dr. Mikacenic.
As a Chair of Medicine Scholars Award, Dr. Holton will receive $50,000 per year for two years in salary support to facilitate the transition to Assistant Professor of Medicine. Award recipients are chosen based on multiple factors, including current research accomplishments, future research plans, and potential to develop a success research career as a PI, among other criteria.
BRI proudly congratulates Dr. Holton on this significant accomplishment!
BRI supports the next generation of scientists from undergraduate interns through postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists. Visit the BRI website to learn more about educational opportunities and careers at BRI.
