A Queen’s University alumni and current medical resident Caitlyn Vlasschaert is the only Canadian researcher and first ever from Queen’s University to be named a STAT Wunderkind.

The Internal Medicine resident in the Department of Medicine was recognized for her research on clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, or CHIP.  She led research that discovered that the mutation, present in about 10 per cent of the population, can increase risk of certain diseases, including acute kidney injury.

The discovery could help scientists figure out how to stop or slow organ damage and expedite the application of powerful gene therapies in kidney disease.

STAT, a health and medicine news site based in the U.S., annually celebrates “the unheralded heroes of science and medicine” and “next generation of scientific superstars from across North America.” From hundreds of applicants, their awardees showcase “the most impressive doctors and researchers on the cusp of launching their careers.”

Vlasschaert completed her Doctor of Philosophy in Translation Medicine (Clinician Investigator Program) from Queen’s University during a break from her Internal Medicine residency. Her research interests include Nephrology, genetics, and clonal hematopoesis.

The Timmins, Ontario native also managed two achievements in quick succession: She gave birth to her daughter about a month after defending her thesis.

The complete list of winners can be found here.

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