Rewrite Monica Hsiung Wojcik, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACMG is the recipient of the 2025 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award from the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine this news headline for the science magazine post

Monica Wojcik, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACMG, a prominent neonatologist and clinical geneticist, has recently been honored with the prestigious 2025 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award by the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine. This accolade, also known as the “Watson Award,” pays tribute to Dr. Michael S. Watson, the founder and long-serving executive director of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This recognition serves not only to commend Dr. Wojcik’s remarkable efforts in the field but also to highlight the significance of advancements in genetics and genomics as integral components of modern healthcare.

Dr. Wojcik expressed her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving this esteemed award, reflecting her commitment to honoring Dr. Watson’s legacy. She articulated her vision for the future, where families can access the essential care they require, fortified by the insights that genetics and genomics bestow. Her statements resonate with the overarching goal of the ACMG Foundation: to elevate the field of medical genetics so that every patient can experience its benefits, particularly in the context of rare diseases affecting neonates and fetuses.

In her professional capacity, Dr. Wojcik serves as a neonatologist at Boston Children’s Hospital and holds an academic position as an assistant professor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Her dual specialization in neonatology and genetics reinforces her approach to tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by rare genetic conditions. This award follows her extensive training, which includes a pediatric residency and dual fellowships in neonatology and genetics, complemented by a Master of Public Health degree aimed at enhancing her clinical effectiveness and health services research capabilities.

At Boston Children’s Hospital, Dr. Wojcik directs the Neonatal Genomics Program and oversees the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, which focuses on elucidating the genetic foundations underlying various rare diseases. She has a dedicated interest in genetic diagnosis within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where her research explores genomic autopsies and the genetic etiologies of perinatal mortality. This significant work is instrumental in advancing the understanding of how genetic pathology contributes to clinical outcomes in vulnerable populations, particularly in ultra-rare diseases.

Over the years, Dr. Wojcik has also focused her efforts on identifying and addressing inequities in the field of rare disease genomics. Her commitment extends beyond research and clinical practice; she actively consults on complex fetal cases and manages a multidisciplinary developmental follow-up clinic tailored for infants afflicted with genetic conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures that her patients receive holistic care that integrates both medical needs and developmental considerations.

The ACMG Foundation’s recognition of Dr. Wojcik is a testament to her relentless pursuit of innovation in genetics and genomics. Nancy J. Mendelsohn, MD, FACMG, president of the ACMG Foundation, praised Dr. Wojcik for her exceptional contributions and her role as a champion for understanding and tackling rare diseases. The foundation focuses on supporting the next generation of genetics and genomics professionals—a mission that aligns well with Dr. Wojcik’s professional ethos.

As the ACMG Foundation continues its commitment to improve healthcare through genetics, the hope is to see further innovations that will enhance patient care and outcomes. Dr. Wojcik’s work exemplifies this vision as she strives to create an environment where every family impacted by genetic conditions can be empowered to make informed healthcare decisions. Her influential role in the ACMG Foundation advances the narrative around genomic medicine, particularly in the context of newborn care.

The significance of the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine cannot be overstated. Established in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it serves as a beacon of support for those who understand the transformative potential of genetics and genomics in healthcare. Through the promotion of charitable contributions, research sponsorships, and educational opportunities, the foundation is dedicated to sustaining the mission of translating genetic understanding into improved health outcomes.

As a leading figure in the evolving landscape of genetic medicine, Dr. Wojcik embodies the qualities and dedication that the ACMG Foundation seeks to acknowledge through the Watson Award. Her achievements not only enhance the understanding of genetics but also instill hope for the future of medical genetics, especially for families grappling with the implications of rare diseases. The profound impact of her work inspires current and aspiring geneticists to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of genomics.

In conclusion, the future of genetic and genomic medicine holds immense promise, with professionals like Dr. Wojcik at the forefront. As research and clinical practice in this area advance, opportunities for improved patient care will emerge, leading to a paradigm shift in how genetic conditions are approached in the medical community. The ACMG Foundation’s ongoing efforts and commitment to promoting the importance of medical genetics herald a new era where the intersection of genetics, healthcare, and patient empowerment becomes increasingly pronounced.

Subject of Research: Rare Diseases and Genomic Medicine
Article Title: Monica Wojcik Receives 2025 Watson Award for Contributions to Genetic and Genomic Medicine
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Keywords: Medical Genetics, Genomic Medicine, Rare Diseases, Neonatology, Pediatric Genetics, Health Equity, Genetic Diagnosis, ACMG Foundation.

Tags: 2025 Watson Award recipientACMG Foundation recognitionadvancements in geneticsBoston Children’s Hospital achievementsDr. Michael S. Watson legacyfuture of medical geneticsgenetic and genomic medicinehealthcare innovation in genomicsMonica Hsiung Wojcikneonatology and clinical geneticsrare diseases in neonatessignificance of genetic insights