FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2025
The American Pediatric Society names Dr. Tara O. Henderson as the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award
November 18, 2025 – The American Pediatric Society (APS) is pleased to announce Tara O. Henderson, MD, MPH, as the recipient of the 2026 Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award, in recognition of her significant contributions to pediatric science. The award will be presented to Dr. Henderson during the APS Presidential Plenary at the Pediatric Academic Societies 2026 Meeting, taking place in Boston, MA, April 24-27.
Established in honor of renowned nephrologist Norman J. Siegel, MD, FASN, the award celebrates early-career APS members whose scientific work demonstrates exceptional promise. Dr. Siegel was a revered teacher and mentor, known for nurturing the careers of countless fellows and residents, and for his compassionate care that left a lasting impact on families.
Dr. Henderson serves as the Founders’ Board Chair of Pediatrics at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and is a tenured Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. A globally respected physician-scientist, she has devoted her career to advancing care and outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults with cancer. Prior to joining Lurie Children’s and Northwestern, she spent two decades at the University of Chicago, where she led the Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation and launched one of the country’s leading childhood cancer survivorship programs.
“Dr. Henderson exemplifies the spirit of the Norman J. Siegel Award through her groundbreaking research, unwavering commitment to mentorship, and dedication to improving outcomes for children and young adults with cancer,” said Dr. Stephen Daniels, APS President. “Her work has transformed survivorship care and inspired a new generation of pediatric scientists.”
Dr. Henderson has established a distinguished record as a mentor and educator, shaping the careers of the next generation of physicians and scientists in pediatric oncology. Throughout her career, she has guided students and trainees at every stage—from high school through junior faculty—many of whom have gone on to earn competitive fellowships, NIH funding, and leadership positions in academic medicine and survivorship care. Deeply committed to advancing diversity in the field, she has prioritized mentoring individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and fostering a more inclusive future for pediatric research and clinical care.
She earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University, completed medical school at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, and trained at the Johns Hopkins Hospital for pediatrics residency and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Boston Children’s Hospital combined program for pediatric hematology, oncology, stem cell transplantation for fellowship. Dr. Henderson also holds a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she completed the Harvard Pediatric Health Services Fellowship.
Please visit the APS website for more information about Dr. Henderson and the Norman J. Siegel New Member Outstanding Science Award.
###
About the American Pediatric Society
The American Pediatric Society (APS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1888 as the first pediatric society in North America. The mission of APS is to strengthen academic pediatrics by expanding the workforce, nurturing leaders, and developing innovative approaches to address child and adolescent health challenges. With more than 1,800 distinguished members, APS brings together leaders of extraordinary achievement who are committed to shaping the future of academic pediatrics. For more information, please visit aps1888.org, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Media Contact:
Lisa Thompson
Association Director
American Pediatric Society
(346) 980-9707
lthompson@aps1888.org