ECU physician honored by N.C. Pediatric Society 

An East Carolina University physician has been honored with the highest award in the state for an academic pediatrician.

The North Carolina Pediatric Society (NCPeds) recently presented the Denny, Katz, Simon, Tingelstad Academic Service Award to Dr. Charles Willson, a clinical professor in the Department of Pediatrics at ECU’s Brody School of Medicine, for his outstanding efforts to improve the health and wellness of children in North Carolina.

Dr. Charles Willson, professor of pediatrics

Willson, who serves as vice chair for Brody’s pediatrics department, is a past president of the North Carolina Pediatric Society and the North Carolina Medical Society. He is also a fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Willson earned his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and completed a pediatric residency at North Carolina Memorial Hospital (now UNC Hospitals) in Chapel Hill. He worked in private practice 19 years before joining the Brody faculty 17 years ago.

“It’s wonderful to have Brody be recognized in this way,” Willson said. “Because I knew all four of these gentlemen [Drs. Denny, Katz, Simon and Tingelstad], it means so much to win an award in their names.” Denny, Katz, Simon and Tingelstad are all former chairmen of medical school pediatric departments across North Carolina.

“This well-deserved award for pediatric excellence recognizes the great leadership, spirit and commitment that Dr. Willson brings to his work daily,” said Dr. Nicholas Benson, vice dean for Brody and medical director for Brody’s faculty practice, ECU Physicians.

Founded in 1931, NCPeds is the state affiliate chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics with nearly 2,000 pediatrician and pediatric health professional members. Its mission is to empower pediatricians and its partners to foster the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

–Amy Ellis