Director of Molecular Genetics at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Recognized for Research to Identify Causes of Orthopaedic Conditions
Dr. Carol Wise, director of molecular genetics at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (TSRHC), recently received The Texas Trailblazer Award, which recognizes a local woman who has accomplished a “first” and opened the doors for other women.
Dr. Wise’s research focuses on identifying genetic causes of pediatric orthopaedic conditions. Most recently, her team at TSRHC discovered the first reported gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis. The gene discovery is outlined in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.
The Texas Trailblazer Awards luncheon presented by Bank of Texas was held August 20, 2008, at the Frontier’s of Flight Museum in Dallas. Dr. Ron J. Anderson, president and chief executive officer of Parkland Health & Hospital System, received The Family Place Man of Influence Award. Luncheon co-chairs were Carole and Scott Murray. Honorary chairs were Laura and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert. The Texas Trailblazer Awards Luncheon raises funds for The Family Place.
About Dr. Carol Wise
Dr. Carol Wise is director of molecular genetics at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Texas A&M University and a doctorate degree in biochemistry from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. She completed postdoctoral fellowships in human molecular genetics at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Wise is associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and holds a secondary appointment in the McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. Dr. Wise’s research focuses on identifying genetic causes of pediatric orthopaedic conditions. Her work includes the discovery of a gene responsible for an inherited form of severe juvenile arthritis, molecular characterization of an inherited pediatric skeletal disorder, and the discovery of the first reported gene associated with common forms of scoliosis. She has published 40 peer-reviewed papers and seven book chapters and holds a patent titled “Genetic Marker for Autoimmune Disorder.†She holds memberships in various professional societies, including the Scoliosis Research Society, the American Society of Human Genetics and the Texas Genetics Society, where she served as 2007-2008 president. In 2007, Dr. Wise was a finalist of The Dallas Morning News “Texan of the Year†award, she received the “Texas Trailblazer Award†from The Family Place in 2008 and she was selected for the “100 Women, 100 Years†award from the YWCA of Metropolitan Dallas.
About Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children is one of the nation’s leading pediatric centers for the treatment of orthopedic conditions, certain related neurological disorders and learning disorders, such as dyslexia. There is no charge to patient families for treatment at the hospital, and admission is open to Texas children from birth to 18 years of age. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (214) 559-5000 or (800) 421-1121 or visit www.tsrhc.org.
