2024 Dean’s Impact Award Recipient
Hilary E.L. Reno, MD, PhD, is a highly respected mentor and sponsor of student researchers within the WashU Medicine community broadly, and in the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases particularly. Mentees describe Reno as “the ultimate leader,” noting that she “is a wonderful teacher/mentor, and truly hones the expertise in the room, understanding what is not known, being willing to admit that, and trying to find a solution that works.” Reno has been described as one of the fiercest advocates in the fight against sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), both locally and nationally, for over 15 years. She has spearheaded efforts including leading the St. Louis STI Regional Response Coalition, being the principal investigator of the St. Louis STI/HIV Prevention Training Center, serving as medical director of the St. Louis County Sexual Health Clinic, heading the WashU Institute of Public Health Data Center, and being a consultant for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Colleagues note that Reno really shines when emphasizing the need for community voices in efforts to combat STIs, including her efforts to lead the state congenital syphilis task force and in increasing STI capacity in all the clinics she works with. Reno is also a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and has a collaborative, inclusive approach to community health work and outreach.