The Division of Infectious Diseases is proud to announce that Cody Cunningham, MD, PhD, a second-year Infectious Disease Fellow, and Christian Hendrix, MD, MS, a recent Infectious Diseases Fellowship graduate, have been named recipients of the 2026 Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award.
The Knowlton Incentive for Excellence Award program recognizes physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital who have demonstrated the ability to balance exceptional, compassionate care with a commitment to being leaders in the science of internal medicine. Established in 1984 by Charles J. Cella in honor of his friend and physician, Norman Knowlton Jr., MD, the program embodies what Mr. Cella called the “Knowlton Spirit.” Over 41 years, the award program has recognized more than 250 physicians trained at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and provided over $4.5 million in support of resident education.
Hendrix graduated from the Infectious Diseases Fellowship Training Program in June 2026, and she is continuing her career with WashU Medicine as a Critical Care Medicine Fellow. “I receive this award carrying the legacy of my family —teachers, workers, engineers, and sharecroppers whose struggles taught me that health, dignity, and opportunity should never be determined by class, wealth, or circumstance,” Hendrix said. “I am deeply grateful for my privilege of serving my community alongside truly extraordinary colleagues. I will carry this recognition as a daily reminder to honor those who came before me by fighting every day for healthcare for all.”
Cunningham is currently serving as the Chief Fellow for the fellowship program. Both he and Hendrix said they are honored to have been nominated by Darcy Wooten, MD, MS, Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Director at WashU Medicine. Cunningham said Dr. Wooten has been a tireless advocate for her trainees.
All 2026 Knowlton Award recipients were honored at a ceremony on October 5th, 2026. Please join us in congratulating them on this well-deserved recognition.