Katie Holzer, PhD, LCSW, assistant professor of anesthesiology, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Alene and Meyer Kopolow Award for Geriatrics, Psychiatry, and Neurology. This prestigious award recognizes stellar contributions to the care of older adults through direct patient care, education, or research. It is presented annually to a resident, post-residency fellow, or junior faculty member in neurology, psychiatry, medicine, or related disciplines.
Dr. Holzer has been a driving force in geriatric mental health research and patient care. As Administrative Director of the Center for Perioperative Mental Health (CPMH), she played a key role in securing a $6.2 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health. CPMH is the first and only center dedicated to optimizing perioperative mental health care for older adults undergoing surgery.
“Through her leadership at the Center for Perioperative Mental Health, Dr. Holzer has played a pivotal role in securing research funding, developing patient-centered interventions, and mentoring the next generation of clinicians and researchers,” said the Head of the Department of Anesthesiology, Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, FCA SA. “We are incredibly proud of her for receiving the 2025 Kopolow Award, a well-deserved recognition of her contributions.”
Dr. Holzer was honored at the 24th Annual Friedman Lecture & Awards, held Friday, April 4, on WashU’s Danforth Campus. As part of the award, she receives $3,000 to support aging-related educational activities, such as conference attendance, travel, books, journal subscriptions, and research-related software or hardware.
The Alene & Meyer Kopolow Award is supported by The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital and recognizes emerging leaders who improve the lives of older adults. Dr. Holzer’s work exemplifies this mission, bridging clinical research, patient care, and mentorship to shape the future of geriatric mental health.
