Dr. Kenneth Knecht, second-year pediatric cardiology fellow at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, recently received the 2008 Society for Pediatric Research Young Investigator Award for his research on Korotkoff sounds in blood pressure measurement for infants and children.

Dr. Knecht was selected for the award from a field of three finalists. A graduate of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Dr. Knecht completed his pediatrics residency at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Va., followed by three years practicing general pediatrics on active duty in the Navy. Knecht has been serving as a pediatric cardiology fellow at Le Bonheur Children's since August 2006.

Partnering with Dr. Bruce Alpert, Knecht conducted an innovative study on the validity of using Korotkoff sounds to measure blood pressure in children under the age of three. "Our study showed that blood pressure can be accurately measured by cuff and auscultation in young children.  Because this information was not previously known, our research can allow better health care management and diagnoses of young children," said Knecht.