Kelsey Wahler, undergraduate in Anthropology, awarded Volunteer of Distinction Award

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Congratulations to Kelsey Wahler, undergraduate in Anthropology, for being awarded the Volunteer of Distinction Award for Excellence in Research 2025!

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Ms. Wahler worked with Lou Smith (M.D.) and other professionals at the University of Tennessee’s Medical Center studying the efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in patients with traumatic rib fractures, and she found the group who received intravenous lidocaine had significant reduction in pain scores, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs of treatment. This study, Intravenous Lidocaine for Rib Fractures: Effect on Pain Control and Outcome, was published in November of 2021 in The American Surgeon. In the midst of a national opioid epidemic, finding non-addictive pain management strategies for those with serious injuries is both a necessary and urgent matter. As an undergraduate student in Anthropology, Ms. Wahler has demonstrated excellence in research through peer-reviewed publication as she plans to apply to graduate programs, and we look forward to seeing the impact of her future works.

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Kelsey Wahler was nominated by Dr. Kathleen Hauther, Department of Anthropology