Kurt Drury

Kurt Drury serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care at the University of Chicago. He is a physician scientist providing clinical care in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) while conducting research on long-term outcomes for critically ill children.

His educational background:

• Undergraduate and Medical Degrees: Indiana University
• Pre-Medical Experience: Taught high school physics via Teach For America
• Residency: Pediatrics at Advocate Children's Hospital, Chicago
• Fellowship: Critical Care at Oregon Health and Science University, Portland
• Advanced Degree: Master of Clinical Research (obtained during fellowship)

Dr. Drury's research program centers on long-term recovery trajectories after PICU discharge, with emphasis on identifying at-risk patient groups for persistent deficits and quality-of-life changes. His work specifically examines sedation/analgesia impacts (including benzodiazepines and ketamine) on critically ill children and develops improved ICU liberation protocols. Key research domains include Pediatric Critical Care Outcomes, Sedation Pharmacology, Delirium mechanisms, and Post-ICU Quality of Life.

He maintains active affiliation with the Pediatric Critical Care and Neurotrauma Recovery Program, which coordinates clinical and research initiatives for children recovering from critical illness or injury.