Child Psychiatrist, Dr. Lidia Wenz, died in a car accident on 1-20-04 along with her husband, Dr. James Wenz, an orthopedic surgeon. Their children, Adrianna, age eight, and James Jr., age seven, were injured in the accident but recovered.

Dr. Lidia Wenz, who was 44 at the time of her death, received three degrees from the State University of New York in Buffalo: a B.S. in nursing, a B.A. in psychology, and an MD in 1990. She trained in psychiatry at Johns Hopkins from July 1990 until 1993, and then became Chief Resident during her fellowship in child psychiatry. She was then on the Johns Hopkins full-time faculty until 2001, when she left to spend more time with her children.

Dr. Mark Riddle, Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins described her as a “star” and as “beloved by all” during her fellowship and beyond. In a letter to her colleagues, he also writes, “She was an uncommon woman who exuded a grace and graciousness in all that she did. Her genuine kindness, her soothing yet firm clinical style, her ever ready smile and helpfulness in any situation set her apart from others yet she never held herself apart from anyone. She was truly special and will be sorely missed.”

Dr. J. Raymond DePaulo, Director of Psychiatry at JHU, also remarked that “Lidia was as good as they come. She was one of the best adult residents in her year of training and then became a wonderful child psychiatrist. We all were planning her return to full-time faculty when her children were older.”

Dr. Gregory Fernandopulle, a child psychiatrist who worked with her in a Baltimore school mental health program, noted her warmth for others, her competency clinically, her inner kindness and her ability to get along well with everyone.

In memory of Dr. Wenz, the JHU Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is creating a living memory book for her children. They are inviting anyone who is interested in sharing a memory, story, photo or sentiment about her to send it to them as a “lasting tribute to a remarkable woman.” These remembrances can be sent to the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, c/o Emily Frosch, MD, CMSC 346-B, 600 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Md. 21287-3325. In addition, there is a memorial fund: The James and Lidia Wenz Memorial Fund, Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine, 100 N. Charles Street, Suite 418, Baltimore, Md. 21201.