NIDDK Director Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, MACP, to Receive the ASN President’s Medal
Rodgers will be awarded the society’s highest civilian honor at ASN Kidney Week 2018.
Highlights
- The American Society of Nephrology (ASN), will bestow the President’s Medal to Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, MACP, for his leadership in kidney research and advocacy.
- Rodgers will receive the society’s highest civilian honor at a ceremony at ASN Kidney Week 2018 on Saturday, October 27, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA.
Newswise — Washington, DC (October 22, 2018)—The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) will present this year’s ASN President’s Medal to Griffin P. Rodgers, MD, MACP. This award is given to individuals who have helped advance the society’s mission to “lead the fight against kidney diseases by educating health professionals, sharing new knowledge, advancing research, and advocating for the highest quality of care for patients.”
“Dr. Rodgers is a tireless advocate for people with kidney diseases, an effective spokesperson for increased funding for kidney research, and a visionary leader who ensures the nation’s investment in kidney research will produce meaningful results,” said ASN President Mark D. Okusa, MD, FASN.
Rodgers was named director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in 2007, after serving as the institute’s acting director since 2006 and its deputy director since 2001. In his current position, he provides scientific leadership and manages a staff of more than 600 employees and a budget of $2 billion.
He is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the first effective, FDA approved therapy for sickle cell disease. The drug, hydroxyurea, has increased survival rates.
In addition, he and his collaborators have reported on a modified blood stem-cell transplant regimen that is highly effective in reversing sickle cell disease in adults and is associated with relatively low toxicity.
Rodgers’ research has led to more than 250 original research articles, reviews, and book chapters. He has edited four books and monographs and holds three patents. He has been honored for his research with numerous awards, including the Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Foundation Award, the Arthur S. Flemming Award from George Washington University, and the Legacy of Leadership Award from Howard University Hospital, among others.
“It is an honor to receive the ASN President’s Medal, a recognition I share with all my talented, dedicated colleagues at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.” Rodgers said. “At NIDDK, our goal is to improve people’s lives through research to understand, prevent and treat kidney diseases and many other consequential and costly conditions. We’re looking forward to a future in which people can lead happier, healthier lives, free of the burdens these conditions impose.”
The content of this news release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views or imply endorsement of the National Institutes of Health.
About ASN Kidney Week 2018
ASN Kidney Week 2018, the largest nephrology meeting of its kind, will provide a forum for more than 13,000 professionals to discuss the latest findings in kidney health research and engage in educational sessions related to advances in the care of patients with kidney and related disorders. Kidney Week 2018 will take place October 23 – October 28 at the San Diego Convention Center.
About the American Society of Nephrology
Since 1966, ASN has been leading the fight to prevent, treat, and cure kidney diseases throughout the world by educating health professionals and scientists, advancing research and innovation, communicating new knowledge, and advocating for the highest quality care for patients. ASN has more than 20,000 members representing 131 countries. For more information, please visit www.asn-online.org.
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