2003 Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health
The Selection Committee of the Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health is pleased to announce that John R. Hughes, MD, Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Family Practice at the University of Vermont, has been selected to receive its 18th Annual Award. In addition to his internationally recognized work as a scientist, educator, and clinician, Dr. Hughes is the Co-Founder and Past President of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco.
Dr. Hughes was the primary figure involved in the development of rigorous criteria to characterize the disorders of nicotine dependence and withdrawal. These criteria now serve as the standard psychiatric and medical diagnostic tools for both research and clinical care. His work was the first to demonstrate the prolonged nature of nicotine withdrawal as the major obstacle to successful smoking cessation. In addition, he has been a leader in developing pharmacologic and behavioral approaches to facilitate cessation in patients previously unable to quit smoking. Importantly, research by Dr. Hughes revealed the ways in which nicotine dependence co-occurs with other substance abuse and psychiatric disorders. Most recently he served as the principal author of the treatment guidelines for patients with nicotine dependence developed by the American Psychiatric Association.
Supported by the Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, the Alton Ochsner Award recognizes exemplary scientific achievements that provide major insights into biological mechanisms that relate tobacco consumption and human disease. Dr. Hughes will receive a $15,000 cash award, a special medallion and a scroll to be presented at the Annual Convocation of the American College of Chest Physicians during its scientific sessions to be held in Orlando on Sunday, October 26, 2003.
For more information about the Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Health, please visit the Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation web site at www.ochsner.org/academics/smokingaward.html.
Educational Agreement with Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala
In July, Dr. William Pinsky, Ochsner's Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, signed a letter of intent with Dr. Edgar M. Lopez-Alvarez and Fernando Montrerroso, the respective Chairman of Education and University President of Francisco Marroquin University in Guatemala City. The letter demonstrates the two institutions' intention to become academic partners. Three medical students from FMU will be coming to Ochsner in the Fall. Other initiatives being discussed include the sharing of educational resources, specifically multimedia educational projects, and an annual conference at FMU sponsored by OCF.
2003 Pfizer Scholars in Urology Grant
Dr. Benjamin Martin, Ochsner urology resident, has been awarded the Ochsner's 2003 Pfizer Scholars in Urology Grant. Dr. Marin was nominated be Dr. Harold Fuselier of the Department of Urology. Through dedication and hard work, Dr. Martin has advanced the discipline of urological science and embodies the patient care goals for treating erectile dysfunction.
Congratulations, Family Physician of the Year: Dr. Ishler
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Harold L. “Skip” Ishler, Jr. for his recent selection as the Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians “Family Physician of the Year” for 2003. This great honor was bestowed upon Dr. Ishler in July at the 56th Annual Assembly of the LAFP in Lafayette, Louisiana. Dr. Ishler was commended for his service to his patients, his specialty, and his community. He is now a candidate for the National Family Physician of the Year.
- Ochsner Clinic and Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation