Dr. Jack Barchas, the Barklie McKee Henry Professor and chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, was honored by the Institute of Medicine at its 37th Annual Meeting on Oct. 8 with the Walsh McDermott Medal, an award bestowed by the IOM for distinguished service over an extended period. Dr. Barchas has served on committees of several IOM studies, including an important study of pediatric psychiatry departments and research. Dr. Barchas additionally served as co-chair of the IOM Board of Neuroscience and Behavioral Health for several years.
Dr. Stanley Goldsmith, professor of radiology and medicine, was awarded the Frank L. Babbott, M.D., Memorial Award from SUNY Downstate Alumni Association in April "in recognition of distinguished service to the medical profession and the community." An alumnus of SUNY Downstate, Dr. Goldsmith has served as director of Division of Nuclear Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College since 1995.
Drs. Beatrix and David Hamburg, both DeWitt Wallace Distinguished Scholars at Weill Cornell Medical College, are the recipients of the highly prestigious 2007 Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Award in Mental Health from the Institute of Medicine. Beatrix and David Hamburg each have had distinguished careers in academic medicine and mental illness research, as well as in public policy and philanthropic leadership. Their major study, "Learning to Live Together: Preventing Hatred and Violence in Child and Adolescent Development" (2004) has been praised as a definitive and comprehensive resource that is sure to influence future research on the topic. "Throughout their careers, Betty and David Hamburg have been passionate advocates for those who bear tremendous burdens," said Harvey Fineberg, president of the Institute of Medicine. "They complement each other professionally and personally, and it is fitting to honor them jointly for their lasting impact on the mental health of individuals and of societies." The Sarnat Award is bestowed upon individuals, groups or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in improving mental health. The prize recognizes—without regard for professional discipline or nationality—achievements in basic science, clinical application, and public policy that lead to progress in the understanding, etiology, prevention, treatment, or cure of mental disorders, or to the promotion of mental health. Dr. Jack Barchas, chairman of the Department of Psychiatry, was the 2006 recipient of the prize.
Dr. Shankar Vallabhajosula
Dr. Shankar Vallabhajosula, professor of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy in radiology, is the recipient of the Berson-Yalow Award for 2007 by the Greater New York Chapter of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM). The award recognizes Dr. Vallabhajosula, who is also director of radiochemistry at Weill Cornell's Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center, for his many valuable contributions to the development of the field of nuclear medicine, and "for accomplishments as a leader in teaching, clinical care and research emulating the fine traditions of Solomon A. Berson, M.D., and Rosalyn S. Yalow, Ph.D." (Drs. Berson and Yalow developed radioimmunoassay, for which Dr. Yalow was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1977.) The Berson-Yalow Award will be presented to Dr. Vallabhajosula by Weill Cornell Professor of Radiology and Medicine Dr. Stanley Goldsmith, himself a 1992 recipient of the award, at the Annual Northeast Regional Meeting of the SNM in Stamford, Conn., on Oct. 27.