Dr. Antonio M. Gotto, Jr. receives American College of Cardiology Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., dean emeritus, a professor of medicine and a member of the board of overseers at Weill Cornell Medical College, has been awarded the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award by the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Antonio M. Gotto, Jr. Photo Credit: Lagniappe Studio
Recognizing an individual who has made significant achievements and served as a role model in the field of cardiovascular disease, the annual Lifetime Achievement Award was accepted by Dr. Gotto on March 16 in San Diego at the convocation of the American College of Cardiology's 64th annual scientific session.
While Dr. Gotto said that, "You don't start out a career just to receive awards," winning this one is "gratifying" because it recognizes not only his background in teaching and mentoring, but also the time that he spent educating the public about cardiovascular disease, and educating physicians abut lipids, heart attacks and strokes.
"I've gotten great satisfaction out of basic research and clinical research that I've done, and I've enjoyed being able to apply my findings to the treatment of patients," Dr. Gotto said. "I've learned a lot from patients, students and colleagues over the years, and have gained a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment from spending time with these diverse groups."
Dr. Gotto, who spent 15 years as the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College, has a storied history of making great innovations in this field of cardiovascular health. He is a world-renowned expert in the treatment of atherosclerosis, which leads to cardiovascular disease, and in his 25 years at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, made a number of groundbreaking discoveries that led to a better understanding and treatment of heart conditions.
"I just feel blessed to have been able to pursue a career in this field, which I love," Dr. Gotto said, "and to have had the support of my family and colleagues along the way."
Dr. Cam Patterson Receives 2015 Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology
Dr. Cam Patterson, a professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, has won the 2015 Distinguished Scientist Award from the American College of Cardiology.
Dr. Cam Patterson
The annual award recognizes fellows of the college who have made significant contributions to the advancement of scientific knowledge in the field of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Patterson received the award on March 16 at the college’s annual convocation, which occurred during its 64th annual scientific session in San Diego.
"It is an honor to be included among the previous recipients of this award," said Dr. Patterson, who is also senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. "This is a testament to all of my trainees, who deserve equal credit for the work that forms the basis for this recognition."
A world-renowned leader in the field of molecular cardiology, Dr. Patterson is credited with fundamentally transforming the way in which the scientific community views cardiology research, specifically in regard to the process by which a protein assumes its functional shape, called protein folding. Dr. Patterson’s lab focuses on the interface between the mechanisms that enable protein folding and protein degradation.
The American College of Cardiology is a medical society dedicating to transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health by leading the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines related to the field.
Additional Awards and Honors
Dr. Christopher Cunniff, director of the division of medical genetics in the Department of Pediatrics and a professor of pediatrics, was elected to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics' Program Committee in December. The college seeks to increase access to medical genetics and genomics services and integrate them into patient care while driving excellence in research and patient care in these fields.
Dr. Sang Lee, an associate professor of surgery, was named editor of the American College of Surgeons Web Portal in October. The college is a scientific and educational association of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.
Dr. Julie Penzner, an assistant professor of psychiatry, was selected to participate in the 2014-2015 Leadership in Academic Medicine Program, a year-long faculty development program for junior faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College. The program, which began on Oct. 22, introduces participants to the fundamentals of career planning, self-management and leadership skills, and provides them with tools that will enable them to accomplish their primary career goals and aspirations.