Dr. James Bruce Bussel has received the prestigious King Faisal International Prize for Medicine 2012 in honor of his research on a disorder that affects fetuses and newborns, the King Faisal Foundation has announced.
Dr. Bussel, professor of pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College and attending physician at NYP/Weill Cornell, shares the prize with Dr. Richard L. Berkowitz, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, NYP/Columbia.
The King Faisal International Prize is given annually by the King Faisal Foundation, established by the sons of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia and known as one of the largest philanthropic foundations in the world. The award recognizes men and women whose contributions make a positive difference.
"I am honored and humbled by this award from the King Faisal Foundation," Dr. Bussel said. "I want to thank the foundation for recognizing the research Dr. Berkowitz and I are conducting that has become the standard of care of affected fetuses and newborns worldwide."
Dr. Bussel and Dr. Berkowitz were honored for their research on alloimmune thrombocytopenia, which in about 10-20 percent of affected fetuses can cause intracranial hemorrhage and, in some cases, death. The physicians have spent the past almost three decades studying the natural history, optimal diagnostic criteria and, in particular, management of pregnant women whose fetuses are affected by this genetic disorder. They also have served as consultants for clinicians worldwide seeking guidance for their patients. Treatment for this disorder is largely based on the work of Dr. Bussel and Dr. Berkowitz.
"We extend our sincerest congratulations to Jim for this incredible honor," said Les Lieberman, chairman of the Children's Cancer & Blood Foundation Board of Directors. "We are honored to have Jim as a valuable part of our team both as a long-time physician and as a Board member. Jim is a leader in the field, and this award shows what a visionary he truly is."
This year, the King Faisal Foundation recognized seven people, three of whom are American. Each of the award winners will receive a certificate hand-written in Diwani calligraphy summarizing the laureate's work, a commemorative 24-carat 200-gram gold medal, and a cash prize of $200,000, which Dr. Bussel and Dr. Berkowitz will share.
"The King Faisal International Prize is seeking to serve humanity wherever they may be in this world," said Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, "and this award is one of the pioneering efforts in recognizing knowledge and encouraging scholars."
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