News Release
FBR announces winners of
Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards
May 14, 2003
Washington – The Foundation for Biomedical
Research today announced the winners of the 2002-2003 Michael
E. DeBakey Journalism Awards. This prestigious journalism prize
program was established in 2001 to bring American journalists and
scientists together to inspire exceptional, outstanding and ongoing
news coverage of biomedical research that involves laboratory animals.
This year’s winners are:
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Print (Large
Market)
Carolyn Poirot, medical news and features writer
for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram for
“Primal Patients” an in-depth and informative feature
on the baboon colony at the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical
Research.
-
Print (Small
Market)
Stephanie Davis, Senior Editor for DVM
Newsmagazine for her exclusive interview with
Dr. Michael Podell following his controversial decision to give
up his NIH-funded AIDS research and leave at Ohio State University
as a result of the harassment from animal activists.
-
Internet
Tom Clarke, reporter for Science Update,
the journal Nature’s daily on-line
news service for non-scientists, for his insightful and educational
article on the vital role of the humble lab mouse in research
and the sequencing of the mouse genome.
-
Radio
Lynn Thomas, producer and host of
American Pet Journal Show, heard
on Clear Channel Radio in New Mexico and KOOL 104.5 in Colorado
for her informative and educational show on the vital role of
animal research in advancing veterinary medicine.
-
Television
John Stossel, Correspondent; Kristina Kendall,
and Diane Petzke, Producers; and Patrick
McMenamin, Special Projects Researcher at ABC
TV’s 20/20 for a ground-breaking investigative
expose on the anti-research agenda of the radical animal activist
group PeTa, and its connections with a convinced felon who continues
to encourage and incite violence in an attempt to stop all research
with animals.
In expressing his appreciation for the work of
the winning journalists, Dr. DeBakey said: “Many years ago,
former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli said that an educated
people is easy to lead and difficult to enslave. And journalism
is, in many ways, one of the most important means by which we educate
our people. I would like to thank all journalists who take this
responsibility seriously and discharge it so well.”
The awards, which include a cash prize of $3,000
and a heart-shaped trophy, crafted by glass artist Robert Held,
will be presented tomorrow evening, Thursday, May 15th at 8:00 PM
at the George Washington University Club in Washington, DC by Dr.
Michael Ellis DeBakey, long time chairman of the Foundation
for Biomedical Research.
Dr. DeBakey, the chancellor emeritus of Baylor
College of Medicine is world renowned for his contributions as a
premier heart surgeon, medical inventor, scholar, teacher and international
medical statesman. Affectionately referred to as “The King
of Hearts,” the father of modern cardio-vascular surgery is
the recipient of 57 honorary degrees, and the Presidential Medal
of Freedom with Distinction. Dr. DeBakey is this country’s
most honored physician. He is the recipient of the prestigious Lasker
Award for Research, the National Medal of Science, the Eleanor Roosevelt
Humanities Award, the AMA Distinguished Service Award, and the United
Nation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, among others. He has
been named “A Living Legend” by the Library of Congress
and has been inducted into the Health Care Hall of Fame. Last year,
NASA recognized him with the Commercial Invention of the Year Award
for his work on the DeBakey Ventricular Assist Device, which is
based – in part – on space shuttle technology. And last
month, Dr. DeBakey traveled to Russia to receive the Gold Hippocrates
International Award, which is presented each year to ten leading
physicians in the world in recognition of their exceptional humanity,
modesty, intelligence and knowledge.
The
Foundation for Biomedical Research is the nation’s oldest
and largest organization devoted to promoting public understanding,
respect and support for the humane and responsible use of animals
in medical and scientific research.
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