Newsmakers: February 2011

Anushka Chadha

Benjamin joins Biodefense Science Board

APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), will join the National Biodefense Science Board, a six-member federal advisory committee that advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in matters of disaster preparedness, response and recovery, it was announced in January. The board also provides recommendations on ways to improve the research and development of medicines, vaccines and equipment for pandemic diseases.

Mishkin awarded national science medal

Mortimer Mishkin, PhD, in November was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama for his contributions to human brain research. Mishkin is chief of the National Institute of Mental Health’s Section on Cognitive Neuroscience.

Richland reappointed at Partnership for Prevention

Jud Richland in January was named president and CEO of Partnership for Prevention, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to disease prevention and health promotion. Richland served as the organization’s president from 1995 to 1998 and replaces Robert J. Gould, PhD.

Bonci appointed scientific director at NIDA

Antonello Bonci, MD, in August was appointed scientific director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Intramural Research Program. A professor in the Department of Neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, he holds the Howard J. Weinberg endowed chair in addiction research.

Chey tapped for Bank of America award

Van Chey in November was named a “local hero” through Bank of America’s Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. Chey, a community advocate at the Lowell, Mass., office of the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, received the designation for her role in creating a positive and vital impact on the health and vitality of her community.

Johnson selected as fellow

Christopher Johnson, PhD, in December was named a fellow of the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education. An associate professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Rural Public Health and director of the Master of Health Administration Program, he will work with practitioners in the health care industry and academics from health care education programs to evaluate professional education.

Barksdale appointed to the National Health Panel

Debra Barksdale, PhD, associate professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing, in September was appointed to the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. The institute carries out research projects to help patients, clinicians and policy-makers make informed health decisions.

Sedory Holzer new executive director of Radiology Society

Susan E. Sedory Holzer, MA, CAE, in November was appointed executive director of the Society of Interventional Radiology, an organization dedicated to improving patient health care through minimally invasive treatments. Previously chief strategy officer of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Holzer will focus on advancing the society’s infrastructure and public awareness.