May 9, 2002
MEDIA CONTACT: Joanna Downer
PHONE: 410-614-5105
E-MAIL: jdowner1@jhmi.edu
McKusick, "Father of Genetic Medicine," To Get National Medal of Science
Victor A. McKusick, M.D., University Professor of Medical Genetics at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and a physician-scientist widely acknowledged as the father of genetic medicine, is to receive a National Medal of Science from President George W. Bush at White House ceremonies June 13.
The
highest scientific honor in the U.S., the National Medal of Science was established
in 1959 and first given out in 1962 to recognize life-long contributors in
the life and physical sciences, social sciences and engineering. Annually,
recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by a 12-person committee
named by the President.
"I feel privileged and grateful for this wonderful honor," says
McKusick, for whom the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine was
named in 1999. "This is a recognition not just of my contributions, but
also those of colleagues and students over the years."
McKusick began his career by studying heart defects, but rapidly developed
an interest in the inherited components of disease. In 1957 McKusick founded
the Division of Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins, and in 1966, created the
first edition of the genetic reference "Mendelian Inheritance in Man,"
a compilation of inherited disease genes that continues to grow. Both a scientist
and a prominent clinician, McKusick was the William Osler Professor of Medicine
and Physician-in-Chief of The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 1973 until 1985.
"Victor McKusick is a Hopkins legend -- a master clinician, scientist,
medical historian, teacher and colleague," says Edward Miller, M.D.,
dean of the School of Medicine. "It is so right that he has been honored
by the nation for his groundbreaking work and devotion to the advancement
of knowledge and human health."
Over the course of his career, McKusick has led the world in searching for,
identifying and mapping genes responsible for inherited conditions such as
Marfan syndrome and dwarfism. His studies of genetic disorders in the Amish
uncovered previously unrecognized inherited conditions and served as a model
for studies in similar populations in other parts of the world. As early as
1969, he proposed mapping the human genome, a feat accomplished by two research
teams -- in draft form -- in February 2001.
Says Aravinda Chakravarti, Ph.D., director of the McKusick-Nathans Institute:
"Victor's vision is reflected in his early recognition of the inherent
value to medicine of mapping the human genome. His contributions to the practice
of genetics in medicine are thus seminal, phenomenal and ageless."
Five other Johns Hopkins faculty members have received the National Medal
of Science. In 1993, it went to Nobel Laureate Daniel Nathans, who also is
honored in the naming of the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine
(Nathans died in 2000); in 1987 to Walter Elsasser, in 1986 to both Donald
A. Henderson and Vernon B. Mountcastle, and in 1974 to the late Abel Wolman.
Related Web sites:
Read more about Victor McKusick at:
http://www.jhu.edu/~jhumag/0400web/38.html
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/press/2002/MAY/McKusickBio.html
The news release from the National Science Foundation:
http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/02/pr0240.htm
Previous Medal of Science recipients:
http://www.nsf.gov/nsb/awards/nms/medal_recipients.htm
Human
Genome Sequencing Will Have Profound Impact on 21st Century Medicine (JAMA,
Nov. 14, 2001)
