Texas Heart Institute Names Dr. James T. Willerson 2009 Recipient of Prestigious Fish Award for Scientific Achievement
Dr. Willerson (left) is presented the award by Dr. Cooley. |
HOUSTON (December 4, 2009) – James T. Willerson, M.D, has been named by the Texas Heart Institute (THI) at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital as the 2009 recipient of the prestigious Ray C. Fish Award for Scientific Achievement. The award recognizes those whose innovations have made significant contributions to cardiovascular medicine and surgery.
"I am gratified by the honor and to be in the company of so many distinguished past winners," said Dr. Willerson. "What I am most pleased about is the recognition of the work so many good people are doing to improve treatments and save lives at THI."
Dr. Willerson is president and medical director, director of cardiology research and co-director of the Cullen Cardiovascular Research Laboratories at the nonprofit THI. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he was named a distinguished alumnus. He is a former chairman of the National American Heart Association Research Committee and of the National Institutes of Health Cardiovascular and Renal Study Section.
Dr. Willerson has served as a visiting professor and invited lecturer at more than 170 institutions. He has received numerous national and international awards.
Ray C. Fish (1902-1962) was a philanthropist and leading figure in the natural gas industry. Mr. Fish believed in the American dream of "opportunity for success." The Ray C. Fish Foundation was established so that others might be encouraged to broaden man's self-knowledge and to keep the American dream alive. After its founder's death from heart disease, the Fish Foundation granted $5 million to help make the Texas Heart Institute a reality. For this reason, the Institute's highest professional award is given in honor of this extraordinary man.
The Fish Foundation provides continuing support for the program and, in honor of Dr. Willerson, is presenting a cash award to help support his research at THI into adult stem cell therapy.
The award was presented to Dr. Willerson during the Ninth Annual Texas Update in Cardiovascular Advancements being held at THI December 4-5, 2009. The symposium is a key part of the Texas Heart Institute's mission to provide continuing medical education for cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons and internists with an interest in cardiology and clinical research. THI is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
For more information visit:
THI Stem Cell Center
Ray C. Fish Award
About the Texas Heart Institute
The Texas Heart Institute, founded by world-renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Denton A. Cooley in 1962, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the devastating toll of cardiovascular disease through innovative and progressive programs in research, education and improved patient care. Together with its clinical partner, St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, it has been ranked among the top ten cardiovascular centers in the United States by U.S. News & World Report’s annual guide to “America’s Best Hospitals” for the past 19 years. The Texas Heart Institute is also affiliated with The University of Texas (UT) System, which promotes collaboration in cardiovascular research and education among UT and THI faculty at the Texas Heart Institute and other UT components.
Contact:
Frank Michel
713-218-2210
fmichel@heart.thi.tmc.edu
