Harvard Medical School-Partners HealthCare Center for Genetics and Genomics
Bestows Inaugural Award in Medical Genetics to Dr. Ronald Cohn
Outstanding physician honored for bringing science into the clinic
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- June 21, 2006 - The first Harvard Medical School-Partners
HealthCare Center for Genetics and Genomics (HPCGG) Award in Medical
Genetics was today presented to Dr. Ronald Cohn, chief resident at Johns
Hopkins University Hospital Children's Center and the McKusick-Nathans
Institute of Genetics. The award is for national recognition of an up-and-coming
medical geneticist who has demonstrated exceptional abilities in bringing genetic
knowledge into clinical care.
"Today, genetics is making a difference everywhere -- from cancer to cardiovascular
diseases, psoriasis to psychiatric illness. This award brings attention to the
tangible patient benefits that are possible when genetic research is integrated
into medicine," said Dr. Raju Kucherlapati, Scientific Director of the HPCGG.
The advent and successful completion of the Human Genome Project marked a
significant milestone in scientific knowledge. The next major hurdle for
the biomedical enterprise is to bridge the gap between basic science and
clinical practice-a crucial step in the quest to realize the benefits of
personalized medicine in people's everyday lives.
"We now have the knowledge and tools needed to individualize care," said Dr.
Cohn. "Everyone is different, and using the tools and insights afforded through
genetics and genomics, we will be able to better appreciate those differences
and, in turn, tailor clinical care accordingly."
Despite the progress genetics is bringing to healthcare, demand for medical
geneticists far outstrips supply. Enrollment in medical genetics programs
has decreased by more than 75% since 1982. To inspire a new generation, the
HPCGG plans to present the Award in Medical Genetics annually to an emerging
physician or scientist committed to furthering personalized medicine.
Eligible candidates are those who are in the process of becoming certified or
have completed their certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics
within three years prior to nomination.
"Dr. Cohn was the clear choice of a distinguished evaluation committee to be
the first recipient of this award," says Cynthia Morton, PhD, committee member,
associate director of HPCGG and editor of the American Journal of Human Genetics.
"His rigorous medical genetics education and outstanding scientific training and
accomplishments set a high standard to which future young medical geneticists can
aspire."
As the first recipient of the Award, Dr. Cohn embodies the translation of science
into patient care. His interest in and passion for medical genetics began during
his first year of medical school when he learned that the son of his close friends
had recently been diagnosed with a mitochondrial myopathy. As a result of the
disease's degenerative effects, the small boy could barely hold up his head.
Surprised by the lack of information and anxious to help his friends, Dr. Cohn
began a quest to learn more about the disease. Muscular regeneration quickly
captivated him and later became the topic of his medical thesis.
Since then, Dr. Cohn's interest has intensified in genetic individuality and its
impact on medicine. An extensively published investigator, Dr. Cohn was selected
for this competitive/coveted award with great admiration and respect for his early
scientific and medical achievements in addition to his passion for patient care.
"He is a rising star," said Dr. Kucherlapati. "His compassion for patients fuels his
desire to use the insights of genetic and genomic information to improve their care."
"There is no doubt that Dr. Cohn will continue to make significant contributions in
genetics and will earn a position among the leaders of the discipline," says Dr. Morton.
"By developing this Award in Medical Genetics and selecting Dr. Cohn as its inaugural
awardee, HPCGG hopes to bring attention to the exciting discoveries in medical and human
genetics and to encourage other young physicians to embark on a career in this specialty."
Dr. Cohn presents today at grand rounds at Harvard Medical School and will receive a cash
award of $20,000 at a black-tie banquet tonight at the Boston Harbor Hotel.
"I am deeply honored to receive this award, said Dr. Cohn. "We live in an extremely
exciting time of genetics and I feel privileged to be part of a new generation of
geneticists who will take active part in this evolution of medicine."
