LOS ANGELES, July 3, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is pleased to announce that the university's most prestigious Endowed Professorship Awards have been presented to three leading medical professionals for their groundbreaking research:
Jaydutt V. Vadgama, Ph.D., Chief, Division of Cancer Research and Training/director, Molecular Oncology, Professorship in Cancer Research -- for his advancement in understanding the pathogenesis of breast and colorectal cancer in African American and Latina subjects, improving the ability to better treat these and other cancers.
Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Professorship in Cardio-Metabolic Medicine for his advancement in diabetes, obesity and drug addiction.
Eric G. Bing, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, Director, DrewCARES, Professorship in Global Health and HIV for his advancements in global awareness and treatment of HIV.
In presenting the awards, Keith C. Norris, M.D., FACP, Vice President for Research, The Charles Drew University, said, "These doctors today through their work carry on the legacy of our namesake, Dr. Charles Drew as pioneering scientists. They have reinforced The Charles Drew University's reputation on the university research map, distinguishing it as one of the world leaders making great advancements in the area of cancer, cardio, HIV and AIDS research."
Dr. Susan Kelly, President of The Charles Drew University, thanked the three outstanding recipients. "It's not enough to express the appreciation of the university community, since Jay, Ted and Eric are making such an impact not only here but throughout the world. We honor them not only for their extraordinary research but also for the quality of teaching they provide to our students."
"These medical scholars could perform their work anywhere in the nation, the world," added Dr. Norris, "but they chose our university."
In an uplifting and emotional ceremony, the three doctors accepted their recognition with humility and gratitude for the University's support of their programs.
"The people at Drew, and in particular some of the key leadership, make me feel wanted," said Dr. Jay Vadgama. "Drew is my home and my family. I need the community here to remind me why I went into a career in Academic Medicine in the first place."
Dr. Vadgama went on to say that he and his colleagues have been able to grow more programs, bring in more funds, develop partnerships with UCLA and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, "because the community at the University is able to provide me the necessary love and support. The national and international communities in my field in cancer research have recognized the importance what we do at The Charles Drew University."
Dr. Eric G. Bing, a Harvard-educated professional, choked back tears as he recalled a beloved patient David, who played a pivotal role in the doctor dedicating his life and career to research in global health and HIV.
"David had only a short time to live, his body destroyed by AIDS...and he asked if I would do him a favor. He asked if I would stay with him until the end of his life, and I upped him one and asked him if he would stay with me for the rest of my life. And, he has."
Norris said that as a result of the work of these remarkable men, a cluster of medical professionals now come together to network, exchange information and learn from each other which in turn greatly accelerates the research process. "Research is now more rapid as a result of working together."
The Charles Drew University honored their recipients for having stepped forward to take leadership in the school's Medical Science Institute. "We hope this Professorship Award is the start of a continuing tradition and one that Drew can make more often as a result of all the new discoveries our researchers will continue to make," said Dr. Norris.
About The Charles Drew University:
A private non-profit educational institution in the Watts-Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles, The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science has provided quality college, graduate and post-graduate education and training to thousands of qualified minority and other students for more than 35 years. As part of its mission, the University has also provided urgently needed healthcare services to chronically underserved residents of the poorest communities in Los Angeles County, serving the 1.7 million citizens in its 94-square-mile service area. If this service area were a municipality, it would be the fifth largest city in the U.S.
The University is widely regarded as an innovative medical education university pioneering in teaching doctors and healthcare professionals, and in conducting quality research, to deal with the special needs of the poor, chronically ill populations in the inner city. By expanding relationships with local medical school, research institutions and community-based organizations, the University is focused on eliminating health care disparities by providing access to and delivery of vital health care services to underserved populations. The University has been remarkably successful in achieving its primary goal of producing physicians and other healthcare professionals who return to the community to serve people who are uninsured or underinsured. It has graduated over 500 medical doctors, 2,500 physician specialists, 2,000 physician assistants and hundreds of other health professionals.
The Charles Drew University's unique environment of providing medical education has been lauded as a national model. Research shows both that its students become more committed to the mission as they progress through their medical education and that 10 years after graduation, 70% of Charles Drew University trained physicians are still working with underserved populations.
Further information about The Charles Drew University may be found on its website at http://www.cdrewu.edu.