Dr. Laurencin recently attended the National Medical Association Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in Honolulu, Hawaii. The National Medical Association (NMA)’s Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly is acclaimed as the nation’s foremost forum on medical science and African American health. Each year, African American physicians and other health professionals from across the country convene to participate in the scholarly exchange of medical advances, discuss health policy priorities, and to share experiences through networking opportunities.

During the opening ceremonies Dr. Laurencin proudly presented the 2019 Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Achievement Award to Dr. Griffin T. Rodgers, the Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Dr. Rodgers has been a pioneering research investigator since 2007, and is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of the first effective—and now FDA approved—therapy for sickle cell anemia and was a principal investigator in clinical trials to develop therapy for patients with sickle cell disease.

The Cato T. Laurencin M.D., Ph.D. Lifetime Research Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated more than 20 years of consistent, long-lasting contributions to benefit African Americans and to reduce heath disparities through recognized research and inquiry. The individual may be a physician, a career researcher or a distinguished educator who has enhanced the field of research and made it possible for young researchers to be successful.

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