"I am very appreciative to be the recipient of the ACCP Lifetime Achievement Award. The members of the ACCP have made, and continue to make, very substantial contributions to pulmonary and cardiovascular medicine both nationally and internationally," said Dr. Lenfant. "The scientific and public health interests of this professional society are mirrored by those of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. For this reason, it gives me a great deal of pride to be honored by the College."
Recently retired from the NHLBI after 20 years of service, Dr. Lenfant oversaw development and completion of major clinical trials that have had widespread impact on the ways in which disease is treated and prevented. One of Dr. Lenfant's most tangible legacies has been programs of professional, public, and patient education that have had national visibility and impact. Under his stewardship, the NHLBI launched its National Cholesterol Education Program, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program, and National Heart Attack Alert Program, as well as special initiatives focused on obesity, sleep disorders, and women's health.
"Dr. Lenfant has brought cutting-edge, multidisciplinary resources to bear on complex medical problems and has been recognized, nationally and internationally, for his exceptional leadership and achievements," said Paul A. Kvale, MD, FCCP, President-Elect of the American College of Chest Physicians and Honorary Marshal for Dr. Claude Lenfant. "In his retirement, Dr. Lenfant intends to expand his efforts to address the growing problem of chronic disease in the developing world. Because of his continuing commitment to world health, we are honored to be able to give him this first-ever ACCP Lifetime Achievement Award."
CHEST 2003 is the 69th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians, being held in Orlando, October 25-30. ACCP represents more than 15,700 members who provide clinical respiratory, critical care, and cardiothoracic patient care in the United States and throughout the world. ACCP's mission is to promote the prevention and treatment of diseases of the chest through leadership, education, research, and communication.