The award presentation will take place at GSA's 56th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 21st-25th, 2003 in San Diego, California. The meeting is organized to foster interdisciplinary interactions among gerontological health care clinical, administrative, and research professionals.
Dr. Abrass is recognized not only for his research accomplishments, but also his excellence in clinical care and teaching. He currently serves as Acting Chief of Medicine at Harborview Medical Center, where he participates actively in the care of geriatric patients. He supervises medical students, residents, and fellows, and has served as a clinical and research mentor to numerous talented fellows and postdoctoral trainees in geriatric medicine.
He is widely published in the area of geriatric endocrinology and pharmacology, and has made important contributions to understanding the effects of aging on beta-adrenergic receptor regulation, and the impact of exercise training on cardiovascular function in elderly people.
The Freeman Award was established in 1977 through a bequest from a patient's estate as a tribute to Dr. Joseph T. Freeman, a leading physician and one of the Society's distinguished members and past presidents. The winner traditionally presents a lecture at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1945, is the oldest and largest national multidisciplinary scientific organization devoted to the advancement of gerontological research. Its membership includes some 5,000+ researchers, educators, practitioners, and other professionals in the field of aging. The Society's principal missions are to promote research and education in aging and to encourage the dissemination of research results to other scientists, decision makers, and practitioners.
Information about the Gerontological Society of America, its awards, and its 56th Annual Scientific Meeting can be found online at http://www.geron.org.