The 2010 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award is presented to Wm. Michael Dunne, Jr., Ph.D., D(ABMM), Medical Director, Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Professor, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, for his leadership in clinical microbiology and for revolutionizing the delivery of the American Board of Medical Microbiology (ABMM) certification examination. This award recognizes an ABMM or American Board of Medical Laboratory Immunology (ABMLI) Diplomate for outstanding contributions to the professional recognition of clinical microbiologists and/or immunologists.
Dunne was certified by the ABMM in 1987 and actively volunteered his time and expertise to the board for over 20 years. He worked for years to ensure the written examination truly assessed the deductive skills of a microbiologist. During his tenure as board chair, he eliminated the oral examination component. This elimination and the subsequent transition to online examination delivery have made the examination available worldwide. The number of examinees has skyrocketed leading to the increased recognition of ABMM certification and clinical microbiologists.
Dunne consistently contributes to the science. With more than 100 publications, he is frequently an invited lecturer, and has served on five different editorial boards during the past 15 years. He also directs a Committee on Postgraduate Educational Programs (CPEP)-accredited postdoctoral training program to ensure there are well-trained scientists. Dunne epitomizes the true spirit of this award by contributing to the science, training the next generation of clinical microbiologists, and working to ensure the professional recognition of clinical microbiologists.
The TREK Diagnostic ABMM/ABMLI Professional Recognition Award will be presented during the 110th General Meeting of the ASM, May 23-27, 2010 in San Diego, CA. ASM is the world's oldest and largest life science organization and has more than 43,000 members worldwide. ASM's mission is to advance the microbiological sciences and promote the use of scientific knowledge for improved health and economic and environmental well-being.