Harvard Medical School-Partners HealthCare Center for Genetics and Genomics Bestows Inaugural Award in Medical Genetics to Dr. Ronald Cohn

Outstanding physician honored for bringing science into the clinic

Dr. Daniel Podolsky, chief academic officer of Partners HealthCare System, presents the HPCGG Award in Medical Genetics to Dr. Ronald Cohn. Additional pictures of the Award Grand Rounds and dinner

CAMBRIDGE, MA -- June 21, 2006 - The first Harvard Medical School-Partners HealthCare Center for Genetics and Genomics (HPCGG) Award in Medical Genetics was today presented to Dr. Ronald Cohn, chief resident at Johns Hopkins University Hospital Children's Center and the McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetics. The award is for national recognition of an up-and-coming medical geneticist who has demonstrated exceptional abilities in bringing genetic knowledge into clinical care.

"Today, genetics is making a difference everywhere -- from cancer to cardiovascular diseases, psoriasis to psychiatric illness. This award brings attention to the tangible patient benefits that are possible when genetic research is integrated into medicine," said Dr. Raju Kucherlapati, Scientific Director of the HPCGG.

The advent and successful completion of the Human Genome Project marked a significant milestone in scientific knowledge. The next major hurdle for the biomedical enterprise is to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice-a crucial step in the quest to realize the benefits of personalized medicine in people's everyday lives.

"We now have the knowledge and tools needed to individualize care," said Dr. Cohn. "Everyone is different, and using the tools and insights afforded through genetics and genomics, we will be able to better appreciate those differences and, in turn, tailor clinical care accordingly."

Despite the progress genetics is bringing to healthcare, demand for medical geneticists far outstrips supply. Enrollment in medical genetics programs has decreased by more than 75% since 1982. To inspire a new generation, the HPCGG plans to present the Award in Medical Genetics annually to an emerging physician or scientist committed to furthering personalized medicine. Eligible candidates are those who are in the process of becoming certified or have completed their certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics within three years prior to nomination.

"Dr. Cohn was the clear choice of a distinguished evaluation committee to be the first recipient of this award," says Cynthia Morton, PhD, committee member, associate director of HPCGG and editor of the American Journal of Human Genetics. "His rigorous medical genetics education and outstanding scientific training and accomplishments set a high standard to which future young medical geneticists can aspire."

As the first recipient of the Award, Dr. Cohn embodies the translation of science into patient care. His interest in and passion for medical genetics began during his first year of medical school when he learned that the son of his close friends had recently been diagnosed with a mitochondrial myopathy. As a result of the disease's degenerative effects, the small boy could barely hold up his head. Surprised by the lack of information and anxious to help his friends, Dr. Cohn began a quest to learn more about the disease. Muscular regeneration quickly captivated him and later became the topic of his medical thesis.

Since then, Dr. Cohn's interest has intensified in genetic individuality and its impact on medicine. An extensively published investigator, Dr. Cohn was selected for this competitive/coveted award with great admiration and respect for his early scientific and medical achievements in addition to his passion for patient care.

"He is a rising star," said Dr. Kucherlapati. "His compassion for patients fuels his desire to use the insights of genetic and genomic information to improve their care."

"There is no doubt that Dr. Cohn will continue to make significant contributions in genetics and will earn a position among the leaders of the discipline," says Dr. Morton. "By developing this Award in Medical Genetics and selecting Dr. Cohn as its inaugural awardee, HPCGG hopes to bring attention to the exciting discoveries in medical and human genetics and to encourage other young physicians to embark on a career in this specialty."

Dr. Cohn presents today at grand rounds at Harvard Medical School and will receive a cash award of $20,000 at a black-tie banquet tonight at the Boston Harbor Hotel.

"I am deeply honored to receive this award, said Dr. Cohn. "We live in an extremely exciting time of genetics and I feel privileged to be part of a new generation of geneticists who will take active part in this evolution of medicine."