Office of Research & Development |
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See also: Notable Biomedical Research Investigators
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is currently reviewing nominations from 2018-2019. We expect a call for 2021-2022 nominations to occur later this year.
PECASE, established in 1996 to "recognize and nurture some of the finest scientist and engineers" is given annually to researchers early in their research careers. The PECASE is the "highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists." The full list is on the WhiteHouse.gov web site.
2017
Eric Chang, M.D. - San Diego VA Healthcare System, Department of Veterans Affairs
Jason Wertheim, M.D, Ph.D. - Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs
2014
None
2013
Panagiotis Roussos, M.D, Ph.D. - James J. Peters VA Medical Center
Erika Wolf, Ph.D., VA Boston Healthcare System
2012
Brian Head, M.S., Ph.D. - VA San Diego Healthcare System (San Diego, CA)
2011
K. Luan Phan, M.D. - Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
2010
Kristina M. Utzschneider, M.D. - VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Seattle, WA)
Christine Basmajian, Ph.D. - VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (Ann Arbor, MI)
2008
Melina R. Kibbe, M.D. - Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (Chicago, IL)
2007
Mary Beth Humphrey, M.D., Ph.D. - Oklahoma City VA Medical Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
2006
Sterling C. Johnson, Ph.D. - William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital (Madison, WI)
2005
Jennifer L. Gooch, Ph.D. - Atlanta VA Medical Center (Decatur, GA)
2004
William Grady, M.D. - VA Puget Sound Health Care System (Seattle, WA)
2002
Richard Z. Lin, M.D. - Northport VA Medical Center (Northport, NY)
2001
Jeffrey R. Smith, M.D., Ph.D. - Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (Nashville, TN)
2000
Eric J. Huang, M.D., Ph.D. - San Francisco VA Medical Center (San Francisco, CA)
1999
Mary C. Nakamura, M.D. - San Francisco VA Medical Center (San Francisco, CA)
1998
Alan E. Mast, M.D., Ph.D. - Memphis VA Medical Center (Memphis, TN)
Richard N. Pierson, M.D. - Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (Nashville, TN)
1997
Michael J. Gaziano, M.D., M.P.H. - VA Boston Healthcare System (Boston, MA)
Martin R. Gluck, M.D., Ph.D. - James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx, NY)
1996
Melissa P. Clark, M.D. - Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (Nashville TN)
Joseph F. Cubells, M.D., Ph.D. - VA Connecticut Healthcare System (West Haven, CT)
Eric Chang, M.D., of the San Diego VA Healthcare System, was named as a recipient of the 2017 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Dr. Chang is a clinician specializing in diagnostic and interventional musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology and is a nationally recognized researcher. Dr. Chang’s work specifically involves development, optimization, and validation of clinically translatable techniques for assessment of musculoskeletal tissues, such as the Achilles or rotator cuff tendons. This is particularly relevant to a globally aging population and the Veteran population with tendinopathy resulting from injuries incurred during active duty. Since 2014, he has been active in the development of performance measures, quality measures, and clinical guidelines serving as a Panel Chair of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria (AC) in MSK Imaging. The ACR AC are evidence-based guidelines to assist referring physicians and other providers in making the most appropriate imaging or treatment decision for a specific clinical condition. Employing these guidelines helps providers enhance quality of care and contribute to the most efficacious use of radiology. Dr. Chang’s contributions to science and his commitment to the VA mission make an excellent choice to receive this award.
Jason Wertheim, M.D, Ph.D., of the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center (Chicago, IL), was named as a recipient of the 2017 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). Dr. Wertheim’s research focuses on developing new tissues using biomaterials called scaffolds, a substance critical in holding cells together and gives tissue their structure. Dr. Wertheim’s focus on finding strategies to use these structures to repair damaged tissues, and to create new tissue for transplantation could benefit patients awaiting organ transplant and patients suffering from chronic kidney disease. Dr. Wertheim Chairs the Cellular Transplantation Committee of the American Society of Transplant surgeons and is co-Chair of the Section on Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials for the Alliance for regenerative Medicine. Dr. Wertheim is an innovative researcher working to address the critical health issue of organ shortages that impact the Veteran population and the broader society.
