Dr. Andrew Wechsler Receives Prestigious Thoracic Surgery Honor

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 07 Feb 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Andrew Wechsler, M.D., the Stanley K. Brockman Professor and chair of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Drexel University College of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious 2008 Scientific Achievement Award by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS). The award honors those who have made extraordinary contributions to the specialty of cardiothoracic surgery. Wechsler will be the seventh recipient of this award, since its establishment in 1994.

Wechsler has led several National Institutes of Health grants supporting a career-long interest in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, ventricular performance and valve surgery. Recognized as a medical scholar, educator and widely published author, he was recently named editor emeritus of the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and has served on the editorial board of ten major journals. He is the author of 330 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 59 book chapters, 29 books and monographs.

"As I look at prior recipients, I'm very humbled because they were individuals of such unique stature. My own contributions have been modest, but the award and the spirit in which it is given is of critical importance for our specialty, now and in the future," says Wechsler.

In granting Wechsler the Scientific Achievement Award, the AATS noted Wechsler's insightful research and the dedication he's shown in mentoring young cardiac surgeon-scientists. The president of the association will present this award to Wechsler during the group's annual meeting in San Diego in May.

About Drexel University College of Medicine

Drexel University College of Medicine has established some of the most highly innovative and rigorous academic programs available today, incorporating the University's expertise in engineering and technology into traditional medical training. The College of Medicine has participated in pioneering clinical trials involving the world's first implantable artificial heart, established one of the largest regional centers for spinal cord research, developed the largest HIV/AIDS primary care practice in the region, with extensive NIH-funded research in HIV/AIDS prevention, and created one of the largest centers for malaria study in the nation. Drexel University College of Medicine has been designated one of 21 Vanguard National Centers of Excellence in Women's Health by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, and is highly respected in numerous other specialties including neuroscience, virology, immunology and toxicology.

Drexel University College of Medicine