FYI from the NHLBI Index
September 2003: Vol. 4, Issue 2 Feature Articles
Leadership Changes at the NHLBI
Applicants Sought for the NIH Council of Public Representatives
Leadership Changes at the NHLBI
Effective August 30, 2003, Dr. Claude Lenfant retired from his position as NHLBI Director. Before
assuming leadership of the NHLBI in July 1982, he directed the NIH Fogarty International Center
(1981-1982) and the NHLBI Division of Lung Diseases (1971-1980).
During his tenure at the NHLBI, Dr. Lenfant oversaw development and completion of clinical trials that
have had widespread impact on the ways in which disease is treated and prevented. The studies addressed
important clinical issues including therapies to interrupt the course of heart attacks and life-threatening
arrhythmias, interventions to reduce blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, surgical approaches
to improve lung function in severe emphysema, and strategies to alleviate the recurrent pain of sickle
cell disease.
In the area of basic science, Dr. Lenfant led the NHLBI into the modern era with landmark initiatives
such as the Programs of Excellence in Molecular Biology, the Programs of Genomic Applications, and the
Proteomics Initiative — all of which brought cutting-edge, multidisciplinary resources to bear on complex
problems.
One of Dr. Lenfant's most tangible
legacies has been programs of professional, public, and patient education that
have had national visibility and impact. Under his stewardship, the NHLBI launched
its National Cholesterol Education Program, National Asthma Education and Prevention
Program, and National Heart Attack Alert Program, as well as special initiatives
focused on obesity, sleep disorders, and women's heart health. All of these
activities reflect his oft-repeated belief that the goal of scientific research
— improved health for the public — should always be paramount.
A search committee, co-chaired by National Human Genome Research Institute Director Dr. Francis
Collins and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Director Dr. T. K. Li, is soliciting
recommendations for candidates who are qualified to lead the NHLBI and will be contacting public,
patient, and professional groups for suggestions.
Dr. Barbara Alving, who joined the NHLBI in 1999 to lead the Division of Blood Diseases and Resources and
was appointed NHLBI Deputy Director in 2001, will be the NHLBI Acting Director until a new director
is hired. In addition to her leadership experiences at the NHLBI, Dr. Alving’s impressive employment
history includes positions such as chief of the Department of Hematology and Vascular Biology at the
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, a job she held from 1992 until leaving the army at the rank of
Colonel in 1996, and director of the Hematology/Medical Oncology Section at the Washington Hospital Center
in Washington, D.C. An accomplished researcher — she is a co-inventor on two patents, an editor of
three books, and co-author of more than 100 papers in the area of thrombosis and hemostasis — and a
practicing physician who sees patients at the NIH Clinical Center, Dr. Alving brings to her role a
wealth of knowledge about the challenges of designing and conducting research projects and the realities
of translating research results into clinical practice.
Applicants Sought for the NIH Council of Public Representatives
The NIH Director's Council of Public Representatives (COPR -- pronounced “copper”) is seeking
applicants for its 2004 panel. The COPR advises the NIH Director on how to enhance public
participation in NIH activities and to increase public understanding of the NIH. Members
include patients, health care professionals, members of patient or not-for-profit groups,
and health and science educators. Next spring, they could include you if you visit
copr.nih.gov/application_process.shtm
and submit your application by September 15.
Please send us your feedback, comments, and questions by using the appropriate link on the page, Contact the NHLBI.
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