Sanford Health CAO receives NOFAS Excellence Award for commitment to FAS

H. Eugene Hoyme, MD, chief academic officer for Sanford Health and president of Sanford , has received the 2012 Excellence Award from the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), joining the ranks of almost 40 past recipients that include Senator John McCain and the late Ted Kennedy.

The NOFAS Excellence Award recognizes prominent national leaders for their commitment to understand, prevent and treat alcohol-related birth defects and is typically awarded to a lawmaker, scientist and/or advocate. Dr. Hoyme was presented with the award at the annual NOFAS Leadership Awards Benefit reception on Capitol Hill, held June 20 and hosted by former Senator Tom Daschle and wife, Linda, along with senators Lisa Murkowski and Tim Johnson.

Dr. Hoyme's research focuses on the delineation of genetic and malformation syndromes, with a specific emphasis on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. His work has led to improved accuracy and timeliness of clinical diagnosis of the spectrum of children with disabilities following prenatal exposure to alcohol. Dr. Hoyme has led fetal alcohol syndrome research studies in South Africa for the past 15 years and helped establish the prevalence rate of fetal alcohol syndrome in South Africa, which remains the highest documented rate in the world.

"Dr. Hoyme is far more than a researcher and a practitioner. He cares deeply about public health and improving health outcomes in South Dakota and beyond," says Dave Link, Senior Executive Vice President of Sanford Health.

NOFAS is a non-profit, public health advocacy organization striving to prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and support individuals and families living with the condition. Based in Washington, D.C., NOFAS is the only national organization focused solely on FASD education and support.

"NOFAS, its board of directors, and 35 affiliates are thrilled to recognize Dr. Hoyme and his outstanding achievements to the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders field by presenting him with the NOFAS Excellence Award. His prominence and career contributions have greatly advanced the understanding of how alcohol interferes with healthy development, how FASD can be prevented, and how individuals living with the condition can reach their full potential," says NOFAS President Tom Donaldson