Saint John's Health Center Trustee receives 2010 Distinguished Medical Science Award

Saint John's Health Center Trustee and philanthropist Patrick Soon-Shiong, M.D., who developed the first FDA-approved protein nanoparticle treatment for cancer, has received the 2010 Distinguished Medical Science Award from the Friends of the National Library of Medicine for his significant contributions to the research and treatment of diabetes and cancer.

“Saint John's and JWCI are proud that he is a dear friend that supports translating scientific findings in a short period of time to the benefit of patients in our community and nation.”

Dr. Soon-Shiong received the award at the 2010 Annual Awards Dinner of the Friends of the National Library on May 11, 2010 in Washington, D.C. The National Medical Library (NLM) is the largest medical library of its kind in the world with a history spanning 175 years. Prior recipients of the Distinction include luminaries such as Bernard Fisher, M.D., a pioneer in the biology and treatment of breast cancer, and Dr. Vincent DeVita, an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of oncology. The award was presented by Dr. Donald Lindberg, the Director of the National Library of Medicine.

"Patrick Soon-Shiong has helped innumerable patients through his science - diabetics through his less invasive treatment of transplanting insulin-producing islet cells, breast cancer patients through Abraxane and thousands of other patients as the sole source of clean Heparin through his company American Pharmaceutical Partners," said Lou Lazatin, Chief Executive Officer of Saint John's Health Center and John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI). "Saint John's and JWCI are proud that he is a dear friend that supports translating scientific findings in a short period of time to the benefit of patients in our community and nation."

Also honored at the dinner for the Paul G. Rogers Medical Science Award was Dr. Robert Gallo, the co-discoverer of HIV and a major contributor to many breakthroughs in the treatment of HIV-AIDS for the past thirty years. In addition, Dr. Eugene Braunwald of Harvard Medical School was also honored with the Distinguished Health Communications Award, as well as Rita B. Smith, who received the Michael E. DeBakey Medical Librarian Award.