The Reporter: Dec 1994, Vol.5, No.4
Reporter at Large

Dr. Myrna M. Weissman, professor of public health in psychiatry, has received the Selo Prize, one of the two largest international prizes for outstanding research on schizophrenia and depression. The award was given by the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, America's largest, non-governmental resource of funds for research into cures for schizophrenia and depression. Dr. Weissman was among three world-renowned research scientists NARSAD recognized for their outstanding contributions to the treatment of mental illness. She was recognized for her major research accomplishments in developing and testing a specific psychotherapy for depression and in integrating epidemiologic methods with clinical psychiatry. Along with her late husband, Dr. Gerald L. Klerman, she developed interpersonal therapy, a short-term treatment widely used as psychotherapy for depressive disorders. The research of Dr. Weissman and Dr. Klerman is associated with major epidemiologic findings that have clarified the nature and causes of depression.

Dr. Karen S. Fountain, associate professor of clinical radiation oncology, and Dr. Edward Nickoloff, professor of clinical radiology, were elected to fellowship in the American College of Radiology at the society's annual meeting held in New Orleans in September. Fellowship status is earned by only 6 percent of the membership of the society.

Dr. Donald O. Quest, professor of clinical neurological surgery, was elected director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery for a six-year term. He will work with the 11 other directors to fulfill the mission of the board, which is to maintain and improve the quality of neurosurgical care through the evaluation and certification of neurosurgical specialists.

Dr. Salvatore DiMauro, the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Neurology at P&S and director of the MDA H. Houston Merritt Clinical Research Center for Muscular Dystrophy and Related Diseases, has been awarded the Antonio Feltrinelli Award for Medicine, which is awarded by the National Academy "Lincei"-Rome every five years. Dr. DiMauro received the award Nov. 3 in Rome.

Dr. Mervyn W. Susser, the Sergievsky Professor Emeritus of Public Health (Epidemiology) and a special lecturer in public health, received the 1994 John Snow Award from the Epidemiology Section of the American Public Health Association. The award was presented to Dr. Susser in Washington, D.C., in October.

Dr. Michael M. Scimeca, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and chief of medical and psychiatric services for Harlem Hospital Center's methadone maintenance treatment programs, became president of the Bronx County Psychiatric Society in June. Dr. Scimeca will continue his work as chairman of the Bronx APA's Public Affairs Committee, particularly its mental illness awareness activity.

Four P&S faculty members in psychiatry made presentations on their research at the 1994 scientific symposium of the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, which funds their research. Dr. James A. Knowles presented "Construction of cDNA Libraries with Regional and Temporal Specificity for Schizophrenia;"Dr. Dolores Malaspina presented "The Familial/Sporadic Distinctions in Schizophrenia: Differences Between Schizophrenic Patients With and Without a Family History;"Dr. Mitchell S. Nobler presented "Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Depression: Effects of Antidepressant Medications;" and Dr. Dianne Schechter presented "Course of Psychotic Disorders in Women: Severity of Symptoms in Relation to Menstrual Cycle Phases and Ovarian Steroid Levels."

Dr. Herbert D. Kleber, P&S professor of psychiatry, director of the Division on Substance Abuse at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, and medical director of the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, received the Director's Community Leadership Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in November. The award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in the field of substance abuse prevention and education. The FBI established a Drug Demand Reduction Program in 1988 to provide leadership in drug prevention and education to reduce the demand for drugs. Dr. Kleber was cited for the professional contributions he has made for 25 years, including his role in the Bush administration. "As the deputy director for demand reduction at the Office of National Drug Control Policy, you were prescient in advocating more money for treatment, research, and education," the FBI noted. "Furthermore, your founding of CASA shows that the problem of substance abuse must be attacked at all levels of society and government." The FBI award recognizes Dr. Kleber's contributions for "the type of commitment and leadership that will help develop and promote a nationwide program where health care experts and law enforcement join together to fight the nation's No. 1 threat-drug abuse." FBI Director Louis J. Freeh presented the award to Dr. Kleber.