The W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association (NMA) Health Institute (Cobb Institute) was established by the National Medical Association to develop, evaluate, and implement strategies to promote wellness and eliminate health disparities and racism in medicine. The Institute recently celebrated its 10th anniversary during the 112th Annual Convention of the NMA and recognized three leaders in health disparities with awards.
John Ruffin, PhD, former Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, whose life-long career and innovations have had a significant impact on society, received the W. Montague Cobb Lifetime Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to the field of African American Medicine.
Alvin Poussaint, MD, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Office of Recruitment and Multicultural Affairs at Harvard Medical School, received the 2014 Cato T. Laurencin Lifetime Research Award. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated more than 20 years of consistent, long-lasting contributions to benefit African Americans and to reduce health disparities through recognized research and leadership.
Thomas LaVeist, PhD, Director of the Hopkins Center for Health Disparities Solutions was named the 2014 W. Montague Cobb Lecturer for his significant contributions as a pioneer in health disparities research.
“These distinguished individuals have been tireless champions for the elimination of health disparities and advancing minority health. Being selected for the Cobb Awards speaks to their exemplary leadership and service,” said Cato T. Laurencin, MD, PhD, Chair of the Cobb Institute Board of Directors and University Professor at the University of Connecticut. ■
