SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, May 18, 2005 — Carl Wittwer, M.D., Ph.D., of Associated Regional and University Pathologists, Inc. (ARUP Laboratories), a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory, and a professor of pathology at the University of Utah, received an award for Technical Advancement at the Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine (IQLM) conference last month. On April 28, Dr. Wittwer and nine other visionaries were honored for their pursuit of quality improvements for laboratory tests and services.
"We are proud of the accomplishments of these individuals," said Ana Stankovic, M.D., Ph.D., co-chair of the IQLM Awards Committee. "Their efforts have helped to advance laboratory practices and, we hope, will inspire others to pursue even greater quality-related endeavors."
Dr. Wittwer, a medical technology innovator who was recognized for his technical advancements, is a world leader in translating molecular biology into the practice of laboratory medicine. His pioneering work in the early 1990s led to the development of the Light Cycler® system, a PCR amplification and detection instrument which revolutionized molecular diagnostic testing by cutting processing times from four hours to 20 minutes. Most recently, a portable version of the Light Cycler® system was selected as the real-time PCR platform for U.S. military defense against biological weapons.
Other award winners included: Brent James, M.D., M. Stat (for Excellence in Quality of Care); James P. Bagian, M.D. (for Patient Safety); James O. Westgard, Ph.D. (for Improved Quality Processes); Peter J. Howanitz, M.D. (for Improved Quality Processes); Michael Laposata, M.D., Ph.D. (for Improved Clinical Integration); Dennis S. O'Leary, M.D. (for Organizational Leadership); Kenneth W. Kizer, M.D., MPH (for Organizational Leadership); George D. Lundberg, M.D. (for Career Leadership); and David M. Eddy, M.D., Ph.D. (for Distinguished Achievement).
In recognition of their excellence in practice, the IQLM presented each honoree with a specially commissioned crystal award created by Fräbel Studio, whose work is collected by Queen Elizabeth II, Monaco's Prince Rainier, and the Smithsonian.
About IQLM
The Institute for Quality in Laboratory Medicine is a new public-private partnership organization being formed to engage the health care community in improving the use of laboratory tests and services. The IQLM will be the first organization bringing together clinicians, laboratory professionals, patients, manufacturers, government, and accrediting bodies to work on advancing substantial improvements in quality, effectiveness, safety, and appropriateness for the broad universe of laboratory testing.
About ARUP Laboratories
ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory owned by the University of Utah. With nearly 1,800 employees, ARUP offers in excess of 2,000 tests and test combinations, ranging from routine screening tests to highly esoteric molecular and genetic assays, for patients throughout the country. Rather than competing with its clients for physician office business, ARUP chooses instead to support clients' existing test menus by offering highly complex and unique tests, with accompanying consultative support, to enhance their abilities to provide local and regional laboratory services. ARUP's clients include more than half of the nation's university teaching hospitals and children's hospitals, as well as multihospital groups, major commercial laboratories, group purchasing organizations, military and government facilities, and major clinics. In addition, ARUP is a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory research and development, led by the efforts of the ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology.
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ARUP Contact Information: Ronald L. Weiss, M.D., M.B.A. |
IQLM Contact Information: Robin E. Stombler (202) 390-3932 |