Okhuysen receives national award

As a result of his early achievement in the area of infectious disease, Dr. Pablo Okhuysen has received the Infectious Diseases Society of America's Oswald Avery Award.

Okhuysen, professor of internal medicine and co-director of the Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, was nominated for this national award by Dr. Herbert DuPont, director of the Center for Infectious Diseases at the School of Public Health.

"Dr. Okhuysen is a rare breed in medicine today," DuPont said. "He is an excellent clinician, a very good teacher, and a marvelous investigator. He has all the tools to be among the very best in academic medicine."

The Oswald Avery Award for early achievement (formerly the Squibb Award) is granted in recognition of outstanding achievement in an area of infectious diseases by an individual member or fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) who is 45 or younger. The award is based on overall achievement and has been granted annually since 1968.

DuPont's nomination highlighted Okhuysen's scientific orientation and successful experience with translational research, including his special interest in Cryptosporidium; his leadership in medicine; and his personal qualities, such as his work ethic and effective problem-solving skills.

"I am delighted to have been selected for this award; I've been at UT-Houston since my residency in internal medicine. Receiving this award also speaks to the nurturing environment and effective mentorship available here at UT," Okhuysen said.

Okhuysen will receive the award at the IDSA annual meeting in October in San Diego.

-D. Brown