Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009
Kuller Named Distinguished Scientist by American Heart Association
Lewis Kuller, MD, DrPH, distinguished professor of public health and professor of epidemiology, has been designated a 2009 American Heart Association Distinguished Scientist for major contributions to cardiovascular disease and stroke research.
For more than 40 years, Kuller has studied risk factors for individuals with heart disease, and the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease. He established and directed the Healthy Women’s Study, the first and longest study of women from pre- to post-menopause. He also is nationally recognized for his contributions to the study of cardiovascular disease and the use of non-invasive techniques, such as ultrasound and coronary computed tomography (CT), to detect early heart disease in people without symptoms.
“Lew Kuller is a world-class scientist who has made substantial contributions to the field of public health,” said Donald S. Burke, MD, GSPH dean. “With a keen sense of purpose, he has pioneered landmark studies that have transformed our understanding of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and women’s health.”
Kuller directs the Pittsburgh site of the multicenter Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS), which led to a new risk factor index to improve coronary heart disease prediction. He is a co-principal investigator on the CHS Cognition Study, one of the largest prospective dementia studies that has identified risk factors and brain changes with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict dementia many years later. He is also the co-principal investigator of the recently completed Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study, a trial that showed the dietary supplement Ginkgo biloba has no effect on preventing dementia.
Kuller has published more than 600 articles in peer-reviewed journals. A few of his many honors include the Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award, University of Pittsburgh; the Abraham Lilenfeld Award, American College of Epidemiology; the MERIT Award, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; the Alumni Achievement Award, George Washington University; and the Society of Scholars and Centennial Scholar, Johns Hopkins University.
Kuller received his bachelor’s degree in 1955 from Hamilton College, in Clinton, New York. He attended medical school at George Washington University and graduated in 1959. After completing an internship and an assistant residency in medicine at Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, in 1960 and 1961 respectively, Kuller continued his education at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, where he received his master’s degree and doctorate in public health in 1964 and 1966.
He was a medical officer in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1963 and a faculty member of the department of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health from 1966 to 1972. Kuller came to Pitt in 1972 as professor and chair of epidemiology.
The American Heart Association created the Distinguished Scientist designation in 2003. The title is conferred on a select group of prominent scientists whose work has advanced the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease and stroke. The awards will be presented during the 2009 AHA Scientific Session, November 14-18, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.