MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (Nov. 14, 2008) - University of Minnesota Medical School Associate Professor Jordan Dunitz, M.D., was awarded the 2008 Medical Staff Recognition Award for Excellence in Clinical Care. Dunitz, who also directs the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview was nominated and selected for this annual award by his University of Minnesota health science colleagues.

"Dr. Dunitz is highly respected by his colleagues and other medical professionals for his deep commitment to providing exceptional clinical care," said David Ingbar, M.D., director of the University of Minnesota Medical School's Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine division. "This is evident even outside of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview system. He was selected as one of the Top Doctors for the pulmonary specialty by medical professionals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area this year, as well." (Mpls/St. Paul Magazine, Jan. 2008)

"It's important to note that his excellence in clinical care is also embodied by genuine concern and empathy for his individual patients," said Marshall Hertz, M.D., medical director of the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview Lung Transplant Program and director of the Medical School's Center for Lung Science and Health (CLSH).   

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that affects approximately 30,000 individuals in the U.S. It stems from a known genetic defect that results in both nutrient mal-absorption and a vicious cycle of recurrent episodes of lung infections and inflammation. To date, there is no cure for this condition. Patients with CF face progressive destruction of their lung tissue and death from respiratory failure. Up until the 1960s, children with CF were not expected to live beyond the age of 10. However, due to significant advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of affected patients, median life expectancy for people living with CF in the U.S. is now over 30. The University of Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis Center is one of the oldest and largest CF centers in the U.S. and has median patient survival rates among the best in the nation.

"Patients with CF typically come into the clinic for a check-up every few months. As their physician, you become more than just a part of their care. You are a part of their lives, and vice versa," said Dunitz. "It's great when they are able to tell you about their college graduation, their wedding day, their new child, the job promotion that they received, or the great trip that they were able to take. Some of our patients are now living into their fifties and even sixties. In the past, significant milestones such as this would have been unreachable. However, more is still needed to further optimize clinical care, and ultimately find a cure, for those affected. That is why it isn't always easy to call it quits for the day," Dunitz added.

"Dr. Dunitz works a lot of extra hours caring for the needs of the clinic and his patients. Yet, he still commits additional time to volunteer for our public education and outreach activities," said Diane Kachel, assistant director of the University of Minnesota Medical School's CLSH. "As the designated Faculty Volunteer of the Year for the Center, it seems clear to me that his ability and dedication to help and support others is far reaching; it's beyond just the clinic walls."                 

The Minnesota Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Center is one of 115 CF Centers accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in the U.S. for its demonstrated excellence in clinical care and research and teaching programs. Founded in 1961, it is one of the oldest and largest CF Centers in the U.S. and the first to implement a family education program and to successfully apply early and aggressive preventative care for their patients among many other important firsts in CF diagnosis, treatment and management.  The median patient survival significantly exceeds the national average and is amongst the top in the nation.         

The Center for Lung Science and Health, an interdisciplinary center affiliated with the University of Minnesota Medical School facilitates interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach activities in order to promote lung health and improve care of patients with lung disease.  Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of several program areas within the Center. Jordan Dunitz, M.D. is the Center's CF Program Advisor.  The Center is part of the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, one of the most comprehensive facilities for health professionals in the nation, fostering interdisciplinary study, research, and education.  For additional information about the Center for Lung Science and Health, visit <http://www.lung.umn.edu/> http://www.lung.umn.edu.

See below for videos of winners from 2007 and 2008.