Dr. Helen Hobbs, director of the Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development and chief of clinical genetics, and Dr. John D. McConnell, executive vice president for health system affairs and former chair of urology, were the only Texans among 65 new members elected in 2004 to the organization, which addresses national health issues.

Drs. Hobbs and McConnell bring the total number of current UT Southwestern faculty members inducted into the institute to 17, the largest representation in Texas and surrounding states.

Members of the Institute of Medicine shape policies affecting public health and advise the federal government on issues involving medical care, research and education. Selection is based on international distinction in science, clinical medicine, public health or medical administration. Inductees are elected by incumbent members.

"This is a notable honor for two of UT Southwestern's most distinguished and accomplished faculty members," said Dr. Kern Wildenthal, president of UT Southwestern. "Dr. McConnell and Dr. Hobbs set great examples for others through their steadfast dedication to medicine and science. We are extremely pleased that their accomplishments have been recognized by their colleagues."

Dr. Hobbs also directs the Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center at UT Southwestern and is leading the Dallas Heart Study, a multiyear, multimillion dollar project aimed at learning more about the hidden causes of heart disease and finding new treatments. She is also an investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at UT Southwestern. Dr. Hobbs holds the Eugene McDermott Distinguished Chai
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Contact: Amanda Siegfried
amanda.siegfried@utsouthwestern.edu
214-648-3404
UT Southwestern Medical Center
18-Oct-2004