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LOS ANGELES - Keith C. Norris, M.D., received the Meritorious Achievement Award from the National Medical Association during the organization’s 2011 Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly in the Nation’s Capitol.
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| Keith C.Norris, M.D. |
"I'm excited and honored," Dr. Norris, the University's executive vice president for research and health affairs, said. "I view it as not only an award for me, but for the university and the community."
Since 2005, Dr. Norris has been named one of “America’s Leading Doctors” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. He also is the principal investigator for numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health, part of a federal agency that is the largest source of funding for medical research in the world. Dr. Norris has written grants over the past 15 years that led to the University receiving $150 million in funding from the science institutes. He has been ranked among the top 25 U.S. investigators for funding from 2009 through 2011 from the science agency, netting more than $20 million annually in research dollars.
Gary J. Sheppard, M.D., who chairs the Board of Trustees for the National Medical Association, the nation’s largest organization of African American physicians, wrote of Dr. Norris: "We believe that when the history of this dynamic period of struggle is written, your name will be deeply etched in its fabric as having inspired and challenged physicians and medical professionals nationwide to address critical issues of health care and medicine.” Dr. Sheppard added: "Your distinguished career path in medical research and education has been paramount in NMA's shared commitment to promote health and prevent disease, injury, disability and premature death." The award was presented at the Opening Ceremony and Mazique Symposium on Sat., July 23 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Norris acknowledged those who inspired him, and explained why this award was so meaningful. “This honor is an indelible reminder of the moral imperative for the work that lies ahead to ensure that future generations have the opportunity and the support to carry on the National Medical Association’s legacy, and to attend to our appointed duties with excellence and with compassion,” Dr. Norris said. |
