Feinstein Institute CEO Receives Top Alumni Honor from Boston University

MANHASSET, N.Y., May 9, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Northwell Health's Feinstein Institute for Medical Research President and CEO Kevin J. Tracey, MD, is the recipient of Boston University School of Medicine's prestigious Alumni Award. The award was presented during a ceremony Friday (May 5) at Boston University.

First presented in 1954, the Alumni Awards are the highest and one of the oldest honors that Boston University School of Medicine presents its alumni. The award is presented to a graduate in recognition of outstanding and widely recognized achievement, particularly to someone who exemplifies the standards and objectives of the School of Medicine through personal conduct, professional accomplishments, and community service. Distinct preference is given to one whose achievements have a significant impact to the medical field on a national and global scale.

Dr. Tracey was honored for his work in immunology and neuroscience, which includes identifying the inflammatory reflex – the basis for the emerging new field of bioelectronic medicine. He was one of the first researchers to identify that stimulation of the vagus nerve, located in the neck, could reduce inflammation. Dr. Tracey's work found that the nervous system uses electrical signals to communicate information throughout the body. Virtually every cell and organ of the body is directly or indirectly controlled by these neural signals.

"I am fortunate to pursue a career in research in the hope of helping patients," said Dr. Tracey. "It is an honor to be recognized by this prestigious institution that continues to have a major impact on patients and the community."

Researchers at the Feinstein Institute are taking Dr. Tracey's findings and continuing to learn the language of the body's neural signals to develop devices that can monitor and treat disease and injury without the use of drugs.

About the Feinstein Institute

The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the research arm of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York. Home to 50 research laboratories and to clinical research throughout dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities, the 3,500 researchers and staff of the Feinstein are making breakthroughs in molecular medicine, genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and bioelectronic medicine – a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we empower imagination and pioneer discovery, visit FeinsteinInstitute.org

SOURCE Northwell Health