Awards recognize reporting that has enhanced public understanding of biomedical research

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) announced today it is accepting entries for the 10th annual Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards.  The awards, named after FBR's late chairman, Dr. Michael E. DeBakey, honor professional journalists whose reporting has enhanced public understanding of how the humane and responsible use of animal models leads to medical and scientific discoveries.  

"Dr. DeBakey was a legendary, once-in-a-generation surgeon whose innovative techniques and inventions transformed the medical field. What may be less known about Dr. DeBakey is he was a man of arts and letters, which makes the journalism awards in his name even more fitting," said FBR president Frankie Trull. "The DeBakey Awards honor his legacy and his unfailing belief that animal models are absolutely critical for the advancement of medical science."

Five awards will be presented for outstanding investigative or interpretive reporting published, broadcast or posted online between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2011.  Award winners will receive a Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Award, a $1,000 cash prize and a trip to Washington, DC, to attend the awards ceremony held on June 16, 2011, at the Mayflower Hotel.

Dr. DeBakey, who died in 2008 at the age of 99, was a legendary surgeon, inventor, educator and medical statesman. Dr. DeBakey performed the world's first successful coronary bypass in 1964. Two years later, he successfully used a partial artificial heart to help patients who could not be weaned from a heart-lung machine following open-heart surgery.  Dr. DeBakey received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Lyndon B. Johnson in 1969 and the National Medal of Science from Ronald Reagan in 1987.

Entries to the 2010-2011 Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Awards must be received by April 30, 2011.  For more information, please contact Liz Hodge at [email protected].

Established in 1981, FBR is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted to educating the public about the essential role of humane animal research in the quest for medical advancements, treatments, and cures for both humans and animals.  For more information visit fbresearch.org.

SOURCE Foundation for Biomedical Research