2010 Award Winners
Julius Friedenwald Medal
Donald O. Castell, MD, AGAF
Medical University of South Carolina
The AGA awards Donald O. Castell, MD, AGAF, the 2010 Julius Friedenwald Medal, AGA’s highest honor, which recognizes a physician for lifelong contributions to the field of gastroenterology. Dr. Castell is considered one of the foremost experts in the field of esophagology. Dr. Castell’s teaching abilities have touched thousands of physicians and many gastroenterologists today continue his excellence in research, teaching and the clinical care of others. Importantly, his insightful care of patients from around the world provides lessons in innovative and successful care in esophageal disease for gastroenterologists today. Dr. Castell has contributed significantly to the AGA throughout his career. In 1998, he was the president of the AGA during which time he eagerly engaged gastroenterologists from around the world.
Distinguished Achievement Award
Mary K. Estes, PhD
Baylor College of Medicine
Texas Gulf Coast Digestive Disease Center
Houston, TX
The AGA awards the 2010 Distinguished Achievement Award to Mary K. Estes, PhD, professor of molecular virology and microbiology and medicine, gastroenterology, at Baylor College of Medicine and founding director of the Texas Gulf Coast Digestive Diseases Center. This award honors an individual who has made a major specific accomplishment in research that advances gastroenterology. Dr. Estes is the first woman to be selected for the Distinguished Achievement Award since its creation in 1968. Dr. Estes has devoted her career to studying viruses that infect distinct cells in the gastrointestinal tract as probes to learn about the biology, host response and gene expression in these cells.
Distinguished Mentor Award
Tadataka Yamada, MD, AGAF
Global Health Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Seattle, Washington
The AGA honors Tadataka Yamada, MD, AGAF, president of the Global Health Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with its Distinguished Mentor Award, which recognizes an individual for his or her achievements as an outstanding mentor over a lifelong career. He has an uncanny ability to recognize someone’s particular strengths and show them how to capitalize on it. Dr. Yamada recognized the importance of career development for women and minorities before other leaders in the field, and, during his tenure, has mentored nearly 50 postdoctoral trainees from 11 different countries.
Distinguished Clinician Awards
David A. Katzka, MD
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
The first of two Distinguished Clinician Awards honors David A. Katzka, MD, for exemplifying leadership and excellence in the practice of gastroenterology. Dr. Katzka is head of the Esophageal Interest Group in the Miles and Shirley Fitterman Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinic and a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Through his evaluation and care for patients with motility disorders, Dr. Katzka has gained a reputation as the consummate clinician. Dr. Katzka is the epitome of clinical-educator — he is sensitive to the needs of everyone and to the patient’s well being.
James F. Martin, MD, AGAF
Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael Medical Center, California
Leadership and excellence in the practice of gastroenterology also characterize the second Distinguished Clinician Award honoree, James F. Martin, MD, AGAF. Dr. Martin is the chief of the department of medicine at Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael Medical Center. Dr. Martin has been a mentor to many, a teacher to hundreds and a physician of unparalleled knowledge, judgment and stability. He is the consummate private practice clinician who combines wisdom with a breadth of knowledge in the practice of gastroenterology and internal medicine.
Distinguished Educator Award
Lawrence S. Friedman, MD, AGAF
Newton-Wellesley Hospital; Massachusetts General Hospital
Newton, MA
The AGA presents its Distinguished Educator Award to Lawrence S. Friedman, MD, AGAF, for his achievements as an outstanding educator over a lifelong career. Dr. Friedman is the chair of the department of medicine at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA, and assistant chief of medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Tufts University School of Medicine. He has an obvious love of learning and has been at the forefront of developing educational programs and training in gastroenterology for virtually his entire postfellowship career.
Research Service Award
Michael K. May, PhD
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD
The AGA Research Service Award is presented to Michael K. May, PhD. This award, which was established in 2006, recognizes an individual who has significantly advanced gastroenterological science and research. Dr. May is the director of the GI Transport & Absorption, the Nutrient Metabolism and the GI Neuroendocrinology programs at the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Advances in scientific research are critical to the science of gastroenterology and Dr. May has critical in helping GI investigators navigate the grants review process.
