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Ansley Bacon, Ph.D. honored for her work in the field of developmental disabilities

The Dr. Ansley Bacon, Executive Director of the Institute, was honored twice recently for her work in the field of developmental disabilities. On October 4, 2002 she was the Keynote Speaker at the New York Medical College Convocation, a ceremony marking the beginning of a new academic year. During the ceremony, and in the presence of their parents, first year medical students received their white coats while listening to a recitation of the Hippocratic Oath. Read Dr. Bacon's Keynote Address

On October 30, 2002, she received the annual award for Outstanding Achievement at the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) 2002 Annual Meeting and Conference. This award is given by AUCD to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to the wider community.

Dr. Bacon thanked the Association for the honor and accepted the award on behalf of her colleagues at WIHD. "They make my job so rewarding because of their excellent work and commitment. Everyday, I am inspired by their work. I consider it a privilege to work with such great people."

"An award from this organization is especially meaningful to me, because I grew up, professionally, in this network. My first meeting was in 1978 or 1979 - over 20 years ago. I feel as though I should be giving an award to this Association and this network for outstanding contributions. It has provided me with mentors, role models, colleagues and wonderful friends."

"If I have had success in my activities, I can honestly say it is because of this network. The organization is stronger than ever before due to the outstanding leadership of our board and staff. Thank all of you who are giving so much to build and further strengthen the credibility of this network. It helps all of us in making our contributions."

"I accept this award with just a little trepidation. Often this award is given to someone at the end of their career - so I hope it isn't the case that you know something that I don't know! I am not planning to wind down anytime soon - in fact, things are more exciting than ever at our program and in our network. I wouldn't miss being part of it for anything. I really feel that the best is yet to come!"

"Once again, thank you so much for this honor."

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Daniel Crimmins, Ph.D. selected as RWJ Fellow for 2002-2005

Daniel Crimmins, Ph.D., Director of Community Services at WIHD, has been selected as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow for 2002-2005 by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Sciences. The fellowship recognizes outstanding, mid-career professionals from across the country who are working in academic health centers, medical schools, and other community-based health care organizations.

Dr. Crimmins was recognized for his contributions as a psychologist to the treatment of children with a range of cognitive and behavioral disorders, particularly for his work in improving services for children with autism. He has also worked extensively educating graduate students, parents, school and health-care personnel, and professionals. Seven fellows were chosen on a competitive basis from a national pool of nominees after an extensive review and interview process.

The fellowship year begins in September in Washington, DC, with a ten-week orientation arranged by the IOM. These sessions acquaint fellows with current health issues, federal health and research agencies, principal congressional committees active in health affairs, and major health-interest groups. The fellows then participate in a three-week orientation organized by the American Political Science Association in conjunction with its Congressional Fellowship Program that provides a broad-based perspective on public-policy issues and the political process. Fellows then work the remainder of the year in the offices of senators and representatives in Congress on health legislation and programs. Fellows return to their home institutions to continue activities in the area of health policy for the second and third year of the program.

The fellowship program was established in 1973 at the IOM with a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. RWJF, based in Princeton, NJ, is the nation's largest philanthropy devoted exclusively to health and health care. It concentrates its grantmaking in four goal areas-to assure that all Americans have access to basic health care at reasonable cost; to improve care and support for people with chronic health conditions; to promote healthy communities and lifestyles; and to reduce the personal, social and economic harm caused by substance abuse.