Hematologist Arthur Nienhuis named 2009 ASH Mentor Award recipient

Arthur Nienhuis, M.D., of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, is the recipient of the 2009 Mentor Award from the American Society of Hematology (ASH). Nienhuis will receive the honor at the society's annual meeting this December in New Orleans.

ASH is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatments of blood disorders. The Mentor Award recognizes hematologists who have excelled at mentoring trainees and colleagues. Award recipients are chosen because they have shown a sustained commitment to mentoring; have made a significant, positive impact on their mentees' careers; and have advanced research and patient care in the field of hematology through those they train.

Two awards are given each year—one in the basic sciences and one to an outstanding clinical investigator mentor. Nienhuis will receive the award for clinical investigation.

"Dr. Nienhuis' dedication and attention to those he mentors has molded a new generation of researchers, and his passion for helping shape junior and senior faculty continues today," said Dr. William E. Evans, St. Jude director and CEO. "His long-standing commitment to trainees and colleagues has prepared many of today's leaders in hematology around the world."

Nienhuis' expertise in bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy and genetic testing paved the way for many advances at St. Jude, including breakthroughs in sickle cell disease and other hematological disorders. He also made significant achievements in the fields of cell therapy, HIV/AIDS research and inherited immunodeficiencies. Through his work, Nienhuis improved care for patients, while helping other researchers carry on the fight against catastrophic childhood disease.

Nienhuis has received numerous honors, including being named to the National Cancer Advisory Board by former President Bill Clinton in 1998. That same year, Nienhuis was awarded the Stratton Medal by ASH, one of the society's highest honors for an outstanding body of work in hematology. In 2002, he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. Nienhuis served as fourth director and CEO of St. Jude from 1993 to 2004.

Source: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital