NIDDK Director Honored for Commitment to Health Equity
Photo: AAMC
Dr. Griffin Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, received the 2018 Herbert W. Nickens Award in November from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Named in honor of the late Dr. Herbert W. Nickens, founder and past vice president of AAMC’s diversity policy and programs unit, the award was established by the AAMC to continue advancing Nickens’ concerns about the educational, societal and health care needs of minorities. Rodgers received the honor for his record of encouraging health equity, while also creating opportunities for underrepresented minorities within the biomedical workforce.
Among his other accomplishments, Rodgers collaborated in developing the first FDA-approved treatment for sickle cell disease. He also hosts NIDDK’s Healthy Moments, a radio program airing health messages on more than 50 stations across the country. Now in its 10th year, Healthy Moments reaches more than 60 million people annually.
“Everyone deserves access to quality medical care and the opportunity to live a long, healthy life,” Rodgers said. “Health equity doesn’t just apply to people with diseases. It’s also important to have diversity in health care providers and researchers. I accept this honor on behalf of the entire NIDDK family, as the institute joins me in working toward health equity for all.”—January Payne