AMMAN (JT) - The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) has presented Dr. Kamel Ajlouni with the International Clinician Award for his contributions to clinical endocrinology.
Ajlouni, a professor of medicine and president of the National Centre for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics (NCDEG), was honoured by the American College of Endocrinology at its 17th annual meeting and clinical congress in Orlando, Florida, earlier this week, according to a statement from his family.
The award is presented to one doctor annually in appreciation of the dedicated and compassionate care they provide to patients with endocrine diseases, exceptional knowledge and expertise in the field of clinical endocrinology and the ability to develop a system of care for an endocrine problem, as well as educating the public on endocrine problems and effecting social changes which lead to improved care for endocrine patients.
Expressing his pleasure at receiving the award, Ajlouni said the association and college "should be proud not only to serve clinical endocrinologists in the US, but building bridges with endocrinologists worldwide".
He told attendees at the ceremony that Jordanian endocrinologists - most of whom are now members of AACE - were shouldering very heavy responsibilities in the region.
"Despite numerous difficulties, we have established a voluntary society for the care of diabetes, a professional endocrine society and the NCDEG, which is the first of its kind in the region. This centre is setting the standards of care for people with diabetes and endocrine disorders, offering training for professionals in this field and conducting scientific research, the fruits of which are already visible on the pages of respected regional and international journals," Ajlouni noted.
Ajlouni attended Rashidiah College in Jerusalem and Hussein College in Amman. He received a medical degree from the University of Heidelberg in Germany and an honorary doctorate in Law from the University of Windsor in Canada, the statement said.
He is a recipient of numerous awards in recognition of his work, including the 2008 Kuwait Prize for Research in health promotion and the 2008 UAE Health Foundation Prize.
Ajlouni has served in many public offices including health minister and senator, as well as president of the Jordan Medical Council, the Jordan University of Science and Technology and the Association of Arab Universities.
Established in 1991, is a professional medical organisation with 6,000 members in the US and 85 other countries, whose advanced, specialised training enables them to be experts in the care of endocrine diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiency, osteoporosis, cholesterol disorders, hypertension and obesity.
© Jordan Times 2008
