CHICAGO — The American Medical Association (AMA) presented Dan Kastner, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Division of Intramural Research and head of the Inflammatory Disease Section at the National Human Genome Research Institute, with the AMA Award for Outstanding Government Service.
Dr. Kastner has devoted his career of over three decades to diagnosing and treating rare genetic diseases characterized by fever and inflammation that often result in disabling conditions and death. His work has provided detailed molecular explanations for these illnesses and the conceptual basis for effective targeted therapies, while informing our understanding of more common illnesses as well.
“Dr. Kastner established a clinic for patients with undiagnosed inflammatory illnesses from around the world and is highly regarded for his calm, humorous approach with patients and families,” said AMA Board Chair Russ Kridel, M.D. “Parents credit him with saving their children’s lives and significantly reducing their suffering. For his outstanding work and leadership, the AMA is pleased to present.Dr. Kastner with the AMA Government Service Award.”
In addition to receiving many awards for his pioneering research in rare genetic diseases, Dr. Kastner is an elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Kastner received his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University, along with a medical degree and a doctorate from Baylor College of Medicine.
Dr. Kastner’s acceptance speech can be viewed at this link.
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The American Medical Association is the physicians’ powerful ally in patient care. As the only medical association that convenes 190+ state and specialty medical societies and other critical stakeholders, the AMA represents physicians with a unified voice to all key players in health care. The AMA leverages its strength by removing the obstacles that interfere with patient care, leading the charge to prevent chronic disease and confront public health crises and, driving the future of medicine to tackle the biggest challenges in health care.
