People in the news - December 2009

Primack retires from Fogarty

Dr. Aron Primack, program officer responsible for creating five major programs at Fogarty, is retiring from NIH and the United States Public Health Service at the end of the year.

One of his best-known achievements is Fogarty's International Clinical Research Scholars and Fellows Program, which offers graduate level students a year of mentoring at research sites in developing countries. Primack initiated and led the program, which has had nearly 400 participants since its inception in 2003. Several former fellows and scholars now receive funding through other Fogarty programs.

Primack was also responsible for launching the groundbreaking Trauma and Injury Research Training Program, which has helped bring about policy changes regarding traffic safety in several countries. In addition, Primack also helped develop the Global Research Initiative Program for New Foreign Investigators, known as GRIP, as well as research training programs in chronic diseases and tobacco.

"The impact of Aron Primack's work and leadership at Fogarty and NIH is immeasurable," said Dr. Ken Bridbord, director of international training and research. "The trainees from his programs have gone on to teach other scientists, and make advances and discoveries that save lives."

Primack plans to travel, spend more time with his children and grandchildren, and continue volunteering with an organization that provides health care to the uninsured.

Dr. Aron Primack

Dr. Rajiv Shah

USAID chief named

The Obama administration has named Dr. Rajiv Shah, a former executive with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to run USAID, America's top foreign assistance program. Shah, 36, whose family immigrated to the U.S. from India, had been serving as a senior official at the Agriculture department, dealing with food security.

Shah earned his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and his Master of Science in health economics at the Wharton School of Business.  He has attended the London School of Economics, and is a graduate of the University of Michigan.

US science envoys announced

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has announced the creation of a U.S. Science Envoy Program, which will send America's most prominent scientists to travel the world to engage their counterparts, deepen and develop partnerships in all areas of science and technology, and to "foster scientific and technical collaboration."

Three initial emissaries were named including former NIH Director, Dr. Elias Zerhouni; UCSF professor and former Science magazine editor, Dr. Bruce Alberts; and Nobel laureate and California Institute of Technology professor, Dr. Ahmed Zewail.

Dr. Elias Zerhouni

Dr. Bruce Alberts

Dr. Ahmed Zewail