Milestones - The NIH Record -May 29, 2009

NIEHS Recognized for Excellence in Animal Care

Dr. Diane Forsythe

Photo: Steve Mccaw

Reviewers described the NIEHS animal care program as “exemplary” during a recent site visit by the council on accreditation of the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International. Following the visit, the group officially notified NIEHS Comparative Medicine Branch chief Dr. Diane Forsythe of the NIEHS program’s full accreditation.

The decision was based on the institute’s compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, which covers every aspect of animal care. Prepared by the National Research Council in 1996, the guide represents the gold standard of best practices for more than 750 AAALAC-affiliated government, university, hospital and private laboratories engaged in research using animals.

“This is what’s called a ‘clean’ letter,” Forsythe said of the notification, “because there are no suggestions for improvement, [which is] very unusual” in this rigorous review process. “The use of the word ‘exemplary’ is also very rare,” she added, “and we’re very happy about that.”

In his letter to Forsythe, council on accreditation president Dr. John Bradfield wrote that reviewers were especially impressed by the institute’s knowledgeable and committed staff, well- equipped and maintained facilities, inclusive occupational health and safety program and comprehensive training.

“AAALAC accreditation is voluntary and is a symbol of quality,” Forsythe said. “It shows that we’re willing to go above and beyond what the regulations and requirements are, that we’re very committed to having an outstanding animal care program.”

Forsythe shares praise with her 22-member staff and 60 contractors who support the animal care and use program. She also acknowledges the contributions of many others in the institute for their “tremendous support of the program.”

According to Forsythe, in 1972 NIEHS became the first NIH institute to be accredited by AAALAC, which was formed in 1965. The main NIH campus received full accreditation in 1993.—Eddy Ball

Krasnewich Joins NIGMS

Dr. Donna Krasnewich recently joined NIGMS as a program director in the Division of Genetics and Developmental Biology. She is managing research grants in the area of the genetic basis of human biology and will develop new initiatives leading to a better understanding of the genetics underlying human phenotypes. She comes to NIGMS from NHGRI, where she held several intramural positions, including deputy clinical director. Her research focus is metabolically and biochemically based developmental delay disorders, especially those involving defects in sugar metabolism. Krasnewich earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in pharmacology from Wayne State University School of Medicine. She trained as a pediatrician with a specialty in clinical biochemical genetics.

Four Appointed to NIAMS Council

NIAMS director Dr. Stephen Katz (l) welcomes new members to the institute’s council. They include (from l) Karen Evans, Dr. Leslie Crofford and Dr. Henry Kronenberg.

Four new members were recently named to the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Advisory Council.

Dr. Leslie Crofford is chief of the division of rheumatology and professor in the department of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics at the University of Kentucky. Her research addresses rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and scleroderma.

Karen Evans is executive director of the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, a private organization dedicated to the improvement of the lives of youth and their families in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Los Angeles. After being diagnosed with lupus nephritis in 2005, Evans became involved with the Lupus Foundation of America and was elected as chair of the board of directors in 2008.

Dr. Linda Griffith is director of the Biotechnology Process Engineering Center and a professor of mechanical and biological engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is recognized as an expert in the fields of tissue engineering and regeneration and in the development of biomaterials.

Dr. Henry Kronenberg is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and chief of the endocrine unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. He leads a laboratory examining the regulation of bone and mineral metabolism and bone development.

Chew Receives Professional Service Award

Dr. Emily Chew (second from l); Paul Sieving (r); Arch Campbell (second from r); Dr. Suleiman Alibhai (l)

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington recently presented Dr. Emily Chew (second from l) with its Professional Service Award at the annual “Night of Vision” charity gala. The honor, established in 1987, is given to the person who best exemplifies the spirit of the society’s mission and a fervent commitment to the vision community. In remarks to attendees, NEI director Dr. Paul Sieving (r) summarized Chew’s accomplishments, saying, “Her passion for the field of ophthalmology is clear, her insight unparalleled. I am proud to call her my colleague, and grateful that she has chosen to share her vision with NEI for the past 22 years.” Chew currently serves as deputy director of the Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications and as medical officer of the Division of Biometry and Epidemiology. Also on hand were WJLA-TV’s Arch Campbell (second from r) and Dr. Suleiman Alibhai (l) of the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington.