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Innovation for Impact Award

The award was established by the School of Medicine Recognitions Committee on behalf of the Dean to recognize faculty inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs whose contributions resulted in a significant impact on human health or have the potential to be paradigm-shifting.

Two men standing holding a glass award

2023 Winners Spotlight

Mark Goodman Radiology and Imaging Sciences

“Dr. Goodman is a world-renowned radiochemist who has made significant and innovative discoveries that have truly impacted patient care in many areas. When he was first recruited to Emory, he developed/discovered FACBC, a unique imaging agent that was FDA-approved for clinical use. It is currently being evaluated for approval for adult and pediatric brain cancer and for suspicious aggressive primary prostate cancer. His current work focuses on rising incidences of bacterial infections resistant to standard-of-care (SOC) antibiotics and antimicrobials that have raised great health concerns worldwide. More than 2.8 million Americans will become infected with resistant infections leading to over 35,000 deaths. Dr. Goodman and colleagues have developed novel precursor compounds used in PET imaging of infections. This compound has demonstrated facilitating the successful production of radiotracers which can then be utilized by a physician for PET imaging of infections while being tested in in vitro experiments for up to 4 hours. Trials are currently underway for FDA approval.”

Mark Goodman headshot

Jeff Sands Medicine

“Dr. Sands has made outstanding contributions that fundamentally affect the science of nephrology, may benefit patients afflicted with congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), and are paradigm shifting. Sands and his research team have translated their physiological understanding of the urine concentrating mechanism, urea transport, and water transport to elucidate a novel therapeutic approach to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). His studies led to the discovery of an investigational small-molecule drug that increases urine-concentrating ability, and the formation of a start-up company to advance work on the drug. Dr. Sands has also developed a second technology called novel urearetics, which early research suggests may have fewer side effects than classical diuretics that inhibit sodium reabsorption. While this work is much earlier in the development pipeline, it has the potential to result in a significant impact on human health.”

Jeff Sands headshot

Previous Awardees

2022 

2021 

2020

2019



Nomination Process

One faculty member or team will be honored with the Innovation for Impact Award in 2023.

The award is meant to recognize innovation that transforms or has enormous potential to transform clinical, educational, scholarly, and/or societal outcomes, regardless of whether the innovation is in their specialty. The award is NOT meant to recognize bedside prowess, teaching, mentoring, scholarship, or quality improvement that results from the augmentation of existing systems or therapies.

Deadline

Nominations are closed for 2023.

Eligibility

All faculty members with a primary appointment in the EUSOM for a minimum of three years. Those who have received this award in the past 3 years are not eligible.

Nominations

Faculty must be nominated by another faculty member, staff member, or trainee of EUSOM, Emory University, Emory Healthcare, or an Emory affiliate. The nomination should consist of a concise narrative (1,000 words or less) describing the transformative innovation and its impact(s). Examples can include (but are not limited to):

  • New, innovative technology/devices
  • Groundbreaking scientific discoveries that address bold questions
  • Creative approaches to process and/or operational improvement
  • Paradigm-shifting approaches for the diagnosis, treatment, or disease prevention
  • Novel programs or projects in care delivery, connectivity, and health promotion
  • Pioneering educational programs and processes

Submission

Must use the online Award Nomination Form and include the following:

  • Nominating letter (1,000 words or less)
  • Optional materials: One additional letter of support (500 words or less)

Decision

Will be made by the School of Medicine Recognitions Committee and approved by the Dean.

Award

Recipients of the Emory School of Medicine Distinguished Service Award will be announced and honored during the Celebration of Faculty Eminence.

Questions should be directed to SOM Office of Faculty Academic Affairs and Professional Development at somfde@emory.edu.