University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Dr. James Roberts, whose ground-breaking research on preeclampsia has radically changed the thinking about the pregnancy disorder, is being honored with a national Lifetime Achievement award this month.
A senior scientist and founding director of the
Magee-Women Research Institute, Roberts is recognized nationally and internationally for his work. He will receive the Hope Award for Lifetime Achievement from the
Preeclampsia Foundation for his contributions to preeclampsia research.
Recently retired from administrative and clinical responsibilities, Roberts plans to continue his research, which includes two major studies on preeclampsia. The pregnancy disorder, also known as toxemia, is characterized by dangerously high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine. It affects about 5 percent of first pregnancies and is a significant cause of infant mortality and lifelong disability.
Among his many notable achievements, Roberts has challenged a hypothesis that preeclampsia is the result of coexisting maternal and placental conditions and is currently investigating the role that obesity plays in the development of the condition. In addition, he lead an NIH trial with 10,000 women of antioxidant vitamins to prevent preeclampsia.
"To my way of thinking, the fact that he has trained several generations of preeclampsia researchers, including clinicians and basic scientists, may be his greatest achievement and legacy,” says Leslie Weeks, chair of the Preeclampsia Foundation, in the announcement of his award.
He will receive the award at a gala in Washington, DC on September 20th. Roberts is only the second person in the award’s history to receive the tribute.
Writer:
Deb Smit
Source: Michele Baum, UPMC; the Preeclampsia Foundation
Image courtesy UPMC