AACE—Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award 2024, for Recognizing Exceptional Accomplishments
Dr. Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, will be honored with the 2024 Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). The award ceremony will occur during the 33rd Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in May 2024.
The Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award, named after a founder and former president of AACE, celebrates exceptional contributions to advancing AACE’s mission of providing quality healthcare for patients with endocrine diseases and enhancing public health. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding clinical excellence, education, research, public health, medical ethics, technological innovations, medical advancements, community involvement, and individual accomplishments within the endocrinology community. It is highly esteemed and sought after in the field of endocrine medicine.
AACE is the largest clinical endocrinologist association globally, representing over 8,000 endocrinologists worldwide. Most members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, specializing in treating patients with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, lipid disorders, hypertension, and obesity [www.aace.com].
Dr. Wimalwansa is a renowned educator, author, researcher, innovator, executive board member, administrator, and philanthropist. He is also skilled as a process consultant and Lean Six Sigma executive. Dr. Wimalwansa obtained a diploma in medical administration from Johns Hopkins University School of Business in 2000 and an Executive Master’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University Business School in 2006. He has made significant contributions to academia and research with over 300 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book chapters, and authored books spanning various disciplines.
Dr. Wimalwansa’s illustrious career spanning five decades has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to advancing global endocrinology and public health. In 1984, his pioneering work on inventing intraoperative hormone measurements revolutionized endocrine surgical procedures. This innovation enabled surgeons to precisely locate and remove endocrine tumors, significantly reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Widely adopted by endocrine surgeons worldwide, this technique has benefited millions of patients. Furthermore, Dr. Wimalwansa’s development of once-a-week bisphosphonate therapy and affordable medications for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, has profoundly transformed patient care in this field.
In 1994, Dr. Wimalwansa pioneered the first live “remote medical consultation clinics” (first real telemedicine clinic) between Galveston, TX, and U.S.-Mexico border towns, covering over 250 miles. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Dr. Boy Frame Award for Clinical Excellence in Metabolic Bone Diseases (1993), the Glen Foundation Awards from the American Endocrine Society, and an innovation award from the Asian Chamber of Commerce (2000). Recognizing his humanitarian endeavors, he received the Dr. Oscar Gluck International Humanitarian of the Year Award (2007) from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation, Los Angeles in honor of his remarkable contributions to science, humanity, and society.
Dr. Wimalwansa is the first trained Clinical Endocrinologist from Sri Lanka; previously served as a squadron leader in the Air Force. In addition to delivering lectures, he has significantly contributed to global endocrinology education by offering free courses worldwide. Dr. Wimalwansa’s commitment to serving society is evident through his founding of nonprofit organizations, including the International Foundation for Chronic Disabilities, the International Foundation for Revitalization, Empowerment, Education, and Development, the Hela Empowerment Foundation, the Wimalawansa Foundation, and the Preventive Health, Environmental Protection, and Research Organization.
Dr. Wimalwansa’s extensive contributions extend to his service on the boards of directors for prominent organizations such as AACE, ISCD, and the Turner Foundation. Furthermore, he has played integral roles as a member or consultant for various national and international scientific committees, including NIH, VA, IAEA, DEA, and NASA. Dr. Wimalawansa’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through his regularly reviewing manuscripts for granting organizations and national and international scientific journals. Additionally, he actively serves on editorial boards and remains deeply engaged in scientific research and publications.
I am proud to have been the first physician released by the Department of Health and the University for specialized training in Clinical Endocrinology back in 1980. At that time, Endocrinology was not even recognized as a field in Sri Lanka until 1986. Today, there are over 30 endocrinologists in Sri Lanka, many of whom were trained by my former students. However, they may need to be fully aware of the history and development of Endocrinology in our country.
In contrast, during my tenure in the USA, I have trained over 80 young endocrinologists here.
The recognition of nearly five decades of efforts for new discoveries and healthcare contributions to society is a testament to our unwavering dedication. It’s not just a personal milestone but a shared triumph with all who’ve been part of our journey. Our journey in developing endocrinology in Sri Lanka began in 1973, with my involvement in pioneering efforts, including organizing the first international radioimmunoassay course in Asia, establishing the first nuclear medicine unit for Sri Lanka, and developing the first few hormone assays at the Faculty of Medicine, Peradeniya, under the leadership of Professors Wikrananayake and Piyasena. Over the years, as highlighted above, our work has extended its benefits globally.
As the first physician from Sri Lanka released by the Department of Health and the University for specialized training in Clinical Endocrinology in 1980, I am honored to receive this recognition on behalf of Sri Lanka, the Medical School Peradeniya, the patients we have served, our revered teachers, and my parents.
A few years later, endocrinology was recognized as a field of medicine in Sri Lanka. Today, there are about 40 endocrinologists in Sri Lanka, many of whom were trained by my former medical students, who now hold prestigious positions as professors, deans in medical schools, and consultants. The impact is evident.
During my tenure, I had the privilege of training over 80 young endocrinologists, who now practice in every state in the USA and beyond.
I hope this award illuminates Sri Lanka’s endocrinology history and inspires doctors to continue their dedicated work for the betterment of our nation and its people.
Thank you
Sunil Wimalawansa
