November 11, 2006
Joanne A. Zeis of Uxbridge, Mass., is a recipient of the 2006 Citation for Distinguished Service. The award was presented to Ms. Zeis on Saturday, November
11, at the American Medical Association's semi-annual policy-making meeting
in Las Vegas.
"Working to foster understanding for Behcet's Disease, a rare and chronic autoimmune disorder, Joanne Zeis has helped others recognize the ongoing science related to the disease," said AMA President William G. Plested, III, MD. "Her commitment to people affected with this disease is unparalleled, and we're delighted to honor her with the Citation for Distinguished Service."
Ms. Zeis works closely with the American Behçet's Disease Association and other internet-based groups to raise physician-patient awareness of the illness, both in the U.S. and overseas. As a result of her insight, empathy and energy, Ms. Zeis has produced numerous educational patient support publications, including two books on the rare disease, and has been profiled on Discovery Health Channel's Mystery Diagnosis documentary series in an episode regarding the challenges of diagnosis and serious health outcomes for patients with Behcet's Disease.
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