For immediate release
November 11, 2006
David C. Rutstein, MD, MPH, Captain, United States Public Health Service, was awarded the American Medical Association (AMA) Medal of Valor today at the AMA semi-annual policy-making meeting in Las Vegas. Dr. Rutstein received the award for his leadership in public health following the devastating Spring 2005 earthquake on the Indonesian Island of Nias.
"Dr. David C. Rutstein demonstrated extreme courage during the aftermath of the Indonesian earthquake, treating patients, helping to contain disease and properly evaluate the environment to promote public health," said AMA President William G. Plested, MD. "His work saved lives and prevented many from becoming ill. We are pleased to honor Dr. Rutstein with the AMA Medal of Valor for his service in public health."
Recently, Dr. Rutstein was one of 12 federal executive branch employees detailed full-time to the White House, where, as Director for Lessons Learned, he was charged with reviewing the federal response to Hurricane Katrina and generating recommendations to improve responses to future public health emergencies. He currently serves as the Chief Medical Officer of the US Public Health Service and the Deputy Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
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