The Art of Listening Award celebrates a health professional who goes beyond what is required, taking the time to listen and understand, and contributes to the acceleration of research and treatment for a particular disease.
A world-renowned clinician and researcher, Dr. Hal Dietz has been a member of the National Marfan Foundation Professional Advisory Board since 1994. In that time, he has volunteered thousands of hours to advance the NMF’s mission of education, research, and support. “He doesn’t just listen,” said one of his nominators for this award. “He acts upon what he hears from his patients to advance science, motivate his colleagues, and improve treatments for those with connective tissue conditions. He gives a patient an incredible sense of empowerment that this condition can be managed in a fulfilling life.”
His ability to listen has led him to explore productive research avenues. He is Victor A. McKusick Professor of Pediatrics, Medicine, and Molecular Biology & Genetics at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; an Investigator in the Howard Hughes Medical Institute; and Director of the William S. Smilow Center for Marfan Research. In addition to these prominent positions, Dr. Dietz heads a multidisciplinary clinic for the diagnosis and management of individuals with heritable forms of cardiovascular disease. Through the development of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies, Dr. Dietz pushes the boundaries of research, leading to the first clinical trial for people with Marfan syndrome.
But his value is in more than advancing treatments or even direct care. He is a role model for fellow clinicians and researchers and an inspiration to patients. His nominator said, “When Dr. Dietz came into our lives, his knowledge and concern brought us an incredible sense of peace and strength.” Genetic Alliance is proud to recognize Dr. Dietz for never losing focus on what matters: the health of his patients and their families.
