Jefferson Physician Awarded Title of American College of Rheumatology Master
Sergio
A. Jimenez, M.D., co-director, Jefferson Institute of Molecular
Medicine, director, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases in the
Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology at Jefferson Medical
College of Thomas Jefferson University, has been awarded the
prestigious title of Master of the American College of Rheumatology for
his outstanding contributions to the field of rheumatology through
scholarly achievement and/or service to patients, students and
profession. The title of Master is one of the highest honors that the
college bestows, given to no more than 15 members every year. Dr.
Jimenez formally received the award at the American College of
Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco on October 25,
2008.
“It’s
a great honor to be recognized by the college with this award,” said
Jimenez. “I have dedicated the entirety of my professional life to
rheumatology and have worked with many outstanding people. This award
wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the contributions of my various
colleagues over the years.”
Dr.
Jimenez is nationally and internationally recognized for his research
on the application of biochemical, molecular biological and genetic
approaches to the study of scleroderma, osteoarthritis, and fibrotic
disorders. His key contributions have been the identification of
cytokine regulation of collagen gene expression and the interactions
between inflammatory cells and the fibroblasts. He has also studied the
role of transforming growth factor in tissue fibrosis, identified
cartilage gene mutations in osteoarthritis patients, and has shown that
female scleroderma patients can harbor fetal cells from their previous
pregnancies and that these cells may participate in the development of
the disease.
His
publications include 291 original articles in peer-reviewed journals,
five manuscripts submitted for publication, 105 textbook chapters and
review articles, and more than 475 abstracts which have been presented
at national and international meetings.
Editors Note: Dr. Jimenez resides in Center City, Philadelphia.
Media Only Contact:
Richard Cushman
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Phone: (215) 955-6300
Published: 11/3/2008