TETERBORO, N.J., Oct. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated (NYSE: DGX), the nation's leading provider of diagnostic testing,
information and services, announced that Delbert A. Fisher, M.D., Vice
President of Science and Innovation, was honored by The National Institute of
Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) for his outstanding scientific
contributions to the creation of a screening test for congenital
hypothyroidism in newborns.
Dr. Fisher was one of 15 scientists chosen by the NICHD for its Hall of
Honor, which recognizes scientists supported by the Institute for their
exceptional contributions to advancing knowledge and improving maternal and
child health. The scientists were honored on September 22, at a ceremony held
at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland as part of
the 40th Anniversary Meeting of the NICHD.
Dr. Fisher was recognized for his contribution to the development of a
simple, highly effective newborn screening test for congenital hypothyroidism,
which, if treated within the first month of life, completely prevents mental
retardation from this disorder. Today, every state in the United States tests
newborns for congenital hypothyroidism. Dr. Fisher conceptualized the
possibility of this screening test, developed the microassay methods that made
this screening feasible, and fostered its implementation on a national scale,
resulting in the elimination of mental retardation due to this disorder.
In his current position, Dr. Fisher is responsible for new test
development, clinical correlations, and subspecialty consultations to Quest
Diagnostics' physician customers. During his 48-year career as a pediatrician
and endocrinologist, Dr. Fisher has held esteemed appointments with leading
academic and medical institutions, including his current appointment as
visiting senior scientist at the Walter P. Martin Research Center at
Harbor-UCLA, in Torrance, California. Dr. Fisher's many honors include the
Nutrition Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Robert H.
Williams Award from the Endocrine Society, the Howland Award from the American
Pediatric Society, and election to the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academy of Sciences.
In addition, the NICHD also honored Maria I. New, M.D., a Quest
Diagnostics Academic Associate. Dr. New, a professor of pediatric
endocrinology and metabolism at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell
Campus, was recognized for identifying the broad spectrum of disorders caused
by variants of the gene for congenital adrenal hyperplasia and for developing
effective treatments for its various forms. Quest Diagnostics collaborates
with Academic Associates, who are thought leaders from leading academic
institutions, to develop new tests and provide specialized consultation.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation's leading provider of
diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable
healthcare professionals to make decisions that improve health. The company
offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services in the United States
through its national network of laboratories and patient service centers, and
provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and
scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric
testing, including gene-based medical testing, and also empowers healthcare
organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that
improve patient care. Additional company information is available at:
www.questdiagnostics.com.
The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or
information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and
outcomes to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties
may include, but are not limited to, unanticipated expenditures, changing
relationships with customers, payers, suppliers and strategic partners,
competitive environment, changes in government regulations, conditions of the
economy and other factors described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2002
Form 10-K and subsequent filings.
Quest Diagnostics Contacts:
Jennifer Somers (Media): 201-393-5700
Laure Park (Investors): 201-393-5030
SOURCE Quest Diagnostics Incorporated
-0- 10/08/2003
/CONTACT: Jennifer Somers (Media) - +1-201-393-5700, or Laure Park
(Investors) - +1-201-393-5030, both of Quest Diagnostics/
/Web site: http://www.questdiagnostics.com /
(DGX)
CO: Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; The National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development
ST: New Jersey
IN: MTC HEA
SU: AWD CHI