American Lung Association Bestows Highest Volunteer Award on Joseph H. Bates, M.D., M.S.

American Lung Association
Sunday, 19 May 2002

Will Ross Medal Given at Conference in Atlanta

Joseph H. Bates, M.D. M.S., will receive the American Lung Association's highest volunteer award, the Will Ross Medal, at the American Lung Association's Annual Conference in Atlanta.

The Will Ross Medal is the highest award given by the American Lung Association to volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the prevention and control of lung disease. It was established in 1952 and is given each year in honor of Will Ross, a Wisconsin industrialist, past-President of the American Lung Association, former tuberculosis patient, and one of the Lung Association's most distinguished volunteers.

Dr. Bates is Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Epidemiology at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and a staff member at the Arkansas Department of Health, serving on its leadership team.

Dr. Bates is a past-President for the American Lung Association and has been a volunteer for numerous years. He has served in many capacities for the Lung Association at the local, state and national level. When serving as chair of the Research Coordinating Committee, he guided the creation of the Career Investigator Award and worked to begin the Research Dinner held annually at the national meeting.

Dr. Bates presently serves on the Research Review Committee and is an Alumni member. He is also past-President of the American Thoracic Society and a former recipient of the Trudeau Medal.

The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for nearly 100 years. With the generous support of the public and the help of volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, our work is not finished. As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone through programs of education, community service, advocacy, and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Seals® and other voluntary contributions.

For more information, or to contact American Lung Association, see their website at: www.lungusa.org