January 24, 2003

With memorial events taking place throughout the country this week to honor the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, the MGH held the first of two such events to commemorate the civil rights leader with a special presentation, "Commitment, Dedication and Innovation: Making Dreams into Reality."

The Association of Multicultural Members of Partners (AMMP) recently hosted the celebration that honored the life and legacy of Rev. King. Internationally recognized dermatologist, researcher and former MGH fellow Eliot F. Battle, Jr., MD (right), served as keynote speaker.

The event also included an awards presentation to some of the hospital's leadership for their dedication to the MGH and to the mission of AMMP. James J. Mongan, MD, president and CEO of Partners HealthCare, was awarded the Commitment Award. Peter L. Slavin, MD, president of the MGH, accepted the award on Mongan's behalf and also received the Dedication Award in recognition for his continued support of AMMP. Battle received the Innovation Award for his groundbreaking research on laser hair removal for people with darker ethnic skin.

The second MGH event to honor King's legacy will be held Jan. 24 at 3 pm in the O'Keeffe Auditorium. See next week's Hotline for coverage of this event.