March 1, 1999

Mark Brezinski, MD, PhD, an MGH cardiologist and researcher, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award, presented at a White House ceremony Feb. 10, is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent research careers. Brezinski received a five-year, $500,000 grant to further his investigations.

Brezinski was nominated for his involvement in the creation of a new imaging technology called optical coherence tomography (OCT). Powerful enough to allow viewing of the nuclei of individual cells within living tissues, OCT produces an optical biopsy – providing the same information acquired from a surgical biopsy without the need for tissue removal. It shows great promise in situations in which conventional biopsy techniques would be dangerous or ineffective and could facilitate early detection of cancers, heart disease and arthritis.

Mark Brezinski, MD, PhD, (center) receives Presidential Award from Congressman Paul Kanjorski (left) and Neal Lane, PhD, science adviser to President Clinton.