Dianne Atkins, MD, accepted the 2006 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Council on Cardiovascular Disease in the Young during the American Heart Association's (AHA) Scientific Sessions held Nov. 12-15 in Chicago. This award is presented to a Council member who has made major contributions to the affairs of a Scientific Council over a continuing period of time and substantial professional contributions to the field.

"I was deeply privileged to receive this award," Atkins said. "It is indeed an honor to be recognized in this manner by one's peers and certainly a humbling experience."

"This is one of the highest honors that an AHA council can bestow and reflects Dr. Atkins' many and sustained contributions to improve cardiovascular health for children," added Michael Artman, MD, physician-in-chief, at University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Atkins attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University. After completing her residency training at the University of Kentucky, she completed her fellowship in pediatric cardiology at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Her clinical interests include pediatric electrophysiology (disturbances of cardiac rhythm). She conducts research in cardiac resuscitation and methods of defibrillation, especially in the use of automated external defibrillators in children.

Each year, University of Iowa Children's Hospital records more than 100,000 clinic visits and some 7,000 inpatient admissions. In addition, numerous pediatric outreach and satellite clinics provide primary and specialty care for children in communities throughout Iowa. A 175-bed "hospital within a hospital," University of Iowa Children's Hospital benefits from the sophisticated services and comprehensive resources of UI Hospitals and Clinics.

Dianne Atkins, MD

For more information:

UI Heart and Vascular Center

University of Iowa Children's Hospital

American Heart Association

Michael Artman, MD