Friday, July 27, 2007

Received the National Medal of Science from the POTUS at a 1:50 PM White House ceremony in the East Room. Hot, sunny Washington day. I was one of 8 people who received the award for 2005 (yes 2005 – they are 2 years behind in awarding them). The POTUS was very nice with me. The Army Major who announced the names completely blew the pronunciation of my name despite having a phonetic crib in front of him. The POTUS laughed and when I went up to the podium to get the medal and shake his hand, he put his arm around me and whispered in my ear “Maybe this guy does not know what you name is, but I certainly do”. There was a nice reception after. Condi Rice gave me a hug and kiss and joked about the mispronunciation of my name. We saw the POTUS leave from the WH lawn on Marine One Helicopter to spend the weekend at Camp David. In the evening we had an elegant dinner with many guests from government at the Ritz Carlton on 22nd and M Streets, N.W. Guests at my table were Elias Zerhouni and John Gallin together with Denise and Jack Scorce. Nice time. I felt rather humbled by the amazing accomplishments of the other awardees (mostly physicists and engineers). July 27 – August 30, 2007 – A number of relatively minor issues over the past 4 weeks. Had laparoscopic surgery for right indirect inguinal hernia on August 2 at Sibley Hospital by Dr. Martin Paul. Minor complications of 2 ½ weeks of severe pain over the mesh that had developed a “seroma”. It is fine now. Went to Seattle, WA to deliver opening session plenary lecture at the HIV/AIDS Vaccine 2007 meeting run by Larry Corey. Talk well received. Have been having very “scratchy” voice that has significantly interfered with my lecture since my Plenary in Sydney (when I first noticed it) in July. I had laryngoscopy by Dr. Michael Siegel. It should some very minor “singer’s nodules” similar to what Pres. Clinton had but much less severe (Dr. Siegel took care of Clinton), as well as some inflammation indicating esophageal-laryngeal reflux. Will start on antacids. Word is now out that I will receive the Mary Woodard Lasker Award for Public Service on Sept. 28, 2007 in NYC (see below). August 30 – Sept. 13, 2007 – Went to NYC on Sept. 8 to visit my father for his 97th birthday. Recently had baloon valvuloplasty of aortic valve for progressively refractory CHF. Remarkable improvement following procedure. NYC was beautiful and warm. Chris, Jenny and Ali were with me and we had fun as always in NYC. Megan is in Chicago with City Year (Americorps) and is lonely and sad since this is first time away from home.