Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Farewell reception at White House for Rajeev Venkayya (Deputy Director – Homeland security Council). I have worked closely with Rajeev for 5 years on Biodefense. He rose from WH intern to deputy Director in 5 years. He is someone to watch; good guy; physician trained at U of Michigan and UCSF. Usual cast of WH people, i.e. Fran Townsend, etc. Sept. 27 – 28, 2007 – Glorious 2 days in NYC for the Lasker Awards. Dinner on night of Sept. 27 at La Grenouille (Mary Lasker’s favorite restaurant). Lasker Lunch at Pierre Hotel on Sept. 28. Ralph Steinman received Basic Science Lasker; Alan Carpentier and Albert Starr (Starr-Edwards heart valve) received the Clinical Lasker; and I received the Public Service Lasker. On Friday, Sept. 28, the Washington Post did a very large piece on me called “The Honored Doctor” talking about the Lasker, the National Medal of Science, the Kober Medal and other honors. I have received literally several hundred letters and e-mails and greeting in person related to the Lasker and the Post article. With me in NYC were Chris, Ali and Jenny. Megan had to stay on Chicago with “City Year”. Oct. 4 – 5, 2007 – Went to Aspen for the World Biomedical Forum. Gave 4 to 5 talks on AIDS, Pandemic Flu, Emerging infections, etc. Again, usual cast of notables there. Very nice time. Weather in Aspen and DC has been spectacular for past couple of weeks. Sunny, Warm and no rain.