Victor J. Dzau, M.D., chancellor for health affairs at Duke and president and CEO of the Duke University Health System, has been selected as the honoree and recipient of the 28th annual Golden Door Award by the International Institute of Boston (IIB).
Dzau, an internationally known physician-scientist specializing in cardiovascular disease, received the award April 29 during a ceremony being held at the FairmontCopleyPlaza in Boston.
The Golden Door Award is presented to a naturalized citizen who has risen to become a leader in their field. According to the IIB, Dzau was chosen to be this year's recipient of the Golden Door Award for his leadership in the medical field, his commitment to the field of education, his contributions as a scientist, and his humanitarian efforts on behalf of all patients in need of health care, especially the under-served.
"I am deeply honored to be recognized this year by the International Institute of Boston," said Dzau. "They have a longstanding commitment to helping those who have chosen to establish a new life in the U.S. and this group truly represents so many of the values important to my work. I am particularly happy to receive the award in a city that holds a place so dear to my heart."
Proceeds from the Golden Door Gala will be used to create the Dzau Health Access Fund, which will be used to subsidize the IIB's efforts to improve health care access and services for recent immigrants. In 2004, the IIB was able to help more than 10,000 immigrants, refugees and those seeking asylum find new homes in the U.S. after leaving typically deplorable living conditions elsewhere.
The International Institute of Boston, founded in 1924, is a service organization with the primary mission of serving refugees and immigrants by helping them become self-sufficient, active participants in the social, political and economic fabric of the United States.