The 1st Annual Ladies' Home Journal Health Breakthrough Awards

Health Advocacy

Ladies' Home Journal has a rich and impressive history of health-advocacy journalism that dates back more than a century, having helped to spur the eventual formation of the Food and Drug Administration, put an end to bogus medications, and break the taboo of silence about sexually transmitted diseases. More recently we have worked with you, our readers, to support legislation to make produce safer, stop ERs from being closed, and improve care in nursing homes.

That's why it's natural and right that we are launching our first annual Health Breakthrough Awards, which recognize doctors and medical researchers who are making lifesaving and life-enhancing discoveries in research, diagnostics, and treatment that we -- patients and medical consumers -- can benefit from right now. We conducted a formal search for candidates across the country, consulting with premier medical schools and organizations, teaching hospitals, foundations, and government agencies. Our winners were chosen from a starting list of nearly 100 amazingly gifted and dedicated health professionals who have transformed their areas of specialty in groundbreaking and long-lasting ways that will improve the lives of millions for generations to come.

One scientist who has made a lasting difference is Ladies' Home Journal's own medical adviser, a pioneer in a new field of research that focuses on the differences between women and men. In her honor we are also launching the Marianne J. Legato Gender-Specific Medicine Award and presenting the first one to her.