The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Charitable Foundation is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Sherman Prize, which rewards exceptional individuals who make pioneering contributions in the fight to overcome two inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) — Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Nominations for the Prize will be accepted through April 15, 2018. Two prizes of $100,000 each are awarded annually to people who made significant and enduring contributions in IBD, as well as a $25,000 Sherman Emerging Leader Prize, awarded to an individual who demonstrates high potential in making significant contributions in the future.
All winners are featured in short videos designed to recognize their accomplishments and inspire others by highlighting groundbreaking work. These stories will be featured on the new Sherman Prize website, in support of the Foundation’s mission to create a ripple effect of inspiration in the IBD community.
The Sherman Prize was envisioned after Bruce Sherman’s daughters were diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. The decades-long journey led Bruce and his wife, Cynthia, to think of a way to recognize innovative approaches to patient care, medical research, public service and education for those living with IBDs. Today, they hope this ripple effect accelerates the discovery of new treatments and eventually a cure for both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
“The Sherman Prize elevates IBD champions across the country who are working tirelessly to solve the puzzles of these diseases,” David Rubin, Prize Selection Committee chair, said in a press release. “The Prize Selection Committee looks forward to reviewing many wonderful nominations this year and ultimately recognizing and celebrating the great work being done at the intersection of patient care, research, education and advocacy.”
To be eligible, nominees must live and work in the United States and their greatest achievements must have been made in the last decade, with greater emphasis placed on contributions in the past few years.
Candidates can be nominated by colleagues, peers, educators, advocates or anyone who can attest to the candidate’s qualifications. Prior candidates can be nominated again and self-nominations are not accepted. All submissions must include new and updated information on the candidate’s achievements.
A list of former Sherman Prize recipients can be found on the Sherman Prize website. Last year, winners were Stephan R. Targan, MD, director of the Inflammatory Bowel and Immuno-biology Research Institute at Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA; Lee A. Denson, MD, director of the Schubert-Martin IBD Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, in Cincinnati, OH; and Heidi Drescher, MMS, PA-C, physician assistant in a community physician group at a community medical center in Missoula, MT.