Richard Saitz Receives 2012 R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award from the ASAM

Boston University School of Medicine’s (BUSM) Richard Saitz, MD, MPH, professor of medicine and epidemiology, was selected as the 2012 recipient of the R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). The award was presented at the national Annual Medical-Scientific Conference in Atlanta earlier this month.

The award recognizes an individual who has made highly meritorious efforts to advance the scientific understanding of alcoholism, its prevention and treatment. Saitz is being honored for his contributions to research-based practices in addiction medicine and to integrating such practices into general health settings such as primary care. He has led research on screening and brief counseling interventions to address the whole spectrum of unhealthy use, from increasing the risks of health consequences to more severe problems like addiction.

Established in 1995, The R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award and Lecture are a tribute to R. Brinkley Smithers who influenced American alcoholism policy, theory and treatment. Through his dedication and philanthropy he created better understanding of this treatable disease.

The award and lecture are sponsored by the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation.

Saitz, who is also Director of the Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit and of the Division of Clinical Research Resources at BUSM, has dedicated his career to integrating substance-related and general health care. He is the editor of Addiction Science and Clinical Practice and author of over 130 peer-reviewed publications. He serves as past president of the Association for Medical Education and Research in Substance Abuse, was one of Ten Outstanding Young Leaders chosen by the Boston Jaycees in 2003, and was elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America, 2003 to 2012.