Allan W. Wolkoff, MDBRONX, NY - September 29, 2015 - Dr. Allan W. Wolkoff, Professor of Medicine and Anatomy & Structural Biology, Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, and Associate Chair of Medicine for Research, has been invited to receive the 2015 American Liver Foundation Physician of the Year Award. Dr. Wolkoff will receive the award at the Foundation's 15th Annual Honors Gala, Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at Gotham Hall in New York City.
Dr. Wolkoff's extraordinary record of service to the American Liver Foundation has included long-term leadership as a member of the Board of Directors and past chair.
"Dr. Wolkoff's vision has strengthened our organization and helped us make a difference to those living with liver disease," said Lisa Gallipoli, Executive Director of the American Liver Foundation.
Dr. Wolkoff is a pioneer in the combining of disciplines that inform basic understanding of hepatocyte function and relation to disease and is recognized worldwide for providing new windows into physiology and pathophysiology. He has had articles published in over 100 peer-reviewed publications, given many invited lectures, and had continuous NIH-supported research. Additionally, he has served on advisory committees of several NIH-supported liver research centers.
Dr. Wolkoff's interest in research was sparked when he worked in a biochemistry lab to help pay college bills. He completed a medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and, with the exception of a two-year period as Clinical Associate in Gastroenterology-Hepatology in the Digestive Disease Branch of the National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive Disease, he has remained at Einstein ever since. His early mentor, Irwin M. Arias, M.D. of the National Institutes of Health said of his work, "He built an exemplary global reputation in hepatology research, education, training and scholarship. A major participant in the creation of the Marion Bessin Liver Research Center at Albert Einstein, Dr. Wolkoff has taken advantage of the strong, interactive basic science departments and is a leader in bridging understanding of hepatocyte biology with the pathogenesis of acquired and inheritable liver diseases."
Created in 1976 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD), the American Liver Foundation provides financial support for medical research; educates patients, families, caregivers and medical professionals; advocates for patients and their families; and creates public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention.