Rockefeller and Aaron Diamond Researcher David D. Ho Receives Presidential Citizens Medal

David D. Ho, M.D.

Rockefeller University Professor David D. Ho, M.D., scientific director of the Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center (ADARC), will receive the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Clinton today in a ceremony at the White House. Ho is one of 28 recipients being recognized for “remarkable service and accomplishments” in a variety of areas.

“I am honored to recognize these talented and dedicated individuals who, in remarkable ways, have risen to America’s highest calling–active citizenship,” Clinton says. “In giving freely of themselves and their time, they have undoubtedly inspired others to do the same.”

Ho and his colleagues investigate the infection process of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. The researchers helped demonstrate the very high rate of HIV replication in the body, a finding that has been used as a guideline for treatment strategies. An HIV study headed by Ho and conducted at the Rockefeller University Hospital led to the design of the so-called AIDS “cocktail” of therapeutic drugs that has significantly reduced the death rate from AIDS in the United States.

Dr. Ho has received numerous honors for his leadership in the field of HIV research. In 1999 he received the Hoechst Roussel Award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments in basic research or the development, clinical use, or action of antimicrobial agents. In 1996, he was selected as Time Magazine’s Man of the Year.

The Presidential Citizens Medal was established in 1969 to recognize U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for the nation. The medal is bestowed by the president and may be conferred posthumously.

The Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center was established in 1991 to focus on the basic science of AIDS and HIV in a research environment conducive to the highest level of scientific creativity. In June 1996, the Research Center affiliated with Rockefeller University.