June 21, 2004

Dear Colleagues:

We are pleased to announce that Arnall Patz, director emeritus of the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush. Dr. Patz will receive the award in a White House ceremony on Wednesday.

For more than 50 years, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, has recognized distinguished individuals who have made meritorious contributions to our nation, to world peace, or to significant cultural or other public or private endeavors. We are sure that all of you who know Arnall will agree that he richly deserves this honor.

Arnall has contributed to the university and the hospital with distinction for several decades. His leadership of the Wilmer Eye Institute as a clinician, researcher and mentor has been exemplary. Under his direction, the Wilmer Eye Institute continued to build its reputation as the world’s foremost eye care and research center.

Arnall’s discoveries helped preserve the sight of thousands, if not millions worldwide. His contributions include the development of the argon laser for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, and the elimination of a leading cause of blindness in premature babies.

As a teacher and a mentor, Arnall brought focus and attention to the importance of research in preserving the patients’ sight. He has also helped elevate ophthalmology’s important role in medicine.

Please join us in congratulating Arnall not only on this magnificent honor, but also for his career-long role as an inspiration to his colleagues and to all our medical students. We invite you to join us at a reception for Arnall to be held on Tuesday, September 7th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turner Concourse in East Baltimore.

Sincerely,

William R. Brody
President
The Johns Hopkins University

Edward D. Miller
Dean of the Medical Faculty
CEO, Johns Hopkins Medicine