The Alpha-1 Foundation honors Dr. Gerard Turino, a pulmonary trailblazer today, May 16th, 2024 on his 100th birthday! Gerard M. Turino, MD is a member of the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons class of 1948. Turino is renowned for his work in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), Emphysema and COPD.
In 1998, he founded and was the director the James P. Mara Center for Lung Disease (named for a patient who died from Alpha-1 in his 40s). Dr. Turino has made many advancements in his lab for Alphas. Dr. Turino served as the cofounding chairman of the COPD Foundation and was awarded the very first John W. Walsh Visionary Award by the organization. He also served as the president of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) . In 2014 at the annual Celtic Connection event, he was awarded the Shillelagh award for his outstanding commitment to the Alpha-1 community. This award symbolizes the battle that Alpha-1 doctors, researchers and leadership wage against Alpha-1. Dr. Turino helped lead the annual Alpha-1 George Washington Bridge walk for over 12 years to raise dollars for Alpha-1 research and related programs.
“Dr. Turino has probably affected hundreds, if not thousands, of pulmonologists’ careers. The wake of achievements left by Gerry and those he has trained and inspired is amazing. From his students to his colleagues, almost everyone has been touched by Gerry, whether they work in Alpha-1 or COPD. Wishing him a very happy 100th birthday!“
Dr. Robert “Sandy” Sandhaus, Clinical Director of the Alpha-1 Foundation
Dr. Turino was a member of the Alpha-1 Foundation Board of Directors, Grants Advisory Committee (GAC), Clinical Resource Center Working Group, Research Registry Advisory Committee and currently sits on the Alpha-1 Foundation’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC).
“We celebrate Dr. Turino and this amazing milestone and appreciate all he has done for the entire AATD community throughout his career. His resiliency and commitment to helping others inspires us all.”
Scott Santarella, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation
Thank you Dr. Turino for dedicating your career to patients, you have made an incredible impact! Wishing you a Happy 100thBirthday!
To make a donation in honor of Dr. Turino’s birthday, click here.
To read his latest publication, click here.
One of my best friends at all of our meetings. Every time I saw him I said. “This will be a gooood meeting. A remarkable man and a gentleman in the true sense of the word. Thank you for all you have done for us alpha-1’s!