2002 Recipient - Paul B. Batalden, MD

Recognized for: Developing innovative, high-quality systems to advance health care worldwide

Paul B. Batalden, MD, an early proponent in seeking ways to reduce medical errors, is the 2002 winner of the prestigious Alfred I. duPont Award for Excellence in Childrens Health Care. The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, September 24th, at 8:00 p.m. (EDT), in the Grand Ballroom of the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

This national award established by Nemours recognizes Dr. Batalden for his continued efforts in developing innovative, high-quality systems to advance health care worldwide.

Dr. Batalden is Director of Health Care Improvement Leadership Development (HCILD), which is part of the Center for Evaluative Clinical Sciences at Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover, New Hampshire. The HCILDs main goal is to develop the knowledge and leadership that will result in cost effective, patient-centered quality health care both nationally and internationally.

He is also a Professor of Pediatrics and of Community and Family Medicine at Dartmouth Medical School and Program Co-Director of the Veterans Affairs National Quality Scholars Fellowship.

"Mr. duPont once observed, (that) "it is the duty of everyone in the world to do what is within his power to alleviate human suffering", and I agree," said Dr. Batalden stated on the evening of the presentation. "I am humbled and deeply honored by the recognition of this award."

"My hope for the future is that we will recognize the importance of understanding and improving those small, living systems where children, families and health care meet," said Dr. Batalden. "We also need to recognize the challenges facing us as we try to integrate cognitive knowledge, technical skills, and values. Through this recognition, others who share these concerns will be energized, encouraged and make connections with each other."