Dr. Frederick A. Murphy named Penn Vet World Award recipient

Philadelphia

-- Dr. Frederick A. Murphy has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the Penn Vet World Leadership Award, earning him $100,000 in unrestricted funding.

A world-renowned leader in virology, Murphy is the James W. McLaughlin professor in residence in the department of pathology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Murphy's greatest impact on the future of the veterinary profession is his expertise in the field of infectious disease; in particular, he has played a leadership role in viral pathogenesis and has articulated the role of animal pathogens in new and emerging diseases.

Murphy has made significant contributions that benefit society and advance the veterinary profession through his research work on viruses impacting animals and humans; highlighting the critical importance of new and emerging diseases of animal origin as the major cause of these new illnesses; leadership at national and international levels, publications, speaking engagements around the world; and mentoring and teaching of young scholars.

The Penn Vet World Leadership Award is given annually to a veterinarian who has dramatically changed the practice and image of the profession and substantially influenced the lives and careers of others. The award provides the recipient with the largest monetary award in veterinary medicine, underwritten by the Vernon and Shirley Hill Foundation.

The award will be presented April 20 in Philadelphia. Also honored that day will be two student recipients of the annual Penn Vet Student Inspiration Award. Each student also receives $100,000 awards provided by the Hill Foundation.