On March 4, 2001, at the VZVRF’s 10th Anniversary Dinner in La Jolla, VZVRF Chairman Richard T. Perkin announced that the fifth recipient of this prestigious award was Anne A. Gershon, M.D. Dr. Gershon is professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She also chairs the Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board.
In his remarks, Mr. Perkin cited Dr. Gershon’s "pivotal role" in the formation of the Foundation. He also noted that she "is regarded by her peers, the ultimate judges, as one of the preeminent scientists in the field of VZV."
Joining Mr. Perkin in this presentation was the third recipient of the Scientific Achievement Award, Michiaki Takahashi, M.D., D.M.Sc., professor emeritus of Osaka University, Japan. Dr. Takahashi, the developer of the chickenpox vaccine, highlighted Dr. Gershon’s key role in fostering the development of the vaccine and "her humanity." Philip LaRussa, M.D., professor of Pediatrics at Columbia, discussed her important research in all aspects of VZV, including cell biology, pathogenesis, clinical infection and prevention. He also praised her for her mentorship of a generation of scientists and clinicians.

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