Rep. Michael Burgess, MD, Receives the 2024 ASH Public Service Award
Established in 1997, the ASH Public Service Award recognizes and honors an elected public official who has served as an effective advocate for government support of biomedical research and hematology practice.
ASH is pleased to recognize U.S. Representative Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX), for his leadership and strong support of issues focused on improving primary and preventive care for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD).
While individuals with SCD are living longer, many receive uncoordinated, inconsistent care, leading to poor clinical outcomes, avoidable complications, low quality of life, and increased costs to the health care system. The legislation that Rep. Burgess introduced and championed with Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), the Sickle Cell Disease Comprehensive Care Act, seeks to address these problems through the creation of an SCD Health Home in states that submit a state plan amendment. The home model provides greater access to comprehensive, high-quality outpatient care for Medicaid beneficiaries with SCD.
ASH is also deeply appreciative of Dr. Burgess’ support for federal SCD programs, including the Sickle Cell Data Collection program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as his efforts to educate his colleagues and congressional staff by sponsoring briefings on issues related to SCD.
Prior to joining Congress in 2003, Rep. Burgess practiced as an OB-GYN for nearly three decades, during which he delivered more than 3,000 babies. In 2009, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of public service from the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center. In 2013, he was named to Modern Healthcare’s list of the “50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders.”
