Distinguished Harvard Physician Visits PBRC - 03.25.2009

Community supporters of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Foundation joined PBRC faculty members in welcoming Dr. Clifford Saper, Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at Harvard Medical School and Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, during his recent visit to the Center. Dr. Saper was invited to be the featured speaker at a special luncheon hosted by the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation (PBRF) and underwritten by Capital One.

More than 75 community supporters and faculty attended the luncheon that was preceded by a tour of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center. The tour highlighted the Center’s innovative research facilities and gave guests an overview of the health and preventive medicine initiatives currently underway at the Center.

PBRF President and CEO Jennifer Winstead welcomed guests and recognized PBRC Executive Director Dr. Claude Bouchard. Dr. Bouchard, now in his 10th year serving as executive director of the Center, has just announced his plans to retire from that position and return full time to research exploring the genetic causes of obesity and diabetes. He will continue to serve as executive director until his successor is chosen.

Dr. Don Ingram, Professor, PBRC Department of Nutritional Neuroscience and Aging, introduced Dr. Saper, a world-renowned neurologist who has made numerous discoveries impacting a variety of clinical areas including cardiovascular regulation, obesity and sleep research.

Dr. Saper enlightened guests with a fascinating presentation on why sleep is vital to healthy living. He presented research findings that showed a correlation between sleep and cognitive and metabolic functions such as memory function. In addition, Dr. Saper and his fellow colleagues believe that ‘sleep loss’ may be a contributing factor to the current epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular complications.

After the presentation, PBRF President/CEO Jennifer Winstead thanked Dr. Saper for his informative presentation and acknowledged guests for their steadfast support of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.

This is the fifth year that Capital One has underwritten the scientific speaker series. The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation gratefully extends its gratitude to Capital One for its continued support and commitment to the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and its vital research directly related to health, nutrition, and preventive medicine.

Top Photo: (Left to Right) Dr. Clifford B. Saper, Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and noted physician, guest speaker; Janet Olson, Capital One Senior Vice President; Maxine Cormier, PBRF Board Member; and Dr. Claude Bouchard, PBRC Executive Director and holder of the George A. Bray, Jr. Endowed Super Chair in Nutrition. Photo by Melissa Bell

For More Information Contact:
Melissa Bell
225-763-2645
melissa.bell@pbrf.org
http://www/pbrf.org