Francine R. Kaufman

Francine R. Kaufman, professor of pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine, recently received the 2006 Mathies Award for Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership from the Partners in Care Foundation.

Kaufman, who is also head of the division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism and director of the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, received the honor May 3 at a ceremony in Beverly Hills attended by California’s First Lady Maria Shriver, and CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer, a longtime friend.

Kaufman is also a member of the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

The Mathies Award is presented each year by the Partners in Care Foundation to recognize a courageous and creative leader in healthcare administration and policy whose dedication and accomplishments are a model for others to emulate in changing the shape of healthcare.

“I’m very honored to be among such distinguished members of the healthcare industry, and the first practicing physician to be recognized with this honor,” Kaufman said. “Access to care and community based efforts such as this are critical to improving the lives of the residents of California.”

Past honorees have included Thomas M. Priselac, president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai; C. Duane Dauner, president of the California Hospital Association; Robert E. Tranquada, M.D., a leader in initiating community-based healthcare organizations; James E. Ludlam, a pioneer in healthcare policy and law; Yoshi Honkawa, a mentor and advocate in public and government healthcare policy; and Allen and Weta Mathies, leaders and community activists in healthcare.