Feb. 8, 2021 (Rockville, MD) – The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) honors Gail D’Onofrio, MD, MS, FACEM, FASAM, with the R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award in recognition of her highly meritorious contributions in advancing the scientific understanding of addiction, its prevention, and treatment. ASAM recognizes physicians and notable leaders in the field of addiction medicine during the ASAM Annual Conference each year. ASAM Virtual.2021, ASAM's 52nd annual conference, held this year from April 22 to April 24, is the nation’s premier event providing the latest innovations and scientific developments in addiction medicine.
The R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award and Lecture was established in 1995 as a lasting tribute to R. Brinkley Smithers who influenced American alcoholism policy, theory, and treatment. Through his dedication and philanthropy, he created a far greater understanding of this treatable disease.
Dr. D’Onofrio is professor and the inaugural chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Yale School of Medicine (2009), physician-in chief of Emergency Services at Yale-New Haven Hospital EDs, and professor in the School of Public Health in the Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology. She is boarded in emergency and addiction medicine. With extensive experience as a leader, researcher, mentor, and educator, Dr. D’Onofrio is internationally known for her work in alcohol and other substance use disorders (SUDs) as well as for her research on gender variations in women with ischemic heart disease. Her work (JAMA, 2015) demonstrating that ED-initiated buprenorphine increases engagement in addiction treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) has changed clinical practice. Dr. D’Onofrio is a founding board member of the American Board of Addiction Medicine, which was recently recognized by American Board of Medical Specialties as a specialty, sub-specialty. An advocate for individuals with SUDs, she is one of the architects of Connecticut Governor’s Strategic Plan to Reduce Opioid Deaths, working with multiple agencies regionally and nationally to change policies and introduce interventions to combat the opioid crisis.
ASAM is proud to honor Dr. D’Onofrio’s contribution to the advancement of addiction medicine and commitment to improving the lives of individuals with addiction. Her leadership in the field is leading to transformative developments in clinical practices, increased recognition of the importance of addiction medicine as a specialty, and practical application of evidence-based treatment approaches in public policy.
Paul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM, president of ASAM.
Dr. Earley will present the R. Brinkley Smithers Distinguished Scientist Award to Dr. D’Onofrio during the Opening Scientific Plenary Session to be held on April 22, 2021 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am ET. Following her award recognition, Dr. D’Onofrio will present the R. Brinkely Smithers Distinguished Scientist Lecture “ED-initiated Buprenorphine for Opioid Use Disorder: Should it be a Choice?” where she will discuss innovative solutions for increasing access to medications for OUD in the frontline emergency department setting.
Other distinguished presenters of the opening session will focus on unique social and structural challenges faced by those with SUDs and provide an inspiring look at heroes on the frontline. For more information about ASAM Virtual.2021 or to register, please visit: www.theASAMannualconference.org.