Paul H. Plotz, M.D. (c), chief of the NIAMS Arthritis and Rheumatism Branch, received the NIH Director's Award for Mentoring on June 22. Shown with him are Principal Deputy Director, NIH, Ruth Kirschstein, M.D., and NIAMS Director Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., who joined him during the presentation. This newly established award is given to individuals who have demonstrated significant leadership, skill, and ability in serving as a mentor to one or more individuals. It was initiated to formally recognize, support, and encourage those at NIH who both officially and voluntarily give of their time and effort to mentoring activities and to establish mentoring as a core value at NIH.

"It's the first time this award has been given," Plotz remarked, "and I am very pleased to have received it."

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the Federal medical research effort in arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases. The NIAMS supports research and research training throughout the United States, as well as on the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD, and disseminates health and research information. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse is a public service sponsored by the NIAMS that provides health information and information sources. Additional information can be found on the NIAMS Web site at http://www.niams.nih.gov/.