Duluth Founder and Alumnus to Receive
University of Minnesota Medical Alumni Society Awards

The University of Minnesota Medical Alumni Society (MAS) has named two physicians close to the University of Minnesota Medical School--Duluth Campus to receive its most prestigious awards. Arne Vainio, M.D., will receive the Early Distinguished Career Award given to a physician for exceptional accomplishments within 15 years of graduating from medical school. John Thomas, M.D., one of the founders of the Duluth medical school, will receive the Harold S. Diehl Award, a lifetime award granted to individuals who have made outstanding professional contributions to the Medical School, the University, and the community. The MAS will present the awards to both men at its annual celebration banquet on September 26, 2008, in Minneapolis.

“This is a proud moment for our campus,” commented Gary L. Davis, Ph.D., senior associate dean of the Duluth campus medical school. “Dr. Vainio is the first Native American and the first Duluth alumnus to receive a Medical Alumni Society award, and Dr. Thomas was among the leaders who established this school and curriculum in the early ’70s.”     More…