The Julius H. Jacobson II, MD Award

for Physician Excellence

 Julius H. Jacobson II, MD, is considered the preeminent pioneer in microsurgery.  After earning a master's degree in cell physiology at the University of Pennsylvania, he graduated from the John Hopkins School of Medicine and served his residency in general and thoracic surgery at New York's Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital.  He then became director of surgical research at the University of Vermont, where his earlier experience with microscopes led him to become the first surgeon to bring a microscope into the operating room for the entire range of surgery beyond the eye and ear.  Dr. Jacobson's work led to such advances as coronary artery surgery and limb reimplantation.  It is estimated that today one-half of all neurosurgical operations utilize microsurgical techniques.  Dr. Jacobson also developed the first microscope that allowed the surgeon and the first assistant to view the operative field simultaneously.  This "dipliscope" is now in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. 

Nomination Criteria

Through a donation from Dr. Jacobson, the Vascular Disease Foundation is pleased to present the Julius H. Jacobson II, MD Award for Physician Excellence.  Candidates will be screened by a committee of peers independent of Dr. Jacobson, who will be informed of the awardee after the fact.  This is a non-monetary award.  Criteria for nomination are:

• Must be a licensed physician in good standing who has made significant contributions that have advanced the science or clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of vascular disease or who has made exceptional contributions to vascular education programs, either to health professionals or patients. 

• Must be a person of recognized personal and professional integrity.

• Must not be a current member of the Board of Directors of the Vascuar Disease Foundation.

     Click here to print out a 2006 Julius H. Jacobson II, MD Award for Physician Excellence