Dr. Charles Antzelevitch, Executive Director and Director of Research of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL) was presented the Carl J. Wiggers Award of the American Physiological Society (APS) at the Experimental Biology Scientific Sessions in Washington, DC on May 1, 2007.

The prestigious Carl J. Wiggers Award is named after the founder of Circulation Research, a premier research journal, and is presented to a scientist who has made outstanding and lasting contributions to cardiovascular research.

Dr. Antzelevitch’s consistent and cutting edge contributions to the body of scientific knowledge concerning heart disease, particularly in the field of cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias along with his deep and passionate involvement in training promising young scientists and physicians were cited as he received the Society’s lifetime achievement award its highest honor from APS President, Dr. David Gutterman

In his nomination letter Dr. Serge Sicouri of the MMRL said, “Dr. Antzelevitch is widely regarded as one of the finest scientists and experimental cardiac electrophysiologists in the world. His body of work has made an important impact on the progress of science and medicine, particularly in the areas involving the electrical function of the heart and factors that contribute to the development of abnormal rhythms of the heart including sudden cardiac death.”

Dr. David Rosenbaum, Chief of Cardiology and Director of Heart and Vascular Research Center at Case Western Reserve University said in his recommendation letter, “Dr. Antzelevitch's contributions are distinct and in many ways unique in the manner in which he has meticulously weaved together the fields of molecular, cellular, and clinical electrophysiology to derive novel scientific insights well ahead of others in the field. I cannot think of any other scientist who has so skillfully brought together apparently disparate disciplines of science to form unique, novel, and practical insights which have so importantly shaped cardiovascular scientific thinking.” He went on to say, “his discovery of what is now known as Phase 2 Reentry may well be the mechanism responsible in patients with Brugada syndrome. What I find so remarkable is the almost prophetic insight required to recognize the potential importance of a disease mechanism 20 years before the disease was identified. The ability to "connect the dots" in this manner required a special mind. A brilliance that is analogous to DaVinci's invention of the parachute more than 100 years before man's first flight. While many other investigators of Dr. Antzelevitch’s stature are often concerned with self-promotion, personal accomplishment, and attracting laurels, Antzelevitch is all about substance. In his uniquely reserved and humble style, Dr. Antzelevitch has unselfishly (and perhaps at times unknowingly) served as an outstanding role model for numerous junior faculty and trainees. He has carried the torch passed to him and has used it to illuminate the field of cardiovascular physiology, and ignite a passion for science in everyone he has touched along the way.”

The American Physiological Society (APS) is a nonprofit devoted to fostering education, scientific research, and dissemination of information in the physiological sciences. The Society was founded in 1887 has over 10,500 current members. APS is a member of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), a coalition of 18 independent societies that plays an active role in lobbying for the interests of biomedical scientists. The meeting brought together over 12,000 scientists and medical professionals from throughout the world.

The Masonic Medical Research Laboratory is a premier basic medical research institute and has served as one of the foremost international authorities on the mechanisms by which abnormal rhythms of the heart arise and the genetic factors involved in the development of these life-threatening arrhythmias. The MMRL is dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for all humankind. The Laboratory's primary mission is to conduct high quality basic biomedical research aimed at generating knowledge and information necessary for development of the medical cures and treatments of tomorrow. The Laboratory is also committed to providing education and training to basic scientists and clinical researchers who would perpetuate and extend the fight against disease.