with as many as 20 different research projects, seeking to uncover new procedures to correct urological disorders. In fact, some of his past work has literally enhanced the quality of life for millions. In 1990, Burnett was one of the leading scientists who discovered the role of nitric oxide biochemical mechanisms for erectile dysfunction. His team’s groundbreaking research paved the way for the clinical development of Viagra.
For years, Burnett has played a role in increasing the pipeline of minority physicians and medical researchers. In fact, he annually selects about eight minority college students for summer internships at the research laboratory.
With Burnett’s myriad projects, he has not lost sight of quality healthcare here and abroad. He performs surgeries weekly while providing top-flight patient care, working closely with them before and after treatment. And he also continues his work to help Caribbean nations develop programs to treat prostate cancer. -Tracey Brown
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Giselle Corbie-Smith, M.D., M.Sc.
Title: Associate Professor of Social Medicine and Medicine,
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Specialty: Epidemiology
Corbie-Smith’s work focuses on the impact of trust and distrust among physicians and patients. She also evaluates methodological and ethical issues when research projects include minority subjects. She maintains a clinical practice at a local community health center.
Samuel J. Daniel, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.G.
Title: President and CEO, North General Hospital
Specialty: Gastroenterology
Daniel has been principal investigator in several clinical trials studying chronic hepatitis C. A fellow in the American College of Physicians, he has co-authored Hepatitis C: The Black Person’s Guide. He still maintains an active gastroenterology practice in Harlem.
James A. Diggs, M.D., F.A.C.C.
Title: Assistant Chief, Division of Cardiology and Associate Professor of Medicine and Program Director of Cardiology, Howard University Hospital
Specialty: Cardiology
Diggs practices cardiology and internal medicine in Washington, D.C., at Howard University Hospital. He is an expert in interventional cardiology for the diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases. With more than 30 years experience, Diggs strives to provide the best medical care with compassion and without compromise.
Winston H. Gandy Jr., M.D.
Title: Director, The Atlanta Cardiology Group (ACG) at Saint Joseph’s
Hospital; Director, Cardiac Lab at both Saint Joseph’s Hospital and ACG
Specialty: Cardiology
Gandy is widely recognized for his expertise in echocardiography, a procedure that takes “moving pictures” of the heart with sound waves. He was instrumental in getting the city of Atlanta to place defibrillators in Hartsfield International Airport. Additionally, he was one of the founding board members of the American Cardiovascular Research Institute.
Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D.
Title: Physician-Scientist, Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Specialty: Medical Oncology (Melanoma and Prostate Cancer)
Garraway’s research involves using genomics technologies to identify mutations in cancer cell DNA, and to understand how those mutations might make cancer cells vulnerable to new targeted therapies.
James R. Gavin III M.D., Ph.D.
Title: Clinical Professor of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Indiana University School of Medicine
Specialty: Endocrinology
A leading U.S. diabetes researcher, Gavin has made outstanding contributions to the elimination of diabetes in minority communities. His investigations into insulin helped to reveal that this hormone interacts