American Heart Association presents Clinical Research Prize to Florida neurologist for research on enhancing treatment for stroke

DALLAS, Nov. 18 – The American Heart Association today awarded its Clinical Research Prize for 2013 to Thomas Brott, M.D., “for his leadership of significant and innovative clinical research validating new procedures that have enhanced care of patients suffering stroke and helped to minimize or overcome its damaging effects.”

Brott, professor of neurology and director for research at the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, received the $5,000 prize during the opening presentation of the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2013 at the Dallas Convention Center.  Association President Mariell Jessup, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania presented the annual award for excellence in clinical research.

“For 30 years, Dr. Brott has provided dynamic direction of some of the most significant clinical trials expanding knowledge of stroke that the world has seen,” Jessup said.  “Findings from his studies have yielded new insights into stroke and how to treat it, giving medical practitioners virtually an entire new armamentarium of tools and procedures to attack the fourth largest killer and major disabler of Americans.”

Among significant advances validated by Brott’s clinical trials are:

• A coordinated approach to patient care through regional stroke networks;
• Multi-disciplinary medical teams with a more efficient, effective way of treating stroke;
• Translation of elements of acute trauma treatment to stroke care; and,
• Demonstrated effectiveness of tissue plasminogen activator for quick use in treating stroke, saving lives and preventing disability for tens of thousands of stroke patients.

Brott has made “an indelible imprint” on methods to more effectively treat stroke, Jessup said. “His record places him among the top 10 stroke researchers in the past quarter-century.”