American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)

Dr. Sunil J. Wimalawansa, MD, PhD, MBA, DSc, Professor of Medicine, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, will be honored with the 2024 Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). The award ceremony will occur during the 33rd Annual Scientific & Clinical Congress in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, in May 2024. The Eugene T. Davidson, MD, Public Service Award, named after a founder and former president of AACE, celebrates exceptional contributions to advancing AACE’s mission of providing quality healthcare for patients with endocrine diseases and enhancing public health. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding clinical excellence, education, research, public health, medical ethics, technological innovations, medical advancements, community involvement, and individual accomplishments within the endocrinology community. It is highly esteemed and sought after in the field of endocrine medicine. AACE is the largest clinical endocrinologist association globally, representing over 8,000 endocrinologists worldwide. Most members are certified in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism, specializing in treating patients with a wide range of endocrine and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, growth hormone deficiency, lipid disorders, hypertension, and obesity [www.aace.com]. Dr. Wimalwansa is a renowned educator, author, researcher, innovator, executive board member, administrator, and philanthropist. He is also skilled as a process consultant and Lean Six Sigma executive. Dr. Wimalwansa obtained a diploma in medical administration from Johns Hopkins University School of Business in 2000 and an Executive aster’s in Business Administration from Rutgers University Business School in 2006. He has significantly contributed to academia and research with over 300 peer-reviewed articles and numerous book chapters. He has also authored books spanning various disciplines and taught undergraduates, graduates, and postgraduate levels.

Dr. Wimalwansa’s illustrious five-decade career has been marked by groundbreaking contributions to advancing global endocrinology and public health. In 1984, his pioneering work on inventing intraoperative hormone measurements revolutionized endocrine surgical procedures. This innovation enabled surgeons to precisely locate and remove endocrine tumors, significantly reducing the need for repeat surgeries. Widely adopted by endocrine surgeons worldwide, this technique has benefited millions of patients.

Dr. Wimalwansa’s development of once-a-week bisphosphonate therapy and affordable medications for metabolic bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, has profoundly transformed patient care in this field. He and his colleagues developed animal models of microgravity, MRI-based quantitation of muscle mass and bone density in small animals, and pre-eclampsia. His diverse pursuits include serving as a retired squadron leader, outdoor activist, an avid explorer (climbing the
Himalayas in 1972), and a distinguished sportsman— among others, the recipient of the all-around sportsperson award from the university in 1974. With a legacy of scientific excellence, he continues to shape the future of global health through education and research focused on disease prevention and philanthropy.

In 1994, Dr. Wimalwansa pioneered the first live remote medical consultation clinics” (the first real telemedicine clinic) between Galveston, TX, and U.S.-Mexico border towns, covering over 250 miles. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Dr. Boy Frame Award for Clinical Excellence in Metabolic Bone Diseases (1993), the Glen Foundation Awards from the American Endocrine Society, and an innovation award from the Asian Chamber of Commerce (2000). Recognizing his humanitarian endeavors, he received the Dr. Oscar Gluck International Humanitarian of the Year Award (2007) from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sri Lanka Foundation, Los Angeles in honor of his remarkable contributions to science, humanity, and society.

Dr. Wimalwansa is the first trained Clinical Endocrinologist from Sri Lanka; previously served as a squadron leader in the Air Force. In addition to delivering lectures, he has significantly contributed to global endocrinology education by offering free courses worldwide. His commitment to serving society is evident through his founding of nonprofit organizations, including the International Foundation for Chronic Disabilities, the International Foundation for Revitalization, Empowerment, Education, and Development, the Hela Empowerment Foundation, the Wimalawansa Foundation, and the Preventive Health, Environmental Protection, and Research Organization. Dr. Wimalwansa’s extensive contributions extend to his service on the boards of directors for prominent organizations such as AACE, ISCD, and the Turner Foundation. Furthermore, he has played integral roles as a member or consultant for various national and international scientific committees, including NIH, VA, IAEA, DEA, and NASA. His commitment to advancing scientific knowledge is evident through his regularly reviewing manuscripts for granting organizations and national and international scientific journals. Additionally, he actively serves on editorial boards and remains deeply engaged in scientific research and publications. His visionary leadership and unwavering dedication inspire positive change and advancements in healthcare globally.