August 20, 1999

David Brewster, MD, of MGH Vascular Surgery, was elected president of the New England Society for Vascular Surgery (NESVS). NESVS is the oldest regional vascular society in the country, and is the professional organization of more than 250 practicing vascular surgeons in six New England states.

James Perrin, MD, of MGH Pediatrics, recently was elected to the National Advisory Council for Health Care Policy, Research and Evaluation. The 16-member council advises the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the director of the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research.

Nagagopal Venna, MD, of MGH Neurology, recently was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award in Neurology at the MGH for academic year, 1999-2000.

Edith Tagrin, former chief of Medical Illustration at the MGH, is the recipient of the Rancice W. Crosby Distinguished Achievement Award in recognition of her "outstanding contributions to the visual communication of medical science." Tagrin continues to do work for many members of the MGH staff.