The American Thoracic Society has awarded the 2024 Sleep and Respiratory Neurobiology Lifetime Achievement Award to Atul Malhotra, the Peter C. Farrell Presidential Endowed Chair in Pulmonary Medicine at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievement in advancing the understanding and treatment of sleep and respiratory disorders. Malhotra's work spans decades of research, particularly in the areas of sleep apnea, lung injury, sepsis, and mechanical ventilation.
“Dr. Malhotra is a thought leader in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, with a profound global impact,” said Jess Mandel, chief of the division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine at UC San Diego Health. “His contributions have been transformative, especially at UC San Diego, where his research and clinical care have set new standards.”
Malhotra’s recent research led to the identification of the first drug therapy for sleep apnea, which has shown promising results in enhancing sleep quality and overall health for patients, particularly those diagnosed with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea.
Commenting on the award, Malhotra said, “I am incredibly honored for this recognition by the American Thoracic Society and my esteemed peers. The ability to translate research findings into better treatment options and see my patients live healthier lives is the most rewarding aspect of my work.”
“Through mentorship, my focus has been to attract and retain the best and brightest in the field, with a goal of developing a diverse next generation of leaders,” he said. “It’s been a joy to hear the success stories from around the world of our trainees who have benefited from our programs.”
Before joining UC San Diego Health in 2013, Malhotra held prominent positions at Massachusetts General Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He was also an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and served as the medical director of the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Sleep Disorders Research Program.
Malhotra has held numerous leadership roles in national and international organizations, including serving as president of the American Thoracic Society and holding executive positions with the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
He is also a principal and co-investigator on multiple NIH grants related to sleep apnea and serves as an ad hoc reviewer for leading medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“I truly believe that this work and research are making a difference in the lives of patients around the world, which is extremely fulfilling for me and one of my greatest achievements,” Malhotra said.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login