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David Mechanic is Winner of International Prize

Princeton resident David Mechanic is this year’s winner of the Rhoda and Bernard Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health, awarded by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). A medical sociologist, Mr. Mechanic is the director of the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Mechanic, is also the René Dubos Professor of Behavioral Sciences. Mr. Mechanic received a medal and $20,000 from IOM, which was established in 1970 under the charter of the National Academy of Sciences. The institute provides independent, objective, evidence-based advice to policymakers, health professionals, the private sector, and the public.

“Through his prolific research, teaching and writings, David Mechanic has helped to define and build the field of medical sociology,” said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg. “In addition, he has been an exemplary professional colleague, teacher and mentor.” The Sarnat Prize was presented to Mr. Mechanic in recognition of his decades of effort to increase scientific knowledge about the causes and factors shaping mental health and to improve mental health care services

His books on medical sociology, mental health and social policy include The Truth About Health Care: Why Reform Is Not Working in America, and Mental Health and Social Policy: Beyond Managed Care.

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Princeton native Donald Gips, son of Stonebridge resident Ann Gips, was recently appointed Ambassador to South Africa by President Barack Obama. Mr. Gips had previously held the post of Assistant to the President and Director for Presidential Personnel. Prior to serving in the White House, he helped lead then-President-elect Obama’s Presidential Transition Team as a co-chair for the Agency Review team. Mr. Gips previously served in the White House as Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Al Gore. “When I visited South Africa over a decade ago,” said the Princeton Day School graduate, “I fell in love with its people, its story and its beauty. It would be a great honor to represent the United States as it supports South Africa’s efforts to strengthen its multiracial democracy.”

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