For the first time in its history, the 2012 Rosenblatt Prize has been awarded to a husband and wife team whose teaching, research and administration, both at the Health Sciences Center and beyond, have been exceptional. Married in 1975, Kathleen Digre, M.D., professor of neurology and ophthalmology, and Michael Varner, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, give credit to each other for their collective success. "We have a wonderful synergistic relationship-neither of us could have accomplished as much as we have without supporting each other," they explain.
MICHAEL W. VARNER, M.D. Professor, School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Michael Varner received an M.D. from the University of Minnesota, did his specialty and sub-specialty training at the University of Iowa, and joined the University of Utah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1987, where he serves as the Vice-Chair for Research. He is an internationally recognized expert in maternal fetal medicine clinical research and since arriving in Utah has facilitated NIH-funded clinical research through major hospitals and local practices along the Wasatch front. "Utah really is a unique place for conducting clinical research. Women and families here have been remarkably willing to participate in studies aimed at improving family health. Hospitals and health care providers have been great to work with as well. Over the years we've made some real improvements in preventing preterm birth, decreasing cerebral palsy rates and reducing unnecessary interventions.'"
