José Fernández, Ph.D., FTOS, professor, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, was named a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Distinction from The Obesity Society (TOS) for “leadership and scholarship in the field of obesity that has inspired a more diverse group of scientists and clinicians.”
Fernández, who joined the UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences in August 2001, brought a special expertise in the application of statistical models to detect and disentangle genetic and environmental influences in obesity-related traits. He has spent his career researching genes that contribute to racial differences in obesity and diabetes.
“I am extremely happy that Dr. José Fernandez has received the 2024 TOS Presidential Medal. It is one of the most prestigious honors that an obesity researcher can receive,” said James O. Hill, Ph.D., professor, UAB Department of Nutrition Sciences, director, UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center. “It recognizes key leaders who have made an impact on the care of persons with obesity through outstanding and enduring scientific achievements. Jose has not only impacted those with obesity, but he has been an outstanding mentor, training many other researchers who are carrying on his work. He is truly one of the great leaders in our field.”
During his time in Birmingham, Fernández has served as a Senior Scientist in the UAB Nutrition Obesity Research Center (NORC), Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center (MHHERC) and O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. He has presented his work at scientific forums and conferences around the world, which highlights his efforts to improve the health of all populations.
“I am deeply honored to receive the TOS Presidential Medal of Distinction. This recognition is a testament to the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals who strive to make the field of obesity research and treatment more inclusive and representative. I am grateful to The Obesity Society for fostering an environment where diverse voices and perspectives are valued.”
In the award letter, Jamy D. Ard, M.D., FTOS, president, The Obesity Society, said:
“You have been instrumental in ensuring that TOS can be a home for all members, bringing together people of various backgrounds and perspectives to ensure that we are truly representative of the communities we serve. There are many people who count you as being the inspiration for their careers, and we honor your service to others.”
Fernández earned his Ph.D. in Biobehavioral Health from Pennsylvania State University, where he specialized in genetics of complex traits in 1999. As a post-doctoral fellow at the New York Obesity Research Center at Columbia University, he focused on genetics of obesity and received specialized training in statistical models to improve the identification of genetic and environmental influences on obesity-related characteristics.
Throughout his career he has served as a member of the Editorial Board for the International Journal of Obesity, for Ethnicity and Disease, and for Archives of Medical Research. He has won many awards, including the UAB President’s Faculty Diversity Award in 2007, the UAB Graduate School Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring in 2010, and the top faculty award for the UAB School of Health Professions, the Joseph F. Volker Outstanding Faculty Award, in 2012.
The President’s Medal will be awarded to Fernández on November 4, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, during the Presidential Plenary at the Society’s Annual Scientific Meeting at ObesityWeek®. Established in 1982, The Obesity Society is the leading scientific society dedicated to the study of obesity.
