This prestigious award recognizes exemplary scientific research achievements that provide major insights into the biological mechanisms relating tobacco smoking and human disease. It has been given annually since 1986 by Ochsner Health. Recipients receive an honorarium and award medallion, as well as a plaque describing their key research findings.
About Dr. Alton Ochsner
The award is named in honor of Dr. Alton Ochsner, co-founder of the Ochsner Clinic (now known as Ochsner Health) based in New Orleans, LA. In 1939, Dr. Ochsner published the first evidence indicating that tobacco smoking was the major cause of lung cancer. These seminal research findings led to a succession of scientific studies in the United States and worldwide resulting in the identification of the underlying causes associated with diseases related to smoking.
More information is available by emailing AOSRA@ochsner.org.
2025 Award Recipients
Li-Shiun Chen, MD, MPH, ScD
Professor of Psychiatry, WashU Medicine
Director, Tobacco Treatment Program, Siteman Cancer Center
Dr. Chen is recognized as a leading expert on the genetics of tobacco dependence with specific investigation into variations in the CHRNA5 gene. Her translational research has led to development of precision tobacco strategies using genetic markers that may predict the prognosis and treatment response to smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in diverse populations. Her ongoing research has shown that tobacco treatment extends survival and improves outcomes for all patients with cancer.
Robin Mermelstein, PhD
Professor of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
Director, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Clinical Professor, Community Health Sciences, UIC School of Public Health
Assistant Dean, UIC College of Medicine
Co-principal Director, UIC Center for Clinical and Translational Science
Dr. Mermelstein’s career is characterized by her groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of the initiation, progression, and cessation of tobacco use. Her research has explored smoking behaviors with particular attention to smoking in adolescents and young adults. Her ongoing research has explored the unique aspects of e-cigarette use in this population. In addition to her extensive scientific contributions, Dr. Mermelstein has been a key figure in formulating tobacco public health policy on a national level.
2024 - David A. Schwartz, MD, MPH
2023 - Ken J. Kellar, PhD
2023 - Ryan E. Hibbs, PhD
2022 - Claudia I. Henschke, PhD, MD
2021 - Peter G. Shields, MD
2021 - K. Michael Cummings, PhD, MPH
2020 - Paul J. Kenney, PhD
The selection committee of The Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Disease is comprised of a blue ribbon panel of academicians, clinicians, and scientists. Nominations are broadly solicited from hospitals, medical schools, and leading scientists from all over the world. The process considers research or clinical contributions so important that it made a major impact on the overall scientific knowledge and medical practice linking cigarette smoking to health.
Richard N. Re, MD
Scientific Director, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orlans, Louisiana
John T. Cole, MD
Vice Chairman, Medical Specialties, Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Claudia I. Henschke, PhD, MD
Professor of Diagnostic, Molecular and Interventional Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
Steve Nelson, MD
Chancellor, Louisiana State University Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
Leonardo Seoane, MD, FACP
Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer, Ochsner Health System, Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine (XOCOM) Founding Dean
David Taylor, MD
Past Chairman, Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana
Paul K. Whelton, MB, MD, MSc
Show Chwan Professor of Global Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
