Contact: Jennifer Amundson, Fairview Media Relations, 612-672-4165

Minneapolis, Minn. (October 11, 2005) --Three physicians have been recognized by their peers at University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview for extraordinary work to benefit patients.  Henry Balfour, Mark Heller and William Rosen won the annual Medical Staff Recognition Awards for excellence in clinical research, innovation and care, respectively.  They were honored at the annual medical staff meeting Oct. 10, each receiving a prize of $5,000.

Henry Balfour, M.D., Annandale, Minn., is a founding father of clinical virology and internationally respected clinical researcher.  He founded the University of Minnesota Clinical Virology Laboratory in 1972 and identified antiviral drugs now used to combat a virus that caused serious problems for transplant patients.  He is a principal investigator at the medical center, enrolling and monitoring more than 2,000 HIV-infected participants in trials of drugs to treat HIV/AIDS and its complications.

Mark Heller, M.D., North Oaks, Minn., orthopedic surgeon, was honored for his work in the development of an innovative method to perform minimally invasive total hip replacements. The procedure causes less pain following surgery and faster recovery than techniques involving a larger incision.  He developed new instruments to improve the procedure and has trained operating room staff to assist with the work. He has performed more than 130 of the surgeries at University of Minnesota Medical Center.

William Rosen, M.D., Eagan, Minn., neonatologist, led efforts to develop the highly successful neonatal nurse practitioner/neonatology program, working with staff and community physicians at Fairview Southdale and Fairview Ridges hospitals.  This program has allowed infants born with difficulties to be hospitalized nearer their homes in many cases.  When there is a need for hospitalization in a newborn intensive care unit, there is a smooth transfer to the nationally recognized unit at University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital, Fairview because of the teamwork facilitated through Dr. Rosen’s efforts.