TEMPLE, Texas (November 19, 2007) – Kenneth M. Baker, M.D., Professor and Vice-Chair of the Department of Medicine and Mayborn Chair in Cardiovascular Research at the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and Scott & White, was awarded the American Heart Association’s Walter M. Kirkendall, M.D. Scientist/Educator Volunteer of the Year Award at a ceremony November 15. Having devoted more than 30 years to the research of cardiac disease, Dr. Baker was recognized as a volunteer who has shown outstanding service in the areas of cardiovascular science and education.

Brent Fields, Vice President for Research of the Texas Affiliate of the AHA, presented Dr. Baker with the award and outlined his extensive work with the organization.  Under Dr. Baker’s leadership as Chair of the National Leadership Strategic Planning Organizing Committee and Chair of the Strategic Planning Subgroup of the American Heart Association’s Research Committee, research funding awarded by the AHA has increased substantially.

In addition to receiving the Kirkendall Scientist/Educator Volunteer of the Year award, Dr. Baker has been nominated by both the AHA’s Council for High Blood Pressure Research and the Science Advisory and Coordinating Committee to the post of president-elect of the National American Heart Association for 2008.  Dr. Baker has been past president of the Pennsylvania affiliate of the AHA and served on the board of both the Texas and Pennsylvania affiliates, as well as the National Board of Directors.  Dr. Baker is an established investigator of the AHA and a fellow of the Council for High Blood Pressure Research and the AHA.

“To receive this award means so much,” Dr. Baker said. “I am grateful to both the American Heart Association and to Dean Chris Colenda for allowing me the freedom to volunteer to this worthwhile effort.”