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William Weitzel, MD, Receives Prestigious 2023 Roger J. Grekin Research Award

By Chris Arbino, Deputy Director of Communications

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of medical research, William (Rick) Weitzel, MD, has been honored with the 2023 Roger J. Grekin Research Award. This distinguished accolade serves as a testament to Dr. Weitzel's unwavering dedication and groundbreaking work.

The Roger J. Grekin Research Award, named after the distinguished leader, educator, and physician-scientist, is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant advancements in their respective fields of study. This award is intended to honor a VA researcher who has shown a commitment to the values that Dr. Grekin shared with us: a commitment to serve our nation’s Veterans through excellence in research, leadership, service, and mentoring.

Dr. Weitzel served as the Associate Chief of Staff for Research (ACOS/R) from 2014 to 2023.   His tenure as ACOS/R was marked by strategic growth, both in research infrastructure and in the recruitment of new investigators.  Dr. Weitzel continues to serve the VA and is the Director of the Technology Transfer program at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.  He’s a recognized leader in his field of research: the development of medical devices and software driven tools for use with renal and vascular disease patients.  His innovative work has not only resulted in numerous grants and publications, but also 10 patents.  In addition, Dr. Weitzel is known for his compassionate care for his patients and has an established reputation as a thought leader and advisor.

Dr. William Weitzel's remarkable achievements in medical research have rightfully earned him the 2023 Roger J. Grekin Research Award. His unwavering commitment to advancing the field renal and vascular diseases, coupled with his groundbreaking discoveries, has had a profound impact on the scientific community and holds great promise for the future of medical science. Dr. Weitzel's recognition serves as a reminder of the power of innovative research in transforming lives and shaping the landscape of healthcare.