bioMérieux Presents 2009 Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology to Lynne Garcia

bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, is proud to announce Lynne S. Garcia, M.S., as the 2009 recipient of the bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology. The award will be given during the 2009 American Society for Microbiology (ASM) 109th General Meeting awards dinner on May 18. Given in memory of Alexander Sonnenwirth, Ph.D., the award honors a top microbiologist for his or her innovation in clinical laboratory science, dedication to ASM and leadership in the microbiology field. Presented by ASM and sponsored by bioMérieux since 1986, the award recognizes the advancement of clinical microbiology as a profession. On May 18, as part of a scientific session, Garcia will deliver the Sonnenwirth Award Lecture titled, “Tropical Parasitology: Does This Make Sense?”

Currently, Garcia works as the director of LSG & Associates in Santa Monica, CA., and for many years was the microbiology laboratory manager at UCLA Medical Center. Recognized as one of the world’s experts in diagnostic parasitology, Garcia has been a leader in the field for more than 30 years. She has authored five editions of ASM’s Diagnostic Medical Parasitology and two editions of Practical Guide to Diagnostic Parasitology. She is editor-in-chief of Clinical Laboratory Management and Clinical Microbiology Procedures Handbook Updates, published by ASM Press. She has been the parasitology section editor for several editions of ASM’s Manual of Clinical Microbiology and has served on numerous ASM editorial boards, including the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, Clinical Microbiology Reviews, and Cumitechs.

“It is our great pleasure to honor Lynne Garcia with this year’s bioMérieux Sonnenwirth Award for Leadership in Clinical Microbiology,” said Herb Steward, executive vice president and general manager, bioMérieux North America. “Not only is Lynne Garcia a remarkable intellect in the field of parasitology, she is also a strong leader and mentor to others in the profession – we are happy to recognize such a deserving leader.”

Garcia’s leadership is also evident in her more than 200 publications, over 500 presentations globally, and volunteer activities. In addition to writing about the science, she has authored pieces on clinical laboratory practices, issues, and challenges. Garcia has served on ASM’s Council Policy Committee and was the president of the ASM’s Southern California branch. She was president of the Southern California Clinical Laboratory Management Association and the Southern California Society of Parasitologists and is an active member of the American Association of Bioanalysts, American Society for Medical Technology, and the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards.

Garcia, a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, is also known for her interest in mentoring students and for her commitment to helping patients.

About bioMérieux

Advancing Diagnostics to Improve Public Health

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 45 years, bioMérieux is present in more than 150 countries through 39 subsidiaries and a large network of distributors. In 2008, revenues reached €1.111 billion with 84% of sales outside of France.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cancer screening and monitoring and cardiovascular emergencies. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. bioMérieux is listed on the NYSE Euronext Paris market (Code: BIM – Code ISIN: FR0010096479). Other information can be found at www.biomerieux-usa.com.

bioMérieux Contacts

bioMérieux
Allan Mohess
Tel: + 919 620-2937
allan.mohess@na.biomerieux.com

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Tim Baker
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tim.baker@fleishman.com