[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 86 (Friday, June 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        DOCTOR MAKES POSITIVE IMPACT IN CARVILLE, LA, COMMUNITY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 2000

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to 
congratulate Dr. Robert Jacobsen upon his retirement as Director of the 
National Hansen's Disease Programs and the Gillis W. Long Hansen's 
Disease Center in Carville, Louisiana. During his distinguished 33-year 
career at the center, Dr. Jacobsen played an important role in helping 
to define the evolving leprosy chemotherapeutic regimens that are the 
key features of the world elimination program for this disease.
  Dr. Robert Jacobsen, a native of Austin, Minnesota, received his B.A. 
in Chemistry and Math from the University of Minnesota in 1954, his 
Ph.D. in Organic and Physical Chemistry from the University of 
Wisconsin in 1958 and his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 
1962. Jacobsen started his career with the Public Health Service as 
Chief of Medicine at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital, Carville, 
LA, which later became the Gillis W. Long Hansen's Disease Center; a 
position that he held until 1992. In addition, Dr. Jacobsen also served 
as Chief of Clinical Branch from 1978 to 1992.
  His numerous awards and recognitions include the Public Health 
Service's Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and 
Distinguished Service Medal, as well as the Secretary's Award for 
Distinguished Service. Dr. Jacobsen has also served on numerous 
international advisory boards including the Tuberculosis Task Force of 
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health 
Organization's Working Group on Leprosy Control, the International 
Leprosy Association, and the World Health Organization's Special Action 
Projects for the Elimination of Leprosy.
  In addition to Dr. Jacobsen's lifelong commitment to leprosy 
research, treatment and eradication, I would also like to recognize and 
thank him for his help in making the transition from the Gillis W. Long 
Hansen's Disease Center to the Carville Academy a smooth one. He can 
take great pride in knowing that his efforts at the center have not 
only helped his patients, but will also help thousands of youth for 
years to come. Again, it is an honor to have this opportunity and I 
wish Dr. Jacobsen all the best.

                          ____________________