[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF JACK B. McCONNELL, MD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the American Medical 
Association has established a new honor, the Jack B. McConnell, MD, 
Award for Excellence in Volunteerism, which recognizes the work of a 
senior physician who provides treatment to U. S. patients who lack 
access to health care. After a full career of practice, this physician 
remains dedicated to the future of medicine through the spirit of 
volunteerism.
  Jack B. McConnell, MD, is a distinguished physician and scientist who 
served as Corporate Director of Advanced Technology at Johnson & 
Johnson. Widely acknowledged for his medical contributions, he directed 
the development of the TB Tine Test used in the detection of 
tuberculosis, participated in the early stages of the development of 
the Polio Vaccine, supervised the discovery of Tylenol, was 
instrumental in developing the technology for MRI's and helped write 
the enabling legislation to map the genome.
  Dr. McConnell saved his greatest achievement for retirement: the 
creation of Volunteers in Medicine. His visionary concept--using 
retired medical personnel to volunteer their time and talents in a 
network of free community clinics for the working uninsured--coupled 
with his enthusiasm and determination has enabled the VIM program to 
grow to over 40 clinics in less than a decade. The initial VIM clinic 
was opened on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and continues to 
serve with over 20,000 patient visits in 2005.
  Today, I am honored to recognize the tremendous life and career of 
Dr. McConnell. His service has benefited so many citizens throughout 
the Second District of South Carolina.

                          ____________________