[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E445]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DR. ROGER UNGER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2014

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Dr. Roger Unger, a distinguished leader in my community on the 
occasion of being awarded the 2014 Rolf Luft Award. The award is from 
Karolinksa Institute, a medical university in Sweden that is also home 
to the Nobel Assembly, which annually honors one scientist worldwide 
for outstanding contributions to endocrinology and diabetes research.
  Dr. Unger is a graduate of Yale University and earned his medical 
degree at Columbia University. He was elected to the National Academy 
of the Sciences in 1986 and to the American Academy of Arts and 
Sciences in 1994. Dr. Unger currently serves as professor of internal 
medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center, an institution which is a 
gem in my Congressional district. As one of the Nation's premier 
diabetic researchers, Dr. Unger has exemplified scientific and 
educational excellence.
  Serving as a UT Southwestern faculty member since 1956 and director 
of the Touchstone Center for Diabetes Research from 1986 to 2007, he 
has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence in the sciences and 
has ensured that the future of Americans is a bright one through his 
research. While working at the Dallas VA Medical Center in 1959, Dr. 
Unger developed a test to measure concentrations of glucagon and 
established that glucagon was a true pancreatic hormone released in 
opposing partnership with insulin to maintain normal blood glucose 
(sugar) levels. His most recent discovery proves that a glucagon-
suppressing hormone called somatostatin can normalize the glucose 
levels of type 1 diabetic patients.
  The award he received recognizes his decades of contributions to 
diabetes research. UT Southwestern and our country have benefitted 
immensely from Dr. Unger's service. Dr. Unger deserves to be commended. 
In order to keep the United States at the leading edge of discovery, it 
will take more amazing professors such as Dr. Unger.
  I wish to commend Dr. Unger and thank him for his service to this 
great nation. As leader in diabetic research, he has created positive 
pathways for the future of those affected by this illness.

                          ____________________