[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23319-23320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE OF DR. GEORGE V. IRONS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the outstanding 
achievements of Dr. George V. Irons Jr., native Alabamian, who has 
treated the hearts of Americans, literally, for over 5 decades as one 
of our nation's foremost cardiologists.
  Dr. Irons' accomplishments began at an early age. As a high school 
junior, he won the prestigious Bausch and Lomb National Science Award, 
based on a nationwide scientific talent search--written competitive 
examinations sponsored by the University of Rochester, New York. He 
graduated from Woodlawn High School with a straight ``A'' record--first 
in his class--and served as president of his student body. At Howard 
College (now Samford University), he completed a rigorous four year 
pre-med curriculum in 35 months with a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. For his 
excellence in scholarship, leadership and service, he was awarded the 
John R. Mott Trophy, and as the outstanding graduating senior he won 
the Birmingham Exchange Club Trophy, Danforth Award, and ODK National 
Award. He also found time to letter in varsity track; the mile relay 
team of which he was a part won their conference championship.
  Dr. Irons graduated from the University of Alabama Medical College at 
Birmingham with a straight ``A'' record. While in medical school, he 
was selected by the American Medical Association as one of the top two 
medical students in the country. For his superior scholastic record, 
leadership and service he received the Alabama Medical School's Stuart 
Graves Award.
  Since then his professional accomplishments have been truly 
phenomenal. After duty as flight surgeon (Captain, U.S. Air Force), and 
internship, Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Irons served as 
Chief Resident in Cardiology, University of Chicago (Billings 
Hospital). Dr. Irons then joined the Duke University Medical School 
Faculty in 1964, where he was named Fellow in Cardiovascular Diseases. 
Since 1966, he has been in active

[[Page 23320]]

practice in Charlotte, North Carolina, as the first board certified 
cardiologist in western North Carolina. Dr. Irons is Founder and 
President of Mid-Carolina Cardiology, the premiere coronary care 
provider in the Carolinas, serving some ten cities in several states. 
He begins his sixth decade of active practice.
  Having published in leading medical journals here and 
internationally, he was honored by induction as a Fellow into the 
American College of Cardiology and received a special citation Award of 
Merit from the National Association of Cardiologists for his research 
contributions to the science of coronary disease. For distinctive 
scientific accomplishments, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award 
from Alpha Epsilon Delta National Pre-Medical Society.
  He has served the Nation in numerous medical associations, such as 
the Alabama Medical Association, American Society of Internal Medicine, 
Council on Clinical Cardiology (Fellow), American College of Physicians 
(Fellow), American Heart Association (Fellow), and the American Board 
of Internal Medicine (Diplomate), Alpha Omega Alpha (President).
  Recently the State of North Carolina honored Dr. Irons for his half-
century of service as eminent cardiologist, President and Founder Mid-
Carolina Cardiology, and as the first board certified cardiologist in 
western North Carolina. He was also honored by his home state. The 
State of Alabama, on February 28, 2007, by Joint House Senate 
Resolution, honored him for his lifetime of achievements as 
distinguished cardiologist and for his notable research contributions 
to the science of coronary disease.
  Madam Speaker, I commend Dr. Irons lifetime scientific achievements, 
distinguished research and his superior devotion to optimal patient 
care. His dedication and exploration in the science of coronary 
diseases to provide a better life through improved medical technology 
and treatment, reflect great credit upon all who serve our Nation in 
his profession.
  Madam Speaker, I view Dr. Irons as America's foremost cardiologist 
and proudly salute him for the nationwide impact of his work.

                          ____________________