Dr. Deborah S. Asnis, Director of Infectious Diseases at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, was inducted into the New York City Hall of Fame in the category of Health & Science on December 8.
During the induction ceremony, Dr. Asnis and 11 other individuals were honored as being remarkable New Yorkers who have contributed to the betterment of the City and will serve as role models for the New York's youngsters.
“It’s really nice to have this type of acknowledgment, where average people are recognized for their contributions to the city,” said Dr. Asnis. “A lot of people have done significant things, have championed for various causes, and so often it goes unnoticed. The NYC Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to identify these people and I’m happy that my work and commitment to the City has been recognized.”
Dr. Asnis was nominated because of her significant role in discovering the West Nile Virus during the summer of 1999. After detecting a “cluster” of patients with unusual and severe symptoms that were potentially deadly, she alerted health officials at the New York Department of Health. Once confirmed to be the West Nile Virus, health authorities took aggressive action to inform the public and prevent the spread of the disease, which is carried by mosquitoes. Up to then, this virus was never seen in the United States or the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Asnis’ quick actions helped save the lives of many New Yorkers, who would have otherwise not taken proper precautions against West Nile. For this finding, Dr. Asnis received national and worldwide recognition, including a documentary on the events of 1999 on the Discovery Channel.
This year’s inductees were selected by a panel of distinguished judges from several nomination submissions in the following categories: Architecture, Business Development, Charitable Contribution, Communications, Cultural Contribution, Education, Entertainment, Health & Science, Heroism/Act of Bravery, Humanitarian, Sports, and Volunteerism.
Congratulations Dr. Asnis!!!!
