FHI Epidemiologist Receives Ortho Outstanding Researcher Award -- October 13, 2005

Research Triangle Park, NC — David Hubacher, PhD, of Family Health International (FHI) has received the 2005 Ortho Outstanding Researcher Award. The recognition is for his work and presentation on a study to improve comfort and use patterns of the copper intrauterine device (IUD). His research showed that over-the-counter medications to prevent minor side effects may not be necessary. He received the same award in 1999 for research that discovered no relationship between copper IUD use and infertility (see Hubacher et al. Use of copper intrauterine devices and the risk of tubal infertility among nulligravid women. N Engl J Med 2001;345:561-7).

Hubacher is a senior epidemiologist at Family Health International. He specializes in clinical research on the IUD and other long-term reversible contraceptive methods; his work focuses on examining safety and efficacy. 

The award, supported through an unrestricted educational grant from Ortho Pharmaceuticals, was given at the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals' (ARHP) annual meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida (September 7-9, 2005). ARHP is a non-profit membership association composed of highly qualified and committed experts in reproductive health. Its members are professionals who provide reproductive health services and education, conduct reproductive health research, and influence reproductive health policy, and they include physicians, advanced practice clinicians (nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants), researchers, educators, pharmacists, and other professionals in reproductive health.

Family Health International is dedicated to improving lives, knowledge, and understanding worldwide through a highly diversified program of research, education, and services in family health and HIV/AIDS prevention and care. Since its inception in 1971, FHI has formed partnerships with national governments and local communities in countries throughout the developing world to support lasting improvements in the health of individuals and the effectiveness of entire health systems.

For more information contact: media@fhi.org.