Press Releases

Benaroya Research Institute scientist a leader in diabetes research

Dr. William Kwok, a leader in research studies on juvenile diabetes at the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, was selected as a recipient of the 2003 Asian American Pioneer in Medicine. He will be honored, along with seven other recipients, on October 11 at a fundraising dinner held by the Asian Resource Center.

In 1988, Dr. Kwok performed leading research studies that described the individual molecules responsible for causing susceptibility to juvenile diabetes. His work became internationally recognized, and served as the basis for our current understanding of the causation of this disease. In the late 1990’s, Dr. Kwok’s research culminated in the production of a breakthrough technology, which permits, for the first time, the detection of disease-causing cells in people before they get diabetes.

The Asian American Pioneer Award, given by the Northwest Asian Weekly Foundation, recognizes Asian Americans who have made significant contributions in various fields. Previous recipients include: Governor Gary Locke, Lori Matsukawa, Chang Mok Sohn, former Mayor Michael Park, and many others.

The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is a world-renowned research center that conducts approximately 150 clinical studies every year. The studies primarily focus on Diabetes, Arthritis and Immunology, and Cancer.