The Second Annual Gentle Giant Award Dinner

For nearly 40 years, Dr. Snyder has been a leader in male reproductive endocrinology. Having obtained his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and his board certification in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Dr. Snyder is Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Division of Endocrinology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

A distinguished lecturer and extensively published author, Dr. Snyder is one of the world's leaders in pituitary endocrine research. His interests include the effects of testosterone and growth hormone on bone and muscle and the pathogenesis of pituitary tumors, especially gonadotroph (non-functional) adenomas.

The gala event began with cocktails in the Chinese Rotunda where national and international industry leaders, doctors, patients and guests had the opportunity to meet and greet one another and congratulate Dr. Snyder for his outstanding contributions in endocrine medicine. At the sound of a gong, the guests were ushered into the Museum's Upper Egypt Gallery to dine amongst a most impressive collection of antiquities. Atop the door of an ante-room within the gallery read a sign "The Egyptian Mummy - Secrets and Science". How fitting a room to celebrate a great mind of science who has been so influential in unlocking the secrets of pituitary disorders.

The evening's program opened with a warm welcome from Cydney Halpin, Director of Public Affairs for the Pituitary Network Association who introduced PNA Co-Founder and Chairman Robert Knutzen. Bob graciously acknowledged the evening's attendees and thanked the sponsors - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Columbia Laboratories, Inc., Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and University of Pennsylvania's Neurological Institute - for their generous and continuing support. He than spoke about the founding of the PNA and the incredible caliber of its Scientific Advisory Committee and the work it has accomplished with such a driving and dedicated force behind it.

The podium was turned over to Dr. Shereen Ezzat, Co-founder and President of the PNA and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Ezzat spoke of the growth of the PNA and the profound impact it has had on the field of pituitary endocrine medicine and pituitary patient's worldwide. Dr. Ezzat closed by referencing the need for physicians to continue their education and to above all practice good science with compassion when treating patients.

Dr. Sylvia Asa, Chairman of the PNA Scientific Advisory Board and Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto, took to the podium where she told a wonderful story about meeting Dr. Snyder as a young resident and how this giant of a mind very gently steered her in a new scientific direction for particular research she was conducting. Dr. Asa then introduced Dr. Nancy Morgan executive assistant to The Honorable Frank Street, Mayor of Philadelphia, who read and presented Dr. Snyder with a proclamation which sited him as "one of Philadelphia's greatest assets."

The program continued with one of Dr. Snyder's former patients, Ms. Cheryl Bittner, who so poignantly outlined her experience with him as a physician:

" For the past 22 years, I have been Dr. Snyder's patient. He has succeeded in keeping me healthy so I've been able to live a full and active life. He has been there to advise other doctors on the proper adjustments to make to my endocrine medications when I have faced other serious illnesses and surgeries. He still answers his phone when I call with questions. Despite the many other important demands on his time and attention, when I come for my regular checkup, I feel like I have his undivided attention and that my entire medical history is still in the forefront of his mind.

If Dr. Peter Snyder had not come to my rescue, I truly believe that my life would have ended in 1980. I am truly grateful to this wonderful man and fine doctor. Thank you so much, Dr. Snyder."

The program concluded with Mr. Fred Wilkinson, President and CEO of Columbia Laboratories, Inc., who spoke of Dr. Snyder's contribution to industry advancement and how this type of collaboration ultimately impacts patient protocol and care.

No celebration would be complete without a champagne toast and thus the dinner attendee's joined Mr. Knutzen in raising a glass to Dr. Snyder in honor of all his many accomplishments and contributions to medicine.

Throughout the dinner guests were treated to the sounds of The Jack Faulkner Orchestra and at the conclusion of the presentation and dessert, the evening made way for dancing, more congratulating and a general atmosphere of being in the presence of gentle greatness.

Never will you find a more modest human being than Dr. Peter J. Snyder. His brilliance has filled volumes of books and journals yet he remains shy and soft-spoken, allowing his work to be driven by compassion and tenacity not accolades. For this, The Pituitary Network Association is very proud to have chosen Dr. Peter J. Snyder as the recipient of the 2003 Gentle Giant Award in honor of his longstanding advocacy of improved treatment for patients, and his outstanding contribution and dedication to pituitary patient care, education, and the field of pituitary endocrine medicine.