Cage Johnson, MD, professor emeritus of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has been awarded the American Society of Hematology’s ASH Award for Leadership in Promoting Diversity.

The award, now in its second year, honors hematologists who have supported the development of an inclusive culture and encouraged the career development of underrepresented minority trainees in the field of hematology. José Lopez, MD, of the University of Washington, was a co-recipient of the award.

“Diversity demonstrates that all people are valued members of society,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the award. “It is important in medicine because patients need to know that their physicians and other caregivers reflect the same principles and life experiences that they have. I am honored that our work to increase diversity within hematology is being recognized in such a big way.”

Johnson is a founding member and past president of the Ernest Everett Just Hematology Society, a Los Angeles-based organization that encourages networking and promotes scholarship opportunities for minority physicians, scientists and students. Johnson has served in several leadership positions at ASH, including co-chairing the ASH Committee on Promoting Diversity, helping to formalize a minority recruitment agenda and establishing the Minority Medical Student Award Program, which has funded the research projects of more than 200 students in the past 14 years.

Johnson received the award at the 60th Annual ASH Meeting and Exposition in San Diego on Dec. 2.

— Amanda Busick