Baxter Family Gifts $1.2 Million to Endocrine Society

With a $1.2 million gift from the family of Dr. John D. Baxter, the Endocrine Society established the John D. Baxter Prize for Entrepreneurship to recognize scientists and clinicians who have demonstrated innovation and entrepreneurship by furthering the translation of endocrine research into patient care.

John D. Baxter, MD, a past-president of the Endocrine Society, was a world-renowned scientist famous for cloning of the first human growth hormone gene. Over his career, he made many fundamental medical discoveries and translated them into clinical therapies that had far-reaching implication in the fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering, improving the health and welfare of patients worldwide. He passed away in 2011.

“John was a visionary who was passionate about moving scientific discoveries to patient care. This new award is fueled by that same passion, and we can’t wait to see what today’s entrepreneurs will accomplish with this support.” – Lee D. Baxter

“We are so thankful for this generous gift from the Baxter family,” said Endocrine Society President Lisa H. Fish, MD. “John epitomized what it means to be an entrepreneur, and so many lives have been impacted because of his innovation. The new prize will recognize today’s entrepreneurs in the field, and we are honored to have it bear his name.”

The $50,000 Baxter Prize will be awarded biennially to candidates who demonstrate entrepreneurship through successful business ventures, partnerships with government agencies, or cooperation with mission-based organizations or foundations. The first Baxter Prize will be awarded in 2018 at the 100th anniversary of ENDO.

“John was a visionary who was passionate about moving scientific discoveries to patient care,” said his wife, the Hon. Lee D. Baxter, San Francisco Superior Court (ret.). “This new award is fueled by that same passion, and we can’t wait to see what today’s entrepreneurs will accomplish with this support.”

The Endocrine Society and the Hon. Lee D. Baxter announced the new prize at ENDO 2016 in Boston, MA.