On June 1, 2022, Volunteers in Medicine Clinic was proud to host the U.S. Pharmacopeia as they presented the inaugural William M. Heller Lifetime Achievement Award to William Heller, Ph.D. The award, named in his honor, was presented by: U.S Pharmacopeia (USP) CEO Ron Piervincenzi, CSO Jaap Venema & Board of Trustees representative Tom Menighan and CEO-APhA, Scott Knoer.
USP, founded in 1820, is an independent scientific organization that collaborates with the world’s top experts in health and science to develop quality resources and standards for medicines, dietary supplements, and food ingredients. Through their resources, standards, advocacy, and education, USP help increase the availability of quality medicines, supplements, and foods for billions of people worldwide.
“Dr. Heller’s lifetime contributions to USP’s mission, public quality standards, and mentorship of other USP volunteers have had an extraordinary and far-reaching impact in expanding the supply of quality medicines and improving patient lives,” said Ronald T. Piervincenzi, Ph.D., CEO of USP. “His more than 60 years of service to USP as both an expert volunteer and Executive Director set a record that may never be surpassed. The USP William M. Heller Lifetime Achievement Award honors Dr. Heller’s remarkable example of leadership and volunteerism in public health.”
“It is an honor to be recognized by Ron and other peers, friends, and colleagues at USP,” said Dr. Heller. “It is my hope that this recognition will serve to inspire future generations of USP volunteers. They are the pharmacists, physicians, scientists, academicians, regulatory professionals, healthcare practitioners, and others who will continue to fulfill USP’s mission to help ensure the quality, safety, and benefit of medicines.”
When Dr. Heller was asked where he would like to receive this honor, he said he wanted to receive it at Volunteers in Medicine Clinic, where he was a dedicated volunteer for decades. Mary Fields, Executive Director of VIM Clinic, reflected on the years of Dr. Heller’s service to the community by saying “He is so deserving of such a prestigious honor. He is meticulous in everything he does and is such a pleasure to work with. We looked forward to him coming in each Wednesday for 26 years and appreciate all that he did to prove the value of the medications we provided our patients. Congratulations to Bill for this fantastic recognition!”