6 color Tom DiDonna 4-09Tom DiDonna, Mason General Hospital & Family of Clinics director of education, was selected to receive the 2012-13 A.T. Still University of Health Sciences (ATSU) Alumni Humanitarian Award, in recognition of his contributions to his profession, community, and to his doctorial alma mater. The award was presented to Dr. DiDonna on February 5, 2013 at the Arizona Campus. DiDonna received his doctorate from ATSU in 2010. According to ATSU, Dr. DiDonna was awarded, “For his commitment to improving global health, and his volunteer services to The American Academy of Pediatrics by offering the Helping Babies Breathe program to resource poor countries for the last four years.” His work targets eliminating unnecessary deaths of the newly born in deprived regions. He has also initiated simple and replicable strategies to reduce the incidence of unnecessary post-birth hemorrhage, which is the leading cause of death in young women of resource-poor countries. His volunteerism has brought him to Jamaica, Guatemala, South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, and many other regions around the globe. Dr. DiDonna also volunteers with Operation Smile, which targets infants and children suffering from severe cranio-facial disorders and cleft palates in underprivileged areas of the world. In addition, ATSU stated, “Tom was recognized because of his passion for training other global healthcare professionals, which not only inspired them, but gave them the advanced skills needed to improve and sustain the health of the most vulnerable in their own communities.” The Humanitarian of the Year Award is a university-wide distinction from hundreds of alumni who are involved in volunteerism. This award emanates from the A.T. Still University School of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, and honors those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership through volunteer service. Founded in 1892, ATSU School of Health Sciences provides graduate level education in ‘whole person’ healthcare. Recognized internationally for its integrated approach, ATSU educates students with the knowledge, compassion, and hands-on experience needed to address a person’s body, mind and spirit, dedicating effort and resources to the needs of underserved populations. “I am humbled and grateful to the many people that made this distinction possible. I look forward to what can be done in 2013,” DiDonna stated, after receiving the award.