The Hungarian Medical Association of America from 1968 to Present
SCIENCE, MEDICINE, TECHNOLOGY, EDUCATION, HERITAGE

In 1968, a small group of visionary Hungarian American physicians gathered together to establish a forum for the purpose of promoting science and medicine within the common culture but bridging the two countries. Their inspiration for standards of excellence was rooted in a heritage full of examples set forth by many great physicians including:

• Ignác Semmelweis- first to understand clinical necessity for sterile technique.
• Albert Szent-Györgyi- Nobel Prize Laureate and discoverer of Vitamin C related biochemical pathways
• Hans Selye - Nobel Prize nominee for human body stress theory
• William Ganz - pioneering work with Dr. Swan on cardiopulmonary monitoring (Swan-Ganz catheter)

The strength of the heritage was then and continues to be the motivating force of the Hungarian Medical Association of America. Its goals:

• To promote the science of medicine and human sciences in an annual multi-disciplinary symposium where recent advances, theories, and discoveries in medicine are presented by renowned lecturers of the highest distinction. Participants receive Category I Continuing Medical Educational credits.
• To provide grants, scholarships, and fellowships to qualified candidates of Hungarian heritage or candidates attending Hungarian medical institutions and health related (professions) schools. Providing maximum opportunities of growth and exposure to brilliant, inquisitive minds of our young medical generation of today.
• To act as liaison in enhancement of scientific and medical exchange between American medical communities and various Hungarian medical societies, foundations, and universities.

The work of the Association continues to be carried forward by the many distinguished Hungarian-American physicians who have earned professional recognition in their own specialties throughout the US, Canada, Western Europe and South America.

The HMAA is recognized by the American Medical Association.

A Yearly Scientific Symposium held during the last week in October offers CME credits.

HMAA Past Presidents:

Laszlo Mechtler 2005-2008

Gabriel Haas 2003-2005

Peter Forbath 2001-2003

Peter Petrusz 1999-2001

Ivan Krisztinicz 1997- 1999

Alexander Matolcsy 1994- 1997

Cornelius Navori 1993- 1994

Irene Levay-Krisztinicz 1991-1993

George Alker 1989- 1991

Elemer Zsigmond 1987-1989

Tibor Doby 1985- 1987

Arndt Peter Schimert 1981-1985

Imre Magoss 1975-1981

Laszlo Kaveggia 1973-1975

Gusztav Batizy 1971-1973


 

Dr Ganz has passed.

William Ganz , MD a pioneering cardiologist and one of the inventors of the specialized catheter, died Tuesday, November 9, 2009.
    In 1970 dr Ganz and H.J.C. Swan invented a balloon tipped catheter that measured heart function and blood flow in critically ill patients. The Swan-Ganz catheter is used by physicians across the world.
    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center said Dr Ganz also experimented with treating heart attacks by dissolving coronary artery blood clots in the early 1980's.
    He was born in the Felvidek, educated in Prague and escaped communist Hungary to move to Los Angeles with his family in 1966.

He was an active member of the HMAA and was named Honorary President.