Loma Linda University Medical Center Physician Honored by March of Dimes

An associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loma Linda University Medical Center received the 2012 Elaine Whitelaw Service Award from the March of Dimes last month, a university spokeswoman announced Monday.

Bryan Oshiro, MD, accepted the award Oct. 18 at the National Volunteer Leadership Conference in Orlando, Fla., Briana Pastorino of Loma Linda University said.

"I am humbled by this honor from March of Dimes," Oshiro said in a statement. "I feel so privileged to be able to work with an organization that supports the work that I do to save and improve the lives of babies and mothers - not just of those that come through Loma Linda, but those throughout the nation."

Oshiro was nominated for the award by the California Chapter of March of Dimes, Pastorino said.

He was recognized for work including the Big 5 State Prematurity Initiative in California, Florida, Illionois, New York and Texas, advocating elimination of non-medically indicated deliveries less than 39 weeks gestational age, Pastorino said.

"Dr. Oshiro has played a key role in bringing local signature projects to fruition, such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists <39 Week Speakers Bureau, Preterm Labor Assessment Toolkit implementation plan, and professional education," Pastorino said.

The Elaine Whitelaw Service Award is the most prestigious March of Dimes volunteer award, Pastorino said. Each year it is given to two recipients, one from the East and one from the West, who exemplify volunteerism at its best.

For more information about the March of Dimes visit www.marchofdimes.com.

Loma Linda University Medical Center anchors a health system that includes Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center East Campus, Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, Loma Linda University Heart & Surgical Hospital, Loma Linda University Medical Center-Murrieta, and multiple physician clinics.

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