Providence, R.I., (June 11, 2008) - The Rhode Island Commission on Women (RICW) announced that it has selected three extremely distinguished individuals as recipients of the 2008 Women of the Year Award. The award is presented to Rhode Island residents with a history of achievement reflecting the mission of the RICW, which is to advance women toward full equality in all areas of life, and to promote rights and opportunities for all women. The award is an important way to recognize the work of positive female role models who have made significant contributions to women in our State.

Susan Cu-Uvin, M.D. - Dr. Cu-Uvin, a resident of Sharon, MA, is a Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology at Brown University and Director of the Clinical Immunology Center at Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI. She established in Rhode Island the first clinic in the nation to treat the unique health needs of post-menopausal women living with HIV disease and AIDS. Dr. Cu-Uvin has trained 17 doctors from India, Brazil, Cambodia, Kenya and the Philippines on women and HIV/AIDS and has participated in over 150 presentations and published scientific articles on women and HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Karen Aspry, a Cardiologist at MHRI has recently been awarded Diplomate status with the American Board of Clinical Lipidology (ABCL). The ABCL is a nonprofit certifying organization dedicated to reducing the morbidity and mortality from dyslipidemia and related diseases by assessing qualifications and certifying knowledge in clinical lipidology.

Dr. Aspry joins more than 400 physicians from across the nation and is the second physician in Rhode Island who has achieved this important credential. The ABCL certifies those physicians who have distinguished themselves amongst their colleagues and who have satisfied the credentialing and testing requirements established by the ABCL.

To obtain Diplomate status with the ABCL, a physician must complete a range of continuing medical education requirements and successfully pass a rigorous examination. Professionals in the area of lipid management or "lipidologists" specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol disorders known as dyslipidemia, which may cause atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is responsible for approximately one-third of all deaths in the U.S.