The Prince Mahidol Award Foundation under the Royal Patronage on 16 November 2023 held a press conference at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok to announce the Prince Mahidol Award Laureates for 2023, in the fields of Medicine and Public Health.

Also attending the press conference were Mr. Paolo Dionisi, Ambassador of Italy to Thailand, and Mr. Dick Custin, Counsellor for Public Affairs as representative of United States Ambassador to Thailand.

The Prince Mahidol Award 2023 in the field of Medicine was awarded to Professor Napoleone Ferrara, M.D. from USA / Italy, for his discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the subsequent development of Bevacizumab as a treatment for highly vascularized, aggressive cancers and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In the field of Public Health, Dr. Barry H. Rumack, M.D. from USA won the prize for his creation of the Rumack–Matthews nomogram that has allowed doctors all over the world to appropriately diagnose paracetamol toxicity.

On this occasion, the Italian Ambassador expressed his gratitude, feeling honored that for the first time a fellow Italian national has been acknowledged for the latter's contributions in international medicine. Such recognition, he underlined, reflected and further promoted Italy's medical potential. The Ambassador also highlighted Rome's readiness in supporting the exchange of medical studies between Thai and Italian students.

In addition, on behalf of the US Ambassador, Mr. Custin also expressed his appreciation for the announcement and was proud that an increasing number of American nationals have been recognized by the prestigious award for their achievements. The representative of the Embassy also underscored the long-existing cordial relations between Thailand and the US with commitment to further enhancing their close cooperation in public health in the future.

Established in honor of HRH Prince Mahidol of Songkla as “The Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health of Thailand," the Prince Mahidol Award recognizes individual(s) or institution(s) with outstanding and exemplary contributions to the advancement of the international medical and public health services. 

Each award consists of a medal, a certificate, and a prize to the sum of 100,000 USD. The award presentation ceremony will be held at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall on 24 January 2024.