MANHASSET, N.Y.– Dr. Clifford S. Deutschman, a leading figure in critical care medicine and sepsis research, has been awarded the Scientific Achievement Award by the Shock Society for his decades-long work unraveling the complexities of inflammation and organ failure triggered by infection.
Presented at the society’s 48th Annual Conference in Boston, the award recognizes Dr. Deutschman’s lifetime contributions to the field of shock research, with a particular focus on how sepsis—an often-deadly response to infection—disrupts normal physiological function.
Dr. Deutschman serves as vice chair of research in the Department of Pediatrics at Northwell Health’s Cohen Children’s Medical Center and is a professor at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. His research has helped shape clinical understanding of how sepsis affects multiple organ systems, especially through mechanisms such as mitochondrial dysfunction and altered signal transmission in the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. His work has also explored how the central nervous system contributes to chronic inflammation following sepsis.
“For more than four decades, I’ve worked to better understand this complex and all-too-often fatal disorder,” said Dr. Deutschman. “This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts of many researchers and clinicians who have contributed to our shared mission to improve care for patients with sepsis.”
A prominent figure in his field, Dr. Deutschman holds the distinction of Master of Critical Care Medicine—an honor granted to only around 100 individuals globally. He has served as president of both the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the American Society of Critical Care Anesthesiologists. In addition to publishing more than 160 peer-reviewed papers and co-editing the textbook Evidence-Based Practice of Critical Care, he has held influential editorial and peer review roles, including as scientific editor of Critical Care Medicine and as a long-term member of the NIH’s Surgery, Anesthesia and Trauma Study Section.
“His work has significantly shaped our current understanding of sepsis, especially regarding mitochondrial and neurological dysfunction,” said Dr. Charles Schleien, chair of pediatric services at Northwell. “This award is a fitting recognition of his immense contributions.”
The Shock Society, established in 1978, supports research and education in trauma, shock, and sepsis, aiming to advance the treatment of life-threatening conditions through multidisciplinary collaboration.
