The Paul B Magnuson Award is presented annually to a VA RR&D investigator who exemplifies the entrepreneurship, humanitarianism, and dedication to veterans displayed by Dr. Magnuson during his career. The award was established in 1998 in recognition of the importance of rehabilitation research within the VA Health Care System. The award consists of a one-time award of $5,000 to an individual, with $50,000 for up to 3 years to supplement ongoing peer-reviewed research, and a celebratory plaque. This award is the highest honor for VA rehabilitation investigators.
The establishment of this award honors the life and legacy of Paul B Magnuson, M.D., who as a bone and joint surgeon continuously sought new treatments and devices for assisting his patients as they faced unique situations presented by their disability. As a physician, Dr. Magnuson saw his duty, not only as curing, but also as restoring a patient "to his family, his job, and his life." He was a champion of the underdog and as an advocate for veterans was the architect of the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System as it is known today.
The following Rehabilitation R&D researchers have won this coveted award: