E. Dale Abel, MD, chair and executive medical director of the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, has been awarded the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD) by the Government of Jamaica, one of the nation's highest honors. Dr. Abel was recognized for his outstanding contributions to medicine, specifically in the field of endocrinology.
“Throughout its history, following independence from the United Kingdom, the Government of Jamaica has chosen to honor a small number of its citizens each year with National Honours,” Dr Abel said. “Growing up, each year we would look at the newspaper on Independence Day to see the list of Jamaican luminaries whose contributions to our country and the world would be recognized in this way. These included some familiar names in arts and sports, such as Usain Bolt and Rita Marley.
“Thus, when I woke up on Aug. 6 to receive numerous text messages of congratulations, I was initially unsure what was happening until I looked at the online version of the local paper and saw the article.”
The award was announced as part of Jamaica's 2026 National Honours and Awards and will be formally conferred in October during National Heroes Day celebrations. The distinction honors Jamaicans whose achievements have made a significant impact across medicine, education, public service, business, culture, and community development.
Dr. Abel is recognized as a leader in endocrine and metabolic research. His laboratory has advanced the work of identifying factors that contribute to an increased risk of heart failure in people with diabetes and obesity - as well as shedding light on metabolic and mitochondrial mechanisms that are responsible for the cardiovascular complications of diabetes.
An internationally recognized physician-scientist, academic leader and mentor, Dr. Abel is known for his research, mentorship of future physicians and physician-scientists and his commitment to advancing patient care. The award celebrates not only Dr. Abel's scientific and clinical accomplishments, but also his enduring contributions to health and medicine that have benefited communities in Jamaica and around the world.
