Since 2003, the IMF has honored an outstanding physician each year with the Robert A. Kyle Lifetime Achievement Award. The award, named for its first recipient, is presented to an individual whose body of work in the field of myeloma has made significant advances in research, treatment and care of myeloma patients.   Our honorees’ work reflects the words of Dr. William Mayo, founder of Mayo Clinic, who challenged the nature of patient care nearly a century ago when he said “The needs of the patient are the only needs to be considered.”   In 2009 the IMF was honored to present this prestigious award to Prof. Jean-Luc Harousseau in Montecarlo, Monaco. Prof. Harousseau is a Professor of Medicine, and heads the Hematology Department at the University Hospital Nantes France.