We are proud to introduce the Philip Bruggmann Lecture Award in honour of Dr. Philip Bruggmann, co-founder of INHSU. This award commemorates Philip’s unparalleled commitment to eliminating hepatitis C and supporting people who use drugs. There is no doubt that his contributions have shaped INHSU into the organisation we are today.
This award will recognise individuals within the INHSU network who demonstrate exceptional dedication and innovation in the field of hepatitis C and harm reduction.
Recipients will receive honorary lifetime membership to INHSU and the opportunity to deliver the Philip Bruggmann Lecture at future INHSU conferences, fostering a new tradition of excellence and inspiration. Applications for the Philip Bruggmann Award are sought every two years and reviewed by the INHSU Board.
You can self-nominate, or be nominated.
Philip has always been a great supporter of us peers. Without him, our project would not exist at all, or not in its current form. Philip’s emphatic and open manner of support is great and a huge personal and professional enrichment.
Phillip personifies the ideal attributes for a doctor caring for people who inject drugs: humility, inquisitiveness, empathy, non-judgemental attitude, clinical excellence, and a search for better solutions. His leadership in the sector has been sustained and remarkable.
“The Fighter against Hepatitis C” was the title of an article portraying Philip’s work a few years ago. Philip is a fighter, never giving up, even if sometimes there seems to be little chance of success. He motivates and inspires others with his optimistic worldview and dedication to his patients. When I get to a point where I think that the resistance to our work is too big and that we will hardly achieve our goals, he says: You have to look back to see how far we have come. And he is right!
For he was successful: At the beginning of this year, Switzerland launched a national plan to eliminate hepatitis, which states that people who are using drugs are key groups—something that would not have happened without Philip’s continuous commitment.
In short: Philip is truly the Mr. Hepatitis of Switzerland.
Philip is a pioneer of policies, professional networks and care strategies for hepatitis C treatment in people who use drugs and harm reduction in Switzerland. He is a role model for us all and will never give up until we succeed in the goal of HCV elimination and global health of people who use drugs. Philip is a restless health provider, runner (very sporty even during the INHSU conferences), dancer, believer in advocacy, pioneer.