Watson Coleman: “I rise today to honor Manuel Rodriguez Gomez, MD, Emeritus Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Mayo Medical School in…”

“I rise today to honor Manuel Rodriguez Gomez, MD, Emeritus Professor of Pediatric Neurology at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, for his lifetime of education and as one of the first physicians in the United States to champion tuberous sclerosis complex, TSC. Dr. Gomez is considered by many to be the ``father'' of tuberous sclerosis complex research because of his many contributions to the field of TSC research and passionate patient care. Through his work to describe TSC over the lifespan of an individual with the disorder and the extraordinary resources provided by the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Gomez published extensively on his growing knowledge of the multiple organ involvement in TSC. He passionately encouraged his colleagues to not only provide medical care for individuals with TSC, but to also share their knowledge through conferences, publications and the three editions of the book, ``Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.'' This book is considered by his peers to be the premier medical textbook for care of TSC patients. For his dedication to the many individuals he treated throughout his medical practice and his guidance of the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance, Dr. Gomez made the world a better place for individuals living with TSC by providing exceptional medical care and guidance through the many challenges associated with living with the disease.”