Dr. Phyllis Preciado Resigns from ICOC -Patient Advocate for Type II Diabetes Relocating to Oregon-

EMERYVILLE, CALIF.– The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) announced today that Phyllis Preciado, M.D., is resigning from the Independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee (ICOC) as a result of her moving out of California. Dr. Preciado was appointed to the ICOC by Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante as the patient advocate representative for Type II Diabetes.

“Dr. Preciado has been a passionate voice on the ICOC for patient advocacy and the people of California’s Central Valley,” said Robert Klein, Chair of the ICOC. “We are sad to see her go, and we congratulate the people of Oregon on their gaining such a respected member of the medical community who made an incredible investment of her time and her counsel as we worked together to begin the important work of funding stem cell research in California.”

“My decision to accept a position in Oregon was based on the needs of my family, but that did not make it an easy one,” said Dr. Phyllis Preciado. “I hope that my replacement on the ICOC understands the important role patient advocates play as educators about stem cell research to their respective constituencies and will continue to vigorously represent the Central Valley and its health concerns.”

Dr. Preciado’s resignation will be effective as of June 1, 2005. According to the California Research and Cures Act (125290.20) (b), the Lieutenant Governor will have thirty days to appoint a new patient advocate for Type II Diabetes.

Contacts:

Nicole Pagano/Adam Silber
(510) 450-2418