Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Research Foundation advances education in sleep medicine with new fellowship program at University of Pittsburgh

Murrysville, PA - Nov. 16, 2006

Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Research Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new fellowship program in the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.  Named for Respironics' founder and chairman, the Gerald E. McGinnis Fellowship in Sleep Medicine was announced at a company event that marked its 30th year of developing devices that help people sleep and breathe easier.

A leading figure in the biotech industry and holder of multiple U.S. patents, Gerald McGinnis devoted his life's work to advancing medical science and technology in the care and treatment of sleep and respiratory patients. He earned his master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Pittsburgh and started on his entrepreneurial path by experimenting with surgical products in his kitchen. By 1985, Respironics was first to commercialize continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.  Today, the billion dollar medical device maker is broadening its focus and seeking methods to assist millions of people suffering from other sleep problems such as insomnia, restless leg syndrome and circadian rhythm disorders.

The Foundation pledged a total of $325,000, which will be paid in equal installments of $65,000 over the next five years to fund the program in the University's School of Medicine, world-renowned for medical education. "This program pays homage to the tireless contributions of our founder in advancing education and research in the field of sleep medicine" said Respironics President and CEO John Miclot.

"This gift comes at a crucial time as we develop and grow our program," said Charles W. Atwood Jr., M.D., associate professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and director of the sleep medicine fellowship program in the school's division of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine. "Every day, we are finding out new things about the importance of sleep and the role of sleep in maintaining health."

Offered in the school's division of pulmonary, allergy and critical care medicine, the one-year clinical training experience emphasizes a comprehensive approach to sleep medicine and the patient with a sleep disorder. The clinical faculty draw from multiple disciplines -- pulmonary medicine, psychiatry, neurology, pediatrics and psychology - and commit to excellence in clinical management of patients, teaching of sleep medicine fellows and research in sleep disorders. Fellows will be selected based on prior achievement and the potential for making a significant contribution to the field of sleep medicine.

"Respironics is committed to developing products and programs that help improve people's lives."  Miclot adds. "We established the Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Research Foundation to further advance research, clinical training and education, and through the support of programs of prominent institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, we are committed to doing just that."

The clinical training program is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and will lead to board eligibility in Sleep Medicine.  For more information, contact Charles W. Atwood, Jr., M.D. at 412-692-2880 or by email: atwoodcw@upmc.edu.

About Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Research Foundation

Respironics Sleep and Respiratory Research Foundation awards funds for charitable, scientific, literary and educational opportunities that promote awareness of, and research into, the medical consequences of sleep and respiratory problems. Established in 2003, the Foundation is a qualified Section 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that provides grants for sleep and respiratory research.