Master of the NLA (MNLA)

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About the Master of the NLA (MNLA) Designation

The Master of the National Lipid Association (MNLA) designation is one of the organization’s highest professional honors. Reserved for distinguished NLA members, this recognition celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, scholarship, and dedication to advancing the field of clinical lipidology. MNLA recipients are recognized by their peers for their lasting contributions to patient care, education, research, and the mission of the National Lipid Association.

Designation

Master of the National Lipid Association (MNLA)

Frequency

Typically presented annually; up to two designees may be selected each year.

Eligibility Criteria

  • retain membership in the NLA for a minimum of 2 years (IF nominee is a clinician);
  • participate actively in NLA activities (IF nominee is a clinician);
  • make outstanding contributions to patient care and/or lipid-focused education

Selection

  • Member in good standing for at least 10 years
  • Current Fellow of the NLA (FNLA)
  • Holds ABLM/CLS certification through the Accreditation Council for Clinical Lipidology
  • Demonstrated leadership and service to the NLA and/or Foundation of the NLA
  • Active participation in NLA programs, committees, publications, or chapter activities is strongly encouraged

Nomination Requirements

Nominees must be sponsored by current or former members of the NLA Board of Directors (Eligible Nominators) and supported by formal nomination materials demonstrating qualifications for the designation.

Required Documentation

  • Statement describing the nominee’s commitment to the highest ethical standards
  • Statement outlining contributions to clinical lipidology
  • Statement demonstrating advancement of the NLA mission and goals
  • Second letter of support from an Eligible Nominator

Selection Process

Nominations are reviewed by the Honors & Awards Committee, which evaluates candidates based on professional achievements, leadership, service, and impact on the field of clinical lipidology.

Recognition

Recipients are formally recognized during the annual NLA Honors & Awards Ceremony.

Please Note: Self-nominations are not permitted. All candidates must be nominated by an Eligible Nominator.


Past Recipients of the Master of the NLA Designation

Harold E. Bays, MD, MNLA
Thomas P. Bersot, MD, PhD, MNLA
Vera A. Bittner, MD, MSPH, MNLA
Alan S. Brown, MD, MNLA
W. Virgil Brown, MD, MNLA
Michael H. Davidson, MD, MNLA
P. Barton Duell, MD, MNLA
Anne C. Goldberg, MD, MNLA

Antonio M. Gotto, Jr., MD, Dphil, MNLA
John R. Guyton, MD, MNLA
Matthew K. Ito, PharmD, CLS, MNLA
Terry A. Jacobson, MD, MNLA
Peter H. Jones, MD, MNLA
Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, CLS, MNLA
Kevin C. Maki, PhD, CLS, MNLA
James M. McKenney, PharmD, CLS, MNLA

Carl E. Orringer, MD, MNLA
Joyce L. Ross, MSN, CRNP, CLS, MNLA
Joseph J. Saseen, PharmD, CLS, MNLA
Daniel E. Soffer, MD, MNLA
Neil J. Stone, MD, MNLA
Peter P. Toth, MD, PhD, MNLA
James A. Underberg, MD, MS, MNLA