WHITE HOUSE

New York, NY – Fertility Research Foundation Executive Director Masood Khatamee was invited to a reception at the White House in honor of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. The reception held on Wednesday, March 19th, was hosted by First Lady of the United States Laura Bush. The reception represented the culmination of years of lobbying efforts by many prominent members of the Iranian-American community, with Dr. Khatamee a leading figure among them. [See White House Haft Seen]

This is the fifth year that Dr. Khatamee has corresponded with the White House seeking acknowledgement of the contributions of the Iranian-American community with a reception honoring the Persian New Year. The White House has always responded with a proclamation honoring Nowruz, which Dr. Khatamee has read at various celebrations he has organized throughout the years in the tri-state area. This is the first year, however, that his suggestion of a White House reception has been accepted.

“I am honored by the recognition of the Iranian-American community that is embodied in this event,” says Khatamee. “To be invited into the home of the President, hosted by the First Lady, at a reception in the peoples’ house in the seat of our nations government – there is no greater honor.”

Masood Khatamee, MD, FACOG, is the Executive Director of the Fertility Research Foundation and a Professor at the NYU School of Medicine. He was born in Shiraz, Iran, and received his initial medical training at the Shiraz University School of Medicine. He moved to the United States in 1970 and took up a position as attending physician at Bellevue Hospital in New York. His role at the FRF involves innovation and advocacy around the treatment and prevention of infertility. His private practice is located on Park Avenue in New York.

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