V-RED: Recognizing Excellence in Diagnosis
What is V-RED?
One of the greatest challenges a patient with vasculitis faces is receiving a definitive diagnosis. Patients can spend months or even years seeking a diagnosis, or worse, living with a misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. The V-RED award honors healthcare professionals who make the diagnosis of vasculitis.
Karen Hirsch created the award program after her son, Michael, was diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in 2011 by Juanita Mora, MD, an allergist/immunologist at the Chicago Allergy Center. Dr. Mora’s quick diagnosis helped Michael receive timely treatment, which helped lead to his remission.
Receiving a vasculitis diagnosis can be a long and challenging journey. Because vasculitis is rare and symptoms can vary widely, recognizing the signs and reaching the right diagnosis can take time.
Through our V-RED Program, we recognize the health care professionals who help identify vasculitis, provide a diagnosis, and connect patients with the vasculitis care and treatment they need.
If a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional played an important role in your vasculitis diagnosis, we invite you to nominate them for recognition.
Nominations are open through Friday, October 16, 2026.
Nominees and award recipients will be announced in December.
View Previous Winners
In the over 10 years that we have honored excellence in diagnosis, we have been inspired by many amazing medical professionals. We know you will be inspired as well as you read the stories of some of our recent past honorees.
