SAN DIEGO - Two UC San Diego School of Medicine physician-scientists have been awarded $700,000 each from the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Career Award for Medical Scientists, it was announced today.

Dr. Pradipta Ghosh was recognized for research into the changes in the activity of a protein that helps transmit molecular signals into cells, called the G protein, during cancerous tumor formation and growth.

Dr. Quyen Nguyen was honored for testing the use of molecular fluorescence imaging to guide surgery, according to UCSD.

The Career Award for Medical Scientists is a five-year, $700,000 award designed to help physician-scientists transition to a career in research, according to UCSD.