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Many of you have heard of the impending disaffiliation of Evanston <strong>Northwestern</strong>Healthcare (ENH). After an extensive review of various models forengaging ENH as a more effective partner, a mutual decision to disaffiliate as ofJune 20, 2009, has been announced. Over time, it has become clear that ENH’sgoals were not aligned with those of the Feinberg School of Medicine and<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>, and the level of autonomy demanded by ENH wasincompatible with an academic culture of collaboration, partnership, peer-review,and accountability. We are deeply appreciative of the contributions theirphysicians have made to student and resident training, but we could not affordto compromise our standards for appointing leadership positions, facultyselection, and promotion.As we move forward, we are excited by the One <strong>Northwestern</strong> and Great AcademicMedical Center planning efforts. These visions, coupled with the boldaspirations of the <strong>University</strong>, the medical school, and our clinical partners bodewell for the future of research, education, and patient care at <strong>Northwestern</strong>.Best regards,J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhDVice President for Medical Affairs andLewis Landsberg Dean2 ward rounds summer 2008


We’ve Got MailDrop us a line<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> appreciateshearing from its readers.Share your thoughts aboutthis issue of the magazineand send us a letter of250 words or less. Please,no anonymous notes!We reserve the right todetermine which letters toprint in <strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong>.Mail your correspondenceto: Editor, <strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong>,Office of Communications,<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>,Feinberg School of Medicine,303 East Chicago Avenue,Rubloff 9th floor, Chicago,Illinois 60611-3008 or e-mailletters to ward-rounds@northwestern.edu.After reading the article “VA Lakeside Opens New Clinic” in the spring2008 <strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong>, I assume that the life of the VA Research Hospital hascome to a final end.If so, that is notable, because as with many other physicians, the VA wasthe venue for the beginning of many life journeys for me. There as a houseofficer, I met a nurse who now, 40 years later, is my wife of 40 years. There Imet Dr. Nathan Levin, who has been the most important, positive influencein my professional life. And there, I met physicians—too many to list—whohave been icons to me as I traverse a life in medicine.I salute the existence of that hospital, and I recall the day I left. Theoperator—we checked out with the operator each evening—and I bid each afond farewell, and I now bid a hail and farewell, fondly, to the VA ResearchHospital.Max V. Wisgerhof II, MD, GME ’70Grosse Pointe, MichiganEditor’s note: Built on property acquired from<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong> in the 1950s, the VAhospital was completed in 1954 and affiliatedwith the medical school the following year.Legions of students, residents, and fellowsgained valuable clinical experience at the VAfacility. The VA’s longstanding affiliation with<strong>Northwestern</strong> has provided critical financialassistance for the recruitment of skilled and talentedfaculty members and support of researchat the medical school. In August 2003 the JesseBrown VA Medical Center moved the hospital’sinpatient services to its updated and modernfacility on Chicago’s West Side, where today the Feinberg School’s medicalstudents and residents continue to obtain their inpatient VA experience. InJanuary the VA opened its new Lakeside Community-Based OutpatientClinic at 211 East Ontario and officially ended its Lakeside property lease.In June demolition crews began taking down the exterior of the vacatedLakeside VA hospital building. <strong>Northwestern</strong> Memorial Hospital and theRehabilitation Institute of Chicago are working on plans for future developmentof the site as an integral part of the medical campus.ward rounds summer 2008 3


4 ward rounds summer 2008


ContentsDean’s Messagepage 1FeaturesMind ReaderJohn Csernansky ushers in a new erathrough neuroimagingpage 6America Un-CoveredWith 47 million uninsured, how does thisnation care for its people?page 10Your Kind of TownAlums reunite at festive reunion weekendpage 14Vascular RejuvenationDoug Losordo pioneers therapeuticangiogenesis to heal the damaged heartpage 22DepartmentsWe’ve Got Mail / page 3Research Briefs / page 26<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> News / page 28President’s Message / page 37Alumni News / page 38Progress Notes / page 41Upcoming Events / page 57FacingMedical school seniors eagerlylook ahead to bright futures during<strong>Northwestern</strong>’s commencementceremonies held May 16 in NavyPier’s Grand Ballroom.On the CoverIn this election year, health care reformhas been central to the debates aboutwhat Americans need and demand fromtheir government. Recipient of theFeinberg School’s 2008 DistinguishedAlumni Award, Dr. Quentin Young haslong been vocal on the topic of universalhealth care coverage. Learn more abouthow he proposes to “fix” America’shealth care system beginning on page 10.


America Un-CoveredWith 47 million uninsured,how does this nation care for its people?by Cheryl SooHooLunch at a hotel near campus offered exceptional cuisine and an opportunityfor members of <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s Half-Century Club to catch upafter more than 50 years since graduating from the medical school. Heldin April, the Alumni Weekend event also provided food for thought with astimulating discussion on “Health Care Reform 2008 and Medicare.”Vice Dean and Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey C. Miller presented anoverview of U.S. politics, health care politics, and Medicare. He noted thecomplex factors that have led to a somewhat disjointed American health caresystem—one that perplexes patients, providers, and payers with high healthcare costs, limited access, and mediocre public health outcomes.During this presidential election season, access to affordable health care inthe United States has been a hot button topic for politicians, with a growingnumber of physicians and patients chiming in on the debate. The concept ofensuring health care for all—such as via a national health insurance plan—frequentlyraises as many questions as answers. Meanwhile the plight of the estimated47 million uninsured people living in this country, a statistic reportedby the U.S. Census Bureau in 2006, becomes more dire as time goes on.10 ward rounds summer 2008


In the April 1 issue of the Annalsof Internal Medicine, two physicianresearchers from Indiana<strong>University</strong> revealed results fromtheir 2007 survey of physicianswhom they queried on the subject ofgovernment-organized nationalhealth insurance (NHI). A followup to a 2002 survey, the new pollindicated that a larger percentage ofdoctors—59 versus 49 percent fiveyears ago—supported health carereform to achieve greater coveragefor individuals living in the UnitedStates. Numerous media outletsreported on the survey’s results,prompting the American MedicalAssociation (AMA), among others,to weigh in on the universal healthcare discussion.Edward L. Langston, MD, chairof the AMA Board of Trustees, statedin a letter published in the April 11issue of the Indianapolis Star, that therecent survey drew attention to theneed for health care reform but didnot define NHI or incrementalreform, both of which he believedcan be interpreted in a variety ofways. He went on to describe theAMA’s national health care proposalto, in part, expand “coverage throughtax credits that would provide themost money to those who need itmost: lower-income Americans.”“Physicians struggle daily withthe shortcomings of our health caresystem,” he wrote. “As the nation’slargest physician group, we supportlegislation that builds on thestrengths of our current system—world-class medical innovations andresearch, and doctors dedicated tothe health of their patients.”Proposals for providing reasonably-pricedquality health care servicesto all who call America homecome in many shapes and sizes.While opinions vary widely aboutwhat ails the U.S. health care systemand how to “fix” it, many agree thatfinding solutions to a national problemmust involve government policymakers. Certainly that has been theapproach taken by two alumni of<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s FeinbergSchool of Medicine: one has proposedan overhaul of the current systemand the other is looking to makethe health care marketplace moreequitable through competition.Independently of each other, thesetwo physicians have committedthemselves to improving health careaccess in this country by having theirvoices heard near and far and mostdefinitely in Washington, D.C.For allergist Steven L. Kagen,MD, GME ’79, his desire to fight for“access to affordable health care foreveryone” has meant giving up thepractice of medicine in Appleton,Wisconsin, to become a lawmaker inthe nation’s capital. In November2006, this democrat was elected to hisfirst term in the U.S. House of Representatives.For recently retired internistQuentin D. Young, MD ’48,championing the creation of a singlepayerNHI plan that would expandthe existing Medicare model andessentially eliminate private insurancehas led to conversations with membersof Congress, including SenatorBarack Obama (D-Ill.), the DemocraticParty’s presumptive nomineefor the highest office in the land.“We’ve talked, because I wantedto know what his views were on thesingle-payer proposal. In fact, I’veknown Obama for a long time. Hesees a colleague physician in myHyde Park practice,” shares Dr.Young, national coordinator of Chicago-basedPhysicians for a NationalHealth Program (PNHP). And whatdoes Dr. Young think of CongressmanObama’s health care platform?“In my opinion it’s bad because itmaintains employer-based privateinsurance! Although he no longerdoes, Obama did support singlepayerin the past.”guished Alumni Award. “Manyconsider them the most knowledgeableelements in the equation and,not least, they have earned influenceas discussants on health issues.”One “scholarly” coup for thegroup and others was an article thatappeared in the August 2003 issue ofthe Journal of the American MedicalAssociation. In that piece, the Physicians’Working Group for Single-Payer National Health Insurance,which included faculty membersfrom Harvard <strong>University</strong> as well asDr. Young, a faculty member at the<strong>University</strong> of Illinois and formerchair of internal medicine at CookCounty Hospital, methodically laidout their NHI proposal.Administered by a single publicagency that organizes health financingbut leaves the delivery of carelargely private, NHI would featureuniversal, comprehensive coverageand a free choice of providers. Theplan backed by PNHP would call forphysicians to receive fee-for-servicepayments dictated by a negotiatedformulary or draw salaries from hospitalsor nonprofit HMO/grouppractices. A global budget wouldtake care of each hospital’s operatingcosts. Financing for the systemwould come from taxes and biddingadieu to private insurers. Recapturingthe administrative “waste” oflarge corporations currently managingthe mosaic of health plans availablein the United States would morethan pay for NHI as evidenced by acurrent U.S. government program,believes Dr. Young.“America already has singlepayernational health insurance.It’s called ‘Medicare,’” he explains.“Medicare is the most successfulprogram in the country, outshiningany of the private sector insurancecompanies with their high administrativecosts. Thirty-one percent ofall health care dollars now go toabsorbing the administrative costsof the big carriers. Medicare has anadministrative cost of 3 percent.When you are dealing with a systemwhere every percentage point is21 billion dollars, the costs arefairly significant.”PNHP has faced many critics,from those who consider the group’sWith some 15,000 members,PNHP describes itself asa physicians group thatbelieves all people have a right toaccess high-quality comprehensivecare. Achieving that particular visionbegins with educating physicians onthe need for a single-payer NHIplan, through vehicles the medicalprofession finds credible such aspeer-reviewed journals and grandrounds lectures.“Doctors by definition areinvolved in the health system,”remarks Dr. Young, the 2008 recipientof the Feinberg School’s Distinwardrounds summer 2008 11


plan tantamount to “socialized”medicine to those who fear rationingof health care services. And usingthe Medicare program as a modelraises its own serious financial issuesas Medicare’s hospital insurancetrust fund, on its present course, isexpected to run out of money in2019, according to a report fromthe Board of Trustees for Medicarereleased this March.Yet octogenarian Dr. Youngremains optimistic. His enthusiasmfor NHI continues to be bolsteredby growing legislative support forHouse Resolution (H.R.) 676—the“Expanded and Improved Medicarefor All Act.” Rep. John Conyers(D-Mich.) first introduced the bill in2005, after inviting Dr. Young andother NHI proponents to Washingtonto present their proposal for possiblelegislation. Additionally, Dr.Young’s observation that “Americandoctors have learned that there issomething worse than government,and it is called corporations” has himconvinced that PNHP’s visionfinally is reaching the mainstream.“Until quite recently, we wereconsidered irrelevant because wewere unfeasible,” he says. “That’sover now. There have been enough12 ward rounds summer 2008victories and public discussion sothat we have become the ‘undesirable’alternative. Doesn’t sound likemuch, but that’s upward mobility!”Rep. Kagen can’t afford to getsick. When he took office inJanuary 2007, he turneddown his generous congressionalbenefits package, and he possesses noother insurance plan. So what happensif Dr. Kagen needs comprehensivehealth care coverage? He says,“I could lose my house, just like themillions of other uninsured Americansin this country.”Although Dr. Kagen, 58, went toWashington ready to broaden healthcare access to all, he hadn’t thoughttoo much about his own needs untilthe freshman congressman wentthrough orientation week. Helearned how to pass laws, and hereceived a literal “cafeteria menu” ofplans. “I needed to catch a plane, soI asked the woman helping me whatplan she chose,” recalls Dr. Kagen.“She said, ‘I took the “Cadillac”plan, with a $250 deductible. Theyhave to take you no matter what,because we are federal employees.’ Ithen said, ‘No, I respectfully declinethese benefits until you can make theDr. Quentin Youngsees national healthinsurance as the best wayto provide comprehensivecare to all who livein the United States.same offer to everyone I have thehonor of representing.’ I didn’t comehere for the benefits. I came here tohelp reform the health care system.”Dr. Kagen wishes that all membersof Congress could experiencethe uncertainty that many U.S. residentsface about their health carecoverage. If they did, “they wouldbegin to take our country’s healthcare concerns very seriously andlikely solve them in a matter of a fewweeks and months.”Achieving access to affordablecare in Dr. Kagen’s eyes relies, inpart, on a health care marketplacewhere health insurers cannot discriminate,and providers of care—insurance companies, pharmacies,hospitals, doctors, dentists—openlydisclose pricing for all services. Tothis end, in February Dr. Kagenintroduced H.R. 5449, the “No Discriminationin Health Insurance Actof 2008.” The bill prohibits health


Your kind of townAlums reunite at festive reunion weekendThe Windy City provided more than 500 alumniand guests with the perfect playground for anevent-filled Alumni Weekend held April 25–26.Returning to their alma mater with old memoriesto share and new ones to make, alumni ofall ages participated in one or several of theannual reunion’s 35 educational and socialevents. Alumni Weekend 2008 featured toursof the new Prentice Women’s Hospital andthe NBC-5 TV studios, as well as a state-ofthe-schoolpresentation, workshops, and classdinners. Attendees had an opportunity to viewTerra Incognita, a documentary film about thepromise and progress of stem cell research at<strong>Northwestern</strong> and beyond. And the ReunionBall, held at the elegant Four Seasons hotel,capped off the thrilling weekend. In the followingphoto album, we invite you to live vicariouslyor revisit the good times that were had at thisyear’s Alumni Weekend.1Class of 1978 members (from left)Drs. Ellsworth “Ted” WeatherbyIII (GME ’79), Michael Foley(GME ’82), and Stephen Scranton(GME ’80) reunite at AlumniWeekend registration.14 ward rounds summer 2008


2Dr. Bernard Gerber (’53, GME ’56) studiesreunion class composites on display in theRobert H. Lurie Medical Research Center lobby,the site of many of the weekend’s events.3Although 50 years separate Drs. Jonathan Kahn (’08)and Gary Thomas (’58), they find common ground atthe alumni-student breakfast Saturday morning.Save the date!AlumniWeekend2009April 24–254Now that’squite a newsteam! Actually,it’s a group ofmedical schoolalumni touringthe NBC-5studios Saturdaymorning.


5Dr. Emanuel “Semmy” Semerad (’63) and his wife,Janice, arrive at the iconic Harry Caray’s restaurantfor their Friday night class dinner.7Dr. Patrick Lee (’88) tries his minimally invasivesurgery skills in the <strong>Northwestern</strong> Center for AdvancedSurgical Education on Friday afternoon. Others on thetour include (from left) Drs. Myles Cunningham (’58),Simon Myint (’53), and Charles Snorf (’58, GME ’63).6The Nathan Smith Davis clubreception provides current andfuture alumni such as medicalstudents (from left) Ben Gray,Martin Pham, Lindsay Kuo, andLeslie Kim the opportunity toenjoy the reunion festivities.8Like father, like daughter . . . Drs. Gerald Miller (’68,GME ’73) and Ursula Miller (’00, GME ’04), with wife(and mother) Brigitte, celebrate their family ties to<strong>Northwestern</strong> at the Saturday night Reunion Ball.16 ward rounds summer 2008


9Drs. Boris Lushniak (’83), Bonnie Typlin (’74),president of the Medical Alumni Association, and PaulUrnes (’59) take a moment to mug for the cameraduring Saturday’s luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton hotel.10Enjoying the Reunion Ball cocktailhour, (from left) faculty membersDrs. Steven Rosen (’76, GME ’81)and Andy Bunta (’67, GME ’74)catch up on the latest news withNational Board member Dr. JamesKelly (’83).11One of three speakers at the Fridayafternoon General Session, DeanLarry Jameson updates alumni onthe state of the school.12Recipient of the 2008 Distinguished AlumniAward, Dr. Quentin Young (’48) happilyaccepts the honor at the Reunion Ball!ward rounds summer 2008 17


13On a beautiful Alumni Weekendafternoon, alumni and guestsheading out for campus toursinclude (from left) Dr. James P.Kelly (’73), Dr. Gary Thomas(’58), Dr. B. Gus Karras (’58,GME ’59), Sharon Thomas,and Dr. James Holland (’58).18 ward rounds summer 2008


14Updating their medical school class photo from 1958, membersof the 50-year class pose for a group shot. They are identifiedfrom left to right.FRONT: Alon Winnie, Arthur Larson, Kenrad Nelson, JohnBancroft, Bob Darter, B. Gus Karras, Hugh McCullough, andRobert Nelson. MIDDLE: Phyllis Bailey Thurstone, DonSherline, David Sanderson, Alan Nelson, Charles Snorf, GaryThomas, James Holland, Philip Scheerer, Paul Stanley, MarkHarmeling, Nat Wisch, Lawrence Chun, Ed Wiens, NeilDuncanson, Robert Clark, and Ronald Larry. BACK: GeneLaker, Ken Johnson, Alfred Biggs Jr., Ernest Wollin, HowardSanford, Larry Kretschmar, and Douglas Enoch.15Dr. Alfred Cook (’03,GME ’08) and hiswife, Meredith, joinother alumni at Chicagorestaurant Bice forthe first minorityalumni dinner.16Followed closely by former classmate Dr. RobertWysocki (’03), Dr. Kristin Commito (’03) delightsin the many choices at the Reunion Ball dessert bar,while her spouse, Paul Fousek (right), digs into hisice cream sundae.ward rounds summer 2008 19


17At the Reunion Ball, Dean Larry Jameson(right) presents Dr. David Winchester (’63,GME ’70) with the Dean’s Award for hisoutstanding service to the medical schooland alumni association.18Gala event attendees (from left)Michele Jameson and Drs. William“Jack” (’59) and Mary Ann (’59,GME ’64) Frable and Dr. CharlesHuizenga (’63) wait for theevening’s festivities—starting withan introduction of the 50-year classmembers—to begin.19Dr. PatriciaConard (’53)greets Dr. SamMulopulos (’53)and his wife,Helen, at theirFriday nightclass dinner atthe Drake hotel.20 ward rounds summer 2008


20Moving to the music of DonCagen’s Orchestra Chicago,Dr. Harvey Brown (’68) and wifeRoanna show off their “Dancingwith the Alums” moves.21The continuing medical educationsession on advances in cancercaptures the attention of Dr. F.Douglas Carr (’78), president-electof the Medical Alumni Association.22A spring thunderstorm gives the Friday nightclass dinners some extra added electricity as(from left) Drs. Jennifer Kim (’98, GME ’04)and Alan (’98) and Ada Kumar (’97) lookforward to reliving fond memories of theirmedical school days.23National Board member and an alumnafrom the Class of 1967, Dr. Mary AnnMalloy (left) visits with Dr. John Clarke(’68, GME ’75) and his wife, Bonnie, atthe Saturday gala event. Later that evening,Dr. Clarke received the medical school’sAlumni Service Award.ward rounds summer 2008 21


➝➝➝➝➝Va s c u l a rRejuvenationDoug Losordo pioneers therapeutic angiogenesisto heal the damaged heartby Michael Nyquist➝➝➝➝➝Boston resident Ron Trachtenberg’sheart problems requiredmultiple bypass surgeries, severalangioplasties and stents, and apacemaker. “A few years after mylast bypass surgery in 1995, I wasgoing downhill fast,” he says. “Thedoctors could do nothing more forme medically or surgically.”He once collapsed from severeangina pain right outside the hospitalbefore an appointment, just walkingthe hundred feet from his car to thefront door. Taking several nitroglycerintabs at prescribed intervals hadlittle effect. Trips to the emergencyroom became commonplace.But Trachtenberg found himselfin the right place at the right time.His cardiologist, Bernard Kosowsky,MD, introduced him to St. Elizabeth’sHospital colleague DouglasW. Losordo, MD, who today isEileen Foell Professor of HeartResearch at <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’sFeinberg School of Medicine.Trachtenberg enrolled in Dr. Losordo’sclinical trial using the gene forvascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). Animal testing showeddelivering the gene to ischemic tissuein the heart induced new blood vesselgrowth. Myocardial cells with acompromised blood supply oftenstop beating but remain alive, a statecalled hibernation. Restoring theblood supply reawakens them.Unfortunately, the 1999 death ofpatient Jesse Gelsinger after a genetherapy trial led the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) to suspendmany such trials in the United States,including the VEGF trial. Once theFDA’s new patient safety measureswere in place, Trachtenbergattempted to enroll in a redesignedVEGF trial in 2002, but his pacemakerdisqualified him.He had another opportunity in2004 when Dr. Losordo developedan approach to therapeutic angiogenesisemploying CD34+ cells.These stem cell–like precursors tothe endothelial cells that line arteriesand veins stimulate new blood vesselgrowth in the microcirculation of thehibernating heart.“These cells are a subpopulationof white blood cells produced in thebone marrow,” explains Dr.Losordo, who came to <strong>Northwestern</strong>in 2006 to direct the FeinbergCardiovascular Research Institute.“We use an FDA-approved cancerdrug to mobilize these cells into thebloodstream, which saves us fromhaving to drill into the patient’s bonemarrow. We harvest the cells fromthe patient’s blood with an apheresismachine, enrich them in culture, andthen inject them into the ischemictissue of the patient’s heart.”The phase 1, double-blind,placebo-controlled study enrolled 24patients, including Trachtenberg.Today at age 62, he takes two fewermedications and rarely experiencessevere angina. “Before the treatment22 ward rounds summer 2008


I essentially lived sitting in a chair,”he says. “I sold my CPA firm. I didnot expect to live to see my daughter’swedding last year. This treatmentrestored to me a quality of life Ihaven’t had in years.”Says Dr. Losordo, “Every endpointwe measured—chest pain, useof nitroglycerin, overall function,and quality of life—favored thetreatment group versus the controlgroup. That’s what gave us enthusiasmand justification to proceed to alarger study.” He and his colleagueshave done just that. Dr. Losordo,who also directs the CardiovascularRegenerative Medicine Program at<strong>Northwestern</strong> Memorial Hospital’s(NMH) Bluhm CardiovascularInstitute, is the national principalinvestigator (PI) for a National Institutesof Health–funded, 20-centerclinical trial of CD34+ cells for treatingcoronary artery disease. Thestudy has enrolled 168 patients, andCharles J. Davidson, MD, GME ’85,professor of medicine and chief ofNMH’s Cardiac CatheterizationLaboratories, is the local PI.Adds Trachtenberg, “I hope Dr.Losordo is successful in developingthis into standard treatment. Somany people could benefit.” Cardiovasculardisease remains the numberone cause of death and disability inthe United States.tor,” says Dr. Losordo. “But that’s allhe could say, since no simple assaysfor identifying proteins had beeninvented yet. His early ideas on therole of angiogenesis in cancer wererejected and even scorned by manyin the research community. It tookmore than a decade for him to winconverts.” Today several cancerdrugs work via the anti-angiogenesisapproach Dr. Folkman postulatedfrom the beginning.As the first angiogenic factorswere identified in the late 1980s,“Cardiovascular researchers askedwhether they could be used toinduce new growth where bloodsupply has been compromised bydisease,” explains Dr. Losordo,which led to the novel concept oftherapeutic angiogenesis.Dr. Losordo’s career was destinedto intersect with these historymakingevents. As an undergraduateat the <strong>University</strong> of Vermont, helearned research in the laboratory ofthe late Norman R. Alpert, PhD, aninternationally renowned researcherin cardiac hypertrophy. RemembersDr. Losordo, “His graduate studentsThe story of therapeutic angiogenesisbegan with an observationin 1971 by the late JudahFolkman, MD, former surgeon-inchiefat Boston Children’s Hospital.“He noticed that tumors he excisedfrom children were bloodier thanthe surrounding tissue,” shares Dr.Losordo. “He wondered why sicktissue had a better blood supply thanhealthy tissue.”Dr. Folkman made an extract oftumor material and showed that itpromoted blood vessel formation inembryonic chick membranes in culture.“He deduced from that theexistence of a tumor angiogenic facandpostdocs whet my appetite forstudying cardiovascular physiologyand biochemistry.”As a medical student at Vermont,he continued working with Dr.Alpert. After graduating in 1983, hecompleted his internal medicine residencyand cardiology fellowship atthe Tufts <strong>University</strong>–affiliated St.Elizabeth’s Hospital. The fellowshipdirector was none other than RonTrachtenberg’s cardiologist.In 1988 he enrolled in an interventionalcardiology/research fellowshipwith Jeffrey M. Isner, MD,at St. Elizabeth’s. Says Dr. Losordo,“Jeff was working on laser applicationsin cardiovascular medicine. Hewas the optimal physician-scientist,someone who sees a problem andcomes up with an innovative way toaddress it.” That led to a collaborationthat lasted until Dr. Isner’suntimely death at age 53 in 2002.Shortly after joining Dr. Isner ina gleaming new cardiovascular laserresearch lab, Dr. Losordo recalls,“Jeff came in one day and said,‘We’re no longer a cardiovascularlaser lab. We are now a molecularCardiovascular clinician-scientistDr. Doug Losordo regularlyengages in heart-healthy exercise.ward rounds summer 2008 23


cardiology lab.’ This was early 1989,and no such thing existed.” Dr. Isner’sproclamation was driven in part bynew technology, such as polymerasechain reaction that allowed scientiststo amplify genetic material and identifyproteins relatively quickly. Thisinnovation led to the characterizationof the first angiogenic factors, whichthe “molecular cardiology” labwanted to apply therapeutically.This research gained momentumafter a surprising publication in 1992The early 1990s also hailed theheyday of stent research. Balloonangioplasty was a major breakthroughin the previous decade. Withtheir coronary arteries cleared,patients could avoid bypass surgery.However, in about 30 percent ofcases, the treated arteries wouldreclose. Bare metal stents, firstapproved for use in the United Statesin 1994, propped open the arteries,but restenosis rates only droppedslightly. These stents, unfortunately,saw unusual round cells sticking atthe leading edge of the recoveringendothelium. A long series of experimentsidentified these as endothelialprogenitor cells (EPCs).“These EPCs manufacturedgrowth factors just like the ones wewere considering giving for stimulatingangiogenesis,” shares Dr.Losordo. “We thought injecting thesecells into ischemic tissue might be abetter way of delivering a growth factor,maybe even more than one.”The paper describing EPCsappeared in Science in 1997. Whenthis work was presented at scientificmeetings, however, it met strenuousopposition. “I never saw anythinglike it. People were really agitated,”says Dr. Losordo. “We had beentaught up until then that in the adultstage of life, our bodies did not containcells with pluripotency or multipotency.So this idea of a progenitorcell in an adult mammal went againstthe orthodoxy.” The very next year,researchers isolated human embryonicstem cells for the first time,which led to discoveries of cells withsimilar properties—multipotentadult stem cells—completely changingthose long-held beliefs.Dr. Losordo and nurse Sara McCrandall discuss a patient’s procedure in thecardiac catheterization laboratory at <strong>Northwestern</strong> Memorial Hospital.by a Japanese research group. “Theycreated an animal model of myocardialinfarction by tying off coronaryarteries,” recalls Dr. Losordo. “Thenthey gave a single intravenous bolusof basic fibroblast growth factor, thefirst angiogenic factor identified bythe Folkman lab. They showed adramatic reduction in infarct size. Itseemed too good to be true.”The results suggested that even ifthe larger arteries were compromised,growing the microcirculationin the hibernating myocardiumcould restore function. Dr. Losordoand colleagues immediately set aboutreplicating these results, usingrecombinant proteins and ultimatelythe VEGF gene.did not address the underlying biologicalprocess. The expanding balloonbreaks up atheroscleroticplaques but also damages the singlelayer of endothelial cells lining theartery. That section of the arterybecomes inflamed and bereft of thebiochemicals endothelial cells secreteto maintain healthy blood vessels.Says Dr. Losordo, “Our data suggestedan angiogenic factor couldstimulate the recovery of theendothelial layer after angioplasty,which would have a significantimpact on restenosis.”This research also used VEGF. Aformer postdoctoral fellow in thelab, Takayuki Asahara, MD, PhD,was examining VEGF-treated arteriesvia electron microscopy, when heDr. Losordo’s lab showed thatautologous EPCs positivefor the CD34 cell surfacemarker were potent angiogenesispromoters in animal models of bothheart disease and peripheral arterialdisease (PAD). Today, in addition toleading the coronary artery diseasetrial, Dr. Losordo serves as thenational PI for two others usingCD34+ cells. One is a 20-center clinicaltrial for critical limb ischemia, acondition caused by arterial blockagesin the legs, hands, and feet.Patients experience pain and nonhealingwounds and are at risk foramputations. Melina R. Kibbe, MD,GME ’02, assistant professor of surgery,is the local PI at NMH. Theother is a three-center, phase 1 trialof EPCs to treat severe intermittentclaudication, which causes pain andfatigue in the legs due to insufficientblood flow. Dr. Losordo also leads asecond phase 1 trial at NMH to treatheart failure symptoms.24 ward rounds summer 2008


The commitment <strong>Northwestern</strong>’sacademic medical centershowed to translational scienceprompted Dr. Losordo’s move to theFeinberg School. He remarks, “I sawfirsthand the ambitious plans theinstitution had for developing amajor translational research presence.”One such plan came to fruitionin May. The <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong> Clinical and TranslationalSciences Institute won a five-year,$29 million National Institutes ofHealth Clinical and TranslationalScience Award.Additionally, he says, “Majorchanges had been made with thedevelopment of the Bluhm CardiovasularInstitute and highly successfulheart failure and heart transplantprograms at NMH. For someonewith my motivation—translatingbasic science discoveries intoimproved patient care—this opportunitywas too good to pass up.”Dr. Losordo also knew the FeinbergCardiovascular Research Institute“as an established entity in theworld of cardiology on the risenationally,” he says. “Coming here Iwanted to establish a theme for theinstitute and realign the resources tofocus on the core investigators.These are the faculty members whorun into each other daily in the hallsof the institute.”In his own lab, he directs theresearch projects of eight postdoctoralfellows, with the goal of fosteringtheir development as independentresearchers and further refiningsome of his own successful researchadvances. For example, Jörn Tongers,MD, is examining ways to improveEPC therapy in ischemic cardiovasculardisease.Certain limitations exist. “Onlya couple days after application, a significantnumber of EPCs disappearfrom the ischemic target tissue,” saysDr. Tongers. “Although some maybe cleared by the body’s normalfunctions, viability, retention and, inturn, biopotency of the injected cellsare probably limited by the harmfulenvironment of ischemic tissue,which includes inflammatory cellsand oxidant radicals.”One approach he is testingresulted from a collaborationbetween Dr. Losordo and Samuel I.Stupp, PhD, Board of Trustees Professorof Materials Science, Chemistry,and Medicine and director of theInstitute for BioNanotechnology inMedicine. “We’re using a self-assemblingnanofiber system to deliver theEPCs,” explains Dr. Tongers. “Thestructure of this system mimics thenative extracellular matrix of tissuesand presents bioactive peptidesequences or targeted bindinggroups to the microenvironment,potentially allowing the EPCs tostay alive and in place.” Preliminaryresults are promising.Dr. Losordo also has resumedwork on an angiogenic factor–secretingstent. “When drug-eluting stentscame on the market, it became harderto draw interest and funding becausethe new stents effectively reducedrestenosis rates,” he says. “TheirAchilles’ heel is they do their job toowell—they prevent excess smoothmuscle cell proliferation but also blockthe recovery of the endothelium.”He also has started a new collaborationwith Piero Anversa, MD, aresearch scientist at Harvard andBrigham and Women’s Hospital. Dr.Anversa was the first to identify acardiac stem cell that can be isolatedfrom a biopsy, grown up in culture,and used to replace muscle cells inmodels of heart attack damage,according to Dr. Losordo. This finding,much like Dr. Folkman’s initialwork, met with great skepticism,but now is being replicated in laboratoriesworldwide.“Vascular regeneration andregenerating cardiomyocytes complementeach other,” explains Dr.Anversa. “Certainly we are challengingthe orthodoxy that cardiomyocytesare terminally differentiatedbut Doug reacted positively to this.Dr. Losordo’slaboratory teamincludespostdoctoralfellows Drs. JörnTongers (in theback), JeromeRoncalli (fromleft), Marie-AngeRenault, HarukiSekiguchi,Toshikazu Tanaka,and KoichiKobayash.He recently sent some of his postdoctoralfellows to our lab and wesent some of ours to his. This is partof the rapport we share.”“Our philosophy has long beenone of openness,”adds Dr. Losordo.“It’s about the power of ideas and theability to leverage knowledge. It’s amultiplication effect. The more youinteract with people, the better thescience gets.”Together Drs. Anversa andLosordo can imagine a time when aheart attack patient receives balloonangioplasty followed by placementof an angiogenic stent. After usingcatheter-based electromechanicalmapping to measure the viability ofthe heart, they could treat hibernatingareas with EPCs and re-growcardiomyocytes in areas where tissuehas died. Such therapy may soundlike science fiction, but it is nowsquarely in the realm of possibility.ward rounds summer 2008 25


Trust a Sensitive SnifferNegative reinforcement has a strong impact on the nose, especially when it comes toremembering odors, according to a study published in the March 28 issue of Science.Medical school investigators exposed participants to a pair of grassy smells thatwere nearly identical in their chemical makeup and perceptually indistinguishable.The individuals received an electric shock when they were exposed to one scentbut not the other. The participants quickly learned to differentiate between the twoscents. Odors that once were impossible to tell apart became identifiable when followedby an adverse event, illustrating the power of the human sense of smell to learnfrom an emotional experience.The researchers measured the subjects’ brain activity during the smell tests. Brainscans showed different patterns when the subjects were exposed to the shockingly“dangerous” scent compared to exposure to the “no danger” scent.“It’s evolutionary,” said Wen Li, PhD, lead author of the study and a postdoctoralfellow at <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease Center.“This helps us have a very sensitive ability to detect something important to our survivalfrom an ocean of environmental information. It warns us if it’s dangerous and wehave to pay attention to it.”Dr. Li and her colleagues also found specific changes in how odor information isstored in “primitive” olfactory regions of the brain, enhancing perceptual sensitivityfor smells that have a high biological relevance.Growing Nerve Fibers<strong>Northwestern</strong> researchers have shown that a nano-engineered gel inhibits scar formationat the site of spinal cord injury, allowing damaged nerve fibers to regrow. Led byJohn A. Kessler, MD, Davee Professor of Stem Cell Biology and chair of the Ken andRuth Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurological Sciences at themedical school, the study shows that when the gel, as a liquid, is injected into the spinalcord it self-assembles into a scaffold that supports the ascending sensory fibersand the descending motor fibers through the site of the injury.Six weeks after researchers injected the gel into mice with spinal cord injuries, theanimals showed great improvement in the ability to use their hind legs and walk. Theresearch appeared in the April 2 issue ofthe Journal of Neuroscience.“We are very excited about this,”said lead author Dr. Kessler. “We caninject this without damaging the tissue.It has great potential.” But he also cautioned,“It’s important to understandthat something that works in mice willnot necessarily work in human beings.”While no one single thing solves spinalcord injury, this brand-new technologyhas the potential to revolutionize theway clinicians think about treating thisdisorder, according to Dr. Kessler. “Itcould be used in combination with othertechnologies, including stem cells, drugs,In an injured spinal cord, the glial scar(shown here outlined by the dotted whiteline) acts as a physical barrier to theregrowth of nerve fibers. Feinberg Schoolinvestigators have developed a nano-engineeredgel that inhibits scar formation atthe site of spinal cord injury, allowing damagednerve fibers to regenerate.or other kinds of interventions.”The researchers are further developingthe nano-engineered gel to beacceptable as a pharmaceutical for theFood and Drug Administration. If it isapproved for use in humans, a clinicaltrial could begin in several years.An innovativeBP MeasureHypertension, the “silent killer,” affectsabout one in three adults in the UnitedStates. Left undetected it can lead tostroke, cardiovascular disease, or renalfailure. Monitoring this disease includesperiodic blood pressure checks and havinga . . . urinalysis? Yes, a urinalysis.<strong>Northwestern</strong> scientists, in collaborationwith colleagues at Imperial Collegein London, have for the first timeidentified multiple chemicals in peoples’urine, called metabolites, which directlyrelate to blood pressure. “This is a newset of measurements—metabolomics—that can help to clarify why so many peopledevelop pre-hypertension andhypertension with increased risk of heartattack, stroke, peripheral artery disease,heart failure, and kidney disease,” saidcoauthor of the study and professoremeritus of preventive medicine JeremiahStamler, MD. The study appearedin the April 20 online issue of Nature.The researchers analyzed the metabolitesin the urine samples of 4,630 individuals,ages 40–59, living in China,Japan, the United Kingdom, and theUnited States. Dr. Stamler and his associatesdiscovered three metabolites thathad links to high blood pressure. Individualsexhibiting high levels of theamino acid alanine, found in food high inanimal protein, had higher blood pressurethan those who weren’t as carnivorous.Low blood pressure readings werefound most often in people withincreased levels of the metabolite formateas well as hippurate. The latter metaboliteappeared in individuals who demonstratedlow levels of alcohol intake andconsumed high levels of dietary fiber.“With this approach, we now openup a new method that can clarify howdifferent dietary patterns affect metabolismand relate to differences in bloodpressure, coronary disease, and stroke,”Dr. Stamler said.ward rounds summer 2008 27


<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> NewsGrads urged to exhibit leadership in all they doAs the 1,400 family members and friends of the Class of 2008took their seats at the medical school’s graduation convocationon May 16, live music performed by a trio of first-year medicalstudents added a festive note to the joyous occasion. Chicago’sNavy Pier provided the backdrop for the ceremony that celebratedthe achievements of the 168 students who earned a medicaldegree this year from <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s FeinbergSchool of Medicine.J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, presided over his first graduationceremony as Lewis Landsberg Dean of the FeinbergSchool and offered his heartfelt congratulations to the graduatingclass for a job well done. “You have no doubt graduatedmany times before from middle school, high school, college,and now medical school. To get to this stage, you have workedextraordinarily hard and accomplished much,” remarked DeanJameson. “This is your day to celebrate nearly two decades offormal education—a truly remarkable accomplishment.”He noted the great transitions that the graduates wouldmake from this day forward, including moving to new cities toengage in specialty training or pursue additional academicdegrees. For many of these new doctors, internships will give amajority of them the opportunity to hone their clinical skillsand more fully grasp the responsibility they have been given toprovide their patients with the best of care and compassion.“Patients will now call you doctor and entrust you with theirmost prized possession—their health,” said Dr. Jameson. “Duringyour training, the learning curve will be steep, but it will beexciting and invigorating. You will find that <strong>Northwestern</strong> hasprepared you well for this new chapter in your lives.”Describing the Class of 2008 as a multifaceted techno-savvygroup that has embraced a global view of health care and science,the dean suggested that the new grads look at medicine asa team-based endeavor. Their challenging future role as practicingclinicians will increasingly involve engaging and coordinatingthe skills of a variety of health professionals in the deliveryof patient care. While the days and months ahead might be harriedand frustrating at times, Dr. Jameson urged the medicalschool’s newest alumni to hold on tightly to all the reasons andfactors that originally brought them to <strong>Northwestern</strong>.“I encourage you to retain your passion, core values, altruism,desire to cure sickness, and willingness to comfort whencure is not possible,” he said. “These values should guide youfor the rest of your careers.”While the convocation program recognized the achievementsof the graduates, it began by honoring faculty memberVinky Chadha, MD, assistant professor of medicine. This 1991medical school alumnus received the 2008 George H. Joostaward for outstanding teaching. Senior class member Arjun28 ward rounds summer 2008


Venkatesh presented the award, highlighting Dr. Chadha as awell-respected teacher who serves as an inspirational rolemodel to his students.Donald E. Wesson, MD, professor of medicine and vicedean at Texas A&M <strong>University</strong> College of Medicine, presentedthe keynote address on “Leadership in Medicine: Society’sNeed, Our Opportunity.” He congratulated the graduates onjoining what he described as one of the most glorious andrewarding of professions and urged them to live up to society’sexpectations of physicians as caregivers and leaders.“You are about to enter a wonderful profession that is goingthrough tremendous change—change that you as a medical professionalwill have to manage,” remarked Dr. Wesson. “Ratherthan simply managing it, I challenge you to lead that change.”Dr. Wesson encouraged the new graduates to considerhow—from motives to methods—they will serve as leaders, asothers will follow their example. He said, “Those around us listento what we say and often do what we do even if we are notconscious that our behaviors are being watched and followed.”Physicians should not take lightly these “unconsciously”taught lessons and the influence they have on their communitiesthrough their own conduct, according to Dr. Wesson.Delivering the senior class message, David I. Rosenthal,MD ’08, of Miami reflected on the epic journey that he and hisLeft: Keynote speaker Dr. Donald Wesson impresses upon theaudience the important role of physicians as leaders in all aspectsof their lives. Center: Graduating on a beautiful May day in Chicagobrings out the smiles of (from left, back row) Erich Gauger,Alexander Korutz, Varun Kshettry, Christopher Anderson, (fromleft, front row) Suchetha Sastry, Heather Greenwood, and KatrinaChaung. Top: Taking in a little sun before donning their caps andgowns are (from left) Jocelyn Torcolini, Katherine Kalmanek, andJennifer Schwab. Middle: Wearing congratulatory flower leis, DarwinYip enjoys the post-convocation reception with his uncle, TonyWong. Bottom: Zara Grace Campbell gets in on the fun by wearingmom and new graduate Celeste Thomas’ graduation cap.ward rounds summer 2008 29


<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> NewsSeniors enjoylunch on us!The transformation from medical schoolgraduate to <strong>Northwestern</strong> alumnus takesplace in a flurry of activity during graduationweek. The <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>Medical Alumni Association, for example,welcomed its soon-to-be newestmembers—the Class of 2008—at a graduationluncheon held at the Ritz-Carltonhotel on May 15.This year’s event provided the medicalschool with another opportunity to congratulateits senior students. It also gavethe class a chance to applaud the accomplishmentsof three members whoreceived awards at the luncheon. Of specialnote were two student awards thatwere recently named in honor of outstandingphysician role models andalumni Neil J. Stone, MD ’68, GME ’75,professor of clinical medicine, and the lateKenneth M. Viste, MD ’66, GME ’70.Medical student Vasantha Kolavennuof Fremont, California, received the NeilStone Award for <strong>Northwestern</strong> MedicalStudents in recognition of her commitmentto professionalism and compassionin medicine. This award was recentlyestablished by distinguished Chicagoattorney and <strong>Northwestern</strong> alumnusNewton N. Minow. Arjun K. Venkateshof Dayton, Ohio, was honored with theKenneth M. Viste Student Service RecognitionAward. And the Frederick StennAward, for the demonstration of humanismand compassion in the practice ofmedicine, went to Ethan Molitch-Hou ofRiver Forest, Illinois.Left: Senior medical students (from left) Julian D’Achille, JessicaSlomski, and Jamie Kramer wouldn’t think of missing the graduationluncheon, a medical school tradition.Two <strong>Northwestern</strong> alumni recalled memories of their own medicalschool graduations from a slightly different perspective: eachhad the honor of hooding a loved one at the graduation convocation.Center: Medical school faculty member Irwin Benuck, MD’79, PhD, poses with his son Russell. Right: Richard Ferkel, MD ’77,takes in the momentous occasion with son Eric.fellow classmates embarked upon four years ago. They possessed“minimal knowledge of the voyage ahead” and the waters theywould explore. He likened their new white coats to a very shortlife jacket that would soon be fortified by one of the most crucialtenets of the medical profession: first, do no harm.Now with more knowledge and skills, the Class of 2008 canlook forward to different challenges on the next part of theirjourney. As they span out across the country, Dr. Rosenthalurged the graduating seniors not to forget their commitment tothe moral enterprise of medicine.“We have a responsibility to act in the best interest of ourpatients even as our giant health care system becomes moredifficult to figure out and our view becomes more focused andspecialized, subspecialized, and even nano-specialized,” he said.“We must strive to better the world around us, advocate forthose who need assistance, and be leaders in our communities.”The convocation ended in very much the same way medicalschool at <strong>Northwestern</strong> began for the Class of 2008 four yearsago—with the recitation of the Physician’s Creed. Then thebeaming new graduates marched out of the Navy Pier GrandBallroom to celebrate a champagne toast with Dean Jamesonand heartily cheer the completion of a major step in theircareers in medicine. Congratulations Class of 2008!Cheryl SooHoo30 ward rounds summer 2008


Faculty members receive notable accoladesStephen L. Adams, MD, GME ’82,professor of medicine and chief of thesports medicine division, became president-electof the Major League Baseball(MLB) Team Physicians Associationduring the group’s winter meeting inNashville. The team physician for theChicago Cubs, Dr. Adams also serves aschair of the MLB Medical AdvisoryCommittee in the Office of the MLBCommissioner in New York.Eric W. Boberg, PhD, research assistantprofessor of medicine, was appointedin March as executivedirector forresearch at <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong>’sFeinbergSchool of Medicine.Formerlydirector of researchdevelopment in theDepartment of Medicine for six years, heis responsible for research space management,strategic space planning, and capitalprojects management in his new role.Russell G.Robertson, MD,professor andchair of familymedicine, beganserving his secondfour-year term aschair of the Councilon GraduateMedical Education in May.James J. Foody, MD, professor ofmedicine, began his four-year term asgovernor of the Illinois northern chapterof the American College of Physiciansduring the college’s annual meeting May15–17 in Washington.Sookyong Koh, MD, PhD, assistantprofessor of pediatrics, received theAmerican Academy of Neurology’s 2008Dreifuss-Penry Epilepsy Award forexcellence in epilepsy research.On July 1 David M. Mahvi, MD,joined the Feinberg School as professorof surgery and chief of gastrointestinaland oncologic surgery. He had been afaculty member at the <strong>University</strong> of Wisconsinat Madison since 1989.Ronald W.Hendrix, MD,associate professorof radiology, wasinducted as a fellowof the AmericanCollege of Radiologyon May 18during the group’sannual meeting in Washington.Antoun “Tony” H. Koht, MD, professorof anesthesiology, has been electedto the board of directors of the AmericanSociety of Neurophysiological Monitoringfor a four-year term that began in May.On July 1 James B. Young, MD, professorof medicine and former dean forfaculty affairs at the Feinberg School,became associate provost for faculty affairsat <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>, succeedingJohn Margolis, who is now dean and chiefexecutive officer of NU in Qatar.Alice D. Dreger, PhD, associate professorof clinical medical humanities andbioethics, receivedon April 3 aGuggenheimFellowshipAward, one of fivereceived by<strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong> facultymembers this year.Barbara K. Burton, MD ’73, professorof pediatrics, serves as president ofthe Society for Inherited Metabolic Disordersfor 2007–08.William Small Jr., MD ’90, GME ’94,professor of radiation oncology, has beenelected chair of the Cervix Committeefor the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup,an organization for international cooperativegroups conducting clinical trials ingynecologic cancers.David Smith Oyer, MD, assistantprofessor of clinicalmedicine, receiveda “Father of theYear” award fromthe American DiabetesAssociationat an award ceremonyin Chicagoheld June 12.The GreaterChicago–UpperMidwest Regionof the Anti-DefamationLeaguehonored LaurenStreicher, MD,GME ’83, assistantprofessor of clinicalobstetrics and gynecology, during its15th annual Women of AchievementDinner held March 20 at the FairmontChicago hotel.On June 20 the <strong>Northwestern</strong>Medical Faculty Foundation (NMFF)presented its 2008 Physician ClinicalExcellence Awards. Mark K. Eskandari,MD, GME ’01, associate professor ofsurgery, received the Clinical InnovationAward for developing a premier programin carotid artery stenting at <strong>Northwestern</strong>.NMFF honored Ling Qun Hu, MD,assistant professor of anesthesiology, withthe Clinical Community Service Awardfor his work as director of the internationalmedical mission Operation WalkChicago, which provides free hip andknee replacements for impoverishedpatients here and abroad. The ClinicalCollaboration Award went to Michael J.Schmidt, MD, assistant professor ofemergency medicine, and Richard G.Wunderink, MD, professor of medicine;the two developed and implemented newmodels of care for patients with sepsis.NMFF presented Tanya Simuni, MD,associate professor of neurology, with theClinical Leadership Award for creating amovement disorders program that theAmerican Parkinson’s Foundation recognizedfor its excellence.Philip Greenland, MD, Harry W.Dingman Professorof Cardiologyand senior associatedean for clinicaland translationalresearch, wasinducted as anhonorary fellow ofthe Royal Collegeof Physicians during a ceremony heldJuly 8 in London.ward rounds summer 2008 31


<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> NewsLibrary’s special collections houses rare findsWhen someone asks Ron Sims what he does for a living, he sayshe “takes care of rare books.” It gets better if the questionerprods him for more details. “When I tell people the books arefrom the 1400s, their jaws drop. Everyone loves old books, but600 years old . . . that’s very special.”The Special Collections librarian in <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s GalterHealth Sciences Library, soft-spoken Sims manages to juggle asense of modesty and pride for the impressive collection heoversees. “We’ve only been around 100 years, but it’s a goodcollection,” he says while guiding his visitor through the stacksand past the portrait of the Mayo brothers, Charles HoraceMayo, MD, from the Class of 1888, and his physician brother,William James Mayo. Sims offers with a smile, “They helpedtheir father start a little clinic up in Rochester.”Ron Sims shows 18th-century anatomist Bernhard Siegfried Albinus’book Tabulae sceleti et musculorum corporis humani to<strong>Northwestern</strong> benefactor and alumna Eleanor Baldwin (left) andMichele Jameson. Albinus worked with artist Jan Wandelaar toillustrate the bones and muscles of the human body.Housed behind glass on the second-level atrium of the medicalschool’s <strong>Ward</strong> Building is an exhibit Sims developed featuringthe human eye. It predominately displays images ofLeonardo da Vinci’s drawings of the eye from the 1490s. Not anoriginal but rather a facsimile, the sketchbook offers exact photographicreproductions from da Vinci’s anatomical studies.Sims proudly enthuses about the creator of the Mona Lisa. Heexplains, “Da Vinci played a large role in the beginning of themodern understanding of anatomical structures. Many peopledon’t know that about him.”Sims has a particular fondness for “Leo’s sketchbook.” Healso delights in presenting two clay Cuneiforms that are about4,000 years old. Developed by the ancient Assyrians and consideredthe earliest written language, the wet clay tablets wereinscribed with a stylus and then baked. While they have nomedical significance, the tablets complement the early, printedbooks in the medical school’s collection. Another display casefeatures illustrations from René Descartes’ 1664 text, OnHuman Beings, in which he discusses the function of the senses.Says Sims, “We think of Descartes as a philosopher, but hiswritings included all aspects of the human condition, includinghow he believed the body functioned.”Collecting timelines and other historical materials for theupcoming 150th anniversary of <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’sFeinberg School of Medicine has Sims and others on campushard at work these days. The medical school opened its doorson October 9, 1859. “The tuition was $60 a year. That was a lotof money then,” he says. Sadly, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871destroyed most of the school’s early materials, but Sims still hasplenty of information to draw on. He estimates there are 7,500rare book titles, plus many artifacts, instruments, photographs,and etchings in the collection. For security reasons, he politelydeclines to attach a dollar figure to its considerable worth.<strong>Northwestern</strong> acquired the holdings through purchases,gifts from alumni, and private collectors. The oldest print itemin the collection is a 1483 religious treatise written in Latin byThomas Aquinas. Sims delicately holds the restored velumboundvolume up at eye level, opening it carefully. “You can seeit’s an early typeface. They were trying to imitate the handwrittenscript of the monasteries.”Much of the collection’s treasures reside in a climatecontrolledroom to preserve the precious stock and preventfurther aging or deterioration. On the shelves sit museumqualitypieces: a letter from dentist Dr. John Greenwood to hispatient Lt. General George Washington regarding a $15 chargeto repair his false teeth in 1799, a trephine kit from 1771, and aCivil War-era amputation kit (complete with knifes, saw, andtourniquet). Other notable items include human skulls, a dentalkit from 1854, a death mask from a famous pathologist whodied in 1902, a set of lancets for bloodletting, scores of rarebooks, and a stereoscope from the 1900s. The View-Masterlikedevice allowed medical students to view drawings orphotographs in 3-D.The collection varies widely because it houses artifactsfrom <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s four now-closed professional schools(woman’s medical, dental, nursing, and pharmacy) as well as themedical school. Just outside of the Special Collections’ office isa working dental drill from 1910. The pre-electricity drill has alarge, scary drill bit—a crowd pleaser for library visitors.The busy schedules of students often don’t leave much timefor perusing the collection. The Feinberg School does, however,offer an elective five-week seminar on the history of medicineas part of the Medical Humanities and Bioethics Program. Studentspick a disease or condition and trace it backwards. “It’sfun,” says Sims, who helps facilitate the class. “In the old daysdoctors had no inkling of the immune system, so people wouldoften get well or die regardless of what was done.”Students from the Art Institute of Chicago, who are studyinganatomical drawing, come to <strong>Northwestern</strong> every year to hearSims present on the history of medical illustration. He gives theman overview of the art of the human body from 1478 to the 1920s.32 ward rounds summer 2008


<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> NewsMaster’s program celebrates first graduating classThere’s nothing quite like being the first.The <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong> Master’sProgram in Healthcare Quality andPatient Safety celebrated its first graduatingclass in a convocation ceremonyheld in the Rubloff Building Atrium onJune 21. The 18-month interdisciplinaryprogram has the distinction of being thefirst and only one of its kind in thecountry, although other programs maysoon follow the medical school’s lead.Administered through the Institutefor Healthcare Studies (IHS), the <strong>Northwestern</strong>program is a collaborationbetween the Feinberg School of Medicineand the Graduate School. The <strong>University</strong>has taken the lead in improving healthcare through the development of thisprogram and draws on the considerablestrengths of its faculty as well as guestlectures by noted national scholars inthese relatively new disciplines, accordingto Donna M. Woods, EdM, PhD,codirector of the program and researchassistant professor of medicine in the IHSand the Graduate School.“This is an important new area withvery few people trained in health carequality and patient safety,” explains Dr.Woods. “As developers of the first programnationwide, we are setting thestandard and actively helping otherinstitutions create similar programs todevelop a master’s-prepared workforcein these fields.” Dr. Woods and fellowprogram codirector and professor ofclinical medicine Kevin B. Weiss, MD,MPH, have already offered their expertiseto a number of universities such asCornell and George Washington.Designed for clinical and nonclinicalprofessionals, the program attractsindividuals interested in acquiring thenecessary skills and knowledge to becompetitive for positions of leadershipin health care institutions, governmentaland policy institutions, and researchcareers in academia—all key entities crucialto improving the delivery of care.The first cohort of six studentsranged from an emergency medicinephysician to a health information technologyadministrator. This academicyear, the program has enrolled 19 studentsin its third class and has, for thefirst time, started to draw individualsSpeaker Dr. Donna Woods has high hopesfor this first group of graduates andfuture leaders in the fields of health carequality and patient safety.from outside of the Midwest. In the fallthe program’s leaders plan to bringtogether representatives from otherinstitutions interested in providinggraduate level education in health carequality and patient safety to brainstormabout the educational components ofthese growing fields. Explains Dr.Woods, “Our hope is to work withothers to establish standards for thislevel of education.”Medical school conducts leadership searchesThe search is on for highly qualified candidates to fill threesenior leadership positions now open at <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’sFeinberg School of Medicine.Philip Greenland, MD, Harry W. Dingman Professor ofCardiology and senior associate dean for clinical and translationalresearch, heads the search committee to recruit the nextdirector of the Institute for Healthcare Studies. Former directorKevin B. Weiss, MD, MPH, stepped down from his position in2007 to become president and chief executive officer of theAmerican Board of Medical Specialties in Evanston, Illinois.The institute focuses on research and education in healthcare quality, patient safety, health care equity, and nationalhealth care policy. The committee is charged with recruiting anationally prominent senior-rank individual with a record ofscholarly excellence in a discipline within the field of healthcare/services research. Applications and nominations may besent to ihst-search@northwestern.edu.Finding the next chair of preventive medicine is the goal of asearch committee headed by David W. Baker, MD, MPH, professorof medicine and chief of general internal medicine. Since2007, renowned clinical nutrition epidemiologist Linda V. VanHorn, PhD, RD, professor of preventive medicine, has servedas the department’s interim chair. She stepped into the rolewhen Dr. Greenland moved to his new position.The Department of Preventive Medicine plays a prominentrole in promoting health education and public policy and hasbeen home to several landmark research studies such as theWomen’s Health Initiative, Coronary Artery Risk Developmentin Young Adults, Multiethnic Study of Atherosclerosis,and INTERMAP, a study of dietary factors contributing tohypertension. The committee seeks an internationally recognizedleader with a substantial record of achievement in preventivemedicine. Applications and nominations may be sent topreventivemed-search@northwestern.edu.Louis Feinberg Professor and chair of ophthalmology LeeM. Jampol, MD, has announced his intention to step down after25 years of service. Heading the search committee for the nextdepartment chair is Robert Kern, MD, professor and chair ofotolaryngology—head and neck surgery. The 11-member committeeintends to recruit an outstanding and well-respectedleader who possesses the ability to support and advance all ofthe medical school’s missions. Applications and nominationsmay be sent to ophthalmology-search@northwestern.edu.34 ward rounds summer 2008


Honoring 25 years of serviceThe medical school celebrated the 25-year service anniversariesof 44 faculty members on June 4 with a reception and dinner atthe Wyndham Chicago hotel. Those attending included (front row,from left) Drs. Takashi Nishida, Ramona Slupik, Alan Friedman,Joseph Morello, Frank Weschler, Hector Gomez, Steven Swiryn,Marilynn Frederiksen, and Christine Malwitz; (middle row,from left) Drs. Janet Peden, Eugene Anandappa, and Jeri Morris;(back row, from left) Drs. Martin Joffe, Robert Havey, LeonardWade, Richard Scarpulla, John Garnett, Howard Arof, J. DouglasVan Arsdale, and Gilla Davis.CMH breaks new groundA colorfully decorated tent greeted the more than 1,000 guestswho attended the April 21 groundbreaking ceremony for theAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Scheduledto open in 2012, the new 288-bed replacement facility for Children’sMemorial Hospital (CMH) will be located at 225 East ChicagoAvenue. Philanthropist Ann Lurie fittingly celebrates the eventwith Chicago-area children (from left) Declan Corey, Casey Jackson,and Joshua Espinoza.Dr. Douglas Vaughannamed new chair of theDepartment of MedicineDouglas E. Vaughan, MD, joined <strong>Northwestern</strong> June 1 as theIrving S. Cutter Professor and chair of medicine. He comes tothe Feinberg School after serving as the C. Sidney BurwellProfessor of Medicine and chief of cardiovascular medicine atVanderbilt <strong>University</strong>.Dr. Vaughan received his medical degree from the <strong>University</strong>of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 1980 and completedhis training in internal medicine at Parkland MemorialHospital and the Dallas VA Medical Center, where he served aschief resident from 1983–84. For the next five years, he went onto complete a fellowship in cardiology at Brigham and Women’sHospital in Boston, research fellowship in medicine atHarvard <strong>University</strong>, clinical fellowship in interventional cardiologyat Brigham, and fellowship in the Center for Thrombosisand Vascular Research at the <strong>University</strong> of Leuven in Belgium.He joined Vanderbilt’s faculty in 1993.An accomplished clinician, teacher, and scientist, hisresearch interests include the role of the plasminogen activatorsystem in cardiovascular disease and tissue remodeling, thebiochemistry and molecular biology of mammalian fibrinolysis,and regulation of vascular gene expression. Dr. Vaughancurrently is principal investigator on four major grants fromthe National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute that addressresearch questions ranging from the basic mechanisms to thepotential innovative therapies of cardiovascular disease. Heholds several patents relating to control of thrombosis andclot dissolution.Dr. Vaughan serves on a number of editorial boards, includingCirculation, the premier journal in cardiovascular medicine.ward rounds summer 2008 35


<strong>Ward</strong> <strong>Rounds</strong> NewsThree esteemed medical school leaders pass onNathaniel BerlinNathaniel I. Berlin,MD, of Aventura,Florida, anoted cancerresearcher and formerdirector of theRobert H. LurieComprehensiveCancer Center of<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>, died at age 87on March 5. Dr. Berlin headed the centerfrom its founding in 1974 until he retiredfrom <strong>Northwestern</strong> in 1987 as the GenevieveE. Teuton Professor Emeritus ofMedicine.Steven T. Rosen, MD ’76, GME ’81,succeeded Dr. Berlin as Genevieve E. TeutonProfessor and director of the LurieCancer Center. “Dr. Berlin provided mewith significant support and guidance,”he recalls. “His wisdom was alwaysappreciated, and his joy for the success ofthe Lurie Cancer Center was gratifying.He was part of our family and will betruly missed.”Dr. Berlin earned a bachelor’s degreein chemistry from Case Western Reserve<strong>University</strong> in 1942 and an MD degree in1945 and a PhD degree in medical physicsin 1949 from the <strong>University</strong> of Californiaat Berkeley. He joined the U.C. Berkeleyfaculty in 1949 and served four years.After two years as a medical officer withthe Armed Forces Special Weapons Project,Dr. Berlin joined the National CancerInstitute (NCI) where he held severalpositions from 1956 to 1975, includingchief of the metabolism service; scientificdirector of general laboratories and clinics;and director of the Division of CancerBiology and Diagnosis.After retiring from <strong>Northwestern</strong>, Dr.Berlin served five years as deputy directorof the Sylvester Comprehensive CancerCenter at the <strong>University</strong> of Miami andretired as professor emeritus of medicinein 1992.Dr. Berlin was preceded in death byhis wife, Barbara, in 1990. He is survivedby a son, Marc, of Aventura, and a daughter,Deborah Ligenza, of Chicago.Michael LeschHis name will beforever linked to arare hereditarydisorder that hehelped identifyand he will beremembered bythe many residentshe trained, butthose who knew Michael Lesch, MD,also knew of his passion for trout fishing.Former chief of cardiology at <strong>Northwestern</strong>from 1976–89, Dr. Lesch diedMarch 27 in his sleep while on a fishingtrip in Argentina. He lived in Englewood,New Jersey.Lawrence L. Michaelis, MD, professorof surgery, first met Dr. Lesch in 1975when they both were new faculty members.In a tribute, Dr. Michaelis wrote,“We started our lunch discussing the newprofessional obligations awaiting us . . .then we discovered our passion for fishingand spent the rest of the afternoontalking about wet flies and our love of therivers and lakes of the high North.”Born in Queens, New York, Dr. Leschreceived his bachelor’s degree fromColumbia <strong>University</strong> and MD degreefrom Johns Hopkins <strong>University</strong> where healso completed a residency in internalmedicine. He went on to a research fellowshipat the National Institute of MentalHealth in Bethesda, Maryland, and acardiology fellowship at Peter BentBrigham Hospital (now Brigham andWomen’s Hospital) in Boston.While a medical student, he conductedresearch with William L. Nyhan, MD,discovering a disorder (called the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome) in which individualsfrequently bite their lips and fingers, oftenleading to amputations.After leaving <strong>Northwestern</strong> in 1989,he served as chair of medicine at HenryFord Hospital and Health System inDetroit. In 1998 Dr. Lesch joined St.Luke’s Hospital in Manhattan as chairof internal medicine and Columbia asprofessor of medicine.Survivors include wife Bella, daughterLeah, son Ian, and six grandchildren.Philip PatersonA <strong>Northwestern</strong>faculty memberfor nearly 43 years,Philip Y. Paterson,MD, died May 20of cancer in Evanston,Illinois. Hewas 83.Not only wasDr. Paterson a renowned scientist andinspiring teacher, but he was also a dedicatedfamily man, an accomplished violinist,and a published creative writer.Those who knew him will remember hiswarm smile, keen wit, and bow ties.Born in Minneapolis, he earned hisbachelor’s and medical degrees from the<strong>University</strong> of Minnesota. He served hisinternship at Minneapolis General Hospitaland completed research fellowships atTulane <strong>University</strong>, Walter Reed MedicalCenter, and the <strong>University</strong> of Virginia.Author of more than 250 scientificpublications on infectious diseases, microbiology,and neuroimmunology, he alsoserved as associate editor of the Journal ofInfectious Diseases from 1979–85. Amonghis many honors, he received a JavitsNeuroscience Investigator Award fromthe National Institutes of Health in 1986.Dr. Paterson joined <strong>Northwestern</strong> in1965 to build an infectious diseases program.In 1975 he stepped into a new roleas chair of microbiology—immunology.On his first day on the job, he ran intothen-Dean James E. Eckenhoff, who said,“I’m counting on you to set an example ofwhat can be done.” Build the departmenthe did, recruiting talented junior facultymembers who developed their own stellarreputations. In 1987 Dr. Paterson steppeddown as chair and moved with wife Virginia,“Ginny,” to Eagle River, Wisconsin,where he took up creative writing andplayed the violin in a community orchestra.Following his wife’s death in 1998, hewas remarried to Doris O’Briant andreturned to Evanston.Survivors include wife Doris, sonsPeter and Benjamin, daughter AnneMaillette, sister Margaret Becker, andfive grandchildren.36 ward rounds summer 2008


President’s MessageAs we enjoy a much overdue summer, we are able toreflect on the changing climate of medicine as well as theseason. Our profession continues to face challenges,among them: cost containment, availability of care for allAmericans, and a shortage of primary care physicians.These issues, particularly providing care to the uninsuredand underinsured, have changed how physicians viewnational health insurance.Recent data from physician surveys in 2007 compared with 2002 data revealsthat increasing numbers of practitioners support government-financednational health insurance. In fact 59 percent—an increase of 10 percent since2002—of those polled were in favor of this concept, as reported in the Annalsof Internal Medicine. The specialties most in favor included psychiatry, pediatrics,and emergency medicine. Whether we will see such reforms in theprovision of health care to all after the November election is anybody’s guess,but the nation as well as the medical community seems ready for change.Our current medical student population appears quite committed to servingneedy families, here and abroad. These individuals will lead their generationof physicians in new directions as the world becomes a smaller, more globallyunited place. The decisions made in this country will serve as a model for thefuture on a worldwide basis. I wish we had the insight to see into the futureand thus make the best choices for today.Sincerely,Bonnie L. Typlin, MD ’74President, Alumni Associationward rounds summer 2008 37


Alumni NewsAlum ‘reaches’ outvia the airwavesDavid G. Preskill, MD ’88, doesn’t want the free lunch courtesyof pharmaceutical reps who call on doctors’ offices around thecountry to offer the latest drug information—and food. Figuringthat his fellow time-pressed physician colleagues could usea vehicle for more “honest” communication, this practicingobstetrician-gynecologist decided to reach out to them in amanner they would appreciate and respect.In April 2007 Dr. Preskill’s newly founded media companybased in Highland Park, Illinois, ReachMD, launched the firstand only 24/7 XM satellite radio network developed by and formedical professionals. Hosted by practicing physicians, theradio channel provides up-to-the-minute health care and medicalinformation via interviews with the nation’s thought leaders.Almost a year ago this October, ReachMD began offering live,online streaming of its programming and continuing medicaleducation content. Today this communications companyboasts 250,000 listeners; more than half identify themselves asphysicians and the remainder, as health care professionals.“The pharmaceutical industry can’t figure out how to get 90seconds with us [physicians],” says Dr. Preskill, the company’sfounder and chief medical officer. “Here with ReachMD, wehave physicians who are voluntarily spending their time listeningto our programming either on air or on demand.”Forty-eight percent of ReachMD’s audience members tune into the channel for more than 90 minutes a week. In contrast, theaverage radio listener spends about three hours a week listeningto the airwaves. Says Steve Ennen, president of programming forReachMD, “Our ability to capture half of the listening time of analready time-crunched professional audience is truly amazing.”On the dial at XM 157, ReachMD features everything andanything general practitioners as well as specialists may findeducational or informative. Created in 15-minute segments,programming can range from clinical research updates and policyreports to best health care practices and topical issues. Duringthe height of the presidential primary season, for example,ReachMD aired presidential candidates’ views on health policy.“Reaching the primary care physician is our number onegoal,” explains Ennen. “The research shows that for these physiciansto stay current with the medical literature, they wouldneed to read more than one million documents a year. That’s animpossible task.”ReachMD keeps practicing physicians up to date with thehelp of a team of broadcast and medical professionals. Thecompany’s director of programming and content is a physicianwho serves as a technical consultant. Media savvy producersmonitor the top 75 medical and scientific journals, looking forbreaking news in medicine and science to expand upon and turninto programming for the channel. ReachMD’s editorial contentgroup features a hefty dose of <strong>Northwestern</strong> alumni as wellas faculty members. In fact, several of the channel’s trainedguest hosts have ties to the Feinberg School, such as Lisa C.Mazzullo, MD, and Lauren Streicher, MD, both assistant professorsof clinical obstetrics and gynecology. Experts in theirAlthough he harbors no grand ambition to be “on air,” Dr. DavidPreskill thrills in the creativity of developing radio programmingthat serves busy practitioners like himself.field, the two physicians host a radio show series Advances inWomen’s Health.A solo practitioner, Dr. Preskill delivers some 30 to 50babies a month. He came up with the concept of ReachMDwhile driving the 15 or so miles between his home in HighlandPark and Condell Medical Center in Libertyville where hepractices. With much of his time spent in his car, he had time toreflect on the continuing education of practicing physicians.“Once you leave medical school and residency training and areout in the real world, rarely do you have one-on-one conversationswith your peers,” says Dr. Preskill, who completed hisresidency in obstetrics and gynecology in 1992 at Chicago’sColumbus Hospital. “At educational events, you generallyhave a lecturer talking to 50, 100, 200 people at a time.“With ReachMD we give our listeners an opportunity to hearconversations between physicians in a casual, relaxed format.The radio show hosts, many of whom are practicing physicians,ask questions of guests that the typical doctor might ask.”Dr. Preskill sees himself as the “average” practitioner, busytrying to make a living doing something he enjoys and spendingtime with his wife, Nadine, and their four children: Jacob, 18;Isabel, 15; Guy, 12; and Bennett, 9. Dr. Preskill volunteers in hiscommunity, one in which he lives practically next door to thehouse where his parents raised him and his two siblings. Livingthe life of the practicing physicians who his start-up companystrives to “reach and teach,” Dr. Preskill and his business associateshave brought a unique concept to the marketplace.38 ward rounds summer 2008


“In my many years of working in marketing and advertising,I’ve learned that consumer insight drives the success of productmarketing. In the case of ReachMD, we have a physician’sinsight,” says Gary Epstein, the new venture’s chief executiveofficer. Epstein most recently served as chief marketing officerfor the American Medical Association and joined ReachMDabout a year ago. “David has a good understanding of our targetaudience. He is an incredibly creative individual with bigthoughts. He’s the guy in the room who is the optimist.”Getting ReachMD off the ground has exposed Dr. Preskillto an environment somewhat removed from medicine. He hasmet movers and shakers in the media industry and been interrogatedby them, too. “I remember one meeting where the presidentof programming for a satellite radio company was grillingme on the concept,” recalls Dr. Preskill. “I literally broke underthe pressure and said, ‘Slow down. I really am just a physician!’Everyone in the room started laughing.”Dr. Preskill views as an asset his complete honesty about hispassion for an idea that popped into his head during his dailycommute. Even a year after celebrating ReachMD’s first anniversary,he can’t believe the number of listeners—physiciansjust like him—who “turn their radio dial” to XM 157. RemarksDr. Preskill, “ReachMD touches more people than I will evermeet in a lifetime.”For more information about ReachMD, visit www.reachmd.com. Use the promotional code “alum” to log on, explore thesite, and listen online to ReachMD’s radio programming.Cheryl SooHooFeinberg, Kellogg School alumsparticipate in joint programMedical school alumnus and <strong>University</strong> trustee Dr. Drew Senyei(second from right) hosted a presentation “Healthy Profits:Bringing to Market Revolutionary Healthcare Technologies” inDana Point, California, on April 30. This <strong>Northwestern</strong> eventfeatured a panel of Feinberg School of Medicine and KelloggSchool of Management faculty experts and represented the firstjoint alumni program effort between the schools. Faculty membersenjoying a moment outdoors with Dr. Senyei (MD ’79)include (from left) Drs. D. James Surmeier, chair of physiology;Alicia Löffler, director of the Kellogg Center for BiotechnologyManagement; and Doug Losordo, director of the FeinbergCardiovascular Research Institute.


ALUMNI NEWSAlumni board meeting highlights new PrenticeAttendees at Alumni Weekend 2008 hadthe opportunity to tour the new PrenticeWomen’s Hospital that opened lastOctober, so it seemed fitting that ShermanElias, MD, Thomas J. Watkins Professorand chair of obstetrics andgynecology, should update members ofthe Alumni Association National Boardon the new facility as well as his specialty.J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD, vicepresident for medical affairs and LewisLandsberg Dean, told the board memberswho met April 26 in the BaldwinAuditorium that ob-gyn is a “departmenton the move as evidenced by rankings,resident applications, and thepatients who want to come here.”The new hospital, Dr. Elias said, isbelieved to be the largest of its kind in theworld with 17 floors, 1 million squarefeet of space, 134 obstetric beds, fouroperating rooms for Caesarean deliveries,85 newborn intensive care units, twofloors of diagnostics, and 10 operatingrooms. The hospital also contains 36medical/surgical/gynecology beds thatwill eventually be moved to a new facilityto be built on the site of the formerVA Lakeside Medical Center.Not only is the new Prentice technologicallyup to speed, it was designedspecifically for women. “Everything iscurved to reflect the softness of women,”said Dr. Elias, “while the leaf motifreflects life and growth.” Beautiful,soothing artwork lines the walls.Dr. Elias predicted that the new facilitymight become the largest maternitycenter in the country in the next coupleof years. With 10,800 deliveries duringthe last calendar year, Prentice is nowranked sixth or seventh in volume.When Dr. Elias came to <strong>Northwestern</strong>in 1976 for a fellowship in human genetics,the C-section rate was 5 percent, andnow it’s 28-plus percent with other facilitiesas high as 35 percent. What caused theincrease? “We’ve seen a decrease in vaginalbirths after C-section because the malpracticesituation makes any complicationuntenable,” he said. “A decrease in forceddeliveries, breech deliveries, and the vaginalbirth of multiples has created a skyrocketingrate of C-sections. Using theoperating room for deliveries is a majortrend shift in obstetrics.”Since women’s health involves everyarea of medicine, the ob-gyn departmenthas created multidisciplinary approacheswith other disciplines, including urology,surgery, psychiatry, cardiology, andendocrinology.Safety is a major focus and successstory at Prentice, which has initiatedmany programs to make labor and deliverysafer. Dr. Elias pointed out that due torapid testing for HIV, not a single transmissionof the virus to a fetus has occurredduring the past six to seven years.Since prematurity is a major problemin the nation, especially in multiplebirths, the department participated in astudy that demonstrated that injectionsof progesterone help reduce prematurebirths. The next study will see if thisworks in multiple births.“We want to be an epicenter for clinicaltrials,” said Dr. Elias. “It’s importantfor us to be a leader in ob-gyn research.”Research funding in the Departmentof Obstetrics and Gynecology has morethan quadrupled in the last five years.Left: Dr. Sherman Elias, chair of obstetricsand gynecology, updates alumni leaderson the capabilities of the new PrenticeWomen’s Hospital as well as advancesin his specialty. Right: Dr. Gene Laker, aco-class representative, reviews materialsduring the meeting.In the educational arena, Dr. Eliasproudly related that this year ob-gynreceived more than 700 applicants for10 residency slots. The department alsooffers fellowships in maternal-fetalmedicine, reproductive endocrinologyand fertility, family planning and contraception,and gynecologic oncology.“Five years ago we just had fellowshipsin maternal-fetal medicine,” he said.“Now we’re working on a new urogynecologyfellowship with Tony Schaeffer[Kretschmer Professor and chair ofurology], which will bring us to offeringall the possible fellowships in ob-gyn.”The department also offers a master’sdegree in human embryology to trainindividuals to run in vitro fertilizationlabs and a master’s degree in geneticcounseling, both under the auspices ofthe Graduate School.As for the move of Children’s MemorialHospital to the Chicago campus in2012, Dr. Elias commented, “The clinicalcare will be seamless and immediate. Theeducational opportunities will improveas ob-gyn residents interact daily withpediatric residents.”Ellen Soo Hoo40 ward rounds summer 2008


Progress NotesAwards&HonorsThis new Progress Notes Awards &Honors section highlights the recentprofessional accomplishments of <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong>’s Feinberg School ofMedicine alumni. While the regularProgress Notes section will continue toserve as a forum for former classmates toshare personal information such as lifeachievements, hobbies, travels, andfamily updates, this new section of themagazine will provide alumni with avehicle for relaying the latest news aboutcareer advancements, honors and awards,and contributions to their profession.Send items—professional or personal—for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.edu or the street addresson page 55.Ermilo Barrera Jr., MD, GME ’85, ofSouth Barrington, Ill., received theExcellence in Teaching Award fromEvanston <strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare.Daniel S.Duick, MD ’67, ofScottsdale, Ariz.,was elected presidentof the AmericanAssociation ofClinical Endocrinologists(AACE)at its 17th AnnualMeeting and Clinical Congress inOrlando, Fla., in May. The executiveofficer overseeing all of AACE’s operations,he is the principal spokespersonfor the association.David P. Winchester, MD ’63, GME’70, of Glencoe, Ill., was honored with thecreation of an endowed chair in his nameat Evanston <strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare(ENH); in April he received the FeinbergSchool’s Dean’s Award for OutstandingService to the school and/or alumni association.Wife Marilyn, son David, anddaughter-in-law Doris were on hand tocelebrate Dr. Winchester’s award presentationat the Reunion Ball held duringAlumni Weekend. In May David J. Winchester,MD ’86, GME ’92, of Winnetka,Ill., became the first incumbent of theENH Board of Directors/David P. WinchesterChair of Surgical Oncology.Although Richard C. Boronow, MD’59, of Brandon, Mo., retired from practiceat the end of 2007 that didn’t stophim from presenting a paper at theannual meeting of the Society of GynecologicOncologists (SGO) earlier thisyear. In March he was keynote speaker atthe 25th annual meeting of the Society ofGynecologic Nurse Oncologists. Heshares, “During my presidential yearwith the SGO, one of my initiatives wasto sow the seeds for the creation of thenurses’ organization. They call me theirgodfather!” Last summer he had thehonor of giving the first annual HughR.K. Barber Memorial Lecture at LenoxHill Hospital in New York City. The lateDr. Barber was the former chair ofobstetrics and gynecology for the hospitaland a “mentor and longtime dearfriend” of Dr. Boronow.In April the Institute of Medicine ofChicago honored Wayne N. Burton,MD, GME ’77, of Hinsdale, Ill., with thePortes Award for Excellence in DiseasePrevention.Kenneth L. Rodino, MD ’79, of Chicagohas celebrated a three-peat when itcomes to teaching honors. This directorof obstetrical anesthesiology was votedteacher of the year for the third time bythe anesthesiology residents at the <strong>University</strong>of Chicago Medical Center.Susan Anderson Kline, MD ’63, ofSouthport, Conn.,received an honorarydoctor of sciencedegree at the149th commencementof New YorkMedical College.Vice provost ofuniversity studentaffairs and executive vice dean of academicaffairs for the college, she gave thatschool’s 2008 commencement address onMay 21 in New York’s Carnegie Hall.Joseph A. Caprini, MD, GME ’67,MS ’72, of Northfield, Ill., is presidentelectof the American Venous Forum andwill begin serving his term as presidentnext February. In June the Society forVascular Surgery designated him a distinguishedfellow.John T. Clarke, MD, GME ’75, ofChicago received the medical school’sAlumni Service Award during theReunion Ball held during Alumni Weekendin April.The National Alliance on Mental Illness(NAMI) of Summit County, Ohio,honored Steven W. Jewell, MD ’74, ofRichfield, Ohio, with the Advocate ofthe Year Award.This award waspresented in Mayin appreciation foroutstanding advocacyand educationfor the benefit ofthe mentally illand their families.In addition, he recently was elected tothe board of trustees of NAMI Ohio. Heserves as medical director of Child Guidanceand Family Solutions.Jerome C. Cohen, MD ’79, GME’82, of Binghamton, N.Y., was elected inMay as chief of gastroenterology forOur Lady of Lourdes Hospital in thatcity. He also is serving his third term asvice speaker of the House of Delegatesfor the Medical Society of the State ofNew York.The American College Health Association(AMCH) presented David P. Kraft,MD ’68, of Amherst, Mass., with the 2008Edward Hitchcock Award. This awardhonors AMCH members who have madeoutstanding contributions to advancingthe health of all college students.Quentin D. Young, MD ’48, ofChicago received the medical school’sDistinguished Alumni Award at AlumniWeekend in April.ward rounds summer 2008 41


ALUMNI NEWSProgress NotesAwards&HonorsAfter completing her first year of achild and adolescent psychiatry fellowshipat the <strong>University</strong> of California atLos Angeles, Marcy Forgey, MD/MPH’04, of Playa del Ray, Calif., was selectedas chief fellow for the 2008–09 academicyear. She serves on the American PsychiatricAssociation Committee on AIDSand recently was chosen for the executiveboard of the American Association ofPsychiatric Administrators.Jay A. Perman, MD ’72, of Lexington,Ky., dean of the College of Medicineand vice presidentfor clinical affairsat the <strong>University</strong>of Kentucky inLexington,received the 2008President’s Awardfor Diversity inApril. This awardis given to those who demonstrate outstandingefforts toward advancing theuniversity’s mission to embrace diversitywhile maintaining academic excellence.Jerome M. Garden, MD ’80, GME’84, of Chicago received the 2008 LeonGoldman Memorial Award for excellencein clinical laser research, patientcare, and medical education by theAmerican Society for Laser Medicineand Surgery at its annual meeting. He ispast president of the society.Nina A. Paleologos, MD, GME ’86,of Evanston, Ill., was endowed with theStanley C. Golder Chair of NeuroscienceResearch at Evanston <strong>Northwestern</strong>Healthcare on June 4. Earlier thisyear, Dr. Paleologos received the 2008Tim Gullikson Spirit Award, presentedeach year by the Tim & Tom GulliksonFoundation to a “patient, caregiver, volunteer,corporation, or benefactor whohas shown extraordinary and uniquecourage, resourcefulness, and ingenuityin battling brain tumors—and in doingso, has given hope to others.”The Illinois chapter of the AmericanCollege of Cardiology recently namedJerome L. Hines, MD, GME ’85, ofHinsdale, Ill., governor-elect.H. Royden Jones Jr., MD, ofWellesley, Mass., received the AmericanAssociation of Neuromuscular and ElectrodiagnosticMedicine’s 2007 DistinguishedPhysician Award in honor of hisservice to the medical community. He hasbeen a member of the association since1973, serving on various committees andas a speaker at its annual meetings.Phillip D.K. Lee, MD ’80, GME ’83,of Boston has been named senior medicaldirector, Global Clinical Development,Endocrinology and Reproductive Healthat EMD Sereno, Inc., in Rockland, Mass.Aleksandar S. Videnovic, MD, GME’05, of Chicago was awarded the Parkinson’sDisease Foundation/AmericanAcademy of Neurology Clinician-ScientistDevelopment Award at the academy’sannual meeting inApril. The project,funded for threeyears, is titled“Circadianrhythm and sleep/wake cycle inParkinson’sdisease patientswith excessive daytime somnolence.”A 2007 Alumni Hall of Fame honoreeat Phoenix College in Arizona,Simon K. Myint, MD ’53, of Newhall,Calif., has established the Simon MyintBurma Scholarship for Science andHealth at that institution to provideassistance for students in the sciences.Phoenix College gave Dr. Myint theopportunity to complete his premedicalstudies when he first arrived in theUnited States from Burma as a teenager.He is now clinical assistant professor ofgeneral and thoracic surgery at MartinLuther King Hospital in Los Angeles.Arnold L. Widen, MD ’53, GME ’55,of Chicago was designated a master ofthe American College of Physicians at itsannual meeting in May. In the samemonth he was re-elected to a second twoyearterm as president of Community-Health, a free clinic in Chicago.In 2008 ShastriSwaminathan,MD, GME ’77, ofChicago began hisone-year term aspresident of theIllinois State MedicalSociety Boardof Trustees.Jonathan P. Piccini, MD ’02, andDeepak Voora, MD ’02, both of Durham,N.C., received the American Collegeof Cardiology Foundation/MerckResearch Fellowship in CardiovascularDisease and Cardiometabolic Disordersat the 2008 American College of Cardiology(ACC) conference held in Chicago.The Merck Company Foundation andACC launched this program in 1981 tofoster the development and training offuture leaders in cardiovascular medicineand biomedical research. Drs. Piccini andVoora are both cardiology fellows atDuke <strong>University</strong>.Stephen F. Sener, MD ’77, GME ’82,of Glenview, Ill., was elected to theAmerican Surgical Association in April.Neil J. Stone, MD ’68, GME ’75, ofWinnetka, Ill., was elected to mastershipof the American College of Physicians atthe May meeting in Washington.David T. Uehling, MD ’59, GME’64, of Beaufort, S.C., has received theWisconsin Medical Alumni AssociationClinical Science Emeritus Faculty Awardfor 2008 in recognition of excellence inteaching, research, and practice. Duringhis four decades as a <strong>University</strong> of Wisconsinfaculty member, he served as chairof urology from 1983–2001. He and wifeLouise now live in the South, where heworks part time in public health pandemicinfluenza preparedness.The American Association for EmergencyPsychiatry has named Scott Zeller,MD ’86, of Orinda, Calif., president-elect.42 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.Progress Notes1943Frank T. Padberg, MD, GME ’52, ofChicago and wife Helen represented hisclass at Alumni Weekend.1946Albert J. Miller, MD, of Highland Park,Ill., professor of medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and wife Gwen showed purple andwhite spirit at the annual reunion.1947Howard S. Traisman, MD, GME ’51, ofEvanston, Ill., and wife Reggie journeyeddowntown for the reunion festivities.1948James A. Boren, MD, of Marinette, Wis.,and wife Doris delighted in AlumniWeekend, as did classmate Frank J. MilloyJr., MD, GME ’49, of Glencoe, Ill.1951Lee Smith Jr., MD, of North Manchester,Ind., and guest Don Michaeltraveled to the Windy City for the annualreunion celebration.1952Reminiscing with classmates at thereunion were G. Williams Cotts, MD, ofHinsdale, Ill., and wife Carol, and E.Richard Ensrud, MD, of Champaign,Ill., and wife Nathalie. An adjunct associateprofessor of preventive medicine at<strong>Northwestern</strong>, Betty M. Hahneman,MD, GME ’54, of Chicago also joinedrevelers at Alumni Weekend. Additionalcelebrants included Arthur D. Poppens,MD, of Hartland, Wis., and wife Mary,and James H. Scatliff, MD, of ChapelHill, N.C.1953David M. Berkson, MD, of Chicago andwife Joan took part in Alumni Weekendfestivities. A semiretired professor ofclinical preventive medicine at the FeinbergSchool, he has participated in theadvances of preventive cardiology for thepast 50 years. Patricia Conard Birk,MD, of Glenview, Ill., and guest ClareClose, MD, joined her classmates at thereunion, as did Leroy Doctor, MD, alsoof Glenview, and wife Peggy. Lester R.Dragstedt II, MD, of Des Moines, Iowa,operated on many veterans during his33-year career “without complaints orlawsuits.” He maintained the onlyACGME-accredited surgery residencyin a VA hospital setting. His wife, Natalie,of 50 years and their six children and14 grandchildren bring him much pride.Dermatologist Donald S. Freiburger,MD, of Tustin, Calif., served as medicalofficer in the U.S. Navy from 1954–56.He and Nelda, his wife of 53 years, areenjoying their retirement. Bernard C.Gerber, MD, GME ’56, of Aberdeen,S.D., and Marcella Gerber reconnectedwith the medical school while on campusfor the annual reunion. Francis J.Kanofsky, MD, of Santa Barbara, Calif.,enjoyed spending time with old friendsat the reunion. William P. Marineau,MD, of Spokane, Wash., traveled manymiles to display his Wildcat spirit atAlumni Weekend. During his 30-yearcareer in general practice, he performedmany surgeries and delivered more than3,000 babies. In retirement he enjoyscommercial piloting and skiing.James I. Morgan, MD, of Wichita,Kan., and wife Harriet joined in thereunion fun. He shares that being able topractice medicine all these years hasbrought him much joy. Sam J. Mulopulos,MD, of Park Ridge, Ill., and wifeHelen displayed school spirit, startingwith his reunion class dinner. Simon K.Myint, MD, of Newhall, Calif., traveledto Chicago to join friends at AlumniWeekend. He enjoyed a long career inthoracic surgery, serving as clinical assistantprofessor at the <strong>University</strong> of Pennsylvania.He keeps up his surgical skillson medical missions. Traveling to all thecontinents in the world, he states that theDrake Passage near Antarctica wasexceptionally grueling.Hermon T. Price Jr., MD, of Tucson,Ariz., has published a humorous 196-page illustrated memoir, There’s SomethingFunny About That. In it he reflectson his experiences in medical school,training, and practice and in the infantryduring World War II. Celebrating themedical school’s progress at AlumniWeekend were Clifford C. Raisbeck Jr.,MD, GME ’61, of Sausalito, Calif., andwife Carole. Garth D. Smith, MD, andJudith Perry Smith, MD, of Burr Ridge,Ill., displayed a double dose of <strong>Northwestern</strong>pride at the annual reunion.Enjoying retirement, they look back ontheir interesting medical practices andlife together raising four great children.Also renewing old ties at Alumni Weekendwere Grandon E. Tolstedt, MD, ofRockford, Ill., and guest Kay Hotchkiss;Dale W. Vandenbrink, MD, of RanchoPalos Verdes, Calif., and wife Ellen; andRussell H. Watt, MD, of Marshalltown,Iowa, and wife Marie. Arnold L. Widen,MD, GME ’59, of Chicago and wife Judystayed right at home to join the fun atthe annual reunion. He serves as medicaldirector for the Office of the IllinoisAttorney General.1954Orville C. Green III, MD, of Evanston,Ill., and wife Nancy reconnected withold classmates at Alumni Weekend, asdid professor of clinical medicine at<strong>Northwestern</strong> Donald H. Singer, MD,also of Evanston, and wife Ruth.1955Representing their class with pride at thereunion were J. Richard Crout, MD,GME ’56, of Bethesda, Md.; James F.Eggert, MD, of Lafayette, Calif., and wifePaulette; David B. Stevens, MD, of Lexington,Ky.; and Edward E. Waller Jr.,MD, of Oakland, Calif., and wife Susan.ward rounds summer 2008 43


ALUMNI NEWSProgress Notes1956Illinoisans Robert W. Boxer, MD, ofWilmette and wife Marsha; Edward J.Fesco, MD, of La Salle; and G. StephenScholly, MD, of Glenview and wife Ellenappreciated the fun of the annual reunionwith friends and classmates.Introducing the Class of 1958!1957Michael A. Polacek, MD, of Milwaukeeand wife Susan traveled to Chicago toattend the Nathan Smith Davis Clubreception among other activities atAlumni Weekend.1958Melvin A. Amundsen, MD, of Rochester,Minn., was chair of preventive medicineat the Mayo Clinic from 1982–90. Aprivate pilot, he is certified for instruments,instruction, and commercial ratings.He takes great pride in havingraised four wonderful children with wifeMary. As a physician, he enjoyed seeingpatients, relieving their pain, and helpingthem lead healthy lives. James C. Andre,MD, of St. Paul, Minn., attended theannual event to help classmates celebratetheir 50-year reunion. Also celebratingthe school’s latest progress at the alumnireunion were John H. Bancroft, MD, ofKearney, Neb., and his wife, Barb. In1965 he returned from military service inGermany to join his father in the practiceof general surgery—the two Bancroftscovered 50 years of surgery in Kearney.His longtime service as chair of the city’spark and recreation board resulted in anew activity center.James F. Bascom, MD, of Manhattan,Kan., applied his general surgeryskills around the world, including Nigeria,Japan, and Saudi Arabia. In 1986 hefounded CMC, Inc., a company thatobtained optical rights for developingarchives of medical journals. More than20 years later, it maintains a unique nichein the publishing arena. In retirement, hehas been happy to see the emergence ofexcellent golf skills. Alfred D. Biggs Jr.,MD, of Kansas City, Mo., and wife Ruthreunited with old friends during theannual reunion. He practiced at KansasThe Reunion Ball at Alumni Weekend served as the perfect venue to introduce membersof the 50-year class who ventured out for an evening of fun, friendship, and fine diningon April 26. Former classmates applaud the introduction of the only female member ofthe class to attend the gala event, Dr. Phyllis Bailey Thurstone.City Internal Medicine for 35 yearsbefore becoming CEO of Health MidwestComprehensive Care. In retirementhe volunteers at a free health clinic. Anavid sailor, he sailed from Florida toBelize last fall. James B. Borgerson,MD, of Mt. Pulaski, Ill., clinical assistantprofessor at Southern Illinois <strong>University</strong>School of Medicine, reconnected with hisalma mater at Alumni Weekend.Dick A.J. Brown, MD, of Needham,Mass., received 24 awards for excellencein teaching during his career as professorof obstetrics and gynecology at Boston<strong>University</strong>. These included the MetcalfCup and Prize, the university’s highestaward. He is most grateful for his wife,Roma, and their four children—all committedto “serving the most helpless inour society.” Lawrence H. Caplan, MD,GME ’59, of New York and wife Dorlenetraveled to the Windy City to helphis classmates celebrate their 50-yearreunion. Lawrence S.K. Chun, MD, ofLas Vegas, Nev., retired in 1989 after 30years as an anesthesiologist at LutheranGeneral Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. Thisformer serviceman then promptly joinedthe Army Reserves for six years, achievingthe rank of colonel before retiringfrom the military. He and wife Angelaenjoyed the annual reunion. Robert G.Clark, MD, of Dublin, Calif., and wifeLark relished the chance to reunite withclassmates at Alumni Weekend.Myles P. Cunningham, MD, of Winnetka,Ill., enjoyed an array of reunionactivities. Robert W. Darter, MD, of St.Helena, Calif., and wife Jan joined therevelers at Alumni Weekend. He remainsactive as a general practitioner. A love ofthe outdoors led him to create his localBoy Scout troop’s high-adventure programs,including 50-mile backpackingtrips and winter snow camping. Duringthe reunion, Neil P. Duncanson, MD, ofNormandy Park, Wash., and wife Maxinealso celebrated with fellow alums atthe Nathan Smith Davis Club reception.He thoroughly has enjoyed his career as apediatrician in the Pacific Northwestwhere he continues to practice part time.The Duncansons have four children and44 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.10 grandchildren. Douglas M. Enoch,MD, of Sacramento, Calif., a neurologicalsurgeon, developed a cerebrovascularclinic utilizing novel techniques to treatunusual stroke. He greatly enjoys flyingas a private pilot, often to fly-fishingspots. He and wife Sylvia traveled to Chicagoto join friends at Alumni Weekend.Edward S. Friedrichs, MD, ofBrown Deer, Wis., and wife Lucy joinedthe reunion activities at the medicalschool. His current interest is the clinicalapplications of psychedelic “herbs,”especially Ibogaine, a treatment foraddiction, depression, and OCD. Alsoreuniting with classmates after 50 yearswere Mark P. Harmeling, MD, of Morristown,Tenn., and wife Miriam. Thisretired orthopaedic surgeon and enthusiastic<strong>Northwestern</strong> alumnus takes greatpride in his family and in successfullypracticing for almost 40 years. James M.Holland, MD, of Wilmette, Ill., and wifeJackie journeyed downtown for AlumniWeekend. A professor of urology at themedical school, he served as associatedean as well as practiced urology atEvanston <strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare for38 years. The Hollands will celebratetheir 50th wedding anniversary this year.Kenneth O. Johnson, MD, of Oconomowoc,Wis., and wife Beth attendedthe annual reunion. A retired pediatrician,he cofounded the Milwaukee MedicalClinic in 1967 and was involved inorganized medicine at the state andnational levels, including six years on theboard of directors of the AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics. In retirement, hekeeps his hand in medicine by adjudicatingmedical claims as an independentconsultant. The Johnsons have fivedaughters and nine grandchildren. Alsoexperiencing reunion excitement wereB. Gus Karras, MD, GME ’59, of LosAltos, Calif., and wife Stella. In a clinicalpractice with three other medical schoolalums, he was a hospital-based radiologistin El Camino, Calif., where he servedas director of mammography and assistantdirector of the radiology department.The couple has four children andseven grandchildren. His words of wisdom:“Retire young!”Robert A. Kreisberg, MD, GME ’62,of Birmingham, Ala., and guest GingerMcKinney did not let distance deterthem from attending Alumni Weekend.A two-time dean of the <strong>University</strong> ofSouth Alabama’s College of Medicine,this former chair and now distinguishedemeritus professor of medicine remainsactive in his subspecialty of endocrinology.He has received numerous awards,among them the Distinguished TeacherAward from the American College ofPhysicians and the Distinguished PhysicianAward from the Endocrine Society.Larry H. Kretchmar, MD, of Los Altos,Calif., and wife Bernis reminisced withclassmates at the annual reunion. Duringhis career as a urologist, he held leadershippositions with El Camino Hospitaland Health Care System and was presidentof the Northern California chapterof the American College of Surgeons. Hecredits some of his success in life to“good DNA and luck.”Also celebrating at this year’s AlumniWeekend were Gene C. Laker, MD, ofFt. Wayne, Ind., and wife Marcia.Founder of a family medicine practice inFt. Wayne, he worked alongside hisyounger brother and physician, Richard,until 1995. A co-class representative, hehas served his alma mater on the Board ofAlumni Councillors and Alumni AssociationNational Board. Ronald C. Larry,MD, of St. Charles, Ill., and wife Peggydid not have to travel far to attend thereunion festivities. Never looking backafter retiring in 2000, he nonethelesscherishes the privilege he had of delivering4,000 babies as an obstetrician. Avidgolfers, the Larrys spend their winters inFlorida living in, of course, a golf coursecommunity. Edwin A. Larson, MD, ofCitrus Heights, Calif., journeyed to Chicagofor the reunion. A retired psychiatrist,he has led a full life filled withactivities ranging from private practice tostarting the “Corner Drug Store” at the<strong>University</strong> of Florida.Hugh B. McCullough, MD, of Sturgis,Mich., and wife Beverly received anupdate on the medical school’s progressat the alumni reunion. After 38 satisfyingyears as a family physician in the closeknitcommunity of Sturgis, he retired in1998. Since then he has led a successfuldrive to establish automated externaldefibrillators in schools, factories, andchurches in his area. Robert Michels,MD, of Scarsdale, N.Y., is Walsh McDermott<strong>University</strong> Professor of Medicineand <strong>University</strong> Professor of Psychiatryat Weill Cornell Medical College. He wasformerly chair of psychiatry and deanand provost for medical affairs. Alan R.Nelson, MD, of Fairfax, Va., and wifeGwen renewed ties at the annualreunion. His career as an internist andendocrinologist included serving as presidentof the American Medical Associationand World Medical Association, aswell as CEO of the American Society ofInternal Medicine. He received a MedicalSchool Distinguished Alumni Award in2003 and <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>Alumni Merit Award in 2005.Kenrad E. Nelson, MD, of Baltimorelearned about the state of his alma mater atAlumni Weekend. A professor of epidemiologyat Johns Hopkins’ BloombergSchool of Public Health, his researchfocuses on HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, andother infectious diseases of Asia and theUnited States. Dr. Nelson and wife KarenNelson, MD, have five children and ninegrandchildren. Robert J. Nelson, MD, ofGalveston, Texas, reconnected with<strong>Northwestern</strong> during Alumni Weekend.He claims he “didn’t sleep all day” as ananesthesiologist practicing in Galesburg,Ill., where he was elected Knox Countycoroner. His move to Galveston in 1983coincided with Hurricane Alicia—theLone Star State’s first billion-dollar storm.David R. Sanderson, MD, of Scottsdale,Ariz., heeded the call to “Go West,”where he helped launch the Mayo Clinic’sexpansion into the Southwest and becamethe Arizona clinic’s chair of internal medicine.Forever proud of his <strong>Northwestern</strong>experience, this former president of theMedical Alumni Association and his wife,Evelyn, attended the medical school’sreunion celebration.ward rounds summer 2008 45


ALUMNI NEWSProgress NotesCelebrating with friends and classmatesat the reunion were Howard S.Sanford, MD, of North Miami Beach,Fla., and wife Margery. He practicedinternal medicine for 30 years in onelocation and after retirement continuedto practice for 12 years at Florida International<strong>University</strong>. P. Philip Scheerer,MD, of Phoenix, Ariz., and wife Aliceenjoyed an array of reunion activities,including the Nathan Smith Davis Clubreception. He practiced hematology inPhoenix for 36 years and received manyawards during his career. His retirementhas been filled with family, traveling,investing, and gardening. Joining classmatesat Alumni Weekend were DonaldM. Sherline, MD, of Scottsdale, Ariz.,and wife Sandra. He served as presidentof the Association of Professors ofGynecology and Obstetrics and helpedfound and lead the organization’s medicaleducation foundation. In retirement,he enjoys competitive skeet shooting.Charles R. Snorf, MD, GME ’63, ofCarmel, Calif., and wife Leslie caught upwith other reunion attendees at the annualevent. Founder of the Lowell D. SnorfMedical Student Scholarship Fund at themedical school, he credits <strong>Northwestern</strong>for his exciting and stimulating career inorthopaedic surgery, which included volunteeringin Vietnam, St. Lucia, and Bhutan.Paul R. Stanley, MD, and wifeShirley traveled to the Windy City to participatein Alumni Weekend festivities. Aresident of Decatur, Ill., his 43 years ofpracticing internal medicine became afamily affair. He worked with his brotherCharles for much of the time, as well assome years with his father, Dean. Gary K.Thomas, MD, of Island Park, Idaho, andwife Sharon celebrated with old friends atthe reunion. He practiced otolaryngologyat the <strong>University</strong> of Utah from 1966–73,and then in Idaho Falls before retiring in1989. He reports that he has become quiteadept at “operating on wood.” The couplehas nine sons, 21 grandchildren, and twogreat-grandchildren.Delighting in the fun of AlumniWeekend activities was Phyllis BaileyThurstone, MD, of Menlo Park, Calif.She specialized in internal medicine andpsychiatry during her career and enjoyedstudying the brain and mind for theinsights they gave into “all that goes intobeing human.” She still travels the world,plays tennis, and studies anything medical.She thanks <strong>Northwestern</strong> for “takinga chance on me—a three-year collegestudent!” Edwin G. Wiens, MD, ofFresno, Calif., gladly reconnected withclassmates during the reunion gala withNaomi, his wife of 52 years. Before retiringfrom internal medicine in 2001, heserved on numerous medical, community,and church committees. His childrenand their service-orientedprofessions bring him much joy.Alon P. Winnie, MD, of DownersGrove, Ill., and guest Peggy Gates didnot have to travel far to join the revelersat Alumni Weekend. During his career,he was chair of anesthesiology at the<strong>University</strong> of Illinois and at CookCounty Hospital. This co-class representativehas written two books—about“love, of course”—one entitled NeverTake a Rainbow for Granted and theother, Windmills without Wind.Nathaniel Wisch, MD, of New Yorkand wife Helen relished the chance toreunite with classmates at the annualevent. A clinical professor of medicine atMt. Sinai School of Medicine, he hasfound immense satisfaction in his clinicalpractice in hematology/oncology, academicactivities, and role as an educator.The Wisch family includes four childrenand five grandchildren. Also celebratingat the reunion were Ernest Wollin, MD,GME ’59, of Venice, Fla., and wife Joan.An inventor of magnetic resonanceelectrical impedance mammography atthe H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center andResearch Institute, he is proud of hiscontributions to the practice of modernclinical radiology and improving thespecificity of breast cancer detection.1959Richard C. Boronow, MD, of Brandon,Mo., and wife Kathryn returned earlierthis summer from a two-week Baltic Seacruise and had an “awesome” time. William“Jack” Frable, MD, and MaryAnne Frable, MD, GME ’64, of Richmond,Va., reunited with classmates atthe reunion. Also enjoying the festivitieswere Lee F. Rogers, MD, of Tucson,Ariz., and wife Donna, and Paul D.Urnes, MD, of Chicago.1960Ira J. Bernstein, MD, of Glencoe, Ill., andwife Susan journeyed downtown forAlumni Weekend. Medical school facultymembers Nancy L. Furey, MD, assistantprofessor of dermatology, and husbandWarren W. Furey III, MD, GME ’63,professor of clinical medicine, both ofHinsdale, Ill., renewed friendships atAlumni Weekend. Melvin V. Gerbie,MD, of Chicago and wife Patti also participatedin the reunion excitement as didclassmate Joseph V. Libretti, MD, of Mt.Prospect, Ill., and wife Beverly.1961Philip J. Ruffalo, MD, of Boise, Idaho,traveled to Alumni Weekend with wifeSammie to learn about all that is new atthe medical school. Feinberg School professorof surgery Robert M. Vanecko,MD, of Chicago and wife Mary Carolalso enjoyed the annual reunion.1962Representing his class at this year’sAlumni Weekend was <strong>Northwestern</strong>’sMedical Alumni Association PastPresident Walter W. Huurman, MD,of Omaha, Neb. He and wife Lindsayenjoyed good food and conversation atthe Nathan Smith Davis Club receptionand other events.1963James J. Conway, MD, GME ’64, ofGlenview, Ill., a radiologist at Children’sMemorial Hospital, attended AlumniWeekend with wife Dolores. Also catchingup with classmates were John P. Gerber,MD, of Gary, Ind., and wife Jennifer,as well as Richard M. Heller, MD, ofNashville, Tenn., and wife Toni. John F.Hick, MD, of St. Paul, Minn., traveledmany miles to join classmates at Alumni46 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.Weekend. This semiretired pediatricianhas provided pro bono care for the past10 years at La Clinica, which serves theLatino population in his area. An activeenvironmentalist, he has been “green”for 20 years! Charles G. Huizenga, MD,of Weston, Mass., displayed school spiritat Alumni Weekend. A pathologist, heplans on retiring this summer from hisspecialty group’s practice. Wife JudithN. Huizenga, MD ’64, is a practicingpsychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Theirhobbies include golfing, hiking, cycling,and running—half-marathons for himand mini-triathlons for her.Susan Anderson Kline, MD, ofSouthport, Conn., loves sailing. Herpassion has prompted not one but twotrans-Atlantic trips.Alexander M. McBride, MD, ofSpearfish, S.D., and wife Lois have takenup golf now that he has retired. If theweather is good, you can find them playingthe front nine in the morning and theback nine in the evening. John B. Nanninga,MD, of Winnetka, Ill., associateprofessor of urology at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and guest Joan Merlo celebrated with fellowalums at Alumni Weekend, as didDavid G. Nesset, MD, of Rochester,Minn., and wife Solveig; and SandraOlson, MD, GME ’68, of Chicago andhusband Ronald. Kent L. Sack, MD, ofPacheco, Calif., reunited with formerclassmates at the reunion gala in Chicago.While in the Marines in the 1960s, heproudly served a tour of duty in Vietnamwhere he provided health care to civilians,mostly children. Now retired, he servedas a founder, charter member, and boarddirector for the multiple HIV/AIDS andLesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender agenciesin the San Francisco Bay Area, includingthe Gay Lesbian Medical Association.Emanuel Semerad, MD, of Inverness,Ill., and wife Janice were brought up todate on the latest changes at the medicalschool. William V.R. Shellow, MD, ofLos Angeles and wife Barbara Shellow,MD, traveled across the country to attendthe reunion. Charles Kent Smith, MD, isDorothy Jones Weatherhead Professor ofMedicine and senior associate dean atCase Western Reserve <strong>University</strong>. Helives in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with wifePatricia Moore, MD. John H. Ten Pas,MD, of Fremont, Mich., practiced orthopaedicsurgery for 36 years. He remains ingood health and enjoys a wonderful familyand “country in which to live.” Ahobby farmer in retirement, he helps wifeMarilyn with her Standardbred horses.1964Representing their class with pride at thereunion were Richard G. Dedo, MD,GME ’69, of Hillsborough, Calif., andwife Barbara; Howard C. Joondeph,MD, of Rochester, Minn., and wife Ann;Howard L. Kidd, MD, GME ’69, ofNeenah, Wis., and wife Mary; HowardL. Schuele, MD, GME ’71, of Belleair,Fla., and guest Eunice Barton; and TimSullivan Jr., MD, of Sterling, Ill., andwife Jeanie.Sailing away to warmer climes1965John A. Stoner, MD, GME ’71, ofAurora, Ill., traveled to the Windy Cityto celebrate a fun-filled reunion.1966Frederick K. Dean, MD, GME ’67, ofGranger, Ind., and wife Ann caught upon the latest news while reuniting withold friends during Alumni Weekend’sNathan Smith Davis Club reception.1967An associate professor of orthopaedicsurgery at <strong>Northwestern</strong> and past presidentof the Medical Alumni Association,Andrew D. Bunta, MD, GME ’74, ofLake Forest, Ill., and wife Susannaenjoyed the annual reunion. President ofthe Nathan Smith Davis Club Mary AnnMalloy, MD, of Oak Brook, Ill., alsoattended many activities at event-filledAlumni Weekend.Gene T. Hamilton, MD ’67, of Greenville, N.C., and wife Sumi continue to winter in Floridaand spend summers in the eastern part of their home state. He reports, “I have no professionalhonors and try my best to be unimportant. This retirement thing is not so bad, a lotfewer people are mad at me for not being on time, and the waiting line to see me is muchshorter. The most exciting thing recently was the removal of a fishhook from my neighbor’sthumb. That all of you should have this much fun! If you’re in the neighborhood,give a shout.”ward rounds summer 2008 47


ALUMNI NEWSProgress Notes1968Richard G. Armstrong, MD, GME ’74,of Madison, Wis., and wife Beverlyattended the Reunion Ball duringAlumni Weekend. Carol W. Booth, MD,of Kenilworth, Ill., and husband Terryenjoyed the reunion activities, as didElmer P. Brestan, MD, GME ’80, ofPensacola, Fla., and wife Margo. HarveyA. Brown, MD, of Rancho Palos Verdes,Calif., and wife Roanna reconnectedwith classmates at Alumni Weekend.John T. Clarke, MD, GME ’75, of Chicagoand wife Bonnie stayed right athome to join the fun of Alumni Weekend.In retirement they enjoy swimming,playing golf and bridge, traveling, and,most of all, their grandchildren. WalterR. Eiseman, MD, of Lakeside Park, Ky.,and wife Jackie traveled to Chicago forthe reunion, as did Stephen H. Embury,MD, of Half Moon Bay, Calif. Wilbur A.Franklin, MD, of Denver thrilled in thefun of the annual event. As professor ofpathology and vice chair of pathology atthe <strong>University</strong> of Colorado, he countsamong his accomplishments contributingto advances in lung cancer research.Chicagoan Richard B. Glass, MD,did not have to travel far to attend thegala reunion. Deputy editor of the Journalof the American Medical Association,he assists in determining the content andinfluence of the publication. As clinicalprofessor of psychiatry at the <strong>University</strong>of Chicago, he is happy to have helpedalleviate the suffering of patients withmental disorders. But best of all, he revelsin “hearing my three-year-old grandsonMarc say, ‘I want to be like you,Pop-Pop.’” John L. Huebner, MD, ofUpper Montclair, N.J., and wife Wendyenjoyed spending time with old pals atthe reunion. Tim B. Hunter, MD, ofTucson, Ariz., and wife Carol participatedin many activities throughout thereunion weekend.Stiles T. Jewett Jr., MD, of Wilsonville,Ore., and wife Kay joined in therevelry at the reunion. Specializing inplastic surgery, he proudly served in andretired from the U.S. Army. His specialinterests include blues and bluegrassmusic. Psychiatrist David P. Kraft, MD,of Amherst, Mass., is thankful for thestrong clinical training he received at<strong>Northwestern</strong>. He feels privileged tohave served in the field of college healthat the <strong>University</strong> of Massachusetts’Health Service for 20 years and in thenational American College Health Associationfor more than 30 years. He isproud of wife Stephanie and their children,Claire Elisabeth and Paul David.Axel Kunzmann, MD, GME ’69, ofBurr Ridge, Ill., reunited with formerclassmates at the reunion. Dianne C.Leeb, MD, of Avon, Colo., returned tothe Windy City for the medical school’sannual reunion. This plastic surgeoncounts as her greatest accomplishmentraising her two sons to be good men.George A. Lewin, MD, of Marina delRay, Calif., and wife Margaret displayedschool spirit at Alumni Weekend. VictorL. Lewis, MD, GME ’77, of Chicago andwife Jayne enjoyed the reunion festivities.A plastic surgeon, he has served asprofessor of clinical surgery at <strong>Northwestern</strong>for 31 years and is grateful forthe opportunity to teach students andresidents. Most importantly, he can’t sayenough about his two great sons. GaryW. London, MD, of Bethesda, Md.,enjoys modern art, wine, golf, andmotorcycles—he received his license atage 52 and began riding Harleys. Aproud <strong>Northwestern</strong> alumnus, he asks,“Thirty-four years in private neurologicalpractice. When will it end?”Celebrating with classmates at his40-year reunion were Gerald L. MillerJr., MD, GME ’73, of Shawnee Mission,Kan., and wife Brigitte. Voted one of thebest doctors in Kansas City in 2006 and2007, he feels it has been a great privilegeto have provided care and deliveredthousands of babies over 35 years of privatepractice. He takes great pride in hisdaughter, Ursula Miller, MD ’00, GME’02, and son, Gerald. Michael M. Ramsey,MD, of Chicago retired from hisinternal medicine practice in 2000 after30 successful years. He and wife Ruth G.Ramsey, MD, GME ’72, radiology, havebeen married for 44 years. F. PeterRentz, MD, GME ’70, of Pittsfield,Mass., returned to Chicago with wifeMary to learn about the medical school’sprogress at Alumni Weekend. A retireddiagnostic radiologist, he brought computedtomography to Berkshire Countyin 1980 and in 1982 introduced transluminalangioplasty. An outdoor enthusiast,he has been active in the maintenanceand administration of the AppalachianTrail for nearly 25 years.Anthony J. Schaeffer, MD, of Hinsdale,Ill., chair of urology at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and wife Kathleen attended theNathan Smith Davis Club reception atthe reunion.Roger E. Sheldon, MD, MPH, ofEdmond, Okla., continues to work fulltime in neonatology at the <strong>University</strong> ofOklahoma Health Sciences Center wherehe is professor of pediatrics and assistantdean for continuing medical education.In his free time he enjoys barbershopsinging and with wife Carol Sheldon,MD, ballroom dancing. Professor ofmedicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong> Neil J. Stone,MD, GME ’74, of Winnetka, Ill., andwife Karla journeyed downtown forAlumni Weekend. Kenneth P. Wolski,MD, of Lebanon, N.J., worked in drugdevelopment in the pharmaceuticalindustry for 30 years. He enthuses,“What a wonderful way to spend a life—doing the highest quality clinical science,living all over the world, and being a partof teams that took small or large moleculesand developed them into medicinessuch as ZOCOR ® , SINGULAIR ® , andHUMIRA ® that have made millions ofsick people better or well.”48 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.1969Gary H. Rusk, MD, of New Yorkattended the Nathan Smith Davis Clubreception during Alumni Weekend.1970Steven A. Azuma, MD, of Kenosha, Wis.,and daughter Beth participated in AlumniWeekend activities. John P. McGee III,MD, of Glenview, Ill., and wife Sharonjoined in on the reunion fun. He is a seniorattending physician in anesthesiology atEvanston Hospital. Voted president-electof the Nathan Smith Davis Club by theAlumni Association National Board,Bruce F. Scharschmidt, MD, of San Franciscodisplayed Wildcat spirit at AlumniWeekend. This former chief of gastroenterologyand professor of medicine at the<strong>University</strong> of California at San Franciscorecently was named chief medical officerfor Hyperion Therapeutics, Inc.Exchanging ideas in South Africa1972Charles M. Reed, MD, of Chicago, withwife Cynthia, represented his classmatesat Alumni Weekend. Myron G. Spooner,MD, of Glen Allen, Va., retired in 2006from the practice of gynecology. He nowvolunteers at Cross-Over Ministries inRichmond and has twice served as agynecologist in Ghana, West Africa. Herecently returned from Nepal where helectured at the SANN College of Biotechnology/Nursing,and participated inthe start-up of Helping Hands CommunityHospital in Katmandu.1973Ann E. Blakely, MD, of Raton, N.M., hasreturned to college after retiring fromdiagnostic radiology. She is studying constructiontechnology, “known in the vernacularas residential carpentry and I’mhaving a ball!” She also is immersed in traditionalIrish music and travels to Irelandwhenever possible. Gordon C. Hunt Jr.,MD, of Sacramento, Calif., is senior vicepresident and chief medical officer at SutterHealth. James P. Kelly, MD, MBA ’07,of Granger, Ind., and wife Christine participatedin the annual reunion. Alsoenjoying the revelry were Frank Sun,MD, of Waukegan, Ill., and wife Sandy.1974Sahag A. Arslanian, MD, traveled fromTarzana, Calif., to participate in thisyear’s Alumni Weekend. Accompanyinghim were wife Rita and children Hagop,Niree, and Lori. President of the AlumniAssociation National Board Bonnie L.Typlin, MD, of Prescott, Ariz., displayedschool spirit at the annual reunion.1975Representing his class at this year’s festivitieswas Marvin S. Peiken, MD,GME ’78, of Northbrook, Ill.Earlier this year, Louis E. Fazen III, MD ’69, of Southborough, Mass., spent two months withthe Eastern Cape Department of Health in South Africa to initiate a physician exchangeprogram. Due to poverty, diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis have become extremelyproblematic in this region. He reports, “We are attempting to develop closer communicationand educational links with the physicians treating patients in provincial hospitals.”1976Claire B. Panosian, MD, GME ’80, ofLos Angeles is president of the AmericanSociety of Tropical Medicine andHygiene. An infectious diseases specialist,she is director of travel and tropical medicineat the <strong>University</strong> of California at LosAngeles (UCLA) Medical Center as wellas professor of medicine at UCLA’s DavidGeffen School of Medicine. Steven T.Rosen, MD, GME ’81, of Evanston, Ill.,director of the Robert H. Lurie ComprehensiveCancer Center at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,served as moderator for the AlumniWeekend continuing medical educationprogram “Advances in Cancer Care.” Heand wife Candice celebrated the past andlooked to the future at Alumni Weekend,as did classmate Thaddeus ZamirowskiJr., MD, of Des Plaines, Ill.ward rounds summer 2008 49


ALUMNI NEWSProgress Notes1977Richard D. Ferkel, MD, of Encino,Calif., and wife Michelle joined revelersat Alumni Weekend. Professor of medicineat <strong>Northwestern</strong> Timothy A. Sanborn,MD, of Chicago attended theNathan Smith Davis Club receptionduring the reunion.1978F. Douglas Carr, MD, of Billings, Mont.,and wife Karla displayed school spiritwhile attending the reunion. He is president-electof the Alumni AssociationNational Board. Another National Boardmember, Carlos A. Flores, MD, of Tucson,Ariz., traveled a distance to attendreunion festivities. Michael J. Foley, MD,GME ’82, of Tampa, Fla., proudlyannounces that his wife, Cheryl, recentlyearned her PhD degree in pharmacology.The couple, along with children Dana andMichael, enjoys adventure traveling. Theyhave gone on an African safari, bikedStill going strong after 30 yearsthrough Italy, and most recently traveledto the Windy City for Alumni Weekend.Edward W. Gabrielson, MD, of GlenArm, Md., reunited with old friends at thereunion, as did class rep Scott J. Greene,MD, MBA ’91, of Highland Park, Ill.,who is associate professor of anesthesiologyat <strong>Northwestern</strong>.Also joining medical school classmatesfor the festivities were Charles C.Hedde, MD, GME ’81, of Vincennes,Ind., and wife Ann. In addition to hiswork as an internist, he is a certified physicianexecutive as well as vice president ofmedical affairs at Good Samaritan Hospital.The Heddes enjoy golfing and reading.Patrick O’Gara, MD, was also anAlumni Weekend attendee. MargaretMercer Pfister, MD, GME ’82, of BurrRidge, Ill., and husband Edward traveleddowntown to celebrate Alumni Weekend.She currently is practicing obstetrics andgynecology in a private practice. Theyhave four children: Michael, Matthew,Kevin, and Molly. George A. Ricaurte,MD, of Ellicott City, Md., delighted inAlumni Weekend, as did classmates StephenL. Scranton, MD, GME ’80, ofDunedin, Fla., and wife Patrice A.Moreno, MD, GME ’81. Steven J.Stryker, MD, GME ’83, of Hinsdale, Ill.,is professor of clinical surgery at the medicalschool. He has three children: Alexis,20; Sean,15; and Nick,13. Recognized byTexas Monthly magazine as “Super Doc”four years in a row was Jane CigarroaUnzeitig, MD, of Laredo, Texas. Specializingin allergy and immunology, herpractice has been busy for the past 25years. She is the third generation of doctorsin her community and two of herchildren will start the fourth generation.Her hope is that they will return toLaredo and that they enjoy the professionas much as have she and her husband,Gary Unzeitig, MD.George A. Williams, MD, of BloomfieldHills, Mich., joined in reunion festivities.Lewis E. Zionts, MD, of PacificPalisades, Calif., is professor of clinicalorthopaedic surgery at UCLA’s DavidGeffen School of Medicine. He claims nohonors to speak of, quoting Woody Allen,“I don’t want to achieve immortalitythrough my work . . . I want to achieve itthrough not dying.” He gives his regardsto <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s intramural basketballchampions. “I hope everyone is well.”1979Irwin Benuck, MD, PhD, of Chicago,professor of clinical pediatrics at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,attended the Nathan Smith DavisClub reception during Alumni Weekend.H. Scott Sarran, MD, MM ’92, of Chicagois now vice president and chief medicalofficer for Blue Cross Blue Shieldof Illinois. He is responsible for all medicalmanagement functions at Illinois’largest insurer.Ellsworth Weatherby (seated from right) III, MD ’78, GME ’79, of Doylestown, Pa., andwife Cindi had a great time at Alumni Weekend, starting off with Friday night’s classdinner at French bistro Brasserie Jo. Even after a 30-year hiatus, he and his classmates hadno problem getting reacquainted. “We picked up where we left off,” he shared. “Oldfriends are the best friends.” Other alumni attending the dinner included (seated fromleft) Drs. Scott Greene, Margaret Mercer Pfister, (standing from left) George Ricaurte,Stephen Scranton, Michael Foley, F. Douglas Carr, Drew Senyei, and Charles Hedde.1980Phillip D.K. Lee, MD, GME ’83, of Bostondreams of moving back to Hawaiisomeday. In the meantime, he sends a special“aloha” to Orville C. Green III, MD’54, emeritus professor of pediatrics at<strong>Northwestern</strong>, who “inspired me to pursuea career in pediatric endocrinology.”50 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.1981Participating in the fun of the annualreunion were Ann M. Barber, MD,GME ’84, of Washington and guest TomReilly; and Edward S. Traisman, MD,GME ’84, of Evanston, Ill., associateprofessor of pediatrics at <strong>Northwestern</strong>.1982P. Scott Becker, MD, GME ’88, of Florence,Ky., attended many activities whilein Chicago for the reunion.1983Wayne L. Ambroze Jr., MD, of Atlantacelebrated with classmates during their25-year medical school reunion. A colonand rectal surgeon, he is also associateeditor of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum.His interests include snowboardingand fly fishing with his wife, Deborah,and their two children, Kirsten andDrake. School spirit lives on as Kirstenwill be in <strong>Northwestern</strong>’s undergraduateClass of 2012. Patrick K. Birmingham,MD, GME ’88, and wife Mary Claretook a quick trip from Wilmette, Ill., toattend Alumni Weekend festivities. Anassociate professor of anesthesiology at<strong>Northwestern</strong>, he specializes in pediatricanesthesiology.Alan S. Blaustein, MD, of Los Angelesis happy to be living a settled life. Hehas a small outpatient practice in psychiatrynear Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Heworks four days a week and stays closelyinvolved with family and friends. Heloves to scuba dive, play softball, andwhenever he can, travel. But not farenough, he says, “I still haven’t made it toAntarctica.” Assistant professor of orthopaedicsurgery at <strong>Northwestern</strong> Scott D.Cordes, MD, GME ’88, of Glenview, Ill.,and wife Leslie A. Cordes, MD ’84, GME’87, displayed a double dose of alumnispirit at the reunion. Richard A. Douglas,MD, GME ’89, of Clarksburg, W.Va.,reconnected with the medical school duringAlumni Weekend. This neurosurgeonis most proud of wife Jacqueline Marieand their four daughters, Michelle, Stephanie,Amy, and Madison.Frederick S. Frost III, MD, GME ’87,of Westlake, Ohio, and wife Lily C. Pien,MD, GME ’88, reunited with old friendsat Alumni Weekend. Perry M. Gilbert,MD, GME ’89, of Olympia Fields, Ill.,and wife Cynthia Lerner, MD, alsorenewed old ties during the reunion.Stacy A. Gordon, MD, of Narberth, Pa.,joined in Alumni Weekend activities. Sheis an attending physician at Children’sHospital of Philadelphia. She has “threegreat children and a fun job!” Jeffrey I.Gorelick, MD, of Ridgefield, Conn., andwife Margie joined in the fun during theweekend. James P. Kelly, MD, of Centennial,Colo., and wife Anna M. Kelly, MD,enjoyed an array of reunion activities, asdid classmate Thomas R. Kinsella, MD,of Libertyville, Ill., and wife Tracy.Cheryl L. Lee, MD, who specializesin emergency medicine, and husband JeffreySmith traveled from Cincinnati totake part in the reunion fun. They havetwo daughters, Alexandra and Victoria.Eric P. Lohse, MD, GME ’87 of Springfield,Ill., returned to Chicago with wifeVicki to learn about the medical school’sprogress at Alumni Weekend. An ophthalmologist,he continues to serve othersas vice president of Boy’s and Girl’sClub of Central Illinois and by going onmission trips to the Philippines. He isgrateful to have an “awesome wife andthree fantastic sons.”Also attending the gala reunion wasBoris D. Lushniak, MD, of Rockville,Md., who is assistant surgeon general inthe U.S. Public Health Service (PHS).His career with the PHS spans 20 years,and he is having a great time. He and hiswife, Patricia Cusumano, MD, havetwo daughters, Larissa and Stephanie.Margaret E. Overton, MD, GME ’87,of Chicago did not have far to travel toattend Alumni Weekend. FeinbergSchool professor of pediatrics ElfriedePahl Schuette, MD, GME ’86, of Wilmette,Ill., and husband Michael enjoyedan array of reunion activities. She is proudto be the medical director of a successfulpediatric heart transplant program since1983. They have three daughters.Driving into the city from Hinsdale,Ill., to join classmates at the reunion wasJohn R. Ruge, MD, GME ’89. Displayinga double dose of <strong>Northwestern</strong>spirit were Suzanne Serpico, MD,GME ’88, of Naperville, Ill., and husbandLou Serpico, MD, GME ’85.Jeremy M. Shefner, MD, PhD,enjoyed Alumni Weekend with wifeKathleen M. (Hykin) Shefner, MD, ofManlius, N.Y. He is SUNY UpstateMedical <strong>University</strong> professor and chairof neurology, medical director of theALS Clinic, director of the Clinical NeurophysiologyLaboratory, and founderand co-chair of the Northeast ALS Consortium.He is most proud of his childrenand very happy to have reconnected withKathy whom he married in 2002. Herinterests in pediatrics include mentalhealth, ADHD, and hypnosis.Mark J. Sontag, MD, of PortolaValley, Calif., must be a huge sportsenthusiast. He is team physician for theSan Jose Sharks, San Jose Sabercats, andOakland Raiders. He is founder of theReMed Medical Group and the SPARCmedGroup. He enjoys traveling theworld and has visited more than 50countries. Mark S. Talamonti, MD,GME ’89, of Willowbrook, Ill., is currentlychair of surgery at Evanston<strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare. He was previouslychief of surgical oncology at<strong>Northwestern</strong>. He feels fortunate tohave held leadership positions in twohospitals where he learned so much as astudent. He has enjoyed his time andinvolvement with the Feinberg School’sstudents and residents. Celebrating their25th wedding anniversary this year, heand wife Anne have two children, Brittneyand Jason.Peter L. Tilkemeier, MD, of Cumberland,R.I., and wife Diane joined inthe fun of the annual reunion. He isassociate professor of medicine atBrown <strong>University</strong>’s Alpert MedicalSchool. He is grateful for the opportunityto educate and mentor medical students,residents, and cardiology fellowsin his role as fellowship program director.His interests include photographyward rounds summer 2008 51


ALUMNI NEWSProgress Notesand travel. Ashley A. Warner, MD, ofBow, N.H., learned about the medicalschool’s progress during Alumni Weekendin April.1984Leslie A. Cordes, MD, GME ’87, ofGlenview, Ill., Feinberg School of Medicineinstructor in pediatrics, attended thereunion with husband Scott D. Cordes,MD, GME ’88.1985Mary U. Staunton, MD, of WalnutCreek, Calif., brought quite a crew withher to the reunion festivities, includinghusband Patrick Staunton, MD, and theirfamily members, Nancy, Liz, Tom,Brian, Luke, Van, and Kevin.1986Ellis M. Arjmand, MD, PhD ’96, ofSewickley, Pa., is medical director of thenew Liberty Campus for CincinnatiChildren’s Hospital Medical Center. Heis also director of the Ear and HearingCenter at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.In 2007 he graduated from CarnegieMellon <strong>University</strong> with a master of medicalmanagement degree. Scott Zeller,MD, of Orinda, Calif., chief of staff, JohnGeorge Hospital in San Leandro, is coeditorof the newly published EmergencyPsychiatry: Principles and Practice, thefirst-ever comprehensive textbook ofemergency psychiatry.1987Charles V. Clevenger, PhD ’86, MD, ofElmhurst, Ill., professor of pathology at<strong>Northwestern</strong>, and wife Wanda attendedthe Nathan Smith Davis Club receptionduring the reunion. Anne E. Green,MD, of Syosset, N.Y., and husbandJames enjoyed Alumni Weekend. AlanG. Micco, MD, GME ’94, of Lemont,Ill., assistant professor of otolaryngologyat <strong>Northwestern</strong> and member of theAlumni Association National Board,reunited with old friends over thereunion weekend.Charles S. Modlin, MD, of ShakerHeights, Ohio, helped organize theCleveland Clinic’s 6th Annual MinorityMen’s Health Fair in April. More than2,000 men attended the event for freescreenings for diseases such as prostatecancer, hypertension, diabetes, peripheralvascular disease, and colorectal cancer.“Minorities, such as African Americansand Hispanic Americans, have a higherrisk of certain diseases,” he says. “Wewant to educate the community about theimportance of health screening.”1988Neelofur Ahmad, MD, of Houston relishedthe chance to reunite with classmatesat Alumni Weekend. A radiationoncologist, she is proud “to practicemedicine with the highest ethical code inthe face of increasing pressures and competition.”She and husband Sami havetwo children, Momin and Mariam. JulieBarton, MD, GME ’92, of Evanston, Ill.,assistant professor of obstetrics andgynecology at <strong>Northwestern</strong>, and guestPat Garcia, MD, GME ’91, delighted inAlumni Weekend activities. Heidi V.Connolly, MD, GME ’92, of Rochester,Minn., and guest Margaret Connollytraveled to Chicago for the April reunionevent. Mitchell D. Creinin, MD, ofPittsburgh and wife Jennifer enjoyed theannual reunion. He is president of theSociety of Family Planning and professorof obstetrics and gynecology at the <strong>University</strong>of Pittsburgh. Despite going tothe World Series in 2006 and the SuperBowl in 2007, he remains a diehard Cubsfan. Jane Smith Dimer, MD, GME ’92,of Mercer Island, Wash., relished thechance to reunite with classmates atAlumni Weekend. She is proud of herchildren and the vast variety of experiencesthey all shared over the years.Theodore R. Ford, MD, GME ’93, ofBend, Ore., delighted in Alumni Weekend,as did classmate Elizabeth K.Gobbi, MD, GME ’92, of Evanston, Ill.Balaji K. Gupta, MD, of Westmont, Ill.,and wife Kavita traveled into the city toattend the reunion. They have two children,Varun, 19, and Rohun, 13. UrologistDavid A. Guthman, MD, ofArlington Heights, Ill., and wife Shanaalso made the quick trip to Chicago forAlumni Weekend. They have threehappy, active boys. For him, “every dayis an adventure, and I am thankful for allthe good fortune that has come my way.”George G. Hefner, MD, GME ’92, ofLincolnshire, Ill., and wife Denise V.Hefner, MD ’87, GME ’90, thrilled in thereunion excitement, as did classmate StephenC. James, MD, GME ’92, of Lebanon,Ind., and guest Lori Fulgoni. KarenJudy, MD, GME ’91, of Harvard, Ill.,and husband Bill Thome have twodaughters, Morgan and Jesi. She enjoysbalancing a full-time internal medicinepractice with being a mom. And, sheadds, she joined AARP last year! RaymondN. Kawasaki, MD, of Deerfield,Ill., was also an Alumni Weekendattendee, as were Keith J. Kopec, MD,and wife Nancy A. Lorenzini, MD, ofCedar Rapids, Iowa. Participating in thereunion fun were Patrick Y.H. Lee, MD,of Portland, Ore.; Charles L. Lettvin,MD, of Highland Park, Ill.; ConcettaMenella-Zasso, MD, GME ’89, of Lincolnwood,Ill., and husband CharlesZasso, DDS; Heidi F. Meredith, MD, ofEvanston, Ill., and guest Kurt Feuer; D.Kimberly Moloney, MD, of Evanston,Ill.; and Fred R. Moss, MD, of Loveland,Ohio, and guest Deanna Tyler.Jane Leonardson Moultrie, MD,GME ’91, of Kingwood, Texas, and husbandJeff reconnected with <strong>Northwestern</strong>during Alumni Weekend. They areproud of their two girls, Suzanne, 13, andMaeve, 11. Medical director for two stateprisons, she had the opportunity to assist52 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.with a research team from NASA’s GlennResearch Center aboard the “VomitComet,” NASA’s zero-gravity aircraft.Alumni revelers included Susan M. Murray,MD, GME ’91, of Okemos, Mich.,and husband Jamie Matus; Danielle C.Pierro, MD, GME ’91, of Oak Park, Ill.,instructor in medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>;and Lynn M. Piest, MD, of Lake Forest,Ill. Michael J. Racenstein, MD, of Wilmette,Ill., attended the 20-year classreunion dinner and had a great time seeingold friends and classmates. He is the medicaldirector of Breast Imaging Services atRush North Shore Medical Center inSkokie. He and wife Meg met at EvanstonHospital and have been married 20 years.They have three children, Mel, 11; Miles,4; and Mickey, 3. Vera H. Rigolin, MD,GME ’92, of Wilmette, Ill., associateprofessor of medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and husband Keith Dunn enjoyed thereunion weekend.Roger S. Shedlin, MD, of Greenwich,Conn., appreciated the fun of the annualreunion with friends and classmates.David J. Smith, MD, of Rancho Santa Fe,Calif., and wife Alicia made the long journeyto Chicago to display their purple andwhite spirit at Alumni Weekend. He ismost proud of his achievements in his realestate developments as well as the formationof a pharmaceutical research anddevelopment company. The Smiths havefour children. Gerald F. Tuite Jr., MD,GME ’89, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and wifeSusan joined reunion revelers in theWindy City, as did classmate ChristopherJ. Van Saders, MD, GME ’93, of GreenBay, Wis. Joseph L. Wang, MD, GME’91, of Jefferson City, Mo., and wife Triciacaught up with the latest news whilereuniting with friends at the annual event.Life is very busy for the Wangs with childrenMarlayna, 14; Mackenzie, 13; Maitlyn,11; David, 8; Michael, 7; Ella, 5; andthe family’s Bichon Frise, Zane. Dr. Wangis a member of a large multispecialtygroup in a “great practice environmentwith great partners.”Girls just want to have fun and reminisce1989Representing their class at this year’sreunion were Stephanie N. Chun, MD,of San Rafael, Calif., and husband RalphDaigle; Bradley M. Pechter, MD, of Chicago,assistant professor of psychiatryand behavioral sciences at <strong>Northwestern</strong>;and Jamie Terry, MD, of Houston.1990Sonja L. Boone, MD, of Chicago,instructor in medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,attended the reunion festivities.1991Vinky Chadha, MD, GME ’94, ofNorthbrook, Ill., assistant professor ofmedicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>, joined in thefun of Alumni Weekend. Julie A. Melchior,MD, of Boulder, Colo., an orthopaedichand surgeon, returned toChicago to participate in reunion weekendfestivities. She and husband StephenLeichty also celebrated the birth of AllisonElizabeth Leichty on March 7. Bigsister Katherine, 4, is thrilled to have ababy sister. Dr. Melchior returns to herfull-time practice this summer.1993Sandra M. Sanguino, MD, GME ’96, ofNorthbrook, Ill., assistant professor ofpediatrics at the Feinberg School, displayedalumni pride at the annual reunion.In the late 1980s five girls met at <strong>Northwestern</strong>. They became fast friends, graduated in1991, and stayed in touch. Twenty years after first meeting in anatomy lab, they had amini-reunion in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in 2007. Although the location had changed,they were still the same five girls who enjoyed each other’s company those many yearsago. Reports Diane Bronstein Wayne, MD ’91, of Wilmette, Ill., “We had a great time reminiscingand say, ‘Hello’ to all our classmates!” Recreating their group shot (left) takenduring medical school, the “girls” are (clockwise from top left) Cate Montgomery Yashar,Lynn Christopherson Kong, Farah Hashemi Fakouri, Dr. Wayne, and Holly Casele Holden.1994Kathleen K. Cain, MD, GME ’96, ofTopeka, Kan., finds life very busy indeed.She maintains a private practice in pediatricsas well as serves on various boardsand committees for the American Academyof Pediatrics and American MedicalAssociation. She also takes time to helpher four children with softball, soccer,and Girl Scouts. Traveling to Chicago forAlumni Weekend were classmates YvetteM. Cua, MD, GME ’97, of Atlanta, Ga.,and son Vaughn Ramirez; George A.Flowers, MD, of Concord, N.C., andguest Jackie Flowers; and Benjamin K.Li, MD, of Castaic, Calif., and guestJonathan Li.ward rounds summer 2008 53


ALUMNI NEWSProgress Notes1996E. Diana Burtea, MD, of Carmel, Ind.,reconnected with friends and classmatesat the alumni reunion in Chicago, as didEmily Baran Goren, MD, GME ’97, ofChicago, assistant professor of emergencymedicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>.1997Michael D. Edwards, MD, and wifeHayley of Pinehurst, N.C., announce thebirth of their first child, son Reid David,born in August 2007. Dr. Edwards is alsothe newest associate at Pinehurst RadiologyAssociates. Greg D. Kennebeck,MD, of Cincinnati caught up with thelatest news while participating in theannual reunion.1998Stephani J. Amstadter, MD, of Williamsburg,Va., and husband Andrewreturned to Chicago to learn about themedical school’s progress at AlumniWeekend. She works in family practice,mixed in with ER and ICU/hospitalistduties. She shares, “An interesting combinationand an exciting career!” KevinJ. Bohnsack, MD, of Ann Arbor, Mich.,and wife Tabitha celebrated with friendsand classmates at Alumni Weekend. Withthe Air Force since completing his familypractice training, he has served as a flightsurgeon at two different bases in theUnited States (North Carolina) and Germany.He has been deployed to Kuwait,Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan.Additionally, he participated in a humanitarianmission to Ghana. He now is pursuingan MPH degree at the <strong>University</strong>of Michigan as part of the Air Force’sresidency in aerospace medicine. TheBohnsacks are proud of their youngdaughter, Natalie.Elia M. Di Savino, MD, GME ’99,and husband Paul S. Aschinberg, MD,GME ’01, of Hinsdale, Ill., doubled their<strong>Northwestern</strong> spirit at Alumni Weekend.Margaret C. Fang, MD, MPH, of SanFrancisco participated in many reunionactivities while in Chicago. She is assistantprofessor of medicine at the <strong>University</strong> ofCalifornia at San Francisco. Among herspecial honors are an American HeartAssociation Young Investigator Award,Society of General Internal MedicineHamolsky Award, Hartford GeriatricsScholar Award, and a Paul B. BeesonCareer Development Award for agingrelatedresearch. Erin A. Felger, MD, ofTwentynine Palms, Calif., is proud ofbeing in the U.S. Navy caring for militarypersonnel in Iraq. She has received threepersonal awards from the Navy for workdone in Guantanamo Bay and Iraq. “Itwas the best experience of my life.”Rick A. Gimbel, MD, GME ’02, ofGlenview, Ill., assistant professor ofemergency medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and wife Barb celebrated with fellowalums at the annual reunion. Jason T.Jacobsen, MD, of Chicago, assistantprofessor of medicine at <strong>Northwestern</strong>,and wife Elizabeth stayed right in theirhometown to attend Alumni Weekend.Jennifer S. Kim, MD, GME ’04, of Chicagodid not have far to travel to attendthe annual reunion. Specializing in pediatricallergies and immunology, she isassistant professor of pediatrics at<strong>Northwestern</strong>. Alan M. Kumar, MD, ofOak Brook, Ill., and wife Ada Kumar,MD ’97 journeyed downtown to enjoythe gala reunion, as did Arielle MillerLevitan, MD, GME ’01, and her husband,Victor D. Levitan, MD, GME ’99,of Highland Park, Ill. They both practiceinternal medicine at Ravinia Associatesand have three children, Isaac, 6; Janie, 4;and Simon, 2. Others enjoying thereunion were Tonya Morehead, MD, ofHazelcrest, Ill., and husband Ron Austin.Karen K. Myhre, MD, of Eleva,Wis., and husband Kirk participated inmany events while attending AlumniWeekend. They have three children:Leah, Jack, and Fletcher. Specializing inpediatrics, she states “I am most proud ofmy family and finally finding the life Ialways imagined. I have become veryinvolved in my community, with friends,politically, and with our church.” TrilokP. Pathak, MD, GME ’01, of OrlandPark, Ill., and wife Parul learned aboutthe medical school’s progress at thereunion. Experiencing Alumni Weekendexcitement were Scott C. Sherman,MD, GME ’99, of Chicago and wifeMichelle; and Sunil C. Shroff, MD,GME ’01, of Bolingbrook, Ill., and hiswife, Bansri.Scott A. Stine, MD, of Vincennes,Ind., and wife Lynn Stine, DDS, joinedclassmates at Alumni Weekend. Theyhave a daughter, Emma, born in February.He counts as his accomplishmentslearning to play the guitar, building hisown airplane, and, most recently, overcominghis fear of marmots. Also participatingin reunion activities were Amy E.Tan, MD, of Ellsworth, Maine, and husbandArthur Morison; Joseph M. Weber,MD, GME ’99, of Chicago and wifeBridget; and Karen L. Wilson, MD,GME ’01, of Chicago, instructor inpediatrics at the Feinberg School, andhusband Michael Carioscia Jr.1999Leah S. Millheiser, MD, of Palo Alto,Calif., is clinical assistant professor ofobstetrics and gynecology at Stanford<strong>University</strong> and director of the StanfordFemale Sexual Medicine program. Shemarried Jarrett Jern in July in JacksonHole, Wyo. She met her beloved at aparty thrown by Nancy E. Rolnik, MD,of Alamo, Calif. Leah, Nancy, and SharonKrejci Mowat, MD, of Danville,Calif., all reside in the San Francisco BayArea and see each other often.54 ward rounds summer 2008


Send items for Progress Notes to ward-rounds@northwestern.eduor to the street address on page 55.2000Celebrating with friends and facultymembers at Alumni Weekend wereLaura M. Mikhail, MD, GME ’03, ofChicago and classmate Ursula I. Miller,MD, GME ’04, of Rochester, Minn.2001Anand T. Shivnani, MD, GME ’06, ofIrving, Texas, and his wife, Sarika, welcomedtheir son, Roshan, on April 4.Trevonne M. Thompson, MD, GME ’02,of River Forest, Ill., is assistant professorof medicine and pediatrics and associatedirector of medical toxicology at the <strong>University</strong>of Chicago. He and his wife areexpecting their fourth child in November.2002Gretchen L. (Kirwan) Conroy, MD, ofNew York completed her radiology residencyat Rush <strong>University</strong> Medical Centerin Chicago in 2007. She completed abody imaging fellowship at MemorialSloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NewYork earlier this year. She returned toChicago this summer to join the radiologypractice at Good Shepherd Hospitalin Barrington and Illinois MasonicHospital in Chicago. She and her husband,James, were married in 2005. Theyhave a son, Grant, who will be two inNovember, and expect their second sonin August.2003Kristin M. Commito, MD, GME ’07, ofLa Grange, Ill., and husband Paul Fousekspent time reminiscing with old pals duringthe alumni reunion. Craig J. Finlayson,MD, and Courtney A. Finlayson,MD, of Chicago attended the ReunionBall during Alumni Weekend festivities.He is a resident in orthopaedic surgery,and she will complete her fellowship inpediatric endocrinology at <strong>Northwestern</strong>next year. Reunion activities were notfar from home for Naveen Nathan,MD, GME ’07, of Morton Grove, Ill.;Paloma Toledo, MD, GME ’07, ofChicago; and Nicole M. Wysocki, MD,GME ’07, of Chicago and husbandRobert Wysocki, MD.GME PROGRAMSFamily Medicine<strong>Northwestern</strong> faculty members and Chicagoresidents Leslie Mendoza Temple,MD, GME ’03, assistant professor ofclinical family medicine, and husbandBrigham R. Temple, MD, GME ’03,instructor in emergency medicine, welcomedtheir second child, Carter, onApril 9. He joins big brother Tony. Leslieis medical director of the Evanston<strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare (ENH) IntegrativeMedicine Program in Glenview,and Brigham is chair of the EmergencyPreparedness Committee at ENH.Internal MedicineScott E. Singer, MD, MPH, GME ’90, ofChagrin Falls, Ohio, owner and presidentof MedSourceOne, an occupationalmedicine and urgent care company, volunteeredas a temporary, unpaid, federalemployee to provide medical care inNew Orleans in the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina.In MemoriamBruce G. Campbell, MD ’78, of Billings,Mont., died April 4, 2008.Walter W.Y. Chang, MD ’55, of Honoluludied January 24, 2008.Jean F. Cochrane, MD ’94, of Brookline,Mass., died June 4, 2008.Frederick M. Graham, MD ’41, ofScottsdale, Ariz., died April 28, 2008.John W. Hardebeck, MD ’52, of SanDiego died April 26, 2008.James H. Jeffries, MD ’51, of CedarFalls, Iowa, died April 19, 2008.Lawrence P. Laughlin, MD ’62, ofBrentwood, Tenn., died March 5, 2008.James Lowell Orbison, MD ’44, of Northumberland,Pa., died June 10, 2008.Jeanne V. Reed, Nursing ’47, of Houstondied April 14, 2008.Lawrence Rosner, PhD ’37, of Chicagodied March 2, 2008.Harvey D. Scott III, MD ’76, GME ’81,of Jacksonville, Ill., died May 27, 2008.Susan L. Sipes, MD ’85, of Green Bay,Wis., died May 15, 2008.Robert I. Solomon, MD ’82, GME ’85,of Williamsburg, Va., died May 1, 2008.S. Daniel Steiner, MD ’38, of LongboatKey, Fla., died April 27, 2008.Grant O. Westenfelder, MD ’64, GME’70, of Galena, Ill., died May 19, 2008.Keith G. Wurtz, MD ’47, of ArlingtonHeights, Ill., died February 27, 2008.Jack A. Young, MD ’54, of Vero Beach,Fla., died April 22, 2008.Items for Progress Notes may be sentto the Office of Communications,<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>, FeinbergSchool of Medicine, 303 East ChicagoAvenue, Rubloff 9th floor, Chicago,Illinois 60611-3008 or via e-mail toward-rounds@northwestern.edu.Be sure to include the year the MDdegree was received or the GME orOther Program was completed.ward rounds summer 2008 55


AFTERWARDNU Schweitzer fellows help the underservedNobel Peace Laureate Albert Schweitzer, MD, once stated that“the purpose of life is to serve, and to show compassion and thewill to help others.” His words have prompted many to followhis lead, including two <strong>Northwestern</strong> medical students whowere awarded Schweitzer Fellowships this year. They willdirect innovative programs involving 200 hours of direct serviceto the medically underserved in Chicago.First-year students Janet Lee from California and BirtukanBelew, a native of Ethiopia, join 29 other graduate studentsfrom throughout Illinois in developing programs to improvehealth and access to health care for the uninsured, immigrants,homeless, minorities, and the working poor.Lee will partner with the American Indian Center of Chicagoto develop health education and nutrition programs forthe area’s Native American population. She hopes to create amodel that reservations nationwide will adopt and implement.Her program will target the high incidences of diabetes, obesity,alcoholism, and hypertension that are prevalent in thisgroup. Says Lee, “It is an honor to partner with the NativeAmerican community as a Schweitzer Fellow and spread theword about cultures that may die out if nobody intervenes.”Medical students Birtukan Belew (left) and Janet Lee plan to usetheir Schweitzer awards to develop health education programstargeted to vulnerable groups in the Chicago area.Lee graduated from Yale <strong>University</strong> with dual bachelor’sdegrees in molecular biophysics and biochemistry, and the historyof science and medicine. Presently she is enrolled in thecombined master’s in public health/medical doctorate degreeprogram at the Feinberg School.UPLIFT Community School in Chicago’s Uptown communitywill serve as the site for Belew’s program, which focuseson educating and motivating teenagers to exercise and eat rightto prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Named “ENERGIZE,”the program combines classroom sessions on nutrition, digestion,and body image with 45 minutes of physical exercise for10- to 18-year-olds. “I am interested in focusing my interventionefforts on adolescents, because adolescence is a periodwhen lasting behaviors are established,” explains Belew, whowill design and lead the program. “Adolescents also have powerto influence their peers in a positive way, and an interventionproject like mine can benefit from this spillover effect.”Belew holds bachelor’s degrees from Macalester College,where she majored in both chemistry and biology, with a minorin anthropology. As a MacArthur fellow, she earned a master’sdegree in public health in epidemiology at the <strong>University</strong> ofMinnesota’s School of Public Health.Working under the guidance of Elizabeth R. Ryan, EdD,assistant professor of family medicine, <strong>Northwestern</strong> graduatestudent John Leahey also received a Schweitzer Fellowship tosupport a sports program for children and their families in Chicago’sAlbany Park. Leahey is pursuing a master’s degree inpublic policy and administration at the <strong>University</strong>’s School ofContinuing Studies.“The program should improve access to physical recreationby providing equipment and hosting weekly events in a safeenvironment,” says Leahey. “Overall, I hope the program canmake an impact in the community by lowering the high rates ofobesity and diabetes.”Dubbed the “Albany Park Sports Club,” Leahey’s projectsponsored a sports equipment and health fair in early June for thecommunity. Throughout the year, he will work on organizing anongoing collection of new and used sports equipment for sportsplayed in other seasons; conducting weekly two-hour physicalrecreation activities for families; and seeking grants and recruitingcommunity volunteers to maintain the program in the future.Named in honor of the late Dr. Schweitzer, the Chicago AreaSchweitzer Fellows Program encourages students in health professionsand related fields to “make their lives their argument,” asDr. Schweitzer once said about his own life, by serving the mostvulnerable members of society. In its 13th year, the organizationaddresses the serious and life-threatening needs of Chicagoanswith insufficient access to health care services, while encouragingaspiring professionals to honor their idealism.Janet DeRaleau56 ward rounds summer 2008


upcoming eventsaugust 29Founders’ Day Convocation / Official opening of the academicyear at <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Feinberg School ofMedicine. 2:30 p.m., Thorne Auditorium, Arthur RubloffBuilding, 375 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago. All members ofthe Feinberg School community are invited to attend. Formore information, call Student Programs and ProfessionalDevelopment, 312/503-0440.september 5–6Become an Educator in Palliative and End-of Life Care(EPEC) and EPEC Emergency Medicine Trainer / <strong>Northwestern</strong>Memorial Hospital, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago.Fee: $675. For more information, call the EPEC Project office,312/503-2914.september 11-14The Chicago International Breast Symposium / WestinChicago River North, 320 North Dearborn Street, Chicago.Fees: From $495 per day to $1,195 for entire conference. Formore information, call <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Departmentof Radiology, 312/695-0517.september 12–13Second Annual Endoscopic Therapies for Airway andEsophageal Disorders Conference / <strong>Northwestern</strong> MemorialHospital, Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center, 251 EastHuron Street, Chicago. Fee: $800 for physicians, $575 forSociety of Thoracic Surgeons members, and $300 for residents,fellows, and nurses. For more information, call the Office ofContinuing Medical Education, <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’sFeinberg School of Medicine, 312/503-8533.september 20Women’s Issues in Neurology / The Field Museum, 1400South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Fee: $30 for physicians and$20 for residents, fellows, and nurses. For more information,call the Office of Continuing Medical Education, <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong>’s Feinberg School of Medicine, 312/503-8533.september 25–27Fourth Annual Midwestern Hospital MedicineConference / <strong>Northwestern</strong> Memorial Hospital, FeinbergPavilion Conference Center, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago.Fee: $375. For more information, call the Office of ContinuingMedical Education, <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s FeinbergSchool of Medicine, 312/503-8533.october 4–5Vascular Physician’s Interpretation Course / <strong>Northwestern</strong>Memorial Hospital, Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center, 251East Huron Street, Chicago. Fee: $550. For more information,call the Office of Continuing Medical Education, <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong>’s Feinberg School of Medicine, 312/503-8533.october 10Simulation Technology in Medical Education / KelloggConference Center, 340 East Superior Street, Chicago. Fee:$125. For more information, call the Office of ContinuingMedical Education, <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s FeinbergSchool of Medicine, 312/503-8533.october 17–19Update in Advanced Microsurgical and EndoscopicSkull Base Techniques / <strong>Northwestern</strong> Center for AdvancedSurgical Education, 240 East Huron Street, LC-460, Chicago.Fee: To be determined. For more information, call Evanston<strong>Northwestern</strong> Healthcare, 847/570-1805.october 22Fourth Annual Vascular Medicine for the PracticingClinician / <strong>Northwestern</strong> Memorial Hospital, Feinberg PavilionConference Center, 251 East Huron Street, Chicago. Fee:$60 for physicians and $30 for residents, fellows, and nurses.For more information, call the Office of Continuing MedicalEducation, <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>’s Feinberg School ofMedicine, 312/503-8533.october 23–26Tenth Annual Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Symposium /Fairmont Hotel Chicago, 200 North Columbus Drive, Chicago.Fee: $350 for physicians before September 8 ($450 after)and $150 for students, residents, and fellows ($225 after September8). For more information, contact the Office of PublicAffairs and Communications, Robert H. Lurie ComprehensiveCancer Center of <strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>, 312/695-1392.october 24Symposium on Women and Cognitive Health / <strong>Northwestern</strong>Memorial Hospital, Prentice Women’s Hospital, 250East Superior Street, Chicago. Fee: $250. For more information,call the Institute for Women’s Health Research at <strong>Northwestern</strong><strong>University</strong>, 847/491-4358.For more <strong>Northwestern</strong> CME offerings, visit www.cme.northwestern.edu/conferences/index.html. All courses offerAMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s).Additional photographyMary Hanlon, pp. 14–21 (no. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8–12, 16–23), 40, 44Jim Ziv, pp. 15–16 (no. 3, 4, and 7), 18–19 (no. 13–15), 35, 38, 56Nathan Mandell, p. 33


<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>Office of Communications<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>Feinberg School of Medicine303 East Chicago Avenue, Rubloff 9th floorChicago, Illinois 60611-3008Nonprofit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAID<strong>Northwestern</strong> <strong>University</strong>Change Service Requested

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