Temple Medicine, Fall/Winter 2007

MedicineT E M P L E

AACCCCEESSSS TTOO EEXXCCEELLLLEENNCCEE::THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCES

A COMPREHENSIVE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

PPHHIILLAANNTTHHRROOPPYY RREEPPOORRTT IISSSSUUEE

A PUBLICATION OF TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDIC INE FALL/WINTER 2007

1111

FeaturesCCOOVVEERR SSTTOORRYYAccess to Excellence: The Schoolof Medicine Announces a ComprehensiveCapital Campaign22

Temple on World Stage77

Temple’s New GraduateProgram Curriculum 99

MedicineT E M P L E

DepartmentsNews Notes1111

Alumni and Faculty Honors and Awards1155

Class Notes1199

What Ever Happened to...John Martin, MD ’582233

Student View2222

Philanthropy Notes2244

In Memoriam2277

EDITOR/PR INCIPAL WRITERGiselle ZayonDirector, Alumni Affairs

ART DIRECTORJacqueline SpadaroTemple University Creative Services [069–0708–07]

DES IGNERCarol Gaines

EDITORIAL ASS I STANCE Kenneth R. Cundy, PhD

CONTRIBUTORSMorton Eisenberg, MD ’44Matt Naegle, MD ’73Paul Weidner, MD ’82Renee CreeTom DursoBeth GalinskyEryn JelesiewiczRobin McDanielAnna NguyenIngrid SpanglerIlene RaymondLaura Wortman

PHOTOGRAPHERSRyan BrandenbergJoe LabolitoMark Stehle

DEANJohn M. Daly, MD ’73

ASS ISTANT DEAN,INST ITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENTEric J. Abel

PRES IDENT,ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONAudrey Uknis, MD ’87

CORRESPONDENCETemple University School of MedicineInstitutional Advancement3223 N. Broad Street Suite 413Philadelphia, PA 19140

215.707.4850800.331. 2839

E -MAIL :[email protected]@temple.edu

Copyright©2007 by Temple University

Temple University is committed to apolicy of equal opportunity for all inevery aspect of its operations.TheUniversity has pledged not to discriminate on the basis of race,color, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability. This policyextends to all educational, service, andemployment programs of theUniversity. For more information orto review Temple University’sAffirmative Action Plan, contact theOffice of Affirmative Action, 109University Services Building,215-204-7303 (TTY: 215-204-6772).

Contents

ppaaggee 2233

ppaaggee 99

ppaaggee 22

A PUBLICATION OF TEMPLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDIC INE FALL/WINTER 2007

22 C O V E R S T O R Y

SSUUCCCCEESSSS SSTTOORRIIEESS SSTTAARRTT HHEERREEMore than 10,000 alumni of TUSM are making their mark in clinical care, research, policy, andeducation all over the world. Their success started at TUSM, and today’s students are just begin-ning to write their own stories — stories that begin with the hallmarks of the Temple experience:personal attention from outstanding professors and a dual emphasis on exceptional clinicaltraining and community involvement.

Now the School of Medicine is about to write an exciting new chapter in its own story with an initiative of transformative power: a $70 million comprehensive capital campaign.

The first comprehensive capital campaign in the School of Medicine’s history, Access toExcellence will help us build a state-of-the-art home for the School of Medicine, increase fundingfor scholarships and professorships, and create vital new research centers and programs.

“Access to Excellence is a campaign of strategic investment that will elevate TUSM to a higherplane,” says Dean John M. Daly, MD ’73.

ACCESS TO EXCELLENCE :THE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCES A COMPREHENSIVE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

T E M P L E M E D I C I N E F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 0 7

AA NNEEWW HHOOMMEE,, AANN EERRAA OOFFTTRRAANNSSFFOORRMMAATTIIOONNCentral to Access to Excellence is the construc-tion of our new medical education andresearch building, the first new structure to be built for the School of Medicine in 40 yearsand the largest capital project in TempleUniversity history.

Ground was broken a year ago for the impres-sive new landmark, and the steel is risingquickly. We are on schedule for May 2009occupancy. At a minimum cost of $160 million(it will cost an additional $20 million duringPhase II to complete the final two researchfloors), the 480,000 square foot facility willnearly double the School’s current amount ofspace, and its flexible design will be the idealplatform for our new curriculum.

The new building isn’t the sole focus of ourcampus improvement; existing facilities arebeing upgraded too. We have invested $33 million to renovate classrooms, laboratories,lecture halls, study areas, and other facilitiesduring the past several years.

“By the end of the campaign,” says Dean Daly,“the School of Medicine’s physical plant willbe nothing short of transformed.”

TTEEMMPPLLEE RRIISSIINNGG In addition to its focus on TUSM’s physicalplant, Access to Excellence will also benefit students, faculty and research.

We must continue to invest in scholarships toensure that medical education at Temple remainsaccessible to students of all backgrounds, tocompete for top candidates, and to ease thedebt burden of our graduates, which nowaverages more than $150,000 per student.Although we have increased scholarship fundsby an impressive 76 percent in recent years, westill have too few scholarship dollars available.

We must continue to invest in our faculty.Endowed chairs are essential to the recruit-ment and retention of superb faculty. We planto hire at least 60 additional basic scientistsand clinicians once the new building opens,and funded positions are key to attracting andretaining the very best scholars.

Finally, we must invest in research, an enterpriseessential not only to the quality of educationwe provide, but also to advancing patient care and to the school’s overall stature withinacademic medicine.

These four major campaign objectives—facili-ties, student scholarship, faculty support, andresearch funding—constitute Temple’s planfor renewed vigor, building on the excellentmomentum we have gained in recent years.

TTHHEE GGOOAALL OOFFEEXXCCEEPPTTIIOONNAALL TTRRAAIINNIINNGGMost people familiar with Temple are awarethat it operates within a community that hasconsiderable challenges. Temple serves more

C O V E R S T O R Y 33

FY 03

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

FY 04 FY 05 FY 06

GOAL

ACTUAL

FY 07 FY 08 FY 09 FY 10

School of Medicine Campaign Progress(in millions of dollars)

T E M P L E U N I V E R S I T Y S C H O O L o f M E D I C I N E

C O V E R S T O R Y44

Scholarship

OtherPrograms

New and Renovated Facilities

Other Categories

Annual Fund

Research

Faculty

11

8.1

10 11 12 13 148 96 721 4 530

8

2.8

5 3.75

5

3.9

117.2

4030155 10 20 250

T O D AT E

3025

GOAL

Temple Rising Temple’s $160 million Medical School Buildingproject is the most visible sign of our momen-tum, but we are making other impressivestrides as well:

• Entering classes with the strongest testscores and science GPAs in our history

• 9,890 applications for 180 places in the Class of 2011 (17 percent more than theyear prior)

• Student pass rate on USMLE Step 1 surpass-ing the national average

• 120 new faculty members recruited over the past four years, many with national and international reputations

• New integrated curriculum linking basic science and clinical medicine

• A new Institute for Clinical Simulation andPatient Safety featuring state-of-the-art tech-nology and several new multidisciplinary,translational research centers, including theCenter for Obesity Research and Education

• An ongoing commitment to community service through 14 dedicated student serviceorganizations including a free weekly medicalclinic and a gun violence reduction program

• More than $100 million in uncompensatedhealthcare services provided to Philadelphia’suninsured and underinsured annually

• Clinical campuses and clinical teaching affili-ates around the state, reflecting the range ofurban, suburban and rural populations thatstudents may expect in clinical practice

• Graduates who secure residencies at leadinginstitutions all over the United States

• Our Neuroscience Center ranks fifth in thenation for NIH funding;Temple Lung Centerlisted among the nation’s best in U.S.News &World Report; Institute for Clinical Simulationand Patient Safety one of seven nationwideand only in Philadelphia to receive AmericanCollege of Surgeons Level I accreditation

• One of the most diverse and socially-consciousstudent bodies in the nation, with 46 percentwomen and 20 percent minority groupsunder-represented in health professions —fifth in the nation in African American med-ical school graduates from 1958 to 2004

• The only institution in Pennsylvania and oneof only 11 in the nation to be awarded anNIH grant to establish a Center for Minority Health Studies

medical assistance patients than any otherhealth system in Pennsylvania, and providedover $100 million in uncompensated care lastyear alone.

Despite the challenge, Temple maintains asteadfast commitment to its community. Froma practical standpoint, there is much to begained from the “roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-to-work” environment for which the schoolis known. Temple students are exceptionallywell trained. Moreover, there’s a nearly palpablesense of loyalty fostered among those whoteach, serve and learn here.

This is why the Access to Excellence campaignis so important: We provide exceptional train-ing and service today — and want to becomeeven better at fulfilling this mission tomorrow.

The School’s alumni have benefited from theunique experience that Temple offers. Therefore,their involvement is essential for an evenstronger TUSM as the future unfolds.

Campaign Progress by Category(in millions of dollars)

55


C O V E R S T O R Y

WWEE AARREE AACCCCEESSSS TTOO EEXXCCEELLLLEENNCCEE

In recent years, the support of alumni andfriends has set TUSM on a path of progressthat is strengthening every dimension of theSchool. We are proud that there has been a dramatic rise in philanthropy, from $3 millionin fiscal year 1997 to $12.8 million in fiscal year 2007. In addition to the overall increase intotal dollars donated annually, the number ofalumni who have become donors increasedfrom 22 percent in 2002 to 30 percent in 2007.

“These results indicate that alumni and facultyare increasingly proud of TUSM and under-stand the importance of their investment in theSchool,” says Dean Daly.

As a result of that investment, more of thenation’s best students and most accomplishedfaculty members are choosing to study andwork at Temple.

“The Access to Excellence campaign is asessential to TUSM’s success as TUSM was toour success,” says Sandra Harmon-Weiss,MD ’74, one of the three volunteer chairs ofthe campaign.

Dr. Harmon-Weiss and campaign co-chairs E. Ronald Salvitti, MD ’63, and Solomon Luo,MD, Res ’86, have pledged more than $1.5 million of their own resources to Access toExcellence.

“We want to inspire our colleagues to make additional commitments both large andsmall,” says Dr. Harmon-Weiss, noting thatcampaign participation gives the TUSM storyan exciting new direction—for today’s stu-dents and faculty and for those yet to come.

“This campaign is critical to the School’sshort-and long-term efforts, so we are askingall alumni to consider the impact the Schoolhas had on their careers, and give back appro-priately and generously,” says Dr. Harmon-Weiss. “We have all benefited from our medicaleducation, and collectively have the power tohelp strengthen our alma mater.”

Sandra Harmon-Weiss,MD ’74

E. Ronald Salvitti, MD ’63 Solomon Luo, MD, Res ’86


66 C O V E R S T O R Y

SSuuppppoorrtt tthhee NNeeww MMeeddiiccaall SScchhooooll BBuuiillddiinngg

• Make a gift to name a space in the new medical school building — or the building itself. Naming opportunitiesrange from $25,000 to $20 million.

• Make a Gift to the Lachman Auditorium: Join the orthopedicalumni who are closing in on their goal to raise $1 million tofund a 220-seat auditorium in the new building in memoryof the beloved alumnus and former chief of orthopedics.Approximately $800,000 has been raised to date.

• Make a Gift to the Alumni Bridge Challenge: Leverage yourgift by accepting the matching grant challenge posed byTUSM’s Board of Visitors to fund the pedestrian bridge thatwill connect the new school of medicine building to theKresge building (to be named the Alumni Bridge in honor ofall alumni). The Board will match any new gift of $25,000 to$50,000, dollar for dollar.

• Make a Gift to the Carson Schneck Gross Anatomy Lab:A goal of $1 million has been set to name the Gross AnatomyLaboratory in the new building in honor of the belovedProfessor of Anatomy. Gifts of all size are appreciated.

SSuuppppoorrtt SSttuuddeennttss

• Establish an endowed scholarship covering full or partialtuition for one or more students. Named funds typicallybegin at $50,000.

• Fund a term scholarship providing a partial tuition grant toone or more students for one to four years, from $1,000 ormore per year.

• Make a gift to an existing scholarship fund, such as the Dean’sScholarship Fund, or a Class Fund. All amounts are welcome.

SSuuppppoorrtt FFaaccuullttyy

• Endow a faculty chair, allowing the School to attract anationally recognized researcher and/or clinician educator to our faculty. Chairs require sizeable commitments, begin-ning at $1.5 million, but are essential to a stronger future.Many alumni are considering these opportunities in theirestate plans.

OOPPPPOORRTTUUNNIITTIIEESS FFOORR IINNVVEESSTTMMEENNTTThe campaign goal is to secure $70 million by December 2009in six different categories:

• $30 million for the new building• $11 million for research initiatives• $11 million for student scholarships• $8 million for faculty needs• $5 million for the annual fund• $5 million for related educational purposes

As the following examples make clear, opportunities forinvestment span a broad range.

• Fund a term professorship, supporting an outstanding facultymember and his or her work over a set period, up to four years.

• Make a gift to an established chair or faculty fund.

OOtthheerr WWaayyss,, OOtthheerr RReeaassoonnss ttoo GGiivvee

• Legacy Giving: Are you one of the nearly 2,000 alumni orfaculty who belong to a family with two or more memberswho are also TUSM graduates and/or faculty? Join with your family to create a philanthropic legacy to benefit Temple,by creating a family scholarship, naming a space in the newbuilding, or other opportunity.

• Reunion Class Giving: Are you soon to celebrate a significantreunion of your TUSM graduation? Join with your classmatesto select a class gift project to honor that special anniversaryof your graduation.

• Planned Giving: Are you familiar with charitable gift annuitiesand the many vehicles like them? Planned gifts, i.e., annuities,trusts, and estate gifts, along with gifts of insurance and realestate, are just a few of the ways that a “gift of a lifetime” canbe made to benefit both you and TUSM.

Making Your GiftThe School of Medicine welcomes gifts in a varietyof forms and can assist you in developing a plan to suit your needs and wishes. Commitments canbe made payable over a period of five years. Wecan also help you make provisions for the Schoolin your estate. You can make your gift or pledgeonline today by visiting temple.edu/medicineand clicking “Alumni and Development.” Formore information contact Eric Abel, AssistantDean, Institutional Advancement, at 215-707-3023or [email protected]

77

Last year, when she was inaugurated as TempleUniversity’s ninth president, Ann Weaver Hartspoke passionately about the university’s need toreach beyond city, regional, and especially,national borders.

“In this next century, we must confront a simplefact: globalization changes everything,” saidPresident Hart. “If Temple does not internation-alize teaching, research, and community outreach,we will be increasingly left behind in a dynamicand changing world and increasingly unaware ofthe true nature of that world. Our students willbe less prepared to excel and prosper.”

President Hart’s call to action underscores theimport and relevance of the School of Medicine’slong-established practice of crossing internationalborders. “Our multi-national collaborations dateback to the school’s founding,” says Dean Daly,ticking off names like Chevalier Jackson, MD,who was recruited from France to head up bron-choesophagology in the school’s earliest years.

While not new activities by a long shot, the school’sfaculty are being invited to present at internationalmedical meetings in ever-increasing numbers,a growing number of international faculty are visiting Temple, and technological advances arefostering collaborations between Temple facultyand researchers across the world.

Keio University School of Medicine,Tokyo—a new educational affiliate

F E A T U R E S T O R Y

“In teaching, too, Temple strives to maintain aninternational focus — not only in terms of edu-cating students from other countries but also byinstilling in all the physicians it trains a respectfor cross-cultural diversity,” says the dean. Clearlystated in the objectives the School has for itsgraduates is “the ability to recognize the culturaldifferences and belief systems of diverse peoplesand how these influence their health and percep-tions of well-being.”

Responding to growing student interest in electiveexperiences outside of the United States, theschool’s International Health Program fosters andsupports student rotations abroad. In the past fiveyears alone, Temple students have completedinternational rotations in Africa (Cameroon,Kenya, Senegal, Togo, Uganda); Asia (India,Sri Lanka, Taiwan); the Caribbean (Barbados,Haiti); Central America (Costa Rica, Guatemala);Europe (Armenia, England, Spain, Turkey);the Middle East (Iran); and South America(Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru). Additionally,about two dozen fourth-year students annuallycomplete a four-week elective abroad.

Such international exchange programs haveexisted on an ad-hoc basis at the School ofMedicine for many years, and now the school isformalizing many of them. TUSM officials call

TEMPLE ON THE WORLD STAGE


F E A T U R E S T O R Y88

Indeed, serious talks are underway for Temple toestablish formal affiliations with two schools inItaly, the University of Padua and the Universityof Salerno, as well as with Hebrew University inIsrael and a school in Poland. Students from thoseschools have already spent time studying at Temple.

Kenneth J. Soprano, PhD, Temple’s former viceprovost for research, says “It’s important that ourstudents understand they can’t work in a vacuum.There’s a tremendous amount to be learned by looking at other countries and how they dothings. For an educational institution in the 21stcentury, it’s absolutely essential.”

“It’s important because it brings new directionsto our program here,” says Kamil Khalili, PhD,professor and chair of neuroscience, who isspearheading the Italian affiliations. “The out-come is synergistic. Our faculty and studentsinteract. We’re exposed to new ways of thinkingand doing.”

Temple students themselves are taking the initia-tive in global outreach. The International Healthstudent interest group, for example, pulledtogether a month-long trip to Tanzania over thesummer for a half-dozen students between theirfirst and second years. The students worked in a hospital in Karatu.

“Medicine is an international profession in manydifferent ways,” observes William Schulze, assis-tant dean for affiliate and liaison activities atTemple. “It’s good for our students to see howmedicine is practiced in other countries. There’sa lot of good medicine being practiced through-out the world, in many cases with a lot less in the way of resources than we have in the UnitedStates. The students learn service, they learn generosity, and they learn that you can do a lot of good without all the expensive resources weare so fortunate to have at our disposal.”

such sanctioned affiliations pioneering, as relatively few American medical schools haveengaged in them up to now.

“What we’re doing is groundbreaking and pro-gressive,” says Christopher M. Loftus, MD,professor and chair of neurosurgery and assistantdean for international affiliations at Temple.“The students get a first-class rotation in a first-class medical school, and the cultural experiencebeyond. It’s an opportunity for anybody whowants to broaden their horizons. I wish I hadsuch opportunity when I was in medical school;it’s an opportunity for students to really learnsomething,” he said.

As reported in a recent Temple Medicine, Templesigned affiliation agreements last fall with KeioUniversity School of Medicine in Tokyo, Japan,and with Seoul National University College ofMedicine in Seoul, South Korea, two of the finestmedical schools in Asia. The agreements create aframework for academic and clinical exchange.

In addition to encouraging the development ofjoint research projects and educational activities,the agreements promote the exchange of infor-mation: Instructional and clinical methodologiesand results, invitations to lectures, conferences, andsymposia, publications and research findings. Theuniversity’s Office of the Provost assists studentsand faculty from Temple and foreign countries in smoothing out bureaucratic wrinkles, allowingthem to concentrate on their research and clinicalactivities instead of paperwork and red tape.

Already six students have applied to spend a montheach at the Asian schools. Four will study at Keio,and two at Seoul.“The success of this will undoubt-edly inspire us to do more,” notes Dr. Loftus.

Temple University President, Ann Weaver Hart Chris Loftus, MD Kamil Khalili, PhD

F E A T U R E S T O R Y 99

Two years ago, apace with new challenges in biomedical pedagogy and changing conditions inclinical practice and research, Temple rolled out a new curriculum for its MD program.

“And now we are rolling out a new curriculum forour MS and PhD programs as well,” says BarrieAshby, PhD, associate dean for graduate studiesand professor of pharmacology, who led the chargeto develop the new graduate studies curriculum.

Separate yet TogetherTraditionally, biomedical research has beendivided into disciplines such as physiology,anatomy, pharmacology and biochemistry.

“When Temple’s graduate studies program wasfounded in 1949, these were distinct and separatedisciplines,” says Dr. Ashby. “But the whole concept of biomedical science today is interdisci-plinary. For example, if you’re a cell biologiststudying anatomy, your interest in signal cascadesin bone cells is paralleled by signal cascades inthe neurological system.”

This concept — integration of disciplines —characterizes the new graduate curriculum, andthe MD curriculum as well.

“The trick,” notes Dr. Ashby, “was to create aframework that capitalizes on all the intercon-nections without melding all the componentsinto one indistinct mass.”

Flexible ObjectivesThe goal of the graduate program is to preparestudents for careers in academia, government andindustry — and “the new curriculum will do abetter job of it than ever before,” says Dr. Ashby,explaining the 149 students in the program inter-act within all disciplines, mixing and matchingcourses within a curricular layout that “cross-fertilizes” disciplines.

Yingxin Li, a PhD candidate, enjoys the flexibilitythe curriculum provides.

“I like the fact that I can choose from so manycourses,” he says. “Even though I am a pharma-cology student, I am able to take courses inbioinformatics in the Department of Anatomyand Cell Biology.”

Mr. Li, whose education has been funded in partby a scholarship donated by alumnus LeonardJacob, MD ’75, PhD, plans to pursue a career in industry.

New Structure, Reciprocal BenefitsIn the new curriculum, MS and PhD candidatesspend their first two years taking requiredcoursework in the Interdisciplinary BiomedicalSciences (IBS) Program, which features two tiers.The lower tier comprises more basic coursesunder the heading of Foundation of Biosciences,the upper more advanced courses in the integratedbiosciences series, which are cross-disciplinecourses designed to interest students from alleight programs.

Following two years in the IBS Program, studentsdelve into additional discipline-specific advancedcoursework tailored to their interests. Each alsoundertakes an individual research project andmust write and defend a thesis.

“The program builds on itself, offering both abroad-based education and a great degree offlexibility,” Dr. Ashby says, noting that the Schooloffers PhDs in eight different areas and master’sin four, as noted at right.

“Both students and faculty are benefiting fromthe new curriculum, because it fosters collegiality,”says Dean Daly, noting that the sharing of imagi-nation, resources and talent has characterized theTemple medical education from the earliest days.

“Now that all the curricula of the School ofMedicine have been redesigned,” says the dean,“we have completely re-imagined the teaching of medicine science the Temple way.”

Temple’s New Graduate Program Curriculum

In addition to the combined MD-PhD,Temple offers the following graduatedegrees:

PPhhDD PPrrooggrraammss::

• Anatomy & CellBiology

• Biochemistry• Microbiology &

Immunology• Molecular Biology

& Genetics• Neuroscience• Pathology• Pharmacology• Physiology

MMaasstteerr’’ss DDeeggrreeeess::• Biochemistry• Neuroscience • Physiology • Anatomy & Cell Biology

(with a Certificate in Business)

For more informationabout graduate studies at TUSM, contact Dr. Barrie Ashby at [email protected] 215-707-4404

Barrie Ashby, PhD

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

AT TUSM

1100

A year after Lisa enrolled at Temple, I applied too. I didn’tthink of going anywhere else. I was accepted, thankfully.And my experience turned out to be even better than Iexpected it to be.

Seven years after I enrolled came Gregg, the youngest. Big surprise: Gregg also enjoyed Temple and also became an anesthesiologist. He is with the same pain management practice as Lisa at Pittsburgh Mercy. I am the odd-man out,having chosen orthopaedics.

“The people in my class were excellent people,” says Gregg.“We looked out for one another, helped one another. That’sone of the things I look back on at Temple and cherish.

“Medicine allows you to have a big impact on people’slives,” says Gregg, “a degree of intimacy with individualsthat other careers don’t allow you to have.”

That desire to touch people’s lives is at the core of it for allof us — not just for the Weidner physician siblings, but forall of us who pursued the path of medicine, and especiallythose educated at Temple.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Paul Weidner is an orthopaedic surgeon inSellersville, Penna., and has just been elected Secretary-Treasurerof the Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors.

The right fit can make a school feel just like family — andTemple has an especially strong “family feel” for me and myfamily. Three of my siblings and I went to medical schoolat Temple: Norbert (MD ’75), Lisa (MD ’81), me (MD ’82),and Gregg (MD ’88). We have three other siblings who didnot become physicians, but we’ve talked about Temple andmedicine so much, they’re all but honorary.

Norbert, our oldest brother, was the first to be bitten by thedoctor bug (highly contagious, apparently). He blazed the trail from our family home in suburban Pittsburgh toTemple. I was 15 when he was a first-year med student in1971, and absolutely fascinated with his stories.

Today, Norbert is a pediatric anesthesiologist and painmanagement specialist at Cincinnati Children’s HospitalMedical Center. He says he still appreciates Temple for itsdual emphasis on academics and patient care.

“Temple faculty practiced a very high quality of medicine,showed a great deal of compassion and caring for thosethey served,” Norbert recalls. “It was very much family inthat regard for me.”

A few years later it was our sister Lisa’s turn to pursue thedream. Already influenced by Norbert’s good experience atTemple, a positive admissions interview really cemented her choice.

“Temple was down-to-earth,” she recalls. “So open to questions, so encouraging. It was like being at home.”

Like Norbert, Lisa became an anesthesiologist. She practicesat Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, and is also part of a privatepain management practice.

L-R (circled): Lisa, MD ’81; Gregg, MD ’88; Paul, MD ’82; and Norbert, MD ’75

T E M P L E T I E S

TEMPLEFAMILY TIESMore than 2,000 TUSM alumni and faculty have a parent, child, sibling, grandparent,cousin, nephew, or niece who also belongs to the School of Medicine family.

By Paul Weidner, MD ’82

N E W S N O T E S 1111

Coico Named Senior Associate Dean for Research

News Notes

Richard Coico, PhD has joined the faculty at Temple as professor ofmicrobiology and immunology and assenior associate dean for research. Hehas held faculty and administrativepositions at NYU School of Medicine,City University of New York (CUNY)and, most recently, at Cornell University,where he was professor of microbiologyand immunology and vice provost forinter-campus affairs.

Lynn Kirby, PhD, assistant professor of anatomy and cell biology at theSchool of Medicine and the Center forSubstance Abuse Research, has receiveda five-year, $1.1 million NIH grant to study the role of serotonin circuits in opiate addiction and relapse at the cellular level.

Serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter, isa prime target for stress as well as opiates. Dr. Kirby notes that long-termexposure to stress is known to play arole in psychiatric disorders such asanxiety and depression. It also plays a role in relapse in subjects with a priorhistory of substance abuse.“Recoveredaddicts are vulnerable to relapse thatcan be triggered by stressful life events,”Dr. Kirby said, explaining that she plans

to study how serotonin operates at thecellular level during stress and relapse.Using a combination of electrophysio-logical, neurochemical, anatomical and behavioral techniques, Dr. Kirbyhopes to identify novel targets for the treatment of opiate addiction andprevention of relapse.

Drug Addiction and Relapse

“Dr. Coico is a talented leader, educator,and scientist,” says Dean Daly, explainingthat he was instrumental in redesigningthe basic science curriculum at CUNYand while at Cornell developed aninter-campus infrastructure to supportinterdisciplinary research and cross-campus collaborations. His research onimmunoregulation has been publishedin numerous journals and he has participated on several editorial boards.

As senior associate dean for research,Dr. Coico will be responsible for administering, overseeing and expandingall of the School’s research programs.

Dr. Coico’s wife, Lisa Staiano-Coico, PhD,is the new provost of Temple University.

Temple and St.Christopher’s Affiliation Temple and St. Christopher’s Hospitalfor Children have signed an affiliationagreement in which St. Christopher’swill cover all in-patient pediatric care,some outpatient services now providedat Temple Children’s, and pediatrictraining for the School of Medicine.

Affiliating with St. Christopher’s enablesTemple to continue providing high-quality medical education, research andpatient care services, plus helps lessenfinancial pressures on Temple. TempleChildren’s has struggled financiallysince it opened in 1998. According to a recent Pennsylvania Health Care CostContainment Council report, it lost$18.6 million in fiscal year 2006.

Under the agreement Temple’s pediatricfaculty will practice and teach at St.Christopher’s. Emergency pediatric care,neo-natal intensive care and outpatientpediatric care will continue to be provided at Temple, and the facility thathouses Temple Children’s will be rede-ployed. Temple will maintain its closecooperation with Shriners Hospital forChildren, located at Temple’s HealthSciences Center on North Broad Street.

Temple Children’s opened in partbecause Temple needed a clinical train-ing site for pediatrics after the now-defunct Allegheny Health Systemblocked Temple from continuing itsaffiliation with St. Christopher’s.St. Christopher’s Hospital is currentlyowned by Tenet Healthcare Corporation.

Cloning EfficiencyKeith Latham, PhD, professor of biochemistry at the School of Medicine and theFels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, has been awarded a five-year, $1.1 million NIH grant to study spindle formation in oocytes and early embryos.

When a cell divides, a spindle forms that helps to segregate and divide chromosomesfrom the nuclei into two identical nuclei. But in cloned animal embryos, researchershave found spindles fail to form or they segregate imperfectly, resulting in cells thatno longer are clones of the original. “From a developmental biology view, this createscloning inefficiency,” Dr. Latham said.

To uncover why this occurs and to improve cloning efficiency, Dr. Latham is turningto proteomics to study how proteins influence spindle formation. Improved effi-ciency of cloning has a number of benefits, from the creation of better pharmaceuti-cal factors from animals, to development of new patient-specific stem cell therapies.


N E W S N O T E S1122

Steven R. Houser, PhD ’78, professor ofphysiology, professor of medicine, anddirector of Temple’s CardiovascularResearch Center, has been named chairof the Department of Physiology atTemple. He has been acting chair since2006, and has also served as associatedean for research. Richard Coico, PhD,has been recruited to replace him inthat capacity.

Dr. Houser is internationally recognizedfor his research on cardiac cellular control mechanisms that regulate contraction and relaxation of the heart.His work has been supported by unin-terrupted extramural funding from NIHand from other sources since 1984, andhe has authored or co-authored morethan 100 peer-reviewed publications.

“Dr. Houser is also a skilled and dedicated teacher in the classroom and laboratory, and an experiencedadministrator who demonstrates an exceptional ability to build multi-disciplinary research groups and torecruit talented new faculty membersto Temple,” says Dean Daly.

Dr. Houser was awarded a PhD inphysiology from Temple and completeda postdoctoral fellowship in cardiologybefore joining the full-time faculty in 1979.

Temple is participating in a nationalphase II multi-center clinical trial todetermine the safety and effectivenessof an investigational treatment for cervical dysplasia.

Designed to enhance the immuneresponse to cervical dysplasia,Amolimogene, an immunotherapeuticfrom MGI Pharma Inc., could offerpatients an alternative to surgery,explains Enrique Hernandez, MD,professor and chair of obstetrics andgynecology at Temple.

The most widely utilized treatment for high-grade cervical displaysia isLEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision

Procedure), which removes the dis-eased part of the cervix. Althougheffective, it can cause complicationssuch as cervical stenosis.

“While vaccines for human papillomavirus (HPV) — the main culprit for cervical cancer — have shown protec-tion against certain high-risk strains thatcause high-grade cervical dysplasia andcervical cancer, they do not eliminate the risk for developing cervical cancernor provide protection against existingHPV infection,” Dr. Hernandez said.

Approximately 20 million people,mostly women, are currently infectedwith HPV, with 6.2 million new infec-tions occurring annually, according tothe Centers for Disease Control andPrevention. While the virus clears itselffrom the body in most women withintwo years, about a dozen high-riskstrains can lead to more serious prob-lems. According to the AmericanCancer Society, approximately 500,000women are diagnosed with high-gradecervical dysplasia annually, with about 10,000 cases progressing to cervical cancer.

Houser Named Chair of Physiology Potential Advance in Preventing Cervical Cancer


N E W S N O T E S 1133

Heart Sound LessonIntensive repetition — listening at least400 times to each heart sound — signif-icantly improves physicians’ skills withthe stethoscope, according to a studypresented at a recent American Collegeof Cardiology meeting.

After demonstrating last year that Templemedical students greatly improved theirauscultation skills by listening repeatedlyto heart sounds on their iPods, Templecardiologist Michael Barrett, MD, clinicalassociate professor of medicine, testedthe technique on practicing physicians.The physicians, 149 internists, listened

400 times in a 90-minute session to fivecommon heart murmurs. In previousstudies, physicians’ accuracy rate forheart-sound identification averaged 40percent. After the session, the averageimproved to 80 percent.

At Temple, heart sounds are posted onlinefor students to download on iPods or MP3players. After repeated listening, students’skills are tested. The results show an aver-age accuracy rate of 90 percent, comparedwith the average 20 percent to 30 percentrate for the general population of medicalstudents and residents.

Internists now are tested on this skill forboard recertification. “Requirements for residents and other specialists aresure to follow,” Dr. Barrett said.

Through a partnership with the AmericanCollege of Cardiology, Dr. Barrett’s “HeartSongs” now are accessible online andavailable on CD. Visit the ACC web siteat www.cardiosource.com.

A new compound has shown promise inhalting the spread of HIV by preventingthe virus from replicating. Developedby Temple researchers, 2-5AN6B, anucleic acid, inhibited up to 80 percentHIV replication in white blood cells of18 HIV-infected patients, regardless of the patients’ treatment regimens.

“A cure for HIV infection remains anelusive goal, despite the significantimpact of current treatments, becauseof the virus’s ability to adapt and resistand bypass the immune system’s naturaldefenses,” said Robert J. Suhadolnik,PhD, principal investigator and professorof biochemistry at Temple. “This com-pound prompts the body to restore itsnatural antiviral defense systems.”

Current HIV drugs work by blockingone of the steps toward virus replication.This new compound works by a differ-ent mechanism and could potentiallybe combined with existing antiviraltherapies for a more effective treatment.The new compound is much less likelyto be defeated by the ability of the virusto mutate, according to Thomas Rogers,PhD, co-author of the study and professor of pharmacology at Temple.

Published in AIDS Research andHuman Retroviruses, this work willcontinue under a recently awardedNIH grant. Studies will include themolecular mechanisms of 2-5AN6B,and a new therapeutic approachinvolving gene therapy.

HIV Compound Shows Promise

Myeloma StudyWith the support of a Multiple MyelomaResearch Foundation grant, Robert W.Colman, MD, professor of medicine,is developing a treatment for multiplemyeloma, C11C1. When directed to the human plasma protein kininogen,C11C1, a patented antibody, inhibitsthe growth of several different types ofcancers, including multiple myeloma, byblocking the blood supply to the tumor.

Collaborating with Dr. Colman is LouisWeiner, MD, vice president of transla-tional research and chair of medicaloncology at Fox Chase and professor ofmedicine at Temple.

Dr. Weiner, who has designed and engi-neered several new antibodies for treating cancer, will work on convertingC11C1 into a format potentially moresuitable for human use. Multiplemyeloma affects approximately 16,000people in the United States each year.

Bone Marrow TransplantMilestoneThe Fox Chase-Temple Bone MarrowTransplant Program, now in its 20thyear, is rapidly approaching its 1,000th transplant, a major milestone.

The program, which provides autologousand allogenic blood and marrow stemcell transplants for virtually all hemato-logic malignancies and bone marrowfailure states, has twice received approvalby the Foundation for the Accreditationof Cellular Therapy under the directionof Kenneth F. Mangan, MD, professor ofmedicine and section chief.

“We continue to attract exceptional fac-ulty and staff with regional and nationalreputations,” says Dr. Mangan, noting thatone recent addition is alumnus JamesGajewski, MD ’83, who came from theMD Anderson Bone Marrow TransplantProgram in Houston, Texas.

Based at Jeanes Hospital in northeastPhiladelphia, the Temple-Fox Chase BMTprogram is active in clinical trials withthe Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group,the Fox Chase Cancer Center, and theBMT Clinical Trials network and is designated a preferred provider and center of excellence among severalinsurance carriers.

Michael Barrett, MD, trains a colleague


N E W S N O T E S1144

In BriefChris Platsoucas, PhD, resigned his postas chair and professor of microbiology andimmunology at Temple (a role he had since1993) to become dean of the College ofSciences at Old Dominion University,Norfolk, VA, where he will also serve asprofessor of biological sciences and directorof the Center for Molecular Medicine. Hiswife Emilia Oleszak, PhD, associate profes-sor of anatomy and cell biology at Temple,will join him as a tenured faculty member.

John Daller, MD, PhD, expert in kidney,liver and pancreas transplantation, has joinedTemple’s Abdominal Organ TransplantProgram, and has been appointed associateprofessor of surgery at the School ofMedicine. His research interests includemechanisms of immunosuppression, organpreservation, physiology of hepatic failure,and hormonal stimulation and control ofhepatic regeneration.

James McClurken, MD ’76, professor andvice-chair of surgery, surgical subspecialtiesand director of perioperative services, car-diothoracic surgery, has been elected vicepresident of the Pennsylvania Associationfor Thoracic Surgery.

Dimitrios Mastrogiannis, MD, PhD, hasre-joined the faculty as associate professorof obstetrics and gynecology and directorof maternal-fetal medicine. He was anassistant professor at Temple from 1991 to1994, then became director of maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics at GoodSamaritan Hospital in Suffolk, New York,and from 2004 to 2005 was recruited toestablish perinatal services at DemocritisUniversity of Thrace, Greece. Active in pro-fessional affairs, he was recently chair ofDistrict II, Section 4, American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.

Temple received a one-year NIH Clinicaland Translational Science Award, a planninggrant to help move research faster frombench to bedside. The $225,000 grant tar-gets translational work in cardiovascularand pulmonary disease and substanceabuse, as well as programs in gestationaldiabetes, women’s health, and telemedicinein the community. Also targeted are waysto increase research opportunities andmentoring for young investigators.

Update:Temple UniversityPhysicians “Excellent progress is being made byand for Temple University Physicians(TUP),” says Dean Daly, referring tothe group of approximately 400 full- andpart-time physicians who are School ofMedicine faculty.

In addition to adopting a number ofadministrative and organizational efficiencies, TUP is expanding andimproving its clinical sites on the HealthSciences Campus, on the university’sMain Campus, and in the Philadelphiaregion. Now completely renovated andmodernized, the old skin and cancerbuilding on Broad Street is now a multi-specialty site for TUP, with onsite facilities for endocrinology, rheumatol-ogy, family medicine, nephrology, andselect surgical specialties.

“It’s an integrated clinical practice andresearch site,” says the dean, noting thatthe center will serve both basic andclinical research needs.

TUP will soon open a new medicaloffice center in Philadelphia and isplanning additional locations as well.

Robert McNamara, MD, chair and pro-fessor of emergency medicine at Temple,is chief medical officer of TUP.

John Rombeau, MD, a colorectal surgeonwho is widely recognized as a leader in hisfield, has joined the faculty as professor ofsurgery. Prior to joining Temple, he wasprofessor of colon and rectal surgery atthe University of Pennsylvania, and heldpositions at other leading institutionsprior. His areas of clinical practice andresearch include colorectal cancer, colonicdiverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease,intestinal fistulae, and anorectal conditions.Dr. Rombeau has published widely andlectured internationally. He has receivednumerous honors and awards during his career, including the 2007 Physician ofthe Year of the Chrohn’s and ColitisFoundation, Philadelphia area chapter. Heis a fellow of both the American College ofSurgeons and the American Society ofColon and Rectal Surgeons.

Vikas Khurana, MD, a gastroenterologist,has joined the faculty as associate profes-sor of medicine. He specializes in general gastroenterology, therapeutic endoscopyand gastrointestinal malignancies. Hisresearch is focused on the role of statins as chemoprotective agents. Prior to joiningTemple, he was program director for thegastroenterology and hepatology trainingprogram at Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospitaland prior was an attending at the OvertonBrooks Veterans Administration MedicalCenter in Shreveport, Louisina. He is a fellowof the American College of Physicians.

L-R: Dean Daly with Stephen Permut, MD, Chairof Family and Community Medicine; Joel Richter,MD, Chair of Medicine; and Michael Madaio, MD,Chief, Nephrology

Ala Stanford Frey, MD, assistant professorof surgery at Temple, has been nameddirector of Temple’s recently establishedCenter for Minority Health and HealthDisparities.

H O N O R S A N D A W A R D S 1155

ALUMNI AND FACULTY

Honors and Awards

Ronald N. Rubin, MD ’72,professor of medicine andchief of hematology atTemple, has received twomajor honors: the 2007Great Teacher Award ofTemple University and the2007 Honored ProfessorAward of the School ofMedicine.

In his three decades of service to Temple, he has established areputation as an outstanding clinician and scholar in internalmedicine and hematology. It is in his role as an educator, how-ever, that he has made his most impressive mark on thousandswho have graduated from TUSM and its internal medicineresidency and hematology-oncology fellowship programs.

Students and faculty have recognized Dr. Rubin’s contribu-tions with multiple teaching awards, including seven GoldenApples and the Christian and Mary Lindback FoundationAward for Distinguished Teaching in 1997. Nationally, he isrecognized as an outstanding educator in his role as coursedirector for the American College of Physicians InternalMedicine Board Recertification review.

“Dr. Rubin is often mentioned as one of the people who makeTemple so special. I was amazed by his ability to make theincomprehensible seem perfectly clear,” said a former student.“This is a man who was born to teach.”

“Something this important had better be done right, and I have tried to do it right over the decades,” says Dr. Rubin.

TTWWOO TTEEAACCHHIINNGG AAWWAARRDDSS FFOORR RRUUBBIINN

FFIINNEE NNAAMMEEDD TTEEMMPPLLEE’’SS 22000077 AALLUUMMNNUUSS OOFF TTHHEE YYEEAARR

Renowned pediatric nephrologistRichard N. Fine, MD ’62, dean ofStony Brook University School of Medicine and immediate past president of the American Society of Transplantation (AST), has beennamed TUSM’s 2007 Henry P.Laughlin Alumnus of the Year.

Internationally recognized for his expertise in the management of chil-

dren requiring renal transplantation, Dr. Fine is an educator,clinician, researcher, and leader in professional affairs. He isrenowned for his pioneering efforts to adopt dialysis and renaltransplantation for pediatric patients; for establishing peri-toneal dialysis as an alternative for children with end-stage renaldisease (ESRD); and for using recombinant human growthhormone to treat chronic renal insufficiency and ESRD andto improve growth retardation in renal allograft recipients.He is beloved by patients, families, colleagues, and trainees.

A fellow of the American Board of Pediatrics and PediatricNephrology, Dr. Fine has eleven textbooks to his credit, is editor-in-chief of Pediatric Transplantation, and is a currentor past editorial board member of 20 different journals,including the American Journal of Nephrology.

In addition to his role as immediate past president of AST,Dr. Fine is president elect of the International PediatricTransplant Association, an organization he helped found. Hehas served numerous professional organizations as presidentor board member, including the American Society forPediatric Nephrology, and has provided expert consultationto the FDA and NIH.

In 1967, Dr. Fine initiated the dialysis and transplant programat Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Forty years later, hisfirst patient is still doing well. In 1980 he established the divi-sion of pediatric nephrology at UCLA. He was professor ofpediatrics at the University of Southern California and theUniversity of California Center for Health Sciences prior tomoving east to join Stony Brook as chair of pediatrics in 1991,and was named dean there in 2005.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by my medical alma mater,”said Dr. Fine, who has received many awards, including the2003 American Academy of Pediatrics Henry L. BarnettAward for Outstanding Teaching and Clinical Care. “I cameto Temple with certain intentions, and my ideals werematched,” says Dr. Fine. “My experience there has helpedcarry me throughout my career.”

Dr. Fine’s father, Raymond Mann Fine, MD ’32, a familypractitioner, was also a TUSM graduate.


H O N O R S A N D A W A R D S1166

“When asked to choose a professor to whom we would dedicate our yearbook, the Class of 2007chose Lawrence Kaplan, MD ’86, associate professor of medicine, general internal medicinesection chief, and internal medicine clerkship director,” said Lindsay Weinstein, MD ’07, year-book editor. “He exemplifies the kind of doctor and teacher we’d all like to be.

Seemingly destined to be a Temple physician, Dr. Kaplan’s mother graduated from Temple in1954 with a degree in education. His father, Alvin, graduated from TUSM in 1955, and Larrywas born at Temple University Hospital.

A faculty member at Temple since 2002, Dr. Kaplan is the former director of the New Jersey-based Cooper University Hospital Primary Care Residency Program.

“Dr. Kaplan believes that people work and learn better when they are cared for, respected, andtreated as equals,” says Dr. Weinstein. “Therefore, he treats students as valued colleagues whocan teach as well as learn.”

22000077 SSKKUULLLL DDEEDDIICCAATTEEDD TTOO KKAAPPLLAANN

Dr. Close Dr. Permut

Patrick J. Brennan, MD ’82,professor of medicine at theUniversity of PennsylvaniaSchool of Medicine and chiefof healthcare quality andpatient safety at the PennHealth System, has received a 2007 Alumni AchievementAward from Temple.

A nationally known infectiousdiseases specialist and expertin infection control and patient

safety, Dr. Brennan chairs the U.S. Department of Health andHuman Services’ Healthcare Infection Control PracticesAdvisory Committee and serves as one of 14 infectious disease experts to advise the federal government regardinginfection control. He also chairs the Sentinel Event AdvisoryGroup of the Joint Commission on the Accreditation ofHealthcare Organizations. In 2008 he will become presidentof the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Brennan has been involved in publichealth efforts to treat tuberculosis and related conditions.He was director of the Tuberculosis Control Program of thePhiladelphia Department of Public Health and served as atuberculosis consultant for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, theCollege of Physicians of Philadelphia, and the Society ofHealthcare Epidemiologists of America, Dr. Brennan has wonseveral awards, including the University of Pennsylvania Classof 2001 Outstanding Teacher Award. He is an editorial boardmember of the Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management,and is widely respected for his leadership and expertise.

Class co-chairs Richard Close, MD ’72, and Stephen Permut,MD ’72, have been awarded TUSM’s 2007 Alumni ServiceAward for exemplary generosity and service to the school.For 35 years, both have given generously of the time, financialresources, and expertise. They have both been leaders of theAlumni Board (Dr. Permut is a past president), and both arebenefactors of longstanding.

In addition to naming facilities in our new school of medicinebuilding with major gifts (the Harvey Watts, MD, MemorialRoom and the Richard Close, MD ’72 and Anne Close, ’09Study Room), they have individually and collaboratively supported dozens of programs and projects, such as the Classof 1972 Endowed Scholarship Fund; the Dean’s EndowedScholarship Fund; and the Annual Fund.

Dr. Permut is chair of family and community medicine atTemple and assistant dean for affiliations. A leader in school,professional and community affairs, he is chair of theDelaware Delegation to the American Medical Association.A neurosurgeon in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Dr. Close ispast president of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the AmericanCollege of Surgeons. His daughter Anne is a second-yearmedical student at TUSM.

CCLLOOSSEE AANNDD PPEERRMMUUTT GGEETT AALLUUMMNNII SSEERRVVIICCEE AAWWAARRDD

BBRREENNNNAANN GGEETTSS 22000077 AALLUUMMNNIIAACCHHIIEEVVEEMMEENNTT AAWWAARRDD

FPOFPO FPO


H O N O R S A N D A W A R D S 1177

Sean Harbison, MD ’86, professor of surgery, vice chair forsurgical education and director of Temple’s clinical clerkshipin general surgery, has won a 2007 Lindback Award forTeaching Excellence at Temple. He credits the honor, in part,to his decision to buck the stereotype of the academic surgeonas caustic or aloof.

To the contrary, Dr. Harbison is known for his warmth andsense of humor and for giving many students their first operating room experience. One former student recalled,“I remember my first case with him. He asked the nurse topass the scalpel to me, and I thought there must be some mistake. But he readied the surgical field, instructed me howto make the incision, and I made a smooth, even incision into the patient’s abdomen. How amazing that felt.”

Dr. Harbison held appointments at the University ofPennsylvania and MCP-Hahnemann University beforereturning to Temple in 2003. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education.

Emeritus faculty member Kenneth R. Cundy, PhD, and hiswife Elsie, were joint recipients of the 2006 Russell H.Conwell Award of Temple University for outstanding serviceby non-alumni.

During the past 41 years, Dr. and Mrs. Cundy have establisheda legacy of extraordinary dedication and generosity to Temple,giving of their time, talent, and personal resources. Dr. Cundycame to Temple in 1965 as a postdoctoral fellow in microbi-ology/immunology. In addition to becoming an accomplishededucator and scientist, he took on a host of volunteer positionsand served in several university-wide faculty leadership roles.He “retired” in 1992 but continues to teach. A career Armynurse, Mrs. Cundy worked at Temple for 20 years until herretirement in 1988 and has been an active Temple UniversityHospital auxilian ever since. This year, the couple will celebrate50 years of marriage.

The Cundys are major Temple benefactors, supportingdozens of efforts ranging from scholarship support to capitalimprovements. They have endowed a classroom in Kresgeand the alumni office in the new medical school building.

“The volunteer spirit—and Temple—are in their blood,” saysDean Daly.

HHAARRBBIISSOONN GGEETTSS LLIINNDDBBAACCKK AAWWAARRDD

CCUUNNDDYYSS GGEETT CCOONNWWEELLLL AAWWAARRDD

Temple platelet activationresearcher Satya P. Kunapuli,PhD, professor of physiologyand pharmacology receivedTemple’s 2007 Paul W. EbermanFaculty Research Award, theuniversity’s highest honor inrecognition of excellence inresearch. His list of publicationsfeatures 20 book chapters andhe has served on numerousstudy sections at NIH.

Dr. Kunapuli, who is also co-director of the Sol SherryThrombosis Research Center, came to Temple in 1990 as aresearch assistant professor, having earned his bachelor’s andmaster’s degrees in chemistry and his doctorate in biochemistryin India. He says that “Jim Daniel, PhD, professor of pharma-cology, and Barrie Ashby, professor of pharmacology and deanof graduate studies, encouraged me every step of the way.”

KKUUNNAAPPUULLII GGEETTSS UUNNIIVVEERRSSIITTYYRREESSEEAARRCCHH AAWWAARRDD

The Cundys, joined by Dean Daly and University Alumni Association presi-dent Loretta Duckworth on the left and Temple University President AnnWeaver Hart on the right.

Dr. Harbison with Jenny Chaing, Class of 2008


H O N O R S A N D A W A R D S1188

Each year, two alumni of eachof Temple’s schools are induct-ed into the Gallery of Success,a photo-bio gallery based inMitten Hall that’s seen bythousands of students, appli-cants, faculty and visitors eachyear. Representing the Schoolof Medicine this year are JeanBello Belasco, MD ’73, andRobert N. Belasco, MD ’73,who met and married whilestudents at TUSM.

A professor of pediatrics at the University of PennsylvaniaSchool of Medicine and a pediatric oncologist at Children’sHospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Dr. Jean Belasco specializesin investigational therapies for progressive cancer and hasspecial interest in patients with neurofibromatosis. Her researchinterests span brain tumors, neurofibromatosis, and investiga-tional therapies for refractory brain tumors and progressiveplexiform neurofibromas. She was named a 2007 MasterClinician at CHOP, a peer-nominated honor recognizingexceptional contributions to patient care.

Boarded in cardiology, internal medicine and critical care,Dr. Robert Belasco practices with Cardiology Consultants ofPhiladelphia, a large group practice with two dozen locations

in the greater Philadelphia area. In addition to managing abusy schedule of cardiac patients, he teaches medical students,interns and internal medicine residents at Mercy SuburbanHospital in Norristown, Penna., where, in recognition of hisefforts and talents, he was honored at Mercy as the 2007Educator of the Year.

Both Belascos have earned a reputation for providing out-standing clinical care. And both have been generous to theiralma mater, serving as members of the Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors. Jean’s father, the late Carmen Bello, MD,was a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at Temple.

IINN BBRRIIEEFF

Randall Bertolette, MD ’76, Vero Beach, Fla., has become deanof Florida State University College of Medicine’s new Fort Pierceregional campus. He will oversee the educational programs forthird- and fourth-year students. Prior to accepting this post, Dr.Bertolette ran a private pediatric practice in Vero Beach, Florida.

Guenther Boden, MD, professor of medicine and chief ofendocrinology at Temple, was named 2007 Father of the Yearby the Greater Philadelphia American Diabetes Associationand the Father’s Day Council. This award honors men whobalance their dedication to family with community serviceand thriving careers.

Francescso Beuf, MD ’76, Denver, Colo., was recently honoredas a pediatrics career teaching scholar at the University ofColorado at Denver, recognizing exceptional accomplishmentsand commitment to education.

Martin Grabois, MD ’66, Dallas, Tex., professor and chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College ofMedicine, is recipient of three recent awards: the DistinguishedAcademician Award of the Association of Academic Physiatrists,the Distinguished Clinician Award of the American Academyof Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the NationalCouncil on Disability’s Leadership Award.

Richard Lockey, MD ’65, Tampa, Fla., an allergist and immu-nologist, has been named distinguished university health pro-fessor at the University of South Florida College of Medicine,Tampa. He is also professor of medicine, pediatrics and publichealth at the University’s Health Sciences Center, where heserves as director of the Division of Public Health.

Earl Norman, MD ’87, Kalamazoo, Mich., an attending in the Department of Surgery at Michigan State University-Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, received a 2007Faculty Teaching Award.

Alexandra Remakus, MD ’06, Philadelphia, Penna., is the firstrecipient of the Paul Branca Award for outstanding perform-ance in neonatal intensive care medicine at the Alfred I. duPontHospital for Children and Thomas Jefferson University.

BBEELLAASSCCOOSS NNAAMMEEDD TTOO 22000077––0088 GGAALLLLEERRYY

Frederick Simeone, BA ’56, MD ’60, Philadelphia, Penna., received the university’s 2007 Certificate of Honor for the School of Medicine, an award presented annually during the university’s Founder’s Day celebration.Well known for his integrative, collaborative approach to clinical practice,education and research, Dr. Simeone is clinical director of the SimeoneCenter for Neurosurgery, based at the Pennsylvania Hospital, and formerchair of neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson Medical College. His book The Spine is now in its fifth edition. Dr. Simeone, center, is pictured herewith Paul Hermany, MD ’82, immediate past president of the TUSMAlumni Association and Dean Daly.

C L A S S N O T E S 1199

Class Notes30sClare A. Trueblood, MD ’33,Indianola, Iowa, will celebrate his101th birthday this year. Sincehis retirement in 1981, he haspursued interests in gardening,woodworking and local andmedical history. In 1939, follow-ing his internship and residencyin internal medicine at MethodistHospital in Des Moines, heestablished a general practice inIndianola and ran it for 45 years.He also served on the countyhealth board and served as towncoroner, plus served on the localschool and town planning boardsin addition to serving as physi-cian at Simpson College. He hasthree children, nine grandchildrenand 21 great grandchildren.

50sBernard Bail, MD ’52,Los Angeles, Calif., has authoredtwo new books: The Mother’sSignature, a psychoanalytic text,and Irmgard’s Flute, a memoir of war (both Masters PublishingCo., LLC, 2007). Dr. Bail has beena professor of psychiatry at UCLA,is a member and training analystat the Los Angeles PsychoanalyticSociety and Institute, and chairsthe Infant Mental Life andDreams in Psychoanalysis groupsof the American PsychoanalyticAssociation. He is a leading pro-ponent of holistic psychoanalysis,an approach embracing mind,body and spiritual considerations.

Bernhard Mittemeyer, MD ’56,Lubbock, Texas, is the interimpresident of Texas Tech UniversityHealth Sciences Center, Lubbock,and professor of urological sur-gery. He had been the center’sexecutive vice president andprovost for 10 years, and themedical school dean for threeyears. His distinguished 28-yearArmy career included the rank of Lieutenant General, and heretired as Army Surgeon Generalin 1985. He was awarded aDistinguished Service Medal,Bronze Star, and DistinguishedFlying Cross for valor in combat,having served as commanderand CEO of Walter Reed ArmyMedical Center; DivisionSurgeon and Medical BattalionCommander of the 101stAirborne Division in Vietnam;

commander of the ArmyMedical Command in Korea;and chair of the Department of Surgery and head of the urology residency program atWalter Reed. He has authored or co-authored more than 40publications and numerous pre-sentations in urology, surgery,and healthcare administrationand leadership.

60sAlan H. DeCherney, MD ’67,Potomac, Maryland, is chief ofthe Reproductive BiologyMedicine Branch of the NationalInstitute of Child Health &Human Development at theNIH, Bethesda. He has held the position for about a year.

70sArnold K. Gash, MD ’72,Jenkintown, Penna., is clinicalassociate professor of medicineat Temple and its affiliate, JeanesHospital, specializing in generalcardiology, heart failure, valvularheart disease and exercise. Hehad been assistant professor ofmedicine and director of cardiaccatheterization at Temple, thenassociate professor in heart failure and transplantation atHahnemann. He is a fellow ofthe American College ofPhysicians, American College of Cardiology, and American Heart Association Council on Clinical Cardiology.

Peter T. King, MD ’74, HongKong, China, is chief of cardiologyat Hong Kong Adventist Hospitaland clinical director of its HongKong Heart Center. He also ischair and CEO of GlobalHealthCare, Shanghai, a medical/dental service provider. Fluent inEnglish, Mandarin, Shanghaineseand Cantonese, Dr. King is a fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Cardiology, AmericanCollege of Chest Physicians and International College of Angiology.

Barry L. Friedberg, MD ’74,Corona Del Mar, Calif., is clinicalassistant professor of anesthesi-ology at Keck School ofMedicine of the University ofSouthern California, Los Angeles.

M. Douglas Baker, MD ’78,Dallas, Texas, is director of med-ical services and interim chief ofemergency medicine and generalpediatrics at Children’s MedicalCenter, Dallas. He is also profes-sor of pediatrics at University ofTexas Southwestern MedicalCenter, Dallas, where he holdsthe Sara M. and Charles E. SeayDistinguished Chair in PediatricMedicine for advancing researchand study in pediatric emergencymedicine. He previously servedas chief of pediatric emergencyat Yale-New Haven Children’sHospital and as chief of pediatricemergency medicine at Yale. Hismany awards include the JeanCortner Divisional TeachingAward for Excellence at Children’sHospital of Philadelphia, whichhe received for six consecutiveyears, and the National Instituteof Emergency Care InstructionalExcellence Award. He has heldfaculty positions at JohnsHopkins, the University ofPennsylvania, and Yale.

80sAlexander A. Sapega, MD ’80,Wallingford, Penna., andMichael L. Sidor, MD ’87,Media, Penna., were cited as “TopPhysicians of South Jersey –2006” in South Jersey Magazine,as voted by peer orthopaedicsurgeons. Drs. Sapega and Sidorhave been in practice togethersince 1995 formerly served asdirector and associate director,respectively, of the University of Pennsylvania Sports MedicineCenter for the University ofPennsylvania Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Theyare currently in private practicein Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, andHavertown, Penna.

Letitia O’Kicki-Rosen, MD ’82,Berwyn, Penna., has been selectedto the board of directors ofbreastcancer.org, an internetsource for peer-reviewed medicalcontent on every aspect of breastcancer. Inspired by her mother’ssuccessful fight against breastcancer, Dr. O’Kicki-Rosen decidedto advance her involvement inthe cause by serving on theboard. She has held numerousteaching posts, serving as a clini-cal associate in medicine at theUniversity of Pennsylvania and

at Thomas Jefferson UniversityMedical College. She is currentlya medical consultant for MeniscusLimited, a medical publishingcompany, and is a past-boardmember for The Circle of Care,a nationally recognized programfor women, children, youth andfamilies affected by HIV/AIDS.

Christopher A. Sanders, MD ’86,North Attleboro, Mass., has beennamed vice president for medicalaffairs at Saint Anne’s Hospital,Fall River, a member of CaritasChristi Health Care, the secondlargest not-for-profit health sys-tem in New England. Dr. Sandersformerly maintained a privatepractice in internal medicinewith Attleboro (Mass.) MedicalAssociates and served as chiefof medicine at Sturdy MemorialHospital there. He has specialinterest in developing electronichealth records and was a mem-ber of the original group thatcreated the Massachusetts HealthCollaborative.

Martin Freed, MD, Res-Int.Med ’89, Layfayette Hill, Penna.,has been named chief medicalofficer of Adnexus Therapeutics,a company focused on a newclass of therapeutics, Adnectins,and is responsible for the clinicaldevelopment of Adnexus’ pipeline.Angiocept, Adnexus’ first drugcandidate, is in Phase 1 trials.Preclinical studies show that itblocks VEGFR-2, part of a keyangiogenesis pathway involvedin the growth of new blood ves-sels that support tumor growth.Prior to joining Adnexus, Dr.Freed was chief medical officerat Vitae Pharmaceuticals, andprior to that he was vice presi-dent for clinical development atGlaxoSmithKline, where he ledclinical development of Avandia®,a leading drug in the treatmentof type II diabetes.

90sGuy Nee, MD ’90, an internist inprivate practice in Pennington,New Jersey, recently met up withGary Vogin, MD ’90, a medicaleditor with WebMD based inAtlanta, at Temple’s medicalschool reunion. They were excitedto see the progress made underDean John Daly’s leadership and look forward to seeing more


C L A S S N O T E S2200

of their classmates at futurereunions. Robert Nee, MD ’94,is a nephrologist and assistantprofessor at George WashingtonUniversity Medical School. Bothhave been named fellows of theAmerican College of Physicians.

Juan A. Cordero, Jr., MD ’93,Richland, Wash., joinedCardiothoracic Surgery Associates,PC, of the Kadlec Medical Center,Richland, Wash. He had formerlypracticed in upstate New York.Dr. Cordero completed a Harvard-Longwood NIH vascular researchfellowship at Harvard MedicalSchool-Beth Israel DeaconessMedical Center, a general surgeryresidency at Albany MedicalCenter, and a cardiothoracic sur-gery fellowship at the Universityof Rochester Medical Center-Strong Memorial Hospital.

Jason Foster, MD ’94, Omaha,Neb., is assistant professor ofsurgery at Creighton UniversityMedical Center, Omaha. He com-pleted his residency in general surgery at UniversityHospitals of Cleveland, as well as fellowships in gastrointestinaland mixed tumor oncology,and surgical oncology.

Asif R. Rizvi, MD, FEL ’94,Fayetteville, North Carolina, is aprivate practitioner running twoendocrinology offices in NorthCarolina: in Fayetteville since1998, and Apex since 2004. He isan attending at Cape Fear ValleyHealth System in Fayetteville.He graduated from RawalpindiMedical College, Pakistan, and isa fellow of the American Collegeof Endocrinology.

Rajeev Prasad, MD ’95,Moorestown, New Jersey, formerassistant professor of surgery atTuft’s University School ofMedicine, has joined the staffat St. Christopher’s Hospital forChildren in Philadelphia. Hecompleted his postgraduatetraining at Thomas Jefferson,the University of Tennessee andPediatric Surgical Services inSpringfield, Mass. His work hasbeen published in the Journal of Pediatric Surgery.

Melissa M. Tribuiani, MD ’96,Newark, Del., is medical director of the St. Francis Center of Hope,in Newark, where she sees a predominantly Spanish-speakingpopulation. Her areas of interestinclude family-centered maternitycare, pediatrics, diabetes manage-

ment and colposcopy. She serveson the maternal and child-carecommittee for the MedicalSociety of Delaware, and on theBoard of Directors for the SickleCell Disease Association ofDelaware.

Sherri Shubin Cohen, MD ’99,Philadelphia, Penna., is medicaldirector of the pediatric feedingand swallowing center at Children’sHospital of Philadelphia. Sheserved a pediatric residency at theUniversity of Maryland and a preventive medicine residencyat Johns Hopkins School ofPublic Health, and holds a mas-ter’s in Public Health from JohnsHopkins. She is a fellow of theAmerican Academy of Pediatrics.

00sTrisha Acri, MD ’00, Philadelphia,Penna., is assistant professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine atTemple. She had been an instruc-tor in family medicine at theUniversity of Pennsylvania, whereshe also was a research fellow and a master’s student in clinicalepidemiology.

Joseph F. Urban, Jr., MD ’00,Las Vegas, Nev., has joined DesertRadiologists, Nevada’s largestmedical imaging company. Dr.Urban completed his residency indiagnostic radiology at theUniversity of California, SanFrancisco, in 2005, as well as a fel-lowship in diagnostic neuroradi-ology in 2006. Dr. Urban serveson the American Society ofNeuroradiology Clinical PracticeCommittee. His special interest is minimally invasive treatmentof spine disorders.

Taryn Draxler, MD ’03, Elmira,New York, is an attending in med-icine at St. Joseph’s Hospital, inElmira, and practices with ArnotMedical Services, also in Elmira.She completed her residency ininternal medicine at Temple.

Sarah R. Goodyear, MD ’03,Lansdale, Penna., is a hospitalistin medical oncology at Fox ChaseCancer Center, Philadelphia.She completed her residency inmedicine at Temple.

For Lydia Vaias, MD ’96, Santa Monica, Calif., medicine meansunceasing advocacy on behalf of physicians and patients.

As a medical student at Temple in the 1990s, she organized aconference called “Physician Activism: The Call Beyond Call,”which drew 500 of her peers from across the region and fea-tured such speakers as then-Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders andPatch Adams. It was a harbinger of things to come. She went onto serve as president of the School’s chapter of AmericanMedical Student Association (AMSA) and after graduatingfrom Temple, became president of AMSA at the national level.

While completing her general surgery residency at the Universityof California at Los Angeles, Dr. Vaias earned an MPH with aconcentration in health policy. She then joined the staff of KaiserPermanente Hospital in Bellflower, Calif., and was soon there-after named to the board of the Permanente Medical Group,where she helps to oversee a $5 billion business that includes 11 hospitals and 130 medical office buildings and pharmacies.

“Lydia Vaias is dynamic and boundless,” says her classmateHoangmai (Mai) Pham, MD ’95, MPH, adjunct assistant professor in the Bloomberg School of Public Health at JohnsHopkins and senior health researcher at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Studying Health System Change. She says thatDr. Vaias is making national waves as the founding leader andpresident of a new organization called the National PhysiciansAlliance (NPA) — an impressive group of 10,000 plus memberspoised to transform organized medicine by balancing the AMA’straditional guild-focused agenda with an agenda to restore thecore values of medicine: service, integrity, and advocacy.

A progressive physician-activist, Dr. Vaias is deeply committedto public health and patient-centered care. She attributes muchof her commitment to those who taught her. “A lot of it startedwith the mentoring I got when I was a student at Temple,” saysDr. Vaias. “The physicians there are 100 percent dedicated to the communities they serve. I’m extraordinarily grateful to myuniversity.”

“Dr. Vaias is one of the most talented, dedicated physicians Ihave ever known,” says Dr. Pham, noting that what makes herespecially impressive is that she was once a homeless street kidwho has worked hard for everything she’s accomplished.

“Dr. Vaias is a ‘triple threat’,” says Dr. Pham. “A compassionateclinician, effective executive, and a respected community leader.”

PROFILE:Lydia Vaias, MD ’96— A Triple Threat

2211W H A T E V E R H A P P E N E D T O . . .

Whatever happened to…John Martin, MD ’58

Many of us fondly remember John Martin, MD ’58, who taughtinternal medicine and rheumatology at Temple in the ’60sthrough late ’70s. I have known him as a teacher, mentor andfriend since my freshman year at Temple in 1969, and havealways considered him an example of what we should all aspireto be as physicians: competent, compassionate and collegial.

Dr. Martin has always had a great respect for the practice ofmedicine. He demonstrates what an honor and responsibilitywe share as practitioners.

Yet as seriously as he takes our profession, he has a great senseof humor and never takes himself too seriously. He was asapproachable a professor as he was astute. Students and patientsloved and respected him. Nearly 30 years after he left Temple,alumni and patients still ask for him fondly. Dr. Martin accrueda lot of fans, me included. He was a big reason that I went intorheumatology.

The traits that he brought to the classroom and clinic—direct-ness, compassion, and a dry, easy wit—helped him build avaried and rewarding career. In 1978 he left Temple to run themedical residency program at Thomas Jefferson UniversityHospital, where he also served as vice chair of the Departmentof Medicine. In 1986 he went into private practice with hiswife, Martina, a rheumatologist who trained at Temple, and in1997 he was named vice president for medical affairs at MainLine Health System in suburban Philadelphia.

Dr. Martin retired from practice and administration in 2000,but remains active by volunteering at Bryn Mawr Hospital,playing bridge and tennis, and collaborating on an electronicchronology of the American Civil War.

Though he left Temple nearly three decades ago, he has remainedclosely connected. In the early 1990s he served as president ofthe School of Medicine’s Alumni Association, and continuesto contribute to the School’s fundraising efforts. From the 1950sto today, Dr. Martin has enjoyed an enriching, five-decade

association with Temple that has seen him fill a variety ofroles: beloved professor, dedicated alumni leader, unyieldingsupporter.

“Temple was very inspiring to me,” says Dr. Martin. “A studentof modest means with ambition and talent could come thereand excel.” (There are a lot of alumni who can relate to that.)

To me, Dr. Martin is truly a doctor’s doctor. That is the phrasethat he would use when talking about a physician to whom hewould refer colleagues and their families — a phrase affirmingthe utmost respect and confidence. Hats off to you, John, forso aptly modeling all that phrase means, in word and in deed.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Naegle is an internist based in Phoenixville, Penna.

by Matthew Naegle, MD ’73

2222

THE DECIDING FACTOR

Second-year student Amy Hosmer saysthat she chose Temple over other medicalschools specifically for its commitmentto service. After being active in serviceas an undergraduate at Wake Forest, shesearched for a medical school whereshe could follow suit.

“I looked at a number of schools,”she says, “but Temple’s reputation for community service was a deciding factor for me.”

“Our students have the initiative and thedrive for change already inside them,”says Paul Lyons, MD, the associate professor of family and communitymedicine who helped students start the Temple CARES program a decadeago. “The programs here simply provideavenues for them to take action.”

Zoe Maher believes that service isessential to medical education. “It’s onething to study situations, but quiteanother to engage directly,” she says.

ANOTHER PART OF THE SILVER LINING

Another opportunity afforded byTemple’s neighborhood pertains to research.

Historically, minority populations havebeen overlooked in clinical research.But now that it is being recognized thatwe need to involve ethnic and culturalsubgroups, Temple is having great suc-cess with grant applications that assessthe newest approaches, treatments andmedications for use by these communi-ties. Temple currently has five suchgrants totaling $10 million. The $1 mil-lion grant we received from the NIH toestablish our Center for MinorityHealth Studies is one of only 11 in theUnited States.

CLOSE TO TEMPLE AND FAR AWAY

Movement is afoot to extend Temple’smedical students presence in NorthPhiladelphia to other parts of thecountry and the world.

Three different groups of students havegone to New Orleans to help inKatrina’s aftermath, Ms. Maher amongthem. The first trip was financed by grants from the TUSM AlumniAssociation Board and the Arnold P.Gold Foundation. The students traveledto New Orleans during the holidaybreak to work with a small clinic inAlgiers, with first- and second-year students providing triage, and third-and fourth-year students helping totreat patients.

Students were able to go back to NewOrleans with additional funds from theTUSM Alumni Board, and again withthe Temple Emergency Action Corps(TEAC), a new student-run projectfunded by the Greenfield Foundation,to which alumnus and TUSM AlumniAssociation Board member William S.Greenfield, MD ’69, belongs.

TEAC is training first- and second-yearstudents to become first responders tonatural disasters. Students will learnwound care and suturing techniques,and learn about psycho-social factorsaffecting trauma victims.

During the past five years, TUSM students have traveled to more than 20countries on five continents to completeinternational rotations or volunteerwith organizations such as Habitat forHumanity and Doctors without Borders.

S T U D E N T V I E W

At 21 percent, the poverty rate in Temple’sNorth Philadelphia service area is morethan double the national average, and at48 percent, Temple serves more inpatientson Medical Assistance than any otherinstitution in Pennsylvania. The statisticsin Temple’s service area reflect higher-than-average incidence of treatable,preventable disease.

“Add to this the unusual and refractorycases from far-flung locales referred toTemple’s specialists, and you get a rangeof pathology that few students of othermedical schools get to see,” says RonaldRubin, MD ’72, professor of medicine.“Temple is an incredible place to train.”

But does this make Temple students andfaculty a cold bunch, looking at awrenching situation opportunistically?

“Hardly,” says Zoe Maher, of the Class of2008. “Out of necessity, and heart, we aredrawn here to make a difference.”

More than half of the most recent grad-uating class worked in professional service capacities even before coming to Temple. One class member was a victim’s advocate with the PhiladelphiaDistrict Attorney’s office, another a biology teacher for troubled youth.

“We attract practically-minded, sociallyconscious physicians,” says AlumniAssociation President Audrey Uknis,MD ’87, associate dean for admissionsand associate professor of medicine,“People who want to give back to socie-ty, to use the knowledge and skillsthey’ve acquired here to make the worlda better place.”

SERVICE LEARNING

Student View


2233S T U D E N T V I E W 2233

MORE SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

These are just a few of many serviceprograms with which Temple studentsand faculty volunteer:

• Partnership Schools, a program inwhich Temple faculty and students in education, psychology, social work,medicine, and dentistry help childrenand families in four Philadelphia public schools

• Cradle-to-Grave, a program thataddresses Philadelphia’s epidemic of youth violence through a highly interactive two-hour experience in the emergency room and morgue,emphasizing the value of life and permanence of death

• The International Student AthleteAcademy, a program in which facultyand students of the Department of Neuroscience, the Department of

Education, and University Athleticspromote academics and athletics in primarily minority and inner-cityorganizations

• Pipeline, a community outreach program that teaches local publicschool students about public healthand health careers to begin building a pipeline for minorities to the healthprofessions. Approximately 175 students from two Philadelphia elemen-tary schools and one high school participate yearly. Early findings areencouraging: the longer students are in the program, the more likelythey are to go on to college

• Opportunities in Health Care,a program designed to familiarize high school students with the multiplecareer options in healthcare

Fourth-year student Monica Dhand andfellow students traveled to El Salvadorin June to volunteer at a free healthclinic. Others traveled to Venezuelawith Habitat for Humanity. And lastsummer, students involved in Temple’sInternational Health Organizationtraveled to a clinic in rural Karatu,Tanzania. The students hope to estab-lish a tradition for medical students tocontinue visiting Karatu during thesummer after their first year and as anelective rotation during the fourth.

“We’d like to return each year to focuson a new area of need,” says RachelAltork, student director of theInternational Health Organization.

Neil Rellosa, MD ’06, now doing hisresidency in pediatrics at ThomasJefferson University, says, “What makesthe Temple experience meaningful is thereciprocal benefit. You come here tolearn, but you’re actually making a contribution to the community. Thepeople you are serving are your teach-ers. Everyone’s part of the learningexperience.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:www.temple.edu/medicine/education/student_affairs_organizations.htmwww.temple.edu/templecares/navigate.htmwww.templeiho.blogspot.comwww.templevoad.org

Each year,Temple medical students participate in hundreds of activities aimed at helping, programs like Temple CARES, a student-run health clinic that provides medical care and health screenings on a weekly basis at a local church, and the Community Service Outreach Group, which, among manyother activities, holds an annual health fair at a local elementary school.

2244

“W.W. Smith and the School of Medicine have sustained along-lasting partnership that is helping Temple become aworld-class research institution,” says the dean.

In addition to medical research funding, W.W. Smith alsoawards grants for college scholarships and food, clothing, andshelter for children and the elderly.

*

P H I L A N T H R O P Y N O T E S

W.W. Smith Charitable TrustA benefactor of Temple University and the School of Medicinefor 30 consecutive years, the Philadelphia-based W.W. SmithCharitable Trust was established in 1951 by the late Philadelphiaindustrialist and philanthropist William Wikoff Smith.His widow, Mary Smith, and daughters, Louise Havens andDebbie McKenna, manage the Trust today. Last Novemberthey visited the School of Medicine to meet with Dean Dalyand several faculty grant recipients who described theirresearch and the impact that funding from W.W Smith hashad on their careers.

W.W. Smith grants serve as a bridge to securing NIH funding,since NIH funds only fund relatively established concepts.Moreover, as NIH funding continues to decrease nationwide,private foundations are filling the void of sponsored research.

“The philosophy of the trust has been to identify and fundunique basic medical research projects,” says Mary Smith.“Projects which will help researchers pursue breakthroughsthat will open new doors and eventually improve people’s lives.”

Michael Autieri, PhD, associate professor, physiology, atteststo the Trusts’ generosity.

“I have been fortunate to have received two W.W. SmithFoundation research grants,” he says. “The first was directlyresponsible for establishing my career.”

Moreover, the technician whom Dr. Autieri hired to workunder that grant later entered graduate school at Temple.Christopher Carbone, PhD, received his degree earlier this year.

“That single W.W. Smith grant enabled me to establish myresearch career as faculty at Temple and launch the career ofa future scientist,” says Dr. Autieri.

Over three decades, Temple has benefited from over $12 million in scholarship and research support from W.W.Smith, with funds targeted primarily toward heart disease,cancer, and AIDS.

Two recently funded researchers are Dan Liebermann, PhD,professor of biochemistry, and Satoru Eguchi, MD, PhD,associate professor of physiology. Dr. Lieberman’s two-yeargrant will use novel mouse models to examine how deficiencyof gadd45 expression modulates breast carcinogenesis. Dr.Eguchi’s three-year grant will focus on the mechanism ofendothelial dysfunction in endothelial cells to determine theexact cause of cardiovascular diseases.

Lyons Family GiftFirst came Wilbert (Bill) Lyons, MD ’48. Then came Bill andhis wife Nancy’s three sons — all of whom went to Temple.Timothy received an EdM from the College of Education,and the other two, like dad, pursued their Temple MDs:Daniel graduated in 1976 and Clifford in 1983. Then, in 2007,Daniel’s daughter Amy joined the legacy as a third generationTemple MD.

“We are all very proud of our Temple education and continueto encourage people (especially family members) to apply,”says Bill, explaining that, appropos to their sentiment,the Lyons family got together this year to name the LyonsFamily Admissions Conference Room in the new medicalschool building.

A psychiatrist, Bill Lyons, MD ’48, works locums tenens forthe state hospital in Danville, Penna., having retired from hispost as Director of Medical Services at Prudential InsuranceCorporation. As Senior Vice President of GovernmentPrograms for Independence Blue Cross (IBC), Daniel LyonsMD ’76, is responsible for IBC’s government and social mission programs. These programs include Medicare, CHIP,AdultBasic, and the Caring Foundation. In addition to hisrole at IBC, Dr. Lyons is a member of the Board of Visitors at TUSM.

L-R:Amy Lyons, MD ’07,Wilbert Lyons, MD ’48, Daniel L. Lyons, MD ’76 andand Clifford Lyons, MD ’83.

*

*In this section, we highlight recent and longstanding benefactors.

PHILANTHROPY NOTES


P H I L A N T H R O P Y N O T E S 2255

Lachman Auditorium Receives Leadership GiftsJack M. Bert, MD ’73, an orthopaedic surgeon based in St.Paul, Minn., and incoming President of the ArthroscopyAssociation of North America, reflects on his education atTemple. One faculty member he remembers especially fondlyis John W. Lachman, MD ’43, former chair of orthopaedics.When Dr. Bert learned that an auditorium in the new medicalschool building would be dedicated in Dr. Lachman’s name,he was eager to support the effort with a generous gift.

“I have always admired Dr. Lachman and was on his serviceas a medical student,” says Dr. Bert, noting that he almostwent to Temple for orthopaedic training, but interned at theUniversity of Minnesota and met his wife in Minnesota, soended up doing his residency at the Mayo Clinic and has been in St. Paul ever since.

Twenty-nine years ago, Dr. Bert founded and now heads the largest orthopaedic practice in eastern St. Paul, SummitOrthopaedics, a 30-physician, full-service practice. He specializes in disorders of the shoulder, knee and hip, with six book chapters in orthopedics to his credit and five patentsfor devices related to arthroscopic surgery and total joint replacement. He’s also a clinical professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine and teaches and lecturesnationally and abroad.

“I very much enjoyed my medical school training at Temple,and when I finished the program, I clearly had a much betterexposure to traumatic injuries than anyone in my internshipclass at the University of Minnesota,” Dr. Bert recalls.

“Temple remains very dear to my heart, as do Drs. Lachman’sand Torg’s accomplishments in the field of orthopedic surgery.I consider it an honor to join my name with Drs. Lachmanand Torg, who have given so much to the orthopedic community nationally.”

Dr. Bert says he also admires Dean Daly — they were classmates. He says he is proud to witness the construction of the new school of medicine, proud to be part of such a transformative time for Temple.

“Accomplishment is a combination of ambition, hard work,and a great institution,” says Dr. Bert. “Temple was my greatinstitution, and for that I’m truly appreciative.”

Joseph S. Torg, MD ’61, professor of orthopedic surgery atTemple and former team physician for the Flyers, Eagles and76ers, has also made a leadership gift to support the LachmanAuditorium campaign.

Dr. Torg remarks, “Simply put, it’s payback time for the verypositive effect that the medical school and particularly JohnLachman have had on my life and career. Latch’s integrity,commitment to teaching and excellent patient care serves as a model for all.”

Renowned in the field of sports medicine, in the 1960s, Dr.Torg pioneered the changes from the old style football cleat to the present soccer-type of shoe, saving many thousands ofathletes from serious knee injuries. In 1974, he co-foundedthe country’s first outreach sports medicine clinic at Temple.He also lobbied for injury-prevention measures that resultedin a ban on “spearing” in college football, significantly reducing the number of cervical spine injuries resulting inparalysis. He has numerous honors to his credit, including the 2002 National Athletic Trainers Association President’sChallenge Award.

Dr. Torg says that contributing to the Lachman Auditorium isone way to remember one of the “great ones.”

Joining Drs. Torg and Bert in having made sizeable gifts to theLachman Auditorium fund are: Daniel Bethem, MD ’70; BarryBoden, MD ’90; John Casey, Jr., MD ’84; Timothy Garvey, MD’84; John Gottlieb, MD ’74; Michael Gratch, MD ’76; DavidJunkin, MD ’66; Michael Kalson, MD ’79; Stephen Longenecker,MD ’86; Charles Parsons, MD ’62; Glenn Perry, MD ’78;Anthony Salem, MD ’62; Joseph Scornavacchi, Jr., MD ’73;Joseph Thoder, Jr., MD ’82; Paul Weidner, MD ’82; and Steven Wolf, MD ’84.

For more information, contact Eric Abel at [email protected] (215) 707-3023.

*

Dr. Bert Dr.Torg

Timothy Lyons EdM ’81, is a school psychologist in Perkasie,Penna., Clifford Lyons, MD ’83, is a family practitioner in Hamburg, Penna., and Amy Lyons, MD ’07, is doing her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Temple.

“Temple University School of Medicine is an institution whereour entire family has grown intellectually for over fifty years,”say Bill and Nancy.

The Lyons enjoy thinking about the TUSM applicants thatwill pass through the Admissions Office room they’veendowed, knowing that the brightest and best among themwill join them as members of the Temple family some day.


P H I L A N T H R O P Y N O T E S2266

Last May my friend and classmate Bernie Eisenstein, MD ’44,and I had the pleasure of giving the keynote address at theannual scholarship recognition dinner at Temple, an eventthat brings together donors to, and recipients of, medical student scholarship funds.

Bernie and I have been friends since we met at Temple asundergrads in 1937, and we have done a great many thingstogether over the years. One of the most meaningful thingswe do today is support the Class of 1944 scholarship fundand the fund for the new medical school building.

“When our classmates created this fund many years ago, whatwe were really doing was creating a legacy of access: access tosuperior medical education for superior students who couldnot afford it otherwise,” explains Bernie.

Bernie and I were once in that otherwise category. Wefinanced our undergraduate education at Temple with a lot of hard work. Bernie washed dishes, sold magazines, andworked at a shoestore. I worked three jobs at a time allthrough undergraduate school. In 1940, when we receivedour acceptances to Temple University School of Medicinefrom Dean Parkinson, tuition was only $500 dollars a year — but we didn’t have it. Scholarship money was scarce inthose days, and there were no government-backed loans.

Bernie scraped the tuition money together by working and from the U.S. Army Armed Services Training Program.I searched for someone willing to lend me the money.Eventually a Philadelphia businessman, a total stranger,agreed to meet with me. I told him that I needed a loan that I would not be able to pay back for quite a few years. I mini-mized my anticipated expenses, fearful of discouraging him.

When I gave him my food budget figure, he put his pen downand said: “What! Do you want to come down with tuberculo-sis? Let’s double that amount.” He wrote a check, handed it tome, and asked me to report back in three months. I told him I did not know how to thank him. “Someday you will be in aposition to help others. Don’t hesitate,” he said.

From the time I was eleven, I had a passionate desire tobecome a physician. And now someone I had never even metbefore was financing my dream. This gentleman was MannyRosenfeld, one of the founders of The Pep Boys, Manny,Moe and Jack.

Thanks to Mr. Rosenfeld, I met exceptional teachers like W. Emory Burnett, MD, professor of surgery. In 1951, at mysuggestion, he became my sister-in-law’s surgeon. She hadbeen admitted to Temple with acute ulcerative colitis. Inthose pre-cortisone days, the only treatment that could saveher was a bowel resection. When my brother Ted, a strugglingyoung lawyer, asked Dr. Burnett his fee, Dr. Burnett quoted a very nominal number. He looked Ted in the eye and said,“Mr. Eisenberg, I don’t want you to worry. Your wife willreceive the best care possible. The quality of care my patientsreceive has nothing to do with my fees.”

Another professor who made a great impression on me wasDr. John Kolmer, chair of microbiology. For 63 years I’ve hada copy of a book he authored and signed for me when it wasnewly published. “Dear Mr. Eisenberg,” he wrote, “Pleaseremember: the practice of medicine is not a God-given right;it is an honor and a privilege. It requires devotion and some-times sacrifice. In future years may you look back upon yourjourney here as a model for your ideals as a physician.”

Bernie and I feel a deep bond with Temple. We look back onour undergraduate and medical school years as some of themost fascinating and significant of our lives. Manny Rosenfeld’sinjunction to me made a profound impact on both of us —and that’s why I repeated it to everyone at the scholarshipdinner: “In future years when you are in a position to behelpful to young medical students, don’t hesitate,” I said, end-ing my remarks to the 200+ scholarship donors and recipientsattending the dinner.

As I walked back to my table, I could see it in her eyes: Theyoung medical student who is the current recipient of theClass of 1944 scholarship fund has decided that she, too, willbecome a scholarship donor one day.

When those who get become those who give, says Bernie, weperpetuate the legacy of access — and give access to legacy.

Ann Marie Lam of the Class of 2009, recipient of the Class of 1944Scholarship, with Bernie Eisenstein, MD ’44, and Morton Eisenberg, MD ’44

A Legacy of Access By Morton Eisenberg, MD ’44

In Memoriam

John Hall, MD ’41, former professor of surgery at Temple, 91,died on May 17, 2007, of pulmonary fibrosis. A long-timeTemple supporter, Dr. Hall was an emeritus director of theTUSM Alumni Association Board. A founding member of theAmerican Trauma Society, Dr. Hall began teaching at Temple asan associate in surgery in 1942, and was promoted up the ranksto full professor. From 1959 to 1982 he also served as chair ofsurgery at Philadelphia General Hospital. In 1982 he becamechief of surgical services at Veteran’s Administration Hospital,Wilmington, Del., and professor of surgery at Thomas Jefferson,retiring in 1986. Dr. Hall made provisions in his will for anydonations in his memory to be made to the TUSM Class of 1941Endowed Scholarship fund. Please contact Laura Wortman [email protected] or 215-707-9459.

James G. McElligot, PhD, professor of pharmacology, 68, diedFebruary 20, 2007, following a year-long battle with metastaticmelanoma. During his 35-year tenure at Temple, he taught,conducted research and service, served numerous tours as coursedirector for the pharmacology and neuroscience graduate pro-grams, and mentored many pre- and postdoctoral students. Hemade meaningful contributions to the field of motor control,published extensively, and received numerous NIH/NSF awards.He was a pioneer in developing chronic microelectrode techniquesfor neurophysiological studies in alert mammals, and becamequite interested in exploring the role of monoamines in cerebellarfunction. A neuroscience lecture series fund has been establishedat TUSM in Dr. McElligot’s name. To contribute, contact DanSchulster at [email protected] or 215-707-3598.James G. McElligot, PhD

John Hall, MD ’41

John W. Lachman, BA ’40, MD ’43

2277I N M E M O R I A M

John W. Lachman, BA ’40, MD ’43, former chair of orthopaedicsurgery at Temple, died on September 22, 2007. He was 88.

Known for his sharp intellect, impeccable integrity, exemplarydedication, and subtle sense of humor, “Latch” followed JohnRoyal Moore as department chair and brought TempleOrthopedics to the fore. A great clinician and educator, he heldhis trainees to high principles and taught them the significanceof meticulous attention to detail. His own attention to detail led to the observation that ACL insufficiency can be determinedby stressing the knee in extension rather than in the manner ofthe classic anterior drawer test. Recognized throughout the world as the most sensitive clinical determinant of ACL injury,the ‘Lachman Test’ is firmly engraved in the contemporaryorthopaedic vocabulary.

For information about the John W. Lachman Auditorium Fundfor the new School of Medicine building, contact Eric Abel,Assistant Dean, at 215.707.3023 or [email protected].

I N M E M O R I A M2288

In Memoriam continued

Tod Mikuriya, MD ’62, Berkley, Calif., 73, died on May 20, 2007,after a long battle with cancer. A psychiatrist and leader in themovement for the legalization of medical marijuana, Dr. Mikuriyaself-published in 1972 the landmark book Marijuana MedicalPapers 1839–1972, and helped construct the state ballot measurethat legalized doctor-recommended marijuana for seriously illpatients. He also was a founder of the Society of CannabisClinicians, whose members have issued more than 160,000approvals. Limiting his private psychiatric practice to cannabisconsultation, Dr. Mikuriya approved medical marijuana for over9,000 patients. Legal complexities drew him into conflict withthe Medical Board of California, which put him on five years’probation in 1994 while practicing under the supervision of astate-appointed monitor. In his final days, Dr. Mikuriya’s sisterand fellow alumna, Beverly Mikuriya MD ’73, cared for him.

30sEdith W. Sechler, MD ’38 2.18.07James G. Zaidan, MD ’38 5.4.07

40sLeona K. Dean, MD ’41 2.27.07John Handy Hall, MD ’41 5.17.07John D. Bonzer, MD ’42 4.20.07Frank R. Boyer, MD ’42 5.14 .07James R. Goodson, MD ’42 05.02.07Francis A. Ambrose, MD ’43 10.10.06William K. Goodspeed, MD ’43 8.11.06Howard E. Pratt, MD ’43 10.6.05Alston C. Twiss, MD ’44 1.13.07Roy C. Swingle, MD ’45 4 .11.07Edwin Lauterbach, MD ’46 12.30.06Morton, Leach, MD ’47 3.2.07Warren A. Nafis, MD ’47 11.2.06Nicholas F. Viek, MD ’48 11.20.06

50sHarlan B. Huskey, MD ’50 1.8.05Miyoko I. Bassett, MD ’51 5.26.07George E. Allen, MD ’52 8.3.05Edward W. Ciriacy, MD ’52 6.21.06George W. Hess, MD ’53 8.29.06George R. Hewlett, MD ’53 5.2.07Charles R. Smart, MD ’55 1.28.06Herman S. Garey, MD ’57 5.1.07G. Richard Jones, MD ’57 2.27.07Richard R. Ryan, MD ’57 1.7.07John T. Tredennick, MD ’57 7.15.06

60sTod H. Mikuriya, MD ’62 5.20.07Gustavus C. Bird, IV, MD ’62 6.27.06John Incarvito, Jr., MD ’67 5.16.07

70sRobert Raszkowski, MD ’72 11.21.05Loris O. King, MD ’76 1.7.07Ben Zimmer, MD ’78 8.5.06Joel D. Shockman, MD ’79 4.23.07

80sRichard A. Gervasio, MD ’83 1.9.06Christine S. O’Donnell, MD ’83 11.2.05Robert M. Vale, MD ’87 7.20.03

90sAshley K. Wilson MD ’98 2.2.05

RESIDENTS AND FACULTYJeffrey Weiss, MD, Faculty 10.30.06James G. McElligott, PhD, 2.20.07

FacultyJohn Joseph Chiarenza, MD, 10.20.06

Res ’65

C. Hilyard Barr ’48

Board member, benefactor and friend C. Hilyard Barr, 83,La Canada, Calif., died on September 4, 2007, after a courageousbattle with cancer. Mr. Barr had been a member of the School ofMedicine’s Board of Visitors and was an exemplary advocate of theSchool for decades, giving generously of his wealth and wisdom.In addition to endowing two scholarship funds for medical students, he supported a wide range of programs and projects andmade a number of significant gifts anonymously. Mr. Barr ran fivesuccessful medical therapeutics companies and was a pioneer infreeze-dried human blood processing. Dubbed a tycoon at 19 bythe Philadelphia Inquirer in 1943 when he was running a 20-person company as a freshman at TUSM, Mr. Barr said that he“washed out [of school] fair and square.”

Although he never graduated from Temple, he never let his con-nections disappear. In fact, the late Professor John Kolmer helpedlaunch Mr. Barr’s success by turning one of Mr. Barr’s productsinto a blood test for syphilis, and classmate Clyde McAuley, MD’48, served as Barr’s company medical director for over 40 years.In 2002 Mr. Barr was honored with TUSM’s Service Award.

Office of Institutional Advancement3223 N. Broad Street, Suite 413Philadelphia, PA 19140

NNOONN--PPRROOFFIITT OORRGGAANNIIZZAATTIIOONN

UUSS PPOOSSTTAAGGEE PPAAIIDD

PPHHIILLAADDEELLPPHHIIAA PPAAPPEERRMMIITT NNOO.. 11004444

Earn up to 11.3% on your investment and support generations of students with a Temple University charitable gift annuity.

Today’s low interest rates on CDs and other investments offer great incentive toopen a charitable gift annuity (CGA) with Temple University. For as little as $5,000,a Temple CGA will pay you an excellent rate of return, and the proceeds will provide for generations of Temple students in your favorite college or program.

For a confidential illustration and a copy of our brochure on charitable gift annuities,contact the Office of Planned Giving:

1938 Liacouras WalkPhiladelphia, PA 19122800-822-6957http://plannedgiving.temple.edu

Invest Wisely

Age Rate60 . . . . . . . . . . . 5.7%65 . . . . . . . . . . . 6.0%70 . . . . . . . . . . . 6.5%75 . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1%80 . . . . . . . . . . . 8.0%85 . . . . . . . . . . . 9.5%90 & Over . . . . . 11.3%

One-Life AnnuityAge Rate60 & 60 . . . . . . . 5.4%65 & 65 . . . . . . . 5.6%70 & 70 . . . . . . . 5.9%75 & 75 . . . . . . . 6.3%80 & 80 . . . . . . . 6.9%85 & 85 . . . . . . . 7.9%90 & 90 . . . . . . . 9.3%

Two-Life Annuity

Documents

Temple Medicine, Fall/Winter 2007