Chironian Fall/Winter 2006

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Fall/Winter 2006

INSIDE

Disasters Don’t Discriminate Karen Ann Quinlan’s Physician-Ethicist

Msgr. Barrett Leaves NYMC After 14 Years hironian Rev. Msgr. Harry C. Barrett Ends His 14-Year C Tenure as President New York Medical College

Editor: Rev. Msgr. Harry C. Barrett, D.Min., M.P.H., Donna E. Moriarty, M.P.H. ’04 announced in September that he is stepping Writers: Bob Devol down as president and chief executive officer of Kimberly Gaudin de Gonzalez New York Medical College. He assumed his new Barbara Burgower Hordern role as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Monroe, Andrea Kott, M.P.H. L.A. McKeown N.Y. on October 1. At a September 27 meeting of Lori-Ann Perrault the Board of Trustees, board chairman Ronald F. Marjorie Roberts Poe expressed regret over Msgr. Barrett’s depar- E-mail: [email protected] ture and appreciation for his years of leadership. Administration: Ralph A. O’Connell, M.D. “It has been a privilege to serve New York Acting President Medical College alongside a committed leader Provost and Dean, School of Medicine like Msgr. Barrett, and we wish him well in his Francis L. Belloni, Ph.D. new position,” said Mr. Poe. “I have no doubt Dean, Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences that the entire College community will work Robert W. Amler, M.D. together to make this a dynamic transition to Dean, School of Public Health a new chapter in the life of this great university.” Donna E. Moriarty, M.P.H. ’04 He went on, “New York Medical College is a Senior Communications Director New York State member corporation, whose Lori-Ann Perrault Public Information Editor members have the responsibility of appointing was completed in 2001, distinguished by a Editorial Board: the president, trustees, chairman of the board, Michael A. Antonelle, M.D. ’62 and provost. At their September meeting the state-of-the-art anatomy laboratory and the Doris J. Bucher, Ph.D. members appointed Ralph A. O’Connell, M.D., development of 18,000 square feet of new Catharine Crea research space. In 2003 the School of Public Rhea L. Dornbush, Ph.D. M.P.H. provost and dean of the School of Medicine, act- Catherine S. Halkett, M.P.H. ’87 ing president effective October 1. The members Health received initial accreditation from the Julie Kubaska, M.S. also requested that Karl P. Adler, M.D., who is Council on Education for Public Health. John A. McClung, M.D. ’75 Matthew A. Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. ’88 the Archbishop’s Delegate for Health Care and A graduate of St. Joseph’s Seminary, Msgr. Christopher F.X. Riegler, M.D. ’88 who served as dean of the School of Medicine Barrett received an M.S. Ed. in counseling from Paul Visintainer, Ph.D. from 1987 to 1994, work with Dr. O’Connell to St. John's University and was awarded a master Design: formulate a plan for the future leadership and of divinity from St. Joseph’s Seminary. He HEH Associates administration of New York Medical College. received an M.P.H. from Columbia University Principal Photography: They will request input from the Board of Philip Jensen-Carter and was awarded a doctorate in ministry from Trustees’ Strategic Planning Task Force, which Please direct all inquiries to: the New York Theological Seminary. He is a New York Medical College/Chironian consists of representatives of the trustees, alumni, member of the American Public Health Valhalla, New York 10595 faculty, affiliates and administration, and will Association, the New York Biotechnology www.nymc.edu/pubs/chironian.asp report back to the members with their recom- Association and the executive committee of the We welcome use of any material with attribution to New York Medical College. mendations.” Westchester County Association; a fellow of Chironian is published semi-annually by Msgr. Barrett has served as the College’s chief the New York Academy of Medicine and a the Office of Public Relations. We welcome member of its admissions committee; a trustee reader feedback. Contact us at (914) 594-4536 executive since 1992. From the beginning, he or at [email protected]. engineered a restructuring of the university of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities; and he has served on boards New York Medical College Affiliates aimed at raising its profile as a health sciences university in the Catholic tradition. Within a and committees of the Greater New York Academic Medical Centers Hospital Association, the Catholic Health Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers few years of taking office, he spearheaded and Westchester Medical Center implemented a university-wide strategic plan Association and countless hospitals, institutes University Hospitals that resulted in significant improvements to and nonprofit organizations. Danbury Hospital buildings and grounds, a doubling of research At his inauguration on December 2, 1992, Msgr. Metropolitan Hospital Center Our Lady of Mercy Medical Center funding, and steady increases in student per- Barrett concluded his address with these words: Major Affiliated Hospital formance on every scale of quality measure- “As the president of New York Medical College, I Sound Shore Medical Center of Westchester ment. A few years into his presidency, he led an commit myself and the university to a constant Specialty Hospital effort to position the College as a prime concern for ultimate questions of faith and science; The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary resource for biotechnology and economic to a concern for the spiritual development of fac- Affiliated Hospitals development in the Hudson Valley and New ulty and students; and to ongoing reflection on Benedictine Hospital Calvary Hospital York metropolitan area, establishing a questions of ethics as a daily activity of the univer- Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffern Technology Development Division that would fos- sity. These responsibilities will require the deepest Greenwich Hospital ter collaboration between university scientists level of commitment from every member of the Kingston Hospital Mount Vernon Hospital and biotechnology companies. university family. I commit my life to you and ask the same from each of you. If you experience any Northern Westchester Hospital Center Among the highlights of his tenure were full Pascack Valley Hospital anxiety from what you have heard, remember the accreditation of the College by the Middle Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Yonkers words of St. John: ‘Fear is driven out by perfect St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Bridgeport States Commission on Higher Education as a love.’ Let the new moment for New York Medical St. Vincent’s Midtown Hospital health sciences university comprising three Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center College begin.” There are many who believe that, schools, and continuous accreditation of the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System during his years as chief executive, Msgr. Barrett School of Medicine by the Liaison Committee Affiliated Ambulatory Care Programs made good on that promise, and that his words— Center for Comprehensive Health Practice on Medical Education. Under Msgr. Barrett’s timeless, and almost prophetic—serve as a Morrisania Diagnostic & Treatment Center leadership, construction of a four-story, reassuring message today. Segundo Ruiz Belvis Diagnostic & Treatment Center 56,000-square foot medical education building —Donna E. Moriarty, M.P.H. ’04

2 Fall/Winter 2006 TABLE OF CONTENTS Features

The World Fights the Flu with Doris Bucher’s Vaccine Her microbiology lab takes strains sent by the CDC and makes them grow. The reassortments are sent to the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the vaccine. By Marjorie Roberts ...... 4

Physiologist Dean Rules Basic Sciences With a Light and Caring Touch When the spirit moves him—and it surely does—Frank Belloni uses his sense of humor in dealing with students and fellow members of the faculty. By Barbara Burgower Hordern ...... 8 4 Disasters Don’t Discriminate The Center for Disaster Medicine provides training and planning for the responders who help those most vulnerable to calamity. By Bob Devol ...... 12

This Clinic’s Benefits are Two-fold: For Patients and Students. By Andrea Kott, M.P.H...... 16

12 Alumni 16 “Evolutionary” Internist Devotes Equal Time to Ethics and Hospice By L.A. McKeown...... 18

Former EMT and 9/11 Survivor Leads Hospitals in Emergency Preparedness By L.A. McKeown ...... 20

From Musician to Anatomy Expert: The Long and Winding Road to Success By L.A. McKeown...... 22

Message From the Dean By Ralph A. O’Connell, M.D...... 24 Alumni News By Andrea Kott, M.P.H.,and Kimberly Gaudin DeGonzalez ...... 25 On the Cover: Francis L. Belloni, Ph.D., dubbed “a Renaissance man” by colleagues, is a physiologist, educator, humorist, chef and friend to ferrets. As dean, he guides the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences with a light touch. An enterprising group of medical students overcame numerous obstacles, using creativity, persistence and outright nagging for the chance to run an inner-city clinic. Medical students like Andrew Chang, Class of 2008, team with at least one attending physician like Pranav Mehta, M.D., assistant professor of clinical medicine, to conduct patient histories, physical exams, diagnoses and treatment plans. Which came first—the flu virus or the egg? The laboratory of Doris J. Bucher, Ph.D., sets the standard for the formulation of each year’s flu vaccine, which is grown in eggs.

Chironian New York Medical College 3 THE WORLD FIGHTS THE FLU WITH DORIS BUCHER’S VACCINE

Her microbiology lab takes strains sent by the CDC and makes them grow. The reassortments are sent to the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the vaccine.

By Marjorie Roberts

ew York Medical College has gained considerable fame for N research on cardiovascular disease and Lyme disease, but there is a third long-time endeavor that has not had its share of the stellar reputation pie. Perhaps the pedestrian nature of influenza has diminished the public’s interest despite the fact that every year, 36,000 people die from the flu in the U.S. alone and 100,000 to 200,000 are hospitalized. And though the flu shot is the best protection money can buy (Medicare participants get it for free), millions fail to be vaccinated. The Tissue culture plates, stained with crystal violet, are the growing medium for cell reasons are not complicated. There are monolayers. A preparation of influenza virus is diluted and applied to the cell mono- those who think they don’t need it. layer with an agarose overlay. Soon circular plaques, or holes, appear in the cell monolayer and are visualized by staining, with each “hole” representing one original Others hate getting injections for any virus particle. reason, and there is a subset who believe they will contract the flu from the injection, despite the assertion of researchers that the virus is inactivated 4 Fall/Winter 20064 Fall/Winter 2006 BELOW: At left is a diagram of the structure of the influenza virus. At right are electron micrograph images of influenza virus particles. The influenza vaccine must be reformulated on an annual basis due to changes in the surface antigens, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase (see diagram).

position with Edwin D. Kilbourne, M.D., who founded the department of microbiology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. “I had two other offers,” she recalls, “but Kilbourne’s work seemed to be the most important. He was interested in my protein expertise in developing a vaccine consisting of purified proteins.” In 1987 Dr. Bucher accepted an invita- ABOVE: Doris J. Bucher, Ph.D., inherited an important legacy from her mentor and former tion to join the Department of boss, Edwin D. Kilbourne, M.D.—the means to develop high yield reassortants for production Microbiology and Immunology at New of the annual flu vaccine. Few people know that she, in effect, recruited Dr. Kilbourne to New York Medical College; five years later York Medical College from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where they first began their long professional association. Dr. Bucher persuaded her Mount Sinai mentor to join her at the college. “Dr. Kilbourne has received much recogni- in the process of making the vaccine the Korean War and the Vietnam tion for his many contributions to and cannot cause the disease. One War)—423,000. thing is certain—the flu shot must be influenza research and influenza vac- had every year because the vaccine “It was 1969 and I had just finished my cines including membership in the is altered to reflect the important post-doc in physiology. I was the sick- National Academy of Sciences,” Dr. mutations the virus makes. This is est I’ve ever been in my life from the Bucher points out. One of the major where New York Medical College comes flu,” says Doris J. Bucher, Ph.D., associ- contributions from Dr. Kilbourne was in, thanks to the microbiologist who ate professor of microbiology and his development of high yield reassor- earned the job and continues to formu- immunology. “Shortly after that time, I tants (type A) for the annual flu vaccine late the influenza vaccine used in the was offered an opportunity to work on that allowed production of influenza U.S. and abroad. flu. From first hand experience, I knew vaccines in sufficient quantities for the that the flu was pretty important.” world supply. Dr. Kilbourne retired in Respect the flu Dr. Bucher has become pretty important 2002 and is now emeritus professor at Nothing gives the flu its due better herself to the production of the flu vaccine the College. than this oft-quoted statement: More at its earliest stage of development. Several years prior to Dr. Kilbourne’s people died in the influenza pandemic retirement, Dr. Bucher decided to of 1918-1919 in the U.S.—500,000— Classifying herself as a “protein chemist,” extend the high yield reassortment than in battling all the wars of the Dr. Bucher laid the groundwork of her system to type B influenza viruses. The twentieth century (World Wars I and II, future with influenza by taking a

Chironian New York Medical College 5 microbiology for many years, 14 of them as course director at New York Medical College. There was a time when scientists believed infectious diseases would be wiped out by the year of the millennium. Instead, new viruses have been emerging in the animal reservoir that are efficient at moving to human hosts; at the same time antibiotics have stopped working on their bacterial brothers. Worse yet, other influenzas are complicating the picture. Between December 26, 2003, and last spring, the new version of Avian flu has killed 134 people worldwide as it continues to ravage Asian poultry stocks. Though Avian flu is still difficult for humans to catch as it requires heavy exposure, Avian flu (H5N1) is under scrutiny by the CDC lest it mutate into a form that spreads The team in Dr. Bucher’s lab in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology draws some easily around the globe from person to of its brainpower from the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences. Jeanmarie Silverman, person in another pandemic. left, is a graduate student in the Master’s program, and Alex Fulvini, center, is a Ph.D. candidate. Manoj Kumar, D.V.M., Ph.D., right, is a postdoctoral fellow. In some years the team Dr. Bucher admits she prefers to con- will work with as many as a half-dozen target strains to single out the reassortant du jour. centrate on the ordinary flu. “We have our hands full with the annual flu. I find it exciting because it’s always chang- influenza vaccine manufacturers were strains were used in most of the three ing,” she says, “and the change is very interested. Working with Edward hundred million vaccine doses pro- always challenging.” Production of the Orff, Ph.D., a post-doctoral candidate duced worldwide. high growth strains begins with injec- at the time, and Jianhua Le, Ph.D., tion of two viruses into the same egg, research assistant professor, she suc- Unlikely background the current strain and a second strain cessfully produced high yield B Dr. Bucher’s upbringing is somewhat that was isolated in 1934 and grows reassortant viruses suitable for use in unusual: “I’m Pennsylvania Dutch. I extremely well in eggs. The process of the flu vaccine by improving the anti- grew up on a Pennsylvania dairy farm in producing the high growth vaccine Lebanon County. The farm has been in body selection process. For the past 30 strains involves shuffling of the gene my family since my great-great grand- years, many laboratories around the pieces and is called reassortment; the uncle bought it in the 1800s. My ances- world had been trying to produce high products are reassortants. The vaccine tors were German-speaking people who yield B reassortants without success. is composed of two “A” components came to this part of Pennsylvania in the and one “B” component; the B is not Following Dr. Kilbourne’s retirement, early 1700s,” she clarifies, “not Amish. changed as frequently but it was Dr. Bucher was fortunate in another My parents encouraged me to go to changed this year (2006-2007). development. Barbara Pokorny, Dr. college. As a good farm girl, I started in Kilbourne’s laboratory supervisor, nutrition at the School of Home “In some years we work with a half- wasn’t ready to retire and joined Dr. Economics at Penn State and found a dozen target strains,” she continues. Bucher’s laboratory. Pokorny had wonderful mentor, Dr. Ruth Pike. She “Some are dead ends while others run worked on all of the influenza vaccine suggested I study at UC Berkeley. strong. The two A components are reassortants since the famous X-31 My Ph.D. in biochemistry came from H1N1, which has not been changed for vaccine strain for the 1968 Hong Kong Berkeley—biochem was hot! At several years, and H3N2, which causes flu. Along with Dr. Le and Alex Fulvini, Berkeley, I was extremely fortunate to a more severe illness, has been a Ph.D. candidate, Pokorny brought do my research with another outstand- changed three years in a row since her wealth of expertise and experience ing professor/ mentor, Dr. W. Duane 2004. The genes of the virus mutate very to developing the recent H3N2’s Brown. The physiology post-doc of my easily, and the vaccine must produce strains, including NYMC X-147 in influenza experience was at UCLA.” antibodies against the hemagglutinin 2004-2005, NYMC X-157 in 2005-2006 [major surface antigen] and the neu- Dr. Bucher has been teaching medical and NYMC X-161B in 2006-2007. These raminidase [minor surface antigen].” students medical virology and medical They cover the flu virus in the form of

6 Fall/Winter 2006 protein spikes, and with change, they influenza isolates made in the U.S.— result in a new strain of flu. long odds for the sample coming from Hemagglutinin allows the virus to Dr. Abid’s lab. attach to host cells; neuraminidase Her sensitive position in the flu vaccine helps the virus leave the host cell after industry means Dr. Bucher stays above the virus completes its replicative cycle the fray when something goes awry. and moves to the next cell. Based on When Chiron, then the largest manu- intense monitoring of thousands of flu facturer of the vaccine, was shut down isolates at the Influenza Branch of the due to contamination in its London CDC, a decision is made on the compo- plant, she avoided discussing the situ- sition of the flu vaccine every year. The ation from her expert viewpoint. Nor goal is to make sure the vaccine did she criticize when the vaccine was matches the currently circulating late in arriving last year in time to begin strains as closely as possible. Actual inoculating patients at clinics and production begins with growing the doctors’ offices around the nation. virus in millions of eggs. The virus is She prefers to champion the CDC purified and killed, then formulated recommendations as to who should get into the vaccine that, when injected, a flu shot: stimulates antibodies to the virus. A major concern is that in the six months • Children ages six months to 23 it takes to produce the vaccine, the flu In her microbiology lab, Dr. Bucher and months. virus may have evolved into a strain research assistant professor Jianhua Le, Ph.D., • People 65 years of age and older. that the vaccine cannot block. observe as Barbara Pokorny, laboratory • Anyone over the age of 2 who has an supervisor, meticulously injects each egg underlying long-term illness or a Small world with two viruses: the current strain and a weakened immune system. The 2005-2006 flu vaccine had special second, older strain that grows well in eggs. • Women who are or expect to become meaning in Westchester as the strain pregnant this flu season. that put New York Medical College and Valhalla, N.Y., on the influenza map. “It takes a New York virus to make a • Residents of nursing homes or other Strains of infection or disease are good vaccine,” smiles Dr. Bucher. She chronic-care facilities. named for the places they were first had found out that the New York sam- • People who are six months to 18 isolated, e.g., Hong Kong, Shanghai ple had been isolated by Syed H. Abid, years of age and take aspirin daily.

There was a time when scientists believed infectious diseases would be wiped out by the year of the millennium. Instead, new viruses have been emerging in the animal reservoir that are efficient at moving to human hosts.

and China’s Fujian province. So when the Ph.D., chief of microbiological services • Healthcare workers who provide CDC sent Dr. Bucher a new flu strain at Westchester County’s Department of hands-on care to patients. marked New York/55, she wondered Laboratory and Research and adjunct • People who have or take care of a where it had been found. “The sample assistant professor of microbiology baby under six months old. Babies we were sent was similar to a and immunology at the College. “His under six months old should not be California-like strain already identified laboratory is on one side of the parking vaccinated. in patients in California, North Dakota, lot and mine is on the other side,” she And as a parting shot Dr. Bucher advises, Wisconsin and Washington. It turned says of the campus in Valhalla that is “Who should get a flu shot? Anyone out that samples of the California-like shared by the County of Westchester who doesn’t want to get the flu!” virus were difficult to grow—until two and New York Medical College. In fact, samples of New York strains arrived that year there were probably 30,000 from the CDC.

Chironian New York Medical College 7 PHYSIOLOGIST DEAN RULES BASIC SCIENCES with a light and caring touch

When the spirit moves him—and it surely does— Frank Belloni uses his sense of humor in dealing with students and fellow members of the faculty.

By Barbara Burgower Hordern f the ability to explain scientists’ needs to higher-ups was all that was I needed to be a great dean, Francis L. Belloni, Ph.D., would have been the ideal choice when he was appointed acting dean of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences at New York Medical College. If all it took were the ability to inspire students and faculty or to mediate, teach or lead, he would still have been in the running. But the College hit the jackpot when the administration chose Frank Belloni, as acting dean, and two years later made it per- manent in 1993. He is a man who repeatedly demonstrates all these abili- ties, not to mention vision and the patience to forge the consensus needed to effect change in a way that is attract- ing high quality students to his small universe in Valhalla.

8 Fall/Winter 2006 “Frank is probably one of the few H. Thomas Lee, M.D. ’94, Ph.D.’94, stud- He knew from experience that faculty remaining Renaissance men,” says ied under Dr. Belloni for six years. Now seldom have a broad understanding of Edward J. Messina, Ph.D., professor of an assistant professor of anesthesiol- administrative issues such as budget- physiology. “He can wear many hats ogy at Columbia University, Dr. Lee ing, financing and the role of the uni- because he’s an expert in many things. says, “Dr. Belloni is the best scientist I versity’s hospital affiliates. Part of the dean’s job is to ensure that his faculty understand these issues. “One of the “He’s very down to earth. You don’t feel that most interesting things about acade- you’re dealing with some high and mighty mia is that everyone thinks rationally but only within their own frame of ref- powerful person when you talk to him. erence. When I first started as dean, I think there was a lot of distrust Dean Belloni’s door is always open.” between the faculty and the adminis- — Nicolas Kummer, M.D./Ph.D. candidate tration. Msgr. Barrett [Rev. Msgr. Harry C. Barrett, D.Min., M.P.H., president and chief executive officer] has put a He has diverse interests and doesn’t ever met. It took me a long time to pick lot of energy into listening to and com- limit himself. He’s very clever, a very a mentor, but after I took his physiology municating with the entire College witty, erudite person who is often way course I was hooked. He let me make community, which has created a much ahead of his colleagues in seeing mistakes and helped me learn from more cooperative spirit. I view part of through complex issues.” them rather than making the same mis- my role as helping everyone understand what the other is thinking. He’s also known for his caring attitude take twice. And he taught me the best Communicating back and forth is a big that has made him a favorite of stu- thing you could learn as a student: For part of making a university work,” he says. dents, faculty and administrators. “I every experiment you do, what is the really don’t think he’s mean enough to hypothesis? It sounds simple, but not A horn moment be a dean,” says Victor A. Fried, Ph.D., many people do do it, and it’s a “Look up. This is a horn with a straight face, a professor of cell recipe for failure if you moment,” Dr. Belloni often biology and anatomy. don’t.” says in his classes as he Coming home Dr. Lee believes the honks his Harpo Marx- same skills that style horn to empha- Joining the faculty in 1981 was a true made Dr. Belloni size a point— homecoming for Dr. Belloni, who grew a great teacher really. He sees his up in Yonkers, N.Y., just 10 miles from make him a great role as a liaison, Valhalla. He earned a scholarship to dean: “He is calm facilitating better Regis High School in Manhattan and and patient and communication not commuted daily by bus and subway. he is a good moder- just between faculty A National Institutes of Health (NIH) ator. He doesn’t take and administration, but Honors Trainee, he earned academic sides, even if he some- also between students scholarships to Providence College in times wants to.” and faculty. Rhode Island, where he received a B.S. degree in honors biology in Crossing the border “He’s very down to earth,” says Nicolas 1970. His next stop was the University “I normally dislike bureaucrats Kummer, an M.D./Ph.D. candidate work- of Michigan where he studied the car- strongly,” says Dr. Fried, “But this guy ing on a doctorate in microbiology and diovascular system. After receiving his has a deep passion for understanding immunology. “You don’t feel that you’re Ph.D. in physiology in 1975, he stayed things and doing things right. He’s dealing with some high and mighty in Ann Arbor for three more years as an really thoughtful and smart in a powerful person when you talk to him. NIH-funded postdoctoral scholar. humanistic way. He is a really good guy Dean Belloni’s door is always open. You don’t have to make an appointment. Dr. Belloni joined the research who sometimes gets caught on the He’s always busy, but he always takes faculty at the University of Virginia, border—like between Iraq and Iran.” time to look up and have a word.” where he received additional training The straddling of sometimes-tense before coming to New York Medical borders is all part of being a dean. One “He’s a little intimidating at first,” says College as an assistant professor. of Dr. Belloni’s first challenges was Kira Smith, a first-year medical student He was promoted to associate helping to convince the upper eche- who completed her master’s degree in professor of physiology in 1986, and lons to appreciate both the values and physiology at the College. “Of all our granted tenure two years later. needs of the graduate school, which faculty members, he really seems the It wasn’t long before he won a reputa- wasn’t as highly regarded within the most interested in getting to know you. tion as a gifted teacher. College as it is today.

Chironian New York Medical College 9 He walks up to you in the hall and asks Because Maggie, who rehabilitates holds for post-doctoral research fel- you your name repeatedly until he wildlife and has a particular fondness lows as well. Horace Davenport, my remembers it.” for birds, will not eat "anything with a chairman when I was in graduate beak,” pasta is the main course for school myself, taught me that leader- Nora Ali, another first-year medical stu- Thanksgiving in the Belloni household. ship involves providing a lot of support dent, remembers she was terrified the This doesn’t stop him from prominently to those you are trying to lead. He used displaying toy stuffed to budget 25 percent of his time just to turkeys. He is also known listen to and help individual members for rather wishfully giving of his faculty with whatever was worry- one of Maggie’s rescued ing them at the time. I’ve tried to adopt Peking ducks the name the same approach to being dean, L’Orange. although I think Horace underesti- mated the time involved! Students love his home, with its “ferretarium,” “Students and post-docs are in a vulnera- devoted to rescued ferrets. ble position as far as power is concerned. A colorful mural in this Sometimes they feel they can’t approach room features ferrets walk- the person they are working under with- ing over a rainbow bridge out repercussions and need someone to to a peaceful pet heaven, advocate for them or just someone else which prompted Belloni to to talk to. Often, I can help them under- rename the room the stand their advisor’s position or help Sistine Ferretarium. Out- them devise workable strategies to side is a large wildlife cage resolve their particular issues. If needed, that they built for Maggie’s I can mediate, but my preference is to rehabilitating animals. help them learn how to work out their own problems. Our goal is to take these Broken lock very enthusiastic young people and help When asked about his them focus their energies on achieving accessibility, he quips, their scientific and professional goals.” “That’s because the lock on my door is broken. Helping students thrive Actually, part of my job as To that end, Dr. Belloni has been instru- I see it is to provide that mental in starting two new programs in access for the students. I the Graduate School of Basic Medical Dr. Belloni may be fond of turkey, but only as honored like working with stu- Sciences. The most challenging has guests in his animal-friendly, vegetarian home. dents, which is why I’m in been the Integrated Ph.D. Program this business. Like every- (IPP) for which the dean has advocated first time she heard that Dean Belloni one else, I find there are times I don’t for years. Entering its second year, “it’s was looking for her. “I was working in want to be bothered. But we’re trying to now semi-integrated,” he says. “We had the physiology lab while earning my train a new generation of science pro- six different programs, each one rela- master’s degree. I was so scared. What fessionals. Students may approach me tively small, with only one or two stu- could I have done? My heart was with an idea they’ve had related to their dents entering in any given year. There pounding. I went by his office and his work or for some new student activity, are problems with that. The students assistant told me he was expecting me. and want some encouragement and didn’t have a peer group to rely on, which The first thing he said was, ‘You’re not guidance in following up on it. At other is important in stressful endeavors like in trouble.’ He knew I was from times, they’ve got a problem on their graduate school or medical school. It California and couldn’t go home for mind. The training of students in grad- became very difficult to sustain six Thanksgiving. He wanted to invite me uate school is very much like a classic independent programs, all at a high to join him and his wife, Maggie, for apprenticeship. Students work closely quality, at the same time. Also, bio- Thanksgiving dinner. That’s one of the with their thesis advisors. Usually the medical science is becoming more and things I really love about this school. relationship works very well, but some- more interdisciplinary. No one can be The faculty and staff really look out for times problems arise, as in any rela- an expert in all areas, so scientists have students and make us feel at home. And tionship. When that happens, students to collaborate. To do that successfully, Dr. Belloni is unique, because he’s really often feel there is nothing they can do. I can provide an outlet for them. I can they need to have a common vocabu- a good cook!” The dean’s pumpkin help them define the issue and see lary so they can talk to each other.” ravioli gets rave reviews from students. what their options are. The same thing

10 Fall/Winter 2006 A work in progress Under the Integrated Ph.D. Program, students do not declare a major or select a pre- ferred research mentor until their second year. During year one, they take a core curriculum that gives them that common vocabulary. First-year students also rotate through three different laboratories in different departments. There are still kinks to work out, but Dr. Belloni knew from the beginning this would be a work in progress. “We’re learning how to work together and advise the students as a group,” he says. “The Known as a dean with an open door, Frank Belloni memorizes the name of every student who students are happier because traverses the halls of the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences. they have each other to rely on when the going is tough, and we’re letting them rotate throughout Research course co-taught by Dr. patent? Is it a conflict of interest to work the whole school. We’ve already had Belloni and Dr. Fried. The College is one on something you hold a patent on? of only ten in the nation to receive fund- students come to us planning to study “We want students to learn how to ing from the Council of Graduate in one field who have decided to go into approach problems,” Dr. Belloni explains. Schools to develop ways to teach another because they became excited “The rules and principles are pretty research ethics to the broader univer- by the opportunities they saw there. straightforward in isolation, but in a sity research community. Drs. Belloni Since it is an apprenticeship, picking given real situation, there may be two or the right person to work with is and Fried have also extended this effort three principles in play. So which do extremely important. If we give the stu- to a series of sessions throughout the you weigh more heavily? The lesson is dents more opportunity to make the academic year on research ethics. These that you don’t wait until you write the right match, they should be better able sessions are open to all students, post- paper to decide these things. The senior to thrive.” docs and faculty. The course and the people need to discuss this with students ahead of time.” The College is one of only ten in the nation to Says Nicolas Kummer, “Dr. Belloni is receive funding from the Council of Graduate trying to make this a better place. He’s doing good things, and he always Schools to develop ways to teach research ethics does them in a nice way. When we had to the broader university research community. to meet for the ethics workshop early in the morning, he always had bagels and The program is already showing signs of open sessions use role-playing and coffee for us.” success. The number of applications is small group discussions to examine And that’s the sort of thing that most on the rise, as is the quality of the appli- ethical dilemmas that research scien- endears Frank Belloni to his many fans. cant pool. “Since we are admitting one tists often encounter. When can you dis- “A characteristic that most people group instead of six, we’re able to card aberrant data without biasing your notice but don’t give enough attention conclusions? When you leave a lab, who choose the top ten out of a pool of 70 or to,” says Dr. Messina, “is his basic owns your data, you or the principal 80. That allows us to be more selective. humanity. He will go out of his way to investigator? Who is entitled to be We’re having more success with appli- help anybody and everybody.” In short, listed as an author of a paper? When cants accepting our offers, too.” Dean Belloni is proof positive that nice two labs collaborate, how is credit for guys needn’t finish last. As Columbia’s Students are particularly enthusiastic the work allocated? Who gets to file a Dr. Lee says, “He’s the best.” about the Responsible Conduct of

Chironian New York Medical College 11 DISASTERS Don’t Discriminate

The Center for Disaster Medicine provides training and planning for the responders who help those most vulnerable to calamity.

12 Fall/Winter 2006 By Bob Devol Disaster Medicine is but the latest outof New York City. Until last year’s growth of a seed planted several years hurricanes, most people didn’t realize hether it’s terrorism, hurri- ago by the late Sheila M. Smythe, the magnitude of dealing with this cane, heat wave, fire or founding dean of School of Public responsibility.” flood, all in their paths W Health. In 1999, when threats of terror- become victims. Most adults have Evacuating the 3.1 million residents of ism and catastrophic disaster on remarkable capacities to cope with, or the Hudson Valley region is a major American soil seemed remote, Ms. even avoid, many disasters. Others are task, to say the least. But it pales in Smythe spearheaded the College’s first not so fortunate. comparison to the challenge that would major conference on bioterrorism. In arise if the region were called into ser- • A four-year-old boy separates from his subsequent years, the school hosted an vice as an evacuation site for more than parents. increasing number and variety of educa- eight million New York City residents; • A 94-year-old woman suffering from tional conferences on pivotal issues of the total population would triple virtu- glaucoma and hypertension is bewil- public health, and the College’s reputa- ally overnight. One year ago, disaster dered. tion as a leader in educating healthcare professionals were just becoming inter- • A mentally challenged man is unable and emergency response professionals ested in the center’s mission of planning to comprehend the dangers he faces. was forged. for mass evacuation. Since then, plans • A family of six on public assistance Now, in a post-9/11 and post-Katrina for a large-scale scenario that were lack the means to either drive or easily world, there has been rapid growth in presented, according to Dr. Markenson, take public transportation away from disaster medicine planning for infants “were exceptionally well received.” danger. Providing planning and training for fast, effective help to vulnerable populations “The benefit of having an academic program is two-fold. like these during disasters is a main focus of the New York Medical College First, we get people out in the field who have real academic School of Public Health’s Center for knowledge in addition to their on-the-job training. Disaster Medicine (CDM). Established in September 2005, the CDM specializes Second, we can build a cadre of future researchers and in many facets of a potential disaster, academicians who can build on what we’re doing now.” including preparedness for children, the elderly and those with special needs, — David S. Markenson, M.D. plus preparedness issues unique to the Hudson Valley region of New York. The center also conducts interdisciplinary and children, persons with disabilities Part of the CDM’s mission is to provide research, and provides specialized and the elderly. In just its first year, the local responders with comprehensive emergency preparedness training, CDM has become recognized locally program development to prepare for a technical assistance, plan development and nationally as a technical, scientific wide range of emergencies. The staff and education for the first responders and academic resource in disaster works closely with the Regional to disasters, terrorism and public medicine—specializing in the needs of Resource Center in the Hudson Valley health emergencies. these vulnerable populations. The that coordinates hospital planning, In charge is David S. Markenson, M.D., group has become known regionally which is partly funded by grants associate professor of pediatrics in the for providing assistance and training in awarded by New York State. The CDM School of Medicine and associate pro- the particular challenges facing the has also received direct state funding to fessor of public health practice in the lower Hudson Valley and Southwest- assist in preparedness in Putnam School of Public Health. Dr. Markenson ern Connecticut. County. Meanwhile, people in high is also chief of pediatric emergency places have been taking notice. medicine at the Maria Fareri Children’s A huge, high-risk region Recently, the CDM was invited by the Hospital at Westchester Medical Center “This region is,” says Dr. Markenson, “a federal government to play a key role in and a nationally recognized expert in huge healthcare environment, with its national-level planning, and was pediatric emergency medicine and emer- hospitals, long-term care and other awarded funding to establish the first gency medical systems. He is often facilities. It’s also a high-risk area with national preparedness guidelines for called on to address the special needs all its commuter lines, water supplies persons with disabilities. The grant will of vulnerable populations in emergency for New York City and in the Hudson also help underwrite a new edition of preparedness planning. Valley, and the site of a nuclear power Dr. Markenson’s previously published facility. The area is also in the path of national guidelines for pediatric pre- For all its relevance to the nation’s cur- any evacuation plan for the enormous paredness. Federal agencies such as rent climate of readiness, the Center for and highly concentrated population the Centers for Disease Control and

Chironian New York Medical College 13 healthcare facilities and agen- public health degree with an emergency cies across the country. preparedness concentration, and a graduate certificate in emergency pre- The center is also moving fast paredness. to fulfill its equally vital mission of training medical pro- “The benefit of having an academic professionals—physicians, gram is two-fold,” says Dr. Markenson. nurses and allied health pro- “First, we get people out in the field who fessionals—to act as medical have real academic knowledge in addi- emergency responders. All tion to their on-the-job training. healthcare professionals, Second, we can build a cadre of future including physicians in any researchers and academicians who can specialty, can receive this build on what we’re doing now.” training, which may include initiating those not yet well A regional and versed in providing disaster national planning role care for patients with special As last year’s Hurricane Katrina dramat- needs, and advanced instruc- ically demonstrated, there is an urgent tion to help more experienced need for large-scale, coordinated, effec- When David S. Markenson, M.D., arrived in September responders enhance their dis- tive disaster medicine built on a solid 2005 to head the newly established Center for Disaster aster medicine skills. Medicine, the world was learning harsh new lessons foundation of detailed, centralized from still-unfolding events in the Gulf coastal states after New challenges, planning. Hurricane Katrina. The CDM provides preparedness plan- programs, faces ning guidance to hospitals and assists Prevention, the Health Resources and As the CDM grew, so did the need for a in developing benchmarks for hospitals. Service Administration, and the Depart- full-time manager of its operations and Currently in development is a prepared- ment of Homeland Security have asked programs. That key executive arrived in ness program for the Hudson Valley’s Dr. Markenson and other center staff for June and he is Michael Reilly, M.P.H., schools and EMS organizations. guidance when they develop prepared- assistant professor of public health Additionally, the center develops state ness programs for special and vulnera- practice in the School of Public Health, and national training and research as ble populations. and a seasoned paramedic with exten- local pilot programs, nascent models of sive experience in emergency prepared- preparedness that can be later rolled A specialty in ness and response. An active trainer for out on a national basis. its infancy the Department of Homeland Security The Department of Homeland Security’s and a consultant to multiple federal, Members of the CDM serve as pedi- Review of Nationwide Catastrophic state and local agencies, Reilly has sev- atric advisors to the Department of Preparedness found that people with eral publications and his own real- Homeland Security’s Office of special needs require significant and world experience in the field of disaster Emergency Preparedness’ Weapons of specialized attention. Yet emergency medical preparedness. Mass Destruction courses. “Their senior staff will be coming to the medicine for vulnerable populations is As assistant director of the center, his School of Public Health to have us cre- still in its infancy. “Within pediatrics responsibilities are as diverse as his ate a set of procedures, tailored just alone, there are only a handful of experts experience: he manages day-to-day for them,” says Dr. Markenson. nationwide, and three of them are right operations; coordinates center research here in the center,” says Dr. Markenson. projects; manages and coordinates One result of such broad scale planning Caring for these special populations in development of academic programs; is a set of standardized procedures that a disaster requires meticulously devel- supervises interns and research staff; don’t require new plans from the oped plans and procedures. With this develops presentations for national and ground up for each type of disaster. Also mind, Dr. Markenson has been tasked international conferences; and oversees being consolidated are the centers that by the federal government to create publications, advertising and marketing. specialize in disaster medicine. “At first, there was an initial flurry to have cen- a unified set of national guidelines Reilly is also responsible for overseeing ters everywhere,” says Dr. Markenson. for pediatric emergency preparedness. the School of Public Health’s inaugural “What’s happening over the last several With those guidelines now complete, academic programs in emergency years is that the true academic centers Dr. Markenson has turned to writing preparedness that began this Fall. He are becoming strong and productive, a similar document for people with and Dr. Markenson are designing and and the information we are developing disabilities. These urgently needed will direct two new graduate programs is robust, and made to be shared. What guidelines will soon be available at in emergency preparedness: a master of

14 Fall/Winter 2006 sets us apart from a lot of other centers bound or oxygen-dependent patients next disaster strikes. The result: a is that whatever we are working on is at once to recognize the magnitude better-prepared agency with a more made publicly available to any govern- of the challenge. Developing systems effective response plan. ment, academic institution or entity and procedures for evacuation and And what can be done to prevent a that needs it.” movement to nearby shelters healthcare facility from becoming equipped with power services and The CDM is not a responder, focusing overwhelmed with disaster victims? specialized medical equipment is “a instead on consultation and education. The federal Health Resources and technical puzzle,” says Reilly. “After But it will still play a key role in a crisis. Service Administration guidelines on Katrina, when we visited some of the “During an emergency, we can be called surge capacity state that for every one shelters in the Houston and San upon by a response agency to advise million people, there should be 500 Antonio areas, some of the medical them,” says Dr. Markenson. “For example, hospital beds for those requiring problems we were seeing in the older I’m one of the advisors to the New York hospitalization as a result of a bio- people were basically an exacerbation City Office of Emergency Management. terrorist attack or public health emer- of their underlying chronic illnesses. During the either planning or the actual gency. “The question is,” says Reilly, Since these individuals weren’t able to disaster, I can be called into their com- “even if we have those 500 beds, are take their medication, and they couldn’t mand center to advise.” Mr. Reilly simi- we prepared?” The CDM has been see their doctors to have their sched- larly could provide assistance in the asked to help in answering this ques- uled medical visits or procedures, areas of prehospital disaster medicine tion, particularly in the Hudson Valley, their hypertension or diabetes or and hazardous substance emergencies by evaluating standards, benchmarks emphysema, or whatever it might be, if called in to consult at hospitals in and measurable ways to determine got out of control and became a New Jersey. whether or not preparedness goals medical emergency.” Accelerating expansion Compensating for while tackling urgent closed hospitals issues Another disturbing scenario In the coming year, the Center for that must be considered is Disaster Medicine will be growing at a what happens if a hospital rapid pace. There are plans to add staff or similar facility becomes to support expanding programs, inoperable. The CDM is develop national guidelines for pre- working with Hudson Valley paredness for children and people with Resource Center to evaluate disabilities and create an enhanced hospitals’ capacity to make preparedness plan for Putnam County, mass patient transfers from which will provide a county-scale one hospital or healthcare model that can be applied nationally. facility to another in case of The group will spend more time study- fire, flood or catastrophic ing information gathered from the system failure. Gulf Coast and Texas on how to pre- One strategy is to test small, pare for disasters and evacuate Michael J. Reilly, M.P.H., employs his own real-world then go big. Smaller scale experience in the field of disaster preparedness as he healthcare facilities while still meeting disasters or emergencies like manages daily operations. the medical requirements of vulnera- heat waves, blackouts or ble populations. localized flooding can be used to test One population under careful study is plans and procedures. “We want to have been met. “When is enough, the elderly. “The elderly are particularly test whether the responding agencies’ enough?” wonders Reilly. “Everyone vulnerable in a post-disaster environ- plans have any holes,” says Reilly. “The has their own idea of what prepared- ment because they generally have Center could assist in evaluating the ness should be, but it’s often not in multiple medical problems,” says responses of all health-related agen- concert with one another.” Reilly. “There are often chronic ill- cies to determine what, if any, injuries As working in concert becomes more nesses, as well as medications, that or illnesses stemmed from what and more crucial to disaster response need to be closely monitored. And the occurred. Then we may be able to rec- for vulnerable populations, the Center elderly in general are more susceptible ommend ways to reduce the number for Disaster Medicine is prepared to to certain infectious diseases.” of injuries or illnesses.” Meanwhile, lead the way. the CDM develops specific guidelines All one has to do is imagine evacuating that these agencies can use when the thousands of bedridden, wheelchair-

Chironian New York Medical College 15 STUDENTS This clinic’s benefits are two-fold: FOR PATIENTS AND STUDENTS

By Andrea Kott, M.P.H. visor. “The lack of healthcare It was two years in the planning, access is such a rampant problem and was a cherished dream long in the United States,” says Chang. before that: a student-run clinic “I think it’s really important to in East Harlem, where poverty, address the issue and expose stu- illiteracy, inadequate healthcare dents to it early in their medical access, language and cultural careers, to show them it’s great to barriers render the community— get involved.” largely indigent and underin- The idea for La Casita de la sured—highly vulnerable to Salud, or “little house of health,” chronic disease. There medical began in 2003 when a group of students in their first and second medical students proposed the years, eager for the chance to project to Ralph A. O’Connell, work with patients, could apply M.D., provost and dean of the their classroom learning to heal School of Medicine. Members people with real needs under the Meet the co-founders of La Casita de la Salud: Steven Leoniak and Andrew A. Chang are now third-year medical students, while of the Class of 2007, Megan watchful eyes of attending Jessica Safra, Elissa Lapide and Megan Veresh are now fourth-years. Veresh, Elissa Lapide, and physicians. Jessica Safra, wanted to volun- The dream realized is La Casita de la Salud, which celebrated its teer in a student-run community clinic and had been researching first anniversary in September. The center is not only exposing clinics at other area medical schools. They attended a conference medical students to populations at risk for conditions such as on how to start a student-run clinic sponsored by New York asthma, diabetes, obesity, poor nutrition and hypertension; it is also University and Albert Einstein medical schools, both of which teaching them about the direct interplay among illness, socioeco- have school clinics. Once they had the information they needed, nomic status and culture. they called a general meeting of all medical students in Valhalla. They established a steering committee with representatives from Pranav Mehta, M.D., is assistant professor of clinical medicine and each class and formed a sub-committee to find a location. of pediatrics, and assistant medical director for La Clinica del Barrio, Metropolitan Hospital’s community-based clinic at 413 East Then they presented their plan to Dr. O’Connell who, in turn, 120th Street, which houses La Casita de la Salud. He says, “The brought it to Richard K. Stone, M.D. ’68, senior associate dean at clinic helps give students a snapshot of the health care disparities the College and medical director at Metropolitan Hospital. Excited that often frustrate the profession. It’s a good dose of reality.” about the idea, Dr. Stone immediately offered La Clinica del Barrio Students also get the opportunity to work with underserved popu- as a site for the student-run clinic. “Dr. Stone thought it was a great lations and to see how the experience differs from working with pri- way to introduce medical students to the underserved community vate pay patients, according to third-year medical student Andrew and provide more opportunities for hands-on clinical medicine,” Chang, one of the clinic’s founders and currently an on-site super- Chang said.

16 Fall/Winter 2006 Dr. Stone arranged for the students to present their proposal to attending physicians, to get them on board as voluntary supervi- sors for one morning every three months. He also lined up two fellowships of $2,100 each, funded by the Metropolitan Medical Board, for students eager to work on the project over the summer. Without the vigorous support of Dr. Stone and other physicians at Metropolitan Hospital, Chang says, “none of this would have happened.”

The clinic was an instant success, according to Dr. Mehta. “It exceeded our expectations,” he says of the clinic’s first year. “Patients have really enjoyed coming to the clinic. We’ve been able to meet their medical expectations. We’ve also helped them socially and this is very satisfying.”

“It’s been a year of learning,” says Stephanie Pepper, a second- year medical student who co-directs the clinic with Benita Liao, a fellow student from the Class of 2009. Starting with three to four patient visits per week, the clinic—which operates on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon—now sees five to six patients per week, most of whom are males seeking treatment for primary care issues, Reporting for duty on a recent Saturday were Benita Liao and such as hypertension and high cholesterol. Stephanie Pepper, Class of ’09, Lily Lam, M.D., Diana Velez, R.N., Elba Teams of medical students and at least one volunteer attending Santiago, P.C.A., Pranav Mehta, M.D., and Megan Veresh, Class of ’07. physician staff the clinic, taking patient histories, performing physical exams, making diagnoses and creating treatment plans. use the healthcare system in the first place. That is why La Casita Medical student volunteers work on patient education teams as de la Salud has a paid Spanish-speaking professional medical inter- well, teaching patients about health issues—asthma, diabetes, preter on site at all times. “We are trying to make patients aware obesity, cancer and heart disease—that are endemic to the East that medical care is available for them in a safe environment,” Harlem community they serve. “That’s what is unique about the Chang says. clinic,” Dr. Mehta says. “We’re really bringing patient education to “By serving those in need, the clinic is helping to nurture students’ patients right there in the waiting areas.” humanitarianism,” Dr. Mehta says. “It’s a great opportunity for stu- There is also a medical students. It allows them to volunteer their time for a noble cause. As dent social service team they go through medical school, we hope they will give back to the that helps link patients to community, whether locally, nationally or internationally.” community organizations The chance to support the community they work in draws students for more specialized sup- and physicians to the clinic, which is currently assessing how many port and care and evalu- volunteers it will need to treat more patients in the coming year. ates patient eligibility for “Our goal is to increase the number of volunteer physicians, to insurance programs. “We broaden our patient population, improve community outreach have students that purely efforts, improve clinic flow and patient follow up,” said Dr. Mehta, take care of patients’ social who says efforts are underway to create a data base that will reflect needs,” Dr. Mehta says. patient progress. “When patients are done with the medical part, they To increase community awareness about the clinic, Pepper says stop at the social service she and co-director Liao are collaborating with local churches and desk. We give referrals to organizations on outreach efforts, including community health fairs social services and help get and blood pressure screenings. The clinic is also trying to recruit home attendants for elderly more volunteer attending physicians. “In the area we’re serving, a patients, as well as housing lot of physicians are already doing so much community service,” and food,” he adds. Pepper says. Adds Chang: “One of the biggest challenges is to get attendings to volunteer. It’s a big commitment to have them be Noting the importance of there at 8 or 9 a.m. on a Saturday morning and ask them to work “The Little House of Health” is the cultural competency, Chang English translation for the College’s for free,” he said. says medical students first community clinic run by medical students, located in need to understand how But as far as Dr. Mehta is concerned, the rewards outweigh the Spanish Harlem and part of language barriers and fear sacrifices. “There is a not a word I can use to describe it,” he says. Metropolitan Hospital’s La Clinica of deportation can discour- “It’s just gratifying to instill a sense of humanitarianism. You couldn’t del Barrio. age people from trying to ask for more.”

Chironian New York Medical College 17 SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ALUMNI

“EVOLUTIONARY” INTERNIST DEVOTES EQUAL TIME TO ETHICS AND HOSPICE

By L. A. McKeown Joseph F. Fennelly, hile some would call Joseph F. Fennelly, M.D. ’56, a revolutionary, he prefers the term evolutionary. “An evolutionary is a revolutionary with a M.D. ’56, who once W sense of humor,” he jokes. This physician, who frequently eulogizes his patients and tries to visit all of his dying patients in their homes, believes counseled the medicine—in the broadest sense of the term—can heal not only the patient, but the family of Karen Ann caregiver as well. Dr. Fennelly, a practicing internist in Madison, N.J., has been at the forefront of Quinlan, believes bioethics issues throughout his 50 years in medicine. He has been widely published, has lectured throughout the world and served as chair of the Bioethics “It’s time to return Committee of the New Jersey State Medical Society, where he still is co-chair. He medicine to its was also a founding member and vice-chairman of the Citizens Committee on Biomedical Ethics and remains, at age 76, co-chair of the Ethics Committee at origin as one of the Morristown Memorial Hospital. most humane of Even in medical school, Fennelly was considered somewhat of a rebel. While a student at New York Medical College, he became a member of Phi Lambda Kappa, which the sciences.” at the time was a wholly Jewish medical fraternity. Fennelly and four other non-Jewish students joined the fraternity as a statement that medical fraternities should not be segregated. Eventually, all medical fraternities in the U.S. removed religious, racial and ethnic restrictions on membership.

18 Fall/Winter 2006 Patient-centered death for so many years is emblematic of where medicine philosophy has gone awry. The more recent Around the same time, Dr. case in Florida of Terry Schiavo Fennelly was introduced to the reaffirmed his belief and shows work of Henry H. Kessler, M.D., how far we still have to go, he an orthopaedic surgeon who adds. Dr. Fennelly also cared for founded the famed Kessler another comatose New Jersey Institute for Rehabilitation, woman, Nancy Jobes, who located in West Orange, N.J. Dr. remained in a persistent vegeta- Kessler, who at the time was a tive state for seven years after a member of the College faculty, 1980 car accident that killed her showed the young medical stu- unborn child. As in the Quinlan dents photographs of African case, he testified for the Jobes children born without limbs who family in New Jersey Supreme had been helped by orthotic Court seeking the right to remove prostheses. “I’ve never forgotten artificial nutrition and hydration. those pictures,” Dr. Fennelly says. “I loved that Dr. Kessler showed “We need to tell the same story us how technology was used to over and over until people improve the quality of life.” understand it. We need to find a language that resonates with A spiritual man with a deep- Joseph F. Fennelly, M.D.’56, is part of a vanishing breed of physi- patients and with society,” Dr. rooted sense of humanitarian- cian. Aside from being one of the last doctors in the New York Fennelly says. “It has taken us 30 ism and philosophical reflection, metropolitan region to make house calls, he now devotes his time years just to translate hospice Dr. Fennelly believes there is to helping the medical profession examine its humanistic values in the care of the dying. into the culture of medicine and more to medicine than curing to make palliative care available.” patients. “I think that physicians have a longing alcohol and the tranquilizer Valium. The A lasting legacy for meaning in medicine,” he says. “It’s a brain-damaged woman became a symbol What stands out most in his mind as he longing also to return medicine to its of the early right-to-die movement. thinks back on his career is the strong origin as one of the most humane of the During the early days of the media’s relationships Dr. Fennelly has had with sciences. I believe that medicine has obsession with Quinlan, Dr. Fennelly was so many patients and their families over within it the stem cells of healing.” tapped by the Morris County Medical the years. “Despite all our efforts to Society to be its spokesperson. The fam- relieve pain and suffering, it is always an Following through with this philosophy, ily asked that Karen be removed from the individual journey. I think that is some- Dr. Fennelly started a number of pro- respirator, but were told by the hospital thing that can be learned but not grams in the 1960s and 70s, including that their wishes could not be legally car- taught. You have to be able to suffer a holistic health study program and ried out. In 1976 the New Jersey Supreme through with the patient all the way to cardiac rehabilitation program, which Court ruled that the respirator could be the end,” he says. Dr. Fennelly even con- were considered radical for their time. removed. After the decision, it was Dr. tinued a personal relationship with the Fennelly and the family attorney, Paul Quinlan family after Karen’s death, visit- Quinlan, Jobes Armstrong, who prompted the family to ing her father, Joseph, frequently when and Schiavo maintain her feeding tube. They did sup- he was dying. port the family’s decision to remove the Dr. Fennelly also started one of the first As for the legacy he believes he will respirator. Karen continued breathing on hospices in New Jersey and helped leave, Dr. Fennelly says, “I feel we owe her own for nine more years before dying redesign the intensive care unit at a something back to medicine. I think we of pneumonia in a nursing home in 1985. tertiary-care center from a patient- need to not only embrace the covenant centered perspective. Later he orga- Dr. Fennelly says the case brought to of Hippocrates but also embrace the nized a human values committee to light issues previously unspoken, such Oath of Maimonides … to watch over examine how the medical profession as a patient’s right to die with dignity society.” approaches the dying patient. This and the importance of living wills and With that in mind, Dr. Fennelly continues latter undertaking propelled Dr. access to palliative care. It also created a to work tirelessly on bioethics commit- Fennelly into the much-publicized dialogue that led to increased interest tees. He is an outspoken advocate for Karen Ann Quinlan case. in hospice training and pastoral care. Dr. Quinlan was 21 years old in 1975 when Fennelly says the image of Karen Ann she collapsed at a party after ingesting Quinlan being denied both life and (continued on page 24)

Chironian New York Medical College 19 SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH ALUMNI Former EMT and 9/11 Survivor LEADS HOSPITALS

in Emergency PreparednessBy L.A. McKeown

ike so many people, Nicholas V. Cagliuso, Sr., M.P.H. ’98, never could have imagined the tra- L jectory his career would take following the dev- astating terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, DC., and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. He believes his training as both an EMT and his graduate education have served him well and put him at the forefront of disaster planning for dozens of healthcare facilities across the country. Since 2005, Cagliuso has been the coordinator of Emergency Preparedness for the New York- Presbyterian Healthcare System, the largest network of its kind in the U.S., comprising 46 hospitals, specialty institutes and long-term care facilities. In his position, he coordinates emergency preparedness efforts across the system’s numerous sites in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Texas. His path to this plum assignment started out conven- tionally enough. Cagliuso obtained his bachelor of science degree in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and worked as an EMT and as research assistant to the Medical Director of the New York City Fire Department’s Emergency Medical Services. In 1998 he earned his M.P.H. in emergency health services from the School of Public Health and began looking for a new opportunity to use his public policy skills.

20 Fall/Winter 2006 Surviving 9/11 issues like fires, water main breaks, and Cagliuso, a genial and upbeat person, In the summer of 2001, just two months multi-vehicle car accidents, plus other says while his job can be tough, it is before the worst terrorist attack in U.S. urban public health challenges, such as everything he ever wanted and more. “I history, Cagliuso headed to a new job as asthma, than on large-scale terror always wanted to be involved in health a management associate at the Port attacks here.” care—the broad notion of health care. There are so many challenges to health- Authority of New York and New Jersey in Asked if being surrounded by disaster care preparedness,” he says, “not the New York City. He was there, in the Port plans and worst-case scenarios ever least of which is that we need to be Authority’s offices in Tower One on the depresses him, Cagliuso responds with 86th floor of the World Trade Center, on available no matter what is happening.” the morning of September 11th. “All of a sudden, everything that I knew from being an EMT and just the basic survival skills all kicked back in. It wasn’t about being a rescuer or responder as much as it was about being a potential victim,” says Cagliuso, whose wife was pregnant at the time with their second son. “You’re potentially facing being the one on the stretcher instead of being the one pushing the stretcher.” Cagliuso recovered from his narrow escape and soon returned his thoughts to emergency preparedness. At that time, the Port Authority’s Office of Emergency Management was staffed wholly by uniformed police officers. The agency soon realized the need to add civilian staff to ensure a more comprehensive approach. Cagliuso applied and spent the next few years as an emer- It seems that Nick Cagliuso, Sr., M.P.H.’98, can’t stay away from two things: education and gency preparedness analyst. He worked emergency services. With degrees in fire science and emergency health services, and an on transportation emergency manage- M.B.A. in the works, he balances his job as coordinator of Emergency Preparedness for the New York-Presbyterian Healthcare System with frequent volunteer stints as an EMT. ment issues affecting the Port Authority’s 27 regional rail, aviation, his ebullient charm. “It’s not necessarily When not working, Cagliuso spends port commerce, bus and tunnel facili- easy or fun, but at the same time what time with his wife Jeannine and their ties. He put his M.P.H. degree to good I’m doing is very fulfilling and satisfy- sons Nick, Jr. and Christopher. He also use as the agency’s project leader of the ing,” he says: “Whether you are talking is a Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy BioWatch program. The federal initia- about terrorist attacks on U.S. soil or at Milano: The New School for Manage- tive allocated biological agent collec- broad-scale natural disasters like ment and Urban Policy in New York City, tors in the Port Authority’s transporta- Hurricane Katrina, the fact is, it will hap- where his dissertation will examine the tion facilities across the five boroughs pen again.” That notion keeps him going perceptions of key stakeholders of of New York and parts of New Jersey. and serves as a warning of the impor- healthcare emergency preparedness tance of what he and others are doing. efforts in the United States. Once that is A notion of terror done, Cagliuso says he hopes to find “Prior to 9/11, those of us in emergency A dream job time to return to his EMT roots by vol- management and preparedness would While many of us dread Sunday nights unteering in his community—but not often plan for, let’s say, large-scale bus and the return to work on Monday, Nick before pursuing an MBA. accidents or a wide-scale natural disas- Cagliuso says he loves them. “Quite hon- “I do miss that human contact that you ter. We certainly never had any true estly, what I am doing is best described get, not just as an EMT responding to notion of terror, and certainly not as my dream job,” he says. “I love what I emergencies but as a patient-care attacks,” Cagliuso says. “We all, I think, do and the organization I work for and provider in general,” Cagliuso says. had the idea that that sort of thing hap- the people I get to work with. When “Obviously, it’s not for the perks or the pens ‘over there,’ in the Middle East you’re in grad school you wonder, ‘Is pay, because the vast majority of EMTs and elsewhere. Even with the ’93 bomb- this right for me?’ and now to stand in the United States are grossly under- ing of the World Trade Center and the here every day and be able to make paid or volunteers, but there’s definitely Murrah building in Oklahoma City, we these contributions and learn some- something about it that I miss.” were more focused on day-to-day thing while I’m at it is just tremendous.”

Chironian New York Medical College 21 GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES ALUMNI FROM MUSICIAN TO ANATOMY EXPERT: The Long and Winding Road to Success

By L.A. McKeown

t sounds much like the premise for a a building. She sustained serious TV movie: After a terrible accident injuries from the accident that left her Iends a promising young musician’s unable to play or perform for an career, she enrolls in a university and extended period of time. creates a new life for herself as a Faced with finding a new way to make a respected doctor and mentor. But this living, Dr. Downie enrolled in a veteri- isn’t fiction. It’s the true story of Sherry nary technician’s program at Mercy Downie, Ph.D. ’94. College at age 30. “I chose vet tech The associate professor in the Depart- originally because I love animals and ment of Anatomy & Structural Biology they don’t care if you have scars,” she in the Bronx at the Albert Einstein remembers. At Mercy, Dr. Downie stum- College of Medicine (AECOM) of Yeshiva bled upon her true love, the study of cell University says she never intended to biology and anatomy, and dove in head- end up where she is today. Chances are first. She says the support and encour- most of her students wouldn’t have agement from her professors helped wanted it any other way. her realize what she truly wanted. The musician had become a scientist. An artist discovers Dr. Downie’s teaching skills were evi- academia dent from an early stage. While still an In her early 20s, Sherry Downie began undergraduate, she created a training playing guitar and soon found ample video to help students understand work for herself as a professional dissection techniques in comparative singer/songwriter. She had a band vertebrate anatomy. The video would and sang everything from radio jin- remain a regular component of the gles to demos for record companies. course at Mercy College for 15 years. “I wanted to be Linda Ronstadt, I “My first ‘aha’ moment, I guess you guess,” jokes Dr. Downie. But at age would call it, was when I suggested that 29, her music career ended in a freak we needed to make that training film for accident when a railing she was lean- anatomy students,” Dr. Downie says. “I ing against gave way and she fell from knew I had found the right field for me.”

22 FallFall/Winter/Winter 2006 After graduating from Mercy magna cum prosected cadavers to meet laude in 1987, with degrees in biology the needs of junior clinical and English literature, Dr. Downie faculty who were beginning wanted more, so she headed to graduate to practice in their area of school at New York Medical College. specialty. One faculty mem- There she continued to thrive in the ber at the College who study of cell biology and anatomy. worked closely with Dr. Among her contributions to the small Downie was Matthew A. but growing Graduate School of Basic Pravetz, O.F.M., Ph.D. ’88, Medical Sciences was co-founding the associate professor of cell Graduate Student Research Forum, biology and anatomy. which is now in its 19th year. “We knew she was good What’s a poster? since she was a student here. She also had very Dr. Downie says the idea for the forum good knowledge of anatomy came about by accident. “A fellow grad- and she has extremely good uate student, Helen Badoyannis, told teaching skills. It was a per- me she was putting together a poster fect fit,” Dr. Pravetz says. for presentation at a meeting. I said, “One of the things her stu- ‘What the heck is a poster? How do you dents always said about present it?’ She let me help her put the [Dr. Downie] was that her poster together and she described the energy level was always activities and excitement of a large sci- high,” he adds. “She was entific meeting.” The forum was devel- always so enthusiastic and oped to serve graduate students in sev- upbeat. Her enthusiasm eral ways. First, it lets them present truly was contagious.” In their work and receive feedback before 2000 and again in 2004, Dr. going to a big national meeting. It Downie was awarded a sounded, she thought, like something New York Medical College students should be exposed to early in In the Graduate School of Basic Medical Sciences, alumna Recognition of Excellence their careers. Second, it increases Sherry Downie, Ph.D.’94, is remembered for her skill at in Teaching Award, which is awareness among students and faculty breathing new life into her anatomy courses—and for voted on by the medical of work that is going on in other depart- co-founding the Graduate Student Research Forum, now in students. its nineteenth year. ments of the College. And third, it gives students a chance to meet with a “Her path was very circuitous, but she field elicits a passionate retort from nationally-recognized researcher who brought all her experiences and skills Dr. Downie: “I don’t think any student of traditionally gives the keynote address and talents and has molded all of that mine ever found my courses dry. There at the special day-long forum. into being a very wonderful teacher,” is so much that is exciting and forward- says Dr. Pravetz. Once Dr. Downie had completed her moving about this field. I love it and I Ph.D. in cell biology and anatomy and In 2004, Dr. Downie left her positions at think my students know that.” her postdoctoral training at AECOM, Mercy and NYMC for a full-time posi- Dr. Pravetz agrees. “People say, ‘what she returned to Mercy College as a tion at Einstein’s, where she now directs could possibly be new in anatomy?’ but full-time faculty member in the the medical scientist training program there is always a little finding that just Department of Natural Sciences. She anatomy course and is assistant direc- makes everyone sit up and take notice. was instrumental in developing inte- tor of the M.D. clinical and develop- That’s one of the great things about grated basic sciences curricula for the mental anatomy course. She also Sherry,” he says. “Her observational allied health programs and taught serves as lab leader and lecturer in skills are very good.” anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. medical histology and cell structure. While at Mercy, Dr. Downie also decided Although Dr. Downie says she has to return part-time to the College as an Dedicated to students more clinical articles she’d like to adjunct faculty member to teach and to Even in a short conversation with Dr. write and publish, her current major serve as a mentor for first-year medical Downie, her dedication to her students publishing project is writing a text- and physical therapy students. At both and to improving the field of anatomy book with co-author Dr. Todd Olson, her alma maters, Dr. Downie developed in general is obvious. An offhand The book, Current Clinical Anatomy, a long-running series of seminars with remark about the “dry” nature of the (continued on page 24)

Chironian New York Medical College 23 MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

t has become the fashion to talk about the “continuum of medical education”—the progression from medical school to resi- “Evolutionary” Internist Devotes Equal I dency, followed by the lifelong learning of Time to Ethics and Hospice CME, shorthand for continuing medical education. Some of us may remember summer vaca- (continued from page 19) tions during medical school, when we used to take a break from our studies—but those were clean needle exchange programs in the good old days. New Jersey, where rates of HIV/AIDS in A more accurate phrase might be “continuous women and children are among the medical education,” for it truly seems as though highest in the nation. He has lectured the classrooms are never empty. The School of at many major medical schools and Medicine Class of 2006 graduated in Carnegie hopes for continued opportunities to Hall in late May; orientation for third-year stu- inspire young medical students in Ralph A. O’Connell, M.D. dents beginning their clinical years was held in much the same way that he himself Acting President July; the entering class of 2010 arrived on campus Provost and Dean was inspired all those years ago by in early August. Residency programs never stop; School of Medicine Dr. Kessler. they end on June 30 and begin again on July 1. Physical therapy doctoral students Dr. Fennelly’s parting message reiter- use the Alumni Gross Anatomy Lab through the summer. Classes in the two grad- ates his desire for “medicine, as a uate schools start right after Labor Day. This complex and exciting process of edu- whole, to rediscover meaning in itself. cating tomorrow’s physicians and healthcare professionals is indeed continuous. We must stress the need for the person- The 188 graduates in the class of 2006 did extraordinarily well in the National to-person relationship and build Resident Matching Program in March, securing residencies at 87 of the top teach- medicine around that,” he says. “That’s ing hospitals across the country. The five most popular specialty choices this year what I want to leave you with.” were internal medicine (28 percent), pediatrics (15 percent), anesthesiology (11 percent), radiology (10 percent), and surgery (6 percent). We are glad to report our students perform exceptionally well on Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination. All told, the New York Medical College student body is strong, talented, diverse, compassionate—altogether they are an exceptional group of human beings, and we are very proud of them. The cost of medical school is a major challenge, however, and we regularly grap- ple with the problem high debt incurred by our graduates during their four years with us. This year 90 percent carried an average debt of $166,000 on graduation. Medical student debt has become a national problem, raising concerns as it Sherrie A Downie, Ph.D. ’94 begins to affect career choice. The College has renewed its commitment to increas- From Musician to Anatomy Expert: The ing endowed scholarships and made it a major goal for fund raising this year. Long and Winding Road to Success Going into Academic Year 2006-2007, the admissions office received 9,647 completed applications for 194 first-year positions in the medical school. The seated (continued from page 23) class comprises graduates of 93 different colleges and universities and residents of 27 states; 54 percent are women. These aspiring doctors are already immersed in will be a completely updated edition anatomy, histology and cell biology. Their futures will likely include graduate med- for McGraw-Hill that is scheduled for ical education (GME), another important component of our academic mission. The publication in 2008. College sponsors 90 GME programs, with 1,300 residents in the full range of major In her spare time, Dr. Downie is enjoy- medical specialties and subspecialties. In 2006, 407 residents and fellows coming her new role as a grandmother. She pleted their training with us. The College also offers a comprehensive array of CME calls her nearly one-year-old grand- programs for its faculty and community physicians. At the close of 2005-2006 there daughter Juliette, “the most amazing were 41,192 attendees at College-sponsored CME conferences and grand rounds. little girl.” A favorite picture of Dr. Medical education is a complex task requiring a devoted faculty, modern educa- Downie’s shows a happy and wet tional facilities, excellent teaching hospitals and comprehensive library services Juliette taking a bath in the sink at her and informatics capabilities. Success relies on the support of faculty, administra- nana’s house earlier this year. tion, alumni, the board and the students themselves. By those criteria, New York “I have a very full life,” Dr. Downie says Medical College’s educational mission is successful. Faculty committees are in all sincerity. “I really feel like I do.” essential to the process: admissions, curriculum, tenure and promotions, graduate medical education, library and continuing medical education. I am grateful to all the members of the New York Medical College community for their continuing 24 Fall/Winter 2006 support and look forward to another year of “continuous medical education.” r been usingformaldehyde to dial foundresearchers that the Arduinoandateamof Dr. in handy.” de That’s my where bacteria. killingmyco- the processof understood somebody who and theprogramneeded California, facility inFresno, r venous graft- arterial break of Apparently therewasanout- kno looking for somebody with they were Infections Program, down thehallinHospital outthat “Itturned reminisces. w of sity of doctoral studiesat theUniver- Iwasfinishingmy “In 1988, in He w Quality Promotionat theCDC. of Branch ology andLaboratory microbiologist intheEpidemi- Arduinoisthelead Today Dr. him g that helped Medical College, and la o inmicrobiol- was hisexpertise it in public health at theCDC, sue adoctorate andacareer Carolina at Chapel Hilltopur- North to theUniversity of While hehadheadedsouth ago.more than19years Prevention (CDC)inAtlanta, for DiseaseControland ters I as microbiologistintheHospital heaccepted ajob ment when treat- about plumbingandwater never somuch expected tolearn Dr.P Michael Arduino, GaudindeGonzalezBy Kimberly TRACKS AND KILLS GERMS AND TRACKS nfections Programat theCen- e ela y masteredintheclassrooms gy, rigo ta h D, he onitatorking theCDC,” v pr g estig ulcHat,andIwas Public Health, h iiino Healthcare the Divisionof wledg ysis f ted infections inadialysis r ocess dial ee inmicr ell r et hisf bor ot aoia School Carolina, North a acility hadpr tion: emember e a atories of New York New atories of bout m oot inthedoor yzers for reuse obiolo s hisfirst IHE RUN,MS ’81, M.S. MICHAEL ARDUINO, y . cobacteria. . ..’81, M.S. H., gy came eviously FOR THECDC . hemodialysis centers havehemodialysis centers now infections in virus blood-borne munity for the prevention of we wrotefor thedialysis com- “T Arduino said. Dr. infections,” disease—especially bacterial impact ondialysis-associated “T disinfectant issues. dial on expert became theresident andhe quickly career tookoff, his scientific detective work, pr the wereable tocorrect tors bacteria, tokillmyco- was insufficient they wereusing germicide sho Arduino’s research When Dr. the patients had died. g venousdeveloping arterial them five of with four outof infections amongpatients of c being contaminated withevery teria, inf dialyzers andpreparethedis- that water usedtorinsethe They discovered disinfectant. later switched toacommercial andhad on thesamepatient, leaning atrltdifcin.Two of raft-related infections. he r he w ob ectant containedm ysis w Michael Arduino,M.S.’81 e.With thisdisplay of lem. ed tha and thedial ecommenda ork wedohasmadean ork , . w the programdirec- T a he r ter treatment and t thecommer esult wasarash yz tions tha ers were ers ycobac- cial t called with ayeast-like organism were discovered tobeinfected neonatal intensive careunit 15infantsina one recentcase, ease inhealthcar dis- investigates outbreaksof also Arduino’s laboratory Dr. setting hasdroppedway down.” infections inthedialysis center andthenumber of people, succeeded inre-educating The endresultwaswehave g like glovesate barriers and appropri- washing procedure, described aspecifichand- We even withHIVpatients. b looking at infection outbreaks an andearculturesof personnel team collectedhandcultur contact lensmoisturiz ucts such asnasalspray or tion inover-the-counter prod- timetestingfor contamina- of The labspendsafairamount problem wasresolved.” br “Handwashing Arduino said. 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A25 LUMNI NEWS ALUMNI RICHARD HIRSH, M.D. ’69, Alumni Association HELPS BRING MAMMOGRAPHY Board of Governors to Underserved Regions Abroad By Andrea Kott, M.P.H. amount to $3,000 per person. Officers A number of private companies Richard Hirsh, M.D. ’69, likens have donated mammographic President Radiology Mammography Inter- Christopher F.X. Riegler, M.D. ’88 equipment as well as film, x-ray national (RMI)—the non-profit view boxes and other supplies. President-Elect organization he founded in Nevertheless, Dr. Hirsh is Eileen (Lee) M. Dieck, M.D. ’86 1996 to bring mammography always looking for grants and Vice President and breast cancer education private donations to fund the Mario F. Tagliagambe, Jr., M.D. ’84 to underserved regions around organization’s work. “These Treasurer the world—to the adage about donations are the quality assur- Stephen J. Nicholas, M.D. ’86 teaching people to fish so they ance keys to the success of can eat for a lifetime. “We Secretary our mission,” he said. teach them to fish,” he says, John M. Cosgrove, M.D. ’83 “and leave the pole.” The success is often imme- Archivist diate, as it was during a 1999 George C. Shapiro, M.D. ’88 The “pole,” in this case, is the mission to Managua, Nicaragua, Immediate Past President education, training and tech- where Dr. Hirsh trained four Louis E. Fierro, M.D. ’60 nology needed to screen for Richard Hirsh, M.D. ’69 female x-ray technologists at breast cancer. Twice a year, on The Hospital for Women. As Elected Governors his own time and free of charge, Dr. Hirsh became interested in word of his mission spread, John A. Addrizzo, M.D. ’64 Dr. Hirsh conducts mammog- mammography missions years more and more female technol- Michael J. Bronson, M.D. ’76 raphy missions, visiting devel- before he established RMI. In ogists from other hospitals 1989, he read about a mam- Thomas D. Cerabona, M.D. ’82 oping countries and under- showed up, asking to partici- served parts of the world. mography education project in Theodore Diktaban, M.D. ’76 pate. “Within two weeks we’d He brings a team of 8 to 12 India that called for volunteer Charles W. Episalla, M.D. ’88 trained a total of 19 female x- volunteers—x-ray technolo- radiologists. He took a two- ray technologists,” he said. Caroline A. Fierro, M.D. ’95 gists, engineers, radiologists week leave from his job as a Robert J. Furey, M.D. ’62 and women’s health educators general diagnostic radiologist So far, Dr. Hirsh has conducted Joseph L. Giamelli, M.D. ’02 —to help him train local radiol- at Summa Health System in 15 missions in China, Honduras, Regina M. Giuffrida, M.D. ’80 ogy and x-ray technologists, Akron, Ohio, and joined 25 Bulgaria, Nicaragua and other Jane N. Haher, M.D. ’67 diagnostic radiologists and volunteer radiology specialists countries. He tries to visit the Thomas R. Haher, M.D. ’75 surgeons in the use of mam- on a mission to teach mammog- same country more than once, Philip A. Marraccini, M.D. ’50 mography equipment. In addi- raphy technique and interpre- so he can follow up on the training he has conducted Richard E. Memoli, M.D. ’69 tion to hands-on training in tation in nine different cities in and, when possible, provide Henry I. Saphier, M.D. ’61 parts of the world as far-flung India. “That sort of lit the can- as Nepal and Bulgaria, Dr. dle,” said Dr. Hirsh, who is also improved technology. He also Faculty Governor Hirsh provides assistance in assistant professor of radiol- works to establish relationships Leonard J. Newman, M.D. ’70 the form of donated mammog- ogy at Northeastern Ohio Uni- with ministries of health and raphy equipment. He lectures versities College of Medicine. with key government figures in Past Presidents general medical and surgical “I enjoy teaching, and here the countries where he works. Dennis J. Allendorf, M.D. ’70 doctors about mammography was an adventurous way to His goal is to garner as much Michael A. Antonelle, M.D. ’62 and breast cancer. And he pass on my teaching and local support as possible. Saverio S. Bentivegna, M.D. ’50 assigns spokespeople, often training, to give back. It was In Washington, D.C., in 1999, Joseph F. Dursi, M.D. ’59 the spouses of members of an extraordinary experience.” the Congressional Families Louis E. Fierro, M.D. ’60 Congress, to perform commu- Other missions followed, includ- Action for Cancer Awareness Rita F. Girolamo, M.D. ’51 nity outreach by educating the ing one in 1994 to Kathmandu, Program honored Dr. Hirsh for Cyrille H. Halkin, M.D.’45 public about breast cancer Nepal, where he spent three his international humanitarian and the importance of screen- Henry P. Leis, Jr., M.D. ’41 weeks setting up donated work and for founding RMI. ing for early detection. David T. Mininberg, M.D. ’61 mammographic and film pro- And, while proud of the recog- E. Edward Napp, M.D. ’33 “Breast cancer is one of the cessing equipment and teach- nition, Dr. Hirsh derives the most satisfaction from the work Seymour Schlussel, M.D. ’51 greatest causes of cancer ing the requisite skills to tech- itself. “I receive a special type Lawrence B. Slobody, M.D. ’36 death among women in many nologists and radiologists. of joy and fulfillment that no Martin L. Stone, M.D. ’44 developing countries,” Dr. Donated equipment, as well Hirsh said. “It knows no cultural, words in my mind can ade- Paul Tartell, M.D. ’52 as monetary donations, are quately describe,” he said. ethnic or religious boundaries. It’s essential for RMI since the Director for University an equal opportunity disease.” “The tougher the mission, the cost of travel, lodging and more satisfaction I receive.” ࡗ Alumni Relations food for each mission can Julie A. Kubaska, M.S.

26 Fall/Winter 2006 ALUMNI RENEE KOHANSKI, M.D. ’90, Is What Forensic Psychiatry and Talk Radio HAVE IN COMMON By Andrea Kott, M.P.H. traces to having attended and psychopharmachology, Sooner or later, everyone falls New York Medical College. rather than forensic psychiatry. into an occasional rut. Most (Her brother, Robert “While I love forensic psychia- people, no matter how fasci- Scharfman, M.D. ’89, an try, particularly the criminal nating their work, get bored. ophthalmologist, is also an aspects, it often requires travel That is, of course, unless they alum.) It was at the and other obligations that are find a way to mix it up. Take College, literally over a simply not conducive to family Renee Scharfman Kohanski, cadaver in anatomy lab life,” she said. She reached M.D. ’90, for example. The where he was serving as a the same conclusion about forensic psychiatrist, private- teaching assistant, that she maintaining her own weekly practice therapist, former radio met her husband, with radio show. “Kohanski’s talk show host, and soon-to- whom she has two chil- Connecticut” was an excellent be podcaster, didn’t set out to dren, David Jared, 5, and opportunity to reach 25,000 put so many irons in the fire. Anna Patricia, 10. Her people in a powerful way, but She discovered most of her training at the College the prep time was overwhelm- ventures (except medical qualified her to testify as ing,” she said. “With two young school) somewhat by happen- an expert witness in court children at that point, the costs stance. Since she enjoys cases, which in turn led to exceeded the benefits.” invitations to guest host them all, her life is busy. It is Renee Kohanski, M.D. ’90 Dr. Kohanski still makes regular radio talk shows and ulti- also extremely interesting. guest appearances on the While working with Dr. Morgan, mately to host her own shows. nationally syndicated radio talk “I went to medical school to Dr. Kohanski was appointed “New York Med has given me show “A Touch of Grey” and be a pediatrician,” Dr. Kohanski the lead forensic psychiatrist my life,” she said. on the local broadcast station said, sounding somewhat sur- for the capital murder trial of an WICH. Talkers magazine, a prised at how her path diverged. inmate who was charged with Dr. Kohanski began her stint as publication for the radio indus- “I remember my first rotation; killing a police officer and a radio guest host in 1997 in try, approached her about there we were sticking nee- later, a fellow inmate. While the Augusta, Ga., where she lived developing a series of shows dles into babies and making inmate was on death row, Dr. during her forensic psychiatry for a podcast, scheduled to air them cry and I thought, what Kohanski provided the psychi- fellowship. Her interest in radio this fall. (For the uninitiated, am I going to do? I don’t want atric treatment that restored continued when she and her podcasting is a method of dis- to make babies cry!” She found him to competency to stand husband relocated to Norwich, tributing audio, music or video the answer on her second trial. “From that one case, I Conn., in 2000. Doing talk programming over the Internet rotation: psychiatry. “One week learned about every forensic radio appealed to Dr. Kohanski, for viewing or listening on a into my psychiatry rotation I issue there is for a young psy- who saw the need to make computer or other digital device, knew I had found my love.” chiatrist to learn,” she said solid information accessible to such as an iPod.) The series with fresh excitement. “I went the general population—facts Dr. Kohanski has always been will cover general-interest top- to some of the deepest, drea- about psychiatric conditions fascinated by the workings of ics in psychiatry, such as the riest jails,” she said. “Here I and diagnoses, drug and alco- the human mind—and just as difference between depression am, this little Jewish woman hol abuse, or the dangers that fascinated by the relationship and sadness, the purpose of with this heavy New York over-the-counter medicines between the mind and the medication, and how to know accent, and I absolutely pose to the elderly. “I get to legal system. Enter the two when someone is overmed- assimilated into it.” give a lot of people informa- influences that changed her tion and fill a void that I believe icated. As she does with so life. They were a psychiatry As Dr. Kohanski sees it, kismet is not being met,” she said. many events in her life, Dr. residency at Georgetown has graced her life more than Eventually, Dr. Kohanski began Kohanski credits her medical University Hospital in 1990, once. Discovering her love of hosting her own talk shows, education for this latest oppor- where she discovered forensic psychiatry, meeting and falling including “Let’s Talk,” and tunity. “Were it not for New York psychiatry, and retired U.S. in love with her husband, “Kohanski’s Connecticut,” all Med, and in particular the sup- Colonel Donald Morgan, M.D., Phillip Kohanski, M.D. ’87, (a while continuing to practice port of Susan Kline, [M.D., whom she met during her radiologist and former lieu- psychiatry part-time. vice provost, university student forensic psychiatry fellowship tenant colonel in the U.S. affairs, and executive vice She still maintains an active at the William S. Hall Psychiatry Army), and working with the dean, academic affairs],” she part-time private practice in Institute at the University of mentors who introduced her said, “I would not have this New London, Conn., focusing South Carolina in 1994. to forensic psychiatry were all amazing life.” ࡗ connected blessings that she on individual psychotherapy

Chironian New York Medical College 27 ALUMNI ALUMNI REVEL IN REUNIONS and honor two of their own The week leading up to the receptions, not to mention The annual alumni banquet tors, and scientists and in 147th Commencement exer- packing up belongings and was held at the Waldorf~ their respective fields of pedi- cises in Carnegie Hall on May medical school memories Astoria in New York City on atrics and biomedical infor- 24, 2006 was a busy one for before moving on to life as a May 20 to celebrate the 50th matics and medicine. many. Members of the Class resident. Staff and administra- and 25th reunions of the The day after the banquet, of 2006 spent their last few tion were on the go, making Classes of 1956 and 1981, alumni from the Classes of days on campus making sure sure all last minute details where gold and silver diplo- 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, all the i’s were dotted and t’s were attended to for the pomp mas were awarded. Two dis- 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, were crossed so they could and circumstance at Carnegie tinguished members of those 1991, 1996 and 2001 flocked receive their diplomas on the Hall. And alumni were getting classes, Arno R. Hohn, M.D. to the Valhalla campus for the grand stage. There were cap ready to revisit their medical ’56, and James J. Cimino, five-year milestone reunion and gown fittings, graduation school days at the alumni M.D. ’81, were recognized for luncheon, campus tours and practices, ceremonies and reunion weekend. their extraordinary contribu- the Alumni Association annual tions as physicians, educa- meeting.

Louis E. Fierro, M.D. ’60, left, immediate past president of the Alumni Association and member of the Board of Trustees, Ralph A. O'Connell, M.D., second from left, provost and dean of the School of Medicine, and The Class of 1956 was happy to reunite and receive their gold diplomas. Christopher F.X. Riegler, M.D. ’88, right, president of the Alumni Back row from left: Martin E. Rose, M.D., Richard J. Golinko, M.D., Association, took a break from the festivities to pose with medal of honor William F. Varr, M.D., Sanford Sherman, M.D., Donald A. Peck, M.D., recipient James J. Cimino, M.D. ’81. James B. Leach, M.D., George T. Hare, M.D., Martin H. Floch, M.D., and William L. Hart, M.D. Center row from left: Alfonso Richards, M.D., Sara B. Arnaud, M.D., Toni G. Novick, M.D., Joseph Fennelly, M.D., Arno R. Hohn, M.D., Jerold Schwartz, M.D., and Frederick Cushmore, M.D. Front row from left: Harold J. Luria, M.D., Dorothea Zucker-Franklin, M.D., Stephen N. Rous, M.D., Naomi Goldstein, M.D., Suzanne Haynes-Sword, M.D., Lina R. Merlino, M.D., Joseph J. Macy, M.D., and Donald J. Bradley, M.D.

Sharing the celebration of their 25th reunion are former classmates and old friends from the Class of 1981. Back row from left: Robert P. Driscoll, M.D., Kenneth D. Kushner, M.D., William C. Reha, M.D., Michael F. DeBruin, M.D., Edgar H. Ballenas, M.D., Orest J. Kozicky, M.D., Michael Innerfield, M.D. and Eric J. Feldman, M.D. Center row from left: Wayne M. Dankner, M.D., James J. Cimino, M.D., Edgar Borrero, M.D., Sam F. Frankel, M.D., Joseph W. Gaffney, M.D., and Seth A. Steinman, M.D. Front row from left: Anne Nucci-Sack, M.D., Stephanie C. Buck, M.D., Mary Ellen Revenis, M.D., The Class of 1966 was represented by J.C. Jurgensen, M.D. ’66, left, and Deborah White, M.D., Pamela Stratton, M.D., Mariana S. Markell, M.D., James L. Januzzi, Sr., M.D. ’66, and their wives Joan and Louise. Ilene Newman, M.d., and Patricia Montaperto, M.D.

28 Fall/Winter 2006 ALUMNI S f their own MILESTONES Two Thousand Five Two Thousand One Falgun H. Chokshi, M.D. ’05, is in resi- Carlos G. Cardillo, M.P.H. ’01, is doing dency in diagnostic radiology at the research for the U.S. Department of University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Defense at the Henry Jackson Foundation Hospital in Miami, Fla. for the Advancement of Military Medicine Thomas C. Hawes, M.D. ’05, is doing in Rockville, Md. an anesthesiology residency at Yale Arie Pelta, M.D. ’01, is completing his University Hospital in New Haven, Conn. chief year in general surgery at the North Patricia C. (Puzio) Primakov, M.P.H. Shore-Long Island Jewish Medical Center ’05, M.S. ’03, who is working in micro- in New Hyde Park, N.Y. Dr. Pelta recently biology and clinical research admin- matched in a colorectal surgery fellow- istration, married Denis Primakov, M.D. ship in Atlanta. ’03, on December 3, 2005 in Norwood, Debra Richardson, M.D. ’01, has gradu- N.J. Dr. Primakov works in the depart- ated from an obstetrics-gynecology resi- ment of medicine at North Shore Uni- dency at the University of Connecticut versity Hospital. The couple lives in and is going to the Mayo Clinic for a two- Manhasset, N.Y. year fellowship in women’s health. Erin Stevens, M.D. ’05, is completing a Jerold Schwartz, M.D. ’56, and wife Bunny, left, caught up with former residency in obstetrics and gynecology Two Thousand classmate Sara B. Arnaud, M.D. ’56. at Stony Brook University Hospital on Shariq Ali, Ph.D. ’00, M.S. ’99, is work- Long Island. ing as the New York-based medical scien- Robert W. Trimble, M.D. ’05, is doing tific liaison for Alexion Pharmaceuticals, a residency in internal medicine in Inc., a biotech company based in Washington, D.C. Cheshire, Conn. Marc-Daniel Gutekunst, M.P.H. ’00, Two Thousand Four Ph.D. ’93, is a visiting scholar at Emory Antonia N. Aphantitis, M.P.H. ’04, is University in Atlanta, working on a text- attending law school at the University book, Selected Health Systems of Africa, of Ottawa in Canada. and serving as a senior mentor to three public health graduate students at the Richard Oeckler, M.D. ’04, is the university’s school of public health. Dr. recipient of the 2006 Mayo Brothers Gutekunst also co-chairs, with Ambas- Distinguished Fellowship Award from sador Andrew Young, Forging New the internal medicine residency-training Tomorrows, Inc., an Atlanta-based inter- program of the Mayo School of Grad- national organization dedicated to improv- uate Medical Education. The award, ing global health, education and training, which is based on outstanding clinical and the environment. Over the years, FNT performance, humanitarian features and has supervised medical research projects scholarly activity, is given to one internal at the Centers for Disease Control and medicine resident each year. Dr. Oeckler Prevention, supported three hospitals and Sam F. Frankel, M.D. ’81, is in his third year of residency and will conducted environmental research in reminisced as he browsed enter the clinical investigator track for Rwanda and in the United States. his fellowship in pulmonary and critical through his old yearbook with his care medicine at the Mayo Graduate Matthew McLaughlin, M.D. ’00, has been wife Claire. School of Medicine in March 2007. hired as a physician at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, Calif. Dr. McLaughlin, Eugene Valsky, M.D. ’04, is doing his who specializes in family practice, com- residency in internal medicine at Boston pleted his internship and residency at the Stephen M. Silverman, M.D. ’81, University Medical Center. University of California, Davis Medical proudly displayed his silver diploma Two Thousand Two Center in Sacramento. He previously alongside his wife Miriam. practiced at Regency Urgent Care Medical Kevin M. Bergin, M.P.H. ’02, has estab- Corporation in Yuba City. lished a business refurbishing medical Neha Patel-Iyengar, M.D. ’00, has joined equipment, including anesthesiology the medical staff of St. Francis Hospital monitors, electric wheelchairs and and Health Center in Blue Island, Ill. ECD/EKG equipment. Vanessa A. Ribaudo-Kaufman, M.D. ’00, Meredith M. (Grieger) Kelly, P.T. ’02, married Michael Kaufman on June 18, got married in January 2004 and relo- 2005. Dr. Ribaudo completed her resi- cated to Atlanta, where she has been dency and chief residency in internal working for NovaCare Rehabilitation, medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center in managing a two-therapist clinic, as New York, where she is currently in her well as working with the Gwinnett second year of a pulmonary and critical Gladiators hockey team. care medicine fellowship. Amy T. Magneson, M.D. ’02, graduated from the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center The Nineties obstetrics-gynecology residency pro- Sonny Lee, M.D. ’99, his wife Miwa and gram in June and will be an assistant their daughter Mika, welcomed the arrival clinical professor of ob-gyn at the Allen of Marika, born on March 24, 2005. Pavilion of Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Magneson is also the mother of son Logan, who was born in July (continued on page 32) Medal of honor recipient Arno R. Hohn, M.D. ’56, center, spent time with 2005. “Life is good.” his former classmate and roommate, Richard J. Golinko, M.D. ’56, and Dr. Golinko’s wife Joan.

Chironian New York Medical College 29 ALUMNI HUMANITY IN MEDICINE is all in the MIGNONE FAMILY

By Kimberly Gaudin de Gonzalez think I’m interested in ophthal- When Biagio Mignone, M.D. ’75, mology,’” said Dr. Mignone, came to the U.S. from southern who is also an assistant clini- Italy at the age of 9, with seven cal professor of ophthalmol- brothers and sisters and parents ogy at the College. “It wasn’t who had not studied beyond something I’d been pushing the fourth grade, who would him into, but I was thrilled. If have predicted that one day he does decide to go into he would have his own oph- practice with me, it would be thalmology practice, a wife an honor to operate with him, who oversees healthcare in an to share patient experiences affluent Connecticut school with him.” district, and a son set on fol- He said he appreciates the lowing in his footsteps? respect for humanity that the Dr. Mignone met his wife, College instills in its students. Kathleen Nevin, M.S.’73, R.N., During his son’s time at the Biagio Mignone, M.D. ’75, and his wife, Kathleen Nevin Mignone, M.S. ’73, R.N., at a party in 1973 when they beamed with pride when son Paul Mignone, M.D. ’06, graduated in May. school, Dr. Mignone witnessed were both students at New York the “Convocation of Thanks,” Medical College. She was in the before he graduated from their “Probably the most exciting an 18-year tradition where stu- last class of nursing students alma mater. Paul, too, plans to parts of my career have been dents pay homage and give to graduate from the College, become an ophthalmologist, my trips to the Dominican thanks to those they call their when it was still located at and will begin his residency at Republic,” said Dr. Mignone, first patients and teachers, the Flower and Fifth Avenue St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital who has traveled to the Central anatomical donors, and their Hospitals in Manhattan. in Manhattan after finishing a American country four times surviving family members. “A friend of mine was throwing transitional year program at on surgical missions, providing “That really touched me, and a party and was concerned Deaconess Medical Center in eye surgery for people who reminded me that the College that no girls would come,” Spokane, Wash. The journey could not otherwise afford it. has always taught respect for to Carnegie Hall seemed re- recalled Mrs. Mignone. “So I Cataract surgery, in which the human life. It sets an emo- markable in many ways. Each went. And Biagio came up to clouded lens is removed and tional tone that is rare in med- of the Mignone alums had taken me and told me his name. I replaced with an artificial one ical school,” he said. “I really different paths, but stayed said ‘Biagio’ that’s nice, but called an intraocular lens, is think this is one of the best true to their passion for health- what is your first name?” She the most frequently performed schools in the country.” laughed. “The rest is history.” care. Here are their stories: surgery in the United States— Kathleen Mignone, M.S. ’73 Biagio Mignone, M.D. ’75 and the most successful. More The two married the following When her son, Richard, died than 95 percent of those who year, and together had four When the senior Dr. Mignone after years of illness and suf- have cataract surgery regain children—Richard, Joseph, was still in high school, his fering, Kathleen Mignone vision levels between 20/40 Paul and Kathleen. Richard, curiosity was piqued by biol- thought she might never want and 20/20. who suffered from biliary atre- ogy and he became inter- to work in pediatrics again. sia (a congenital condition ested in being a doctor. He “Yet the people we see in the So she took her time, working resulting in obstruction of the had no idea how he was Dominican Republic don’t as a home health care nurse bile ducts), underwent two going to afford it, since his have access to it,” he said. “In specializing in geriatrics. liver transplants during his father had a small factory job operating on them, I give them Eventually she realized where short life and died at the age and a large family to support. back their livelihood in less her true interests lay, and of seven. Joseph now works So the young man joined the than an hour.” focused her work efforts on the as an assistant in the ophthal- Army, which paid for two years well-being of children. Today mology office that his father of his medical education, and In 2004, at the suggestion of she oversees policy, procedure established, and their daugh- the College offered additional his wife, Dr. Mignone took his and training for the 20 nurses ter is finishing her studies at financial assistance. son Paul with him on one of his in the Greenwich School Manhattanville College in trips to the Dominican Republic, Now the owner of Mignone District in Connecticut, and Purchase, N.Y. thinking the young man might Medical Eye Care in Yonkers, serves as a liaison between get something out of the exper- the district and parents. Last May, Dr. and Mrs. Mignone N.Y., Dr. Mignone translates ience. He never dreamed the stood side by side with their his gratitude for the help he impact it would have. “Nowadays, we have so many son, Paul Mignone, M.D. ’06, received into generosity children with allergies, with at Carnegie Hall moments toward others. “When Paul was leaving the island he said, ‘I loved it. I (continued on page 35)

30 Fall/Winter 2006 ALUMNI

BARBARA KENNEDY, M.P.H. ’96, Takes a Personal Look at CARE GIVING

By Kimberly Gaudin de Gonzalez reenergize empathy for these and perhaps this knowledge Accomplished artist, writer, courageous people, the care- helped to extend his life and social worker, mediator and takers, and emphasize why it provide a quality end of life.” is so important for us to do retired investment advisor, And if her other accomplish- our work with excellence and Barbara Kennedy, M.P.H.’96, ments were not enough, Ms. compassion. We only have said she drew from all aspects Kennedy began making papier one chance to get things of her education, professional mache bowls in her kitchen, right,” he concluded. and personal life when she working with her hands. After wrote her book, Second Chance her husband died, she made Ranch, about the journey of a one bowl each day for two caregiver who is tending to months, and has 60 in all. She her dying husband. refers to them as vessels of Although her book is not auto- grieving. Several were fea- biographical, Ms. Kennedy tured recently in PaperWorks said she based much of it on Magazine, and this fall the firsthand knowledge after los- bowls will go on display as ing her husband, Paul Smith, part of a Cultural Arts to lung cancer in 1999. Profits Commission Forum at Arizona from the sale of the book are State University. Ms. Kennedy being donated to a local hos- will be panel moderator for a pice. She also plans to donate community discussion on the part of future proceeds to the role art plays in healing and Make-A-Wish-Foundation, a wellness. cause that she and her late Barbara Kennedy, M.P.H. ’96 Believing that every aspect of husband supported. her life has value, Ms. Kennedy Ms. Kennedy, however, believes quotes writer Lillian Smith: “I Lauded by one hospice in second, third and maybe went on this journey to find an administrator as a poignant even fourth chances in life. image of the human being I look at the exhausting, emo- She continues to add to her could be proud of. I had to find tional roller-coaster ride that knowledge base, and to build what I believe, what is mean- characterizes the daily experi- upon her career. She had ingful in human experience, ences of caregivers, Second been a bond trader on Wall for me; what is the creative Chance Ranch emphasizes Street for more than 20 years meaning of ordeal?” the need for empathy and when she became interested forgiveness. in behavioral science and For Ms. Kennedy, art and writ- health promotion. She decided “From my long-term hospice ing are the creative means to enter the master of public work and personal experience she uses to help her under- health program at New York and also from my own care- stand her personal journey Medical College, in what was giving experiences, I can say and how it has transformed then known as the Graduate that Ms. Kennedy has cap- her into the person she is School of Health Sciences. It is tured ‘our stories’ and also today. She uses creativity and now the School of Public poignantly conveyed the way expression in her therapeutic Health. This year, she com- to heal ourselves…to forgive, process with clients, especially pleted her M.S.W. at Arizona forgive, forgive,” wrote Fred when loss and grieving are State University. She is work- McDaniel, executive director complicated and confounded. ing as a cognitive behavioral of HospiceCare, Inc. in Park therapist and mediator when “Narrative Therapy [a model Hills, Mo., who reviewed the she is not writing and of clinical therapy] can be an book on Amazon. “Most hos- lecturing. effective method of grieving,” pice workers tend to see the she said. “I’ve learned to go beginning of a situation as the “My M.P.H. degree helped to the events that formed my moment they step into it, but prepare me for my time as a character, go to the disappoint- the truth is, hospice patients caregiver to Paul,” she said. ments that shaped my person- and their families had a whole “I understood the healthcare ality, and to speak my story.” life before the hospice worker system, and was able to dia- arrived on the scene. The logue with physicians more “Where do I begin?” her clients book helps us to see the big- effectively and to navigate the have asked. “Anywhere you like,” ger picture. It will energize or extensive medical research— she encourages them. ࡗ

Chironian New York Medical College 31 ALUMNI

MILESTONES MICHAEL T. MURRAY, M.D. ’93,

(continued from page 29) Displays Plenty of Backbone Keith P. Meslin, M.D. ’99, is director of colon and rectal surgery at the southern Ocean County Hospital in in Career Choices Manahawkin, N.J. By Kimberly Gaudin de Gonzalez current and well-trained in Steven Moore, M.D. ’99, is practicing sports medicine and newborn/infant Changing jobs is nothing new the latest techniques, he’s care in Tucson, Ariz. to Michael T. Murray, M.D. ’93. also privy to investigations Rodney S. Gonzalez, M.D. ’98, is At least this time, he’s not on the effects of nutrition on working on a fellowship in primary changing professions. So far, outcomes in patients under- care sports medicine at the Uniformed going major spinal recon- Services University of the Health Dr. Murray has been a police Sciences in Midland, Ga. Dr. Gonzalez officer, twice a flight surgeon struction, as well as is also working as the team physician in the U.S. Navy, and an assis- research on spinal fusion in for George Mason University in diabetic patients. Fairfax, Va. tant professor of orthopaedic Jeffrey H. Hsu, M.D. ’97, completed surgery at Columbia University’s “What I do is hard work, a fellowship in vascular surgery at the College of Physicians and and I want to know as much University of Rochester’s Strong Surgeons. But as his focus and as I can about new tech- Memorial Hospital and is practicing at Kaiser Permanente in southern expertise continues to narrow, niques and how they affect California. he’s determined to be the best my patients,” said Dr. Murray, spine surgeon he can be. who completed the second Scott Leroy, M.S. ’97, is the director Michael T. Murray, M.D. ’93 of health for the Danbury Department In September, Dr. Murray part of his board certifica- of Health, Housing and Welfare in tion for orthopaedic surgery Dr. Murray became increasingly Danbury, Conn. joined the faculty at New York University Hospital for Joint in July. interested in spinal disorders, Sunit H. Patel, M.D. ’97, a pediatri- completing several research cian, was married in October 2002 Diseases in the Department of Hard work is nothing new to studies in scoliosis. Toward and became the proud father of Maya Orthopaedic Surgery. “They Dr. Murray. He is still an on December 27, 2005. the end of his residency, his have a great reputation for active member of the naval plans to begin a spinal surgery Carrie Riopel Mousseau, M.D. ’97, spinal surgery,” Dr. Murray reserve. During medical is practicing internal medicine at fellowship at the University of said of his new place of school, he worked nights as the HealthNOW Medical Center in California, San Francisco Sunnyvale, Calif. Dr. Mousseau and employment. “And they are a uniformed officer in the (UCSF) were delayed when he her husband Chuck have one daugh- expanding that reputation by NYPD. It had been his many ter, age 3, “the joy of our lives.” was mobilized for Operation committing to research and by visits to New York City emer- Both are still playing soccer and Enduring Freedom, but never enjoying life. creating a spine center. It is gency rooms as a police sent overseas. He served for a really a great opportunity for officer that had first gener- Alec M. Schwartz, M.D. ’97, com- year with HMH 772, a United pleted board certification for the me to grow as a spine sur- ated his interest in medicine. American Board of Urology and has geon and work with some of States Marine Corps heli- started a Manhattan-based practice, the most well-known people in When he finished med copter squadron, as an Manhattan Urology Associates, with orthopaedic flight surgeon. a colleague. the field.” school, he received a special award in urology, the His tour of duty over, Dr. Murray Daryl Story, M.D. ’97, a neurologist, specialty in which he had is in practice with Neurology Asso- entered the spinal surgery already matched at a mili- ciates of Norwalk, Conn. Dr. Story, …I want to know as fellowship at UCFS in August who completed his internship in tary hospital at Fort Gordon, 2003, where he discovered internal medicine at Yale New Haven Ga., where he did his intern- Hospital and his residency training in much as I can about an interest in artificial disc ship. But fate stepped in, neurology through the Yale University replacement research as well School of Medicine’s department of new techniques and and instead Dr. Murray neurology, is certified by the American as surgery. Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, how they affect my became a naval flight sur- and has conducted extensive geon with VMA 223, based Today, when he’s not working research on stroke. patients. at Marine Corps Air Station, hard to learn more about arti- Rebecca K. Calabrese, M.D. ’96, Cherry Point, NC. During his ficial discs, or spending time board certified in internal medicine tour, he worked on sprains, with his wife Carlin, an emer- and certified by the American Society As assistant professor of broken bones and athletic of Bariatric Medicine, is affiliated gency room nurse practitioner, with Crystal Run Healthcare in New orthopaedic surgery, he also injuries, and decided that or son Maxwell, 4, he’s help- York. counts on having access to a orthopaedics, not urology, ing out as an honorary police Efrat (Effie) Lobel-Katz, M.D. ’96, is national outcome study on was where he was headed. surgeon. working as a gastroenterologist at artificial discs implanted in the He was to narrow his focus Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills, “They still send officers over to lumbar spine. Other cutting even more as time went by. Calif. edge research there includes me if they need a second opin- Linda Kruse, M.P.H. ’96, is living in a study on electrical stimula- He performed his residency ion, or if they can’t find a clear Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. tors in the spine for patients at Saint Vincent Catholic answer for a spinal problem,” with chronic pain. In addition Medical Centers in Man- Dr. Murray said. “I’m learning (continued on page 33) to the benefit of keeping him hattan. While a resident, —moving forward, but I don’t forget where I came from.” ࡗ

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(continued from page 32) Kevin Holcomb, M.D. ’92, is director of David A. Staffenberg, M.D. ’89, is chief of Joseph Cervia, M.D. ’84, is professor of gynecologic oncology at Beth Israel pediatric plastic surgery and the surgical clinical medicine and pediatrics at Albert Matthew A. Bank, M.D. ’95, is acting Medical Center in New York City, and director for the Center for Craniofacial Einstein College of Medicine. chief for the trauma division, co-director assistant clinical professor of obstetrics Disorders at Montefiore Hospital in New Russell Settipane, M.D. ’84, an allergy/ of the surgical intensive care unit, and and gynecology at the Columbia Uni- York. Dr. Staffenberg is also assistant pro- immunologist, is collaborating with David program director for the surgical critical versity College of Physicians and fessor of plastic and reconstructive Charnock, M.D. ’84, an otolaryngologist, care fellowship at North Shore Univer- Surgeons. Dr. Holcomb researches the surgery and of pediatrics at the Albert in writing a textbook chapter on rhinitis. sity Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. Dr. management of cervical cancer and the Einstein College of Medicine. Bank completed his surgical residency Betty Catanese, M.D. ’83, a board certi- treatment of cervical pre-cancer in HIV- Richard D. Schultz, M.D. ’88, is practicing training at the Long Island Jewish fied internist, is in a private general medi- positive women. A member of the Harlem in a cardiology group practice in Hickory, Medical Center in New Hyde Park, N.Y., cine practice in Somerville, N.J. Cancer Control Coalition, he is also study- N.C. Dr. Schultz, his wife, Linda, and their following a fellowship in trauma and ing the racial healthcare disparities in the children, Lauren, Madison and Andrew, Joan Liman, M.D. ’83, M.P.H. ’93, was critical care at the Yale University School New York area and promoting increased enjoy living in the Piedmont area of North selected to serve as an Eastern Division of Medicine. cancer screening for early detection. Dr. Carolina. “We are eager to entice any inter- 2006-07 Celebration Ambassador for the James Bartley, M.D. ’95, is the senior Holcomb is on the board of directors of ested physicians to look into this family- American Cancer Society. “As a two-time physician services manager with Relay the American Cancer Society and the centered community.” cancer survivor, I owe my life to the Health Corp. in New York, a provider of executive council of the Metropolitan research that produced drugs such as M. Denton Stam, M.D. ’88, is managing payer-reimbursed secure online health- Gynecologic Cancer Society. Arimidex and Zofran!” partner of a private practice group, care communications services linking Thomas Hunt, M.D. ’92, is chairman and Winchester Cardiothoracic and Vascular Thomas J. Magrino, M.D. ’83, is retired patients, healthcare professionals, health program director of family and commu- Surgeons, in Winchester, Va. from the U.S. Navy and joined Woodland plans and pharmacies. Previously, Dr. nity medicine at the University of Nevada Healthcare in Woodland, Calif. He is also Bartley was the manager of Medicare net- School of Medicine in Las Vegas and Kay Cowan, M.D. ’87, sends “Many warm chief of surgery at Woodland Hospital. work relations for Wellcare of New York. directs the family medicine residency pro- wishes to my fellow graduates. All is well Malcolm Z. Roth, M.D. ’82, is director gram. He was also the Nevada Academy in Westport, Conn. I hope the same is true Bradley S. Cash, M.D. ’95, is the direc- of the division of plastic surgery at of Family Physicians 2005 Family for you.” tor of Spine Options, a center specializ- Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, Physician of the Year. ing in non-surgical care of the neck and James E. Cremins, M.D. ’87, has been N.Y. and has recently been elected to the back, located in White Plains, N.Y. Victor J. Weiss, M.D. ’92, is the proud “alive and well” in Hagerstown, Md., for board of directors of the American the past 10 years, nine of which he has Lawrence J. Fliegelman, M.D. ’95, father of Alexander Joseph Weiss, born Society of Plastic Surgeons. spent on active duty with the U.S. Army. has opened a medical day spa called July 25, 2005, the “greatest baby of all Dr. Cremins has been married to Karen for Nicholas E. DeRobertis, M.D. ’81, has Turquoise: A Medical Day Spa, in time!” 14 years. The couple has three children: been appointed medical director of Saint Fairfield, Conn. The spa offers traditional Elisabeth McKeon, M.D. ’91, is on the Sean, 12, Caitlin, 9, and Thomas, 7. Dr. Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, N.Y. services and medical aesthetic proce- staff of Catskill Family Care in Catskill, N.Y. Cremins is looking forward to the 20th dures such as filler injections and laser Sam F. Frankel, M.D. ’81, writes that he reunion in 2007. treatments. Dr. Fliegelman is certified by Roy Stern, M.D. ’91, “finally” got married and wife Clair had a great time at the the American Board of Facial Plastic and to Christina, has opened his own office in Karen Hathaway, M.D. ’87, is on staff at 25th reunion. “I would love to hear from Reconstructive Surgery. New York City, and is still teaching at New The Pediatric Group in Troy, Ohio. my old friends who couldn’t make it, York University every week. preferably before the 50th reunion! Barry S. Goldberg, M.D. ’95, formerly Fiona Howard Levy, M.D. ’87, is vice pres- [email protected]. assistant professor in the Department of Roman Bilynsky, M.D. ’90, is deputy ident of quality, as well as an attending Radiology and director of the Division of commander for clinical services at physician in the pediatric intensive care Alexander Peralta Jr., M.D. ’81, is med- Musculoskeletal Radiology at New York Patterson Army Health Clinic at Fort unit for the Children’s Medical Center in ical director of palliative care and educa- Medical College, is on staff at Saratoga Monmouth, N.J. While working mainly in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Levy is also associate tion at Universal Health Services in Fort Hospital in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Dr. healthcare leadership, Dr. Bilynsky is also professor of pediatrics at the University of Worth, Texas. Dr. Peralta is recognized for Goldberg is also in practice with Millen- running a child neurology and pediatric Texas Southwestern Medical Center. his work in hospice, pain management, nium Medical Imaging. clinic. He officiated at the swearing in of and palliative care, medical ethics, regula- new graduates entering the armed forces Michelle A. (Grosz) Multz, M.D. ’87, tory and compliance issues, institutional Susan M. Parisi, M.D. ’95, is practicing at the College’s 2006 Commencement says daughter Rachel, almost 11, and diversity, and cultural competency. Dr. obstetrics and gynecology in Sharon, exercises. son Daniel, 5, are “growing up a little Peralta is a diplomate of the American Conn., where she is also on staff at too fast!” Joanne P. Starr, M.D. ’90, is director of Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine Sharon Hospital. Most recently, Dr. Parisi Tyrone J. Krause, M.D. ’85, is associate and was an early board member for the was in private practice in Middletown, N.Y. pediatric cardiac surgery for the Children’s Heart Center at Beth Israel Medical Center director of cardiothoracic surgery at Saint Texas Partnership for End-of-Life Care. Manoj Aswani, M.D. ’94, is a partner in Newark, N.J. Michael’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Philip A. Butler, M.D. ’80, who is prac- and former CEO of Arroyo Oaks Medical Cathedral Healthcare System, serving ticing in La Jolla, Calif., writes, “Teresa Associates in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Dr. The Eighties residents in Newark, N.J., as well as the and I had a great time at the 25th Aswani is married, with one daughter, Oranges, Kearny, Harrison, Union, reunion. It was great to see everyone age 7. Theresa L. Christie, M.D. ’89, completed Elizabeth and Nutley. Chief of Staff year (2004-05) at St. back in New York again.” James L. Januzzi, Jr., M.D. ’94, is the Joseph’s Hospital in Augusta, Ga. Dr. Andrew K. Sands, M.D. ’85, is chief of Paul R. Eisenberg, M.D. ’80, is working team cardiologist to the Boston Red Christie is a practicing ob/gyn at the foot and ankle surgery at Saint Vincent as vice-president of global safety for Sox. Dr. Januzzi is working at Massa- Summerville Women’s Medical Group in Catholic Medical Centers in New York. Amgen. chusetts General Hospital in Boston, has Augusta, Ga. He is also treasurer of the American a clinical practice and is also performing Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Lidia Pousada, M.D. ’80, is Medicaid clinical trials. He and his wife Roberta, Jeffrey P. Cohen, M.D. ’89, is still at the director of Hudson Valley Geriatrics and Fallon Clinic in Worcester, Mass. Duane Austin, M.D. ’84, is in private prac- Internal Medicine in Briarcliff, N.Y who recently celebrated 11 years of tice in Ophthalmology in West Hartford, marriage, live in Chestnut Hill with their Gregory C. Malloy, M.D. ’89, is a con- Conn. daughters Caterina, 8, and Julianne, 5. sulting physiatrist for Westborough The Seventies Mark Brandon, M.D. ’84, and wife Debby Health Care Center in Westborough, Robert Barish, M.D. ’79, received a meri- David Marshall Kulick, M.D. ’93, a tho- are big sports fans (they love the Mets, Mass. torious service medal from the state of racic and cardiovascular surgeon, is in Knicks and Rangers), with two children, Maryland for service as chief medical private practice with Capital Cardio- Victor S. Sloan, M.D. ’89, recently trav- Madison, 19 and in college, and Dustin, officer for Operation Life Line, in thoracic Surgeons in Austin, Texas. eled to China with his wife, Sandra Gong, 16, and two dogs. and daughter Mei-lin, to adopt their sec- response to Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Barish Felix E. (Gene) Shepard, Jr., M.D. ’93, Stephen F. Carolan, M.D. ’84, is director is a colonel in the Maryland Defense is in solo urology practice in Norton, Va. ond daughter, An-lin. “An-lin is wonderful, but whoever said 1+1 = 11 was telling of obstetrics and gynecology at Greenwich Forces and commander of the 10th Dr. Shepard is married to Karla and is Hospital in Greenwich, Conn. Medical Regiment. the father of two girls, 11-year-old the truth!” Susanna and 6-year-old Gillian. (continued on page 34)

Chironian New York Medical College 33 ALUMNI

MILESTONES

(continued from page 33) Shera Aranoff Tuchman, M.D. ’73, Ira Raff, M.D. ’64, is practicing in Richard Perera, M.D. ’58, is on staff at announces that daughter Nicole Bina Danbury, Conn., and looking for a urolo- the Berkshire Medical Center and is an Jennifer Rosenthal Thulin, M.D. ’79, is in Tuchman received her medical degree gist to take over his solo practice. Dr. internal medicine practitioner with the private practice in ob-gyn in the Boston from New York Medical College on May Raff’s son Jason is executive producer Berkshire Medical Group in Pittsfield, suburbs and would love to hear from any 21, 2005. of the television show “Three Wishes” Mass. Dr. Perera is also an assistant pro- classmates traveling to the Boston area. fessor in the department of medicine at Barry Reisberg, M.D. ’72, is largely and his daughter is a social worker in Jack DiPalma, M.D. ’78, was recently responsible for the approval of half of the Massachusetts. the University of Massachusetts Medical School. elected president of the American College presently FDA-approved and utilized med- Gabriel G. Curtis, M.D. ’62, is retired of Gastroenterology. ications for the treatment of Alzheimer’s after 38 years of practicing anesthesiol- John Sadowski, M.D. ’58, is retired from William A. McGann, M.D. ’77, is director disease. ogy at New York Hospital. his position as vice president of medical affairs at Good Samaritan Hospital in of the orthopaedic residency program at Harvey Aiges, M.D. ’71, is chairman of Elizabeth Moffett Craven, M.D. ’61 and Suffern, N.Y. St. Mary’s Hospital in San Francisco. Dr. pediatrics at Nassau University Medical Walis Craven, M.D. ’63, are the proud McGann is also chief of orthopedics at Center in East Meadow, N.Y. grandparents of Alexander Wales Craven, James H. Armstrong, M.D. ’57, on his the hospital, specializing in total joint way to complete retirement, reports that Mai-Lan Rogoff, M.D. ’71, is associate who joins sister Julia, age 3. “We are reconstruction. dean for student affairs at the University of happily retired in Melbourne, Fla., and are his son took over his family practice in Enrique A. Silberblatt, M.D. ’77, is prac- Massachusetts Medical School in students of golf.” 2000. “My new interest is Shamanism.” ticing plastic surgery at Aesthetic Surgery Worcester, Mass. Howard Harrison, M.D. ’61, is working Albert L. Huber, M.D. ’57, is practicing of Virginia in Roanoke. allergy three days a week in Charlottes- Jill S. Hirsch, M.D. ’70, writes that twin with the governing council of the senior Brian Altman, M.D. ’76, is an orthopaedic daughters Allison and Jessica are seniors physicians group for the American ville, Va. The rest of the time, 51 acres surgeon at Lock Haven Hospital in Lock at Columbia University in New York. Medical Association in Cape Coral, Fla. and a garden keep him busy. Haven, Pa. Younger daughter Larissa is a freshman at Don V. Hillerman, M.D. ’61, is the proud Joseph Intile, M.D. ’57, is thoroughly Paul L. Novotny, M.D. ’76, is chairman Drew University in Madison, N.J. “Randy grandfather of three: twins, Julianna Joy enjoying retirement and world travel, pri- of the department of radiology at Mount and I are working hard to pay for their and Klee Fulvia, and Alissa Jeanne. marily to Southeast Asia, as well as living in Eastern Oregon among the ranchers Vernon Hospital in Mount Vernon, N.Y. education. We enjoyed seeing our class- Robert D. Hirsch, M.D. ’61, is practicing mates at the 25th reunion.” and foresters. Bernard Powers, M.D. ’76, is glad to be office gynecology part time in Teaneck, back in Colorado after a two-year “pleas- C.B. Mosher, M.D. ’70, M.P.H., is the N.J., while spending winters in Sarasota, Thomas F. Mathews, M.D. ’57, is teach- ant sojourn” in Pennsylvania. author of non-fiction books, including Fla. ing part time at the University of Cali- Emergency First Aid, sold nationwide by fornia, San Francisco. Vincent Vigorita, M.D. ’76, is chairman Fred L. Humeston, M.D. ’61, is in a pri- the Consumer Guide Corporation, several vate pediatric practice in the San Fran- Martin H. Floch, M.D. ’56, is the found- of the board at the Poly Prep Country Day scientific medical articles and many short School in Brooklyn and a member of the cisco Bay Area, with no retirement in ing chief of gastroenterology and nutri- stories, as well as a work of historical fic- sight. Dr. Humeston has seven grandchil- tion at Norwalk Hospital and editor of The Amagansett School Board in the town of tion, A Greater Pox. East Hampton. “Regards to all.” dren, ages 3 to 15 years. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology.Dr. Floch edited Netter’s Gastroenterology, a Edward Jacobson, M.D. ’75, a gynecolo- The Sixties The Fifties reference for healthcare practitioners, a gist, is an attending physician at Green- comprehensive textbook covering major Judith Friedman Kupersmith, M.D. ’69, Andrew J. Dadagian, M.D. ’59, an oto- wich Hospital and the Fairfield County gastrointestinal diseases and conditions, is a professor of clinical psychiatry at laryngologist, is semi-retired, with five Surgery Center. Dr. Jacobson also directs including etiology, clinical presentation, Georgetown University Hospital and married children, 10 grandchildren, and the Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Center of differential diagnosis, management and Medical Center in Washington, D.C. has been married for 47 “blissful” years Greenwich. therapy. Dr. Floch has a private medical Robert Orlandi, M.D. ’68, is practicing to Barbara Dadagian, M.S. ’58. practice in the Norwalk Hospital Medical Fern L. Perlman, M.D. ’75, is a pediatri- orthopaedics in Connecticut and is the Benjamin Sadock, M.D. ’59, has pub- Office Building in Norwalk, Conn. His cian with the Norwalk Medical Group in father of three children, including a recent lished the eighth edition of the Compre- practice includes gastroenterology, nutri- Westport, Conn. Dr. Perlman’s daughter Harvard law graduate. Meredith was married last year to Mark hensive Textbook of Psychiatry, co-edited tion, endoscopy and hepatology. He is Hawkins in Los Cabos San Lucas, Mexico. Stephanie Roze, M.D. ’68, is practicing with his wife, Virginia Sadock, M.D. ’70. also a clinical professor of medicine at pediatrics with the New York City Health Raymond Bagg, M.D. ’58, is working in Yale University School of Medicine. L. Scott Herman, M.D. ’74, is the co- and Hospitals Corporation. founder of Cardiovascular Consultants of the department of orthopaedic surgery James B. Leach, M.D. ’56, is retired and San Gabriel Valley in Arcadia, Calif. Dr. Randolph D. Maloney, M.D. ’67, is prac- and rehabilitation at Texas Tech HSC in El living in East Greenwich, R.I. ticing vascular surgery (“with no night Paso. Herman is also chief of cardiology at Edwin J. Madden, M.D. ’56, retired from call”) in Beverly, Mass. “Mary Alice and I Huntington Memorial Hospital and the Robert J. Blankfein, M.D. ’58, and wife orthopaedic surgery in 2000 and owns are enjoying the extra time. All three San Gabriel Valley Medical Center. Leslie spent a very pleasant evening over and runs the Stella Maris Inn in Newport, daughters now live back in Massachusetts. Charles R. Reina, M.D. ’74, announces dinner with Howard Kline, M.D. ’58, and R.I. with wife Dorothy. Hello to all.” wife Ellen and Jim Justice, M.D. ’58, and that son Christopher, 27, works for the Clinton Lawrence, M.D. ’55, who is Stephan Greenberg, M.D. ’66, a captain wife Angela in San Francisco on April 19, U.S. Defense Department in Philadelphia, retired, received his gold diploma on May in the U.S. Navy Reserve, retired after 20 2006. Bob and Jim are retired, but while daughter Patricia, 24, is a certified 21, 2005. elementary school counselor working in years of service but continues to practice Howard is still engaged in an active cardi- the Phillipsburg, N.J. school district. ophthalmology in Hornell, N.Y. ology practice in San Francisco and Peter M. Masley, M.D. ’55, who is retired, received his 50-year gold diploma “Mom and Dad are resting.” Tony Cohen, M.D. ’66, is retired, living in enjoys it very much. on May 21, 2005. Victor La Cerva, M.D. ’73, retired from Ridgefield, Conn., and spending his time Margaret McGall Boyes, M.D. ’58, is the New Mexico Department of Health, skiing, diving and occasionally consulting. retired from the practice of psychiatry The Forties will continue to pursue his speaking and Steven Weissberg, M.D. ’66, has cut back and living in Naples, Fla., after living for writing career, as well as his interests in on practice to enjoy his grandchildren and the past 17 years in Mexico. Felix Wimpfheimer, M.D. ’45, is still practicing medicine in Bronx, N.Y. and he music and Aikido. would love to hear from fellow classmates. James Justice, M.D. ’58, is retired, has and his wife Annette Newman Gordon become a painter and resides in Maine Ken Mitchell, M.D. ’73, has left South Morton Meltzer, M.D. ’65, is a psychiatrist celebrated 65 years of marriage on June during the summer. Florida after 26 years of private practice in Cameron, N.C. 29, 2006, in Aptos, Calif. Present were to accept a teaching position at the Joel Kupersmith, M.D. ’64, is the chief Howard Kline, M.D. ’58, is practicing daughters Elizabeth and Margaret, along University of South Carolina in Columbia. research and development officer for the cardiology, teaching and lecturing in San with their husbands, son Jim and his He is in charge of the glaucoma service Department of Veterans Affairs in Francisco; swimming competitively for wife; grandchildren Devon, Grace and and is involved in patient care and Washington, D.C. the University of San Francisco masters Matt. Another grandson, Holter Graham, research. swim team; and qualified for the world made a special tribute to his grandparents final swimming championship at for the occasion. Stanford University.

34 Fall/Winter 2006 ALUMNI

Humanity in medicine is all in the Mignone family (continued from page 30) In Memoriam asthma, and lots of chronic cian.” Two days before gradu- illnesses and nutritional con- ation, Paul had returned from Michael DeMarco, M.D. ’35, died April Howard B. Weitzner, M.D. ’59, died April 10, 2003. He was 93. cerns,” said Mrs. Mignone. a 50-day, 3,700-mile bike ride 24, 2006. Henry Buermann, M.D. ’37, died Fred J. Epstein, M.D. ’63, died July 9, “One of the most important across the United States. The November 29, 2004. He was 93. 2006. He was 68. roles that our nurses play in purpose of the cross-country Eric G. Norrington, M.D. ’38, died John M. Nicoletti, M.D. ’63, died June 14, the schools is being the per- trek was to raise $200,000 for November 15, 2005. 2005. son a child can talk to about Partners in Health (PIH), an Stephen J. Grey, M.D. ’43, died August James A. Umhey, M.D. ’67, died February 23, 2005. He was 89. 14, 2006. He was 65. problems when he or she is organization that raises aware- Sheldon H. Kaften, M.D. ’43, died Robert Michael Merrick, D.D.S., M.D. having a difficult time.” ness of important healthcare February 1, 2003. ’69, died June 22, 2005. He was 68. issues, such as HIV/AIDS, uni- Raymond P. Reilly, M.D. ’43, died March Terence Matthews, M.D. ’71, died January Before she started working in versal health care and infant 2, 2005. He was 85. 11, 2005. the Greenwich schools four mortality among the world’s Gregory A. Solanto, M.D. ’43, died Robert J. Porto, M.D. ’76, died March 14, February 1, 2006. He was 91. 2006. He was 54. years ago, Kathleen educated poor and offers ideas and Ethel M. Naughton, M.D. ’44, died August parents about diabetes for the resources on what others can Westchester County Head 25, 1998. do to help. Wallace J. Paulson, M.D. ’45, died May Faculty Start Program. Then she 21, 2000. It was a trip to the Dominican Seymour L. Halpern, M.C., assistant clini- worked with Richard Noto, Arthur W. Adams, M.D. ’47, died January cal professor of medicine from 1954 to M.D., assistant professor of Republic with his father on a 8, 2000. 1988, died June 7, 2006, at the age of 83. pediatrics at the College and mission of compassionate Charles Socarides, M.D. ’47, died December 25, 2005. He was 83. William Levin, M.D., associate professor a specialist in pediatric care that led Paul to choose Robert K. Egge, M.D. ’48, died of clinical emergency medicine and mem- endocrinology. She said her ophthalmology as his spe- September 23, 2004. ber of the Department of Emergency various experiences have cialty. Working in the operating Murray Herman, M.D. ’49, died August Medicine at Metropolitan Hospital Center allowed her to see the health rooms with other physicians 20, 2004. He was 82. in New York, died September 21, 2005. Gertrude V. Erickson, M.D. ’51, died issues of children from differ- and treating patients who James F.X. O’Rourke, M.D., professor of December 23, 2004. ent perspectives. might not have perceived clinical ophthalmology and vice chairman John Francis Burns, M.D. ’54, died April of the Department of Ophthalmology, died cataract surgery without the 25, 2005. “New York Medical College on August 4, 2006 at the age of 86. generosity of U.S. ophthalmol- Edward F. Knauff, M.D. ’54, died March has provided me with a very ogists, Paul discovered a real 6, 2005. Johannes A.G. Rhodin, M.D., Ph.D., sound clinical education in purpose and meaning in his Helen M. Trauerts Petrulio, M.D. ’55, former professor and chair of the Depart- died July 28, 2005. nursing on the graduate level, life’s calling. ment of Anatomy, and most recently a which has allowed me to have Francis “Frank” M. Hall, M.D. ’56, died professor at the University of South a varied and interesting career “I want to be part of whatever June 8, 2005. Florida, credited with conducting break- Morton Birnbaum, M.D. ’57, died community I practice in,” said through research on Alzheimer’s disease, in nursing while still being November 26, 2005. He was 79. died December 10, 2004. He was 82. available for my family,” Mrs. Dr. Mignone. “I’m so inspired Lawrence A. Chusid, M.D. ’57, died July by physicians who see their 1, 2001. Edward Wasserman, M.D. ’46, was pro- Mignone said. “I’m glad I fessor and Chairman of the Department of chose nursing, because it is patients as whole people, not Samuel Clark, Jr., M.D. ’57, died October Pediatrics from 1966 until his retirement 2, 2005. He was 78. truly a gift to be able to expe- just as ailments, and seek to in 1991. He received the Alumni Distin- Richard O. Sword, M.D. ’57, died guished Service Medal in 1988. He died rience the human interaction better their lives. I want to December 23, 2005. He was 81. April 20, 2006 at the age of 85. that occurs while helping a realize my responsibility as a patient.” patient advocate and not be so buried in practice and Paul Mignone, M.D. ’06 paperwork that I can’t see the Calendar of Events Paul sees his future as “a humanity.” ࡗ more socially aware physi- January 28, 2007 24th Annual Alumni CME Conference "Current Concepts and Controversies in Medicine and Surgery" Michael Arduino, M.S. ’81 Embassy Suites, Dorado Del Mar Beach and Golf Resort (continued from page 25) Dorado, Puerto Rico involving heparin flush. The Health and Human Services May 19, 2007 team is also developing opti- Secretary’s Award for Distin- Annual Alumni Banquet and Awards Presentation mum methods to detect and guished Service for his work decontaminate surfaces and related to investigations at May 20, 2007 water that may be contami- ground zero following the Five-Year Class Reunions Luncheon nated with Category A and B September 11, 2001, attacks, bacterial agents in the event and the Anthrax Investigation May 24, 2007 of a bioterrorism attack. Dr. Emergency Response Team. 148th Commencement Arduino’s efforts have been acclaimed with many service “We really run the gamut in For additional information, citations, including the 2002 our laboratory,” he said. ࡗ please call the Alumni Office at (914) 594-4556.

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