boston university school of medicine +

fall 2013 • www.bumc.bu.edu

the finish line becomes the front line

Exceptional Care for the Boston Marathon Injured BUMC Team Critical to Saving Lives Message From The Dean

fall 2013 Dear Friends, programs to better serve our graduate stu- The April 15 bomb blasts at the Boston dents. The Programs in Biomedical Sciences Marathon triggered a massive emergency and the Professional Development and medical and disaster response as well as an Mentorship program profiled in this issue are Contents outpouring of support. Many of our faculty the latest enhancements for the training of and students were in the tent providing tomorrow’s scientists as well as supportive immediate first aid. Our primary affiliated resources to help graduate students make hospital, Boston Medical Center, less than effective career decisions. two miles from the race’s finish line, houses Commencement ceremonies rounded one of the best Level 1 trauma centers in the out the academic year with the added nation. We received a significant number of distinction of the selection of Deborah the most severely injured victims of the Vaughan as the winner of the 2013 Metcalf bombs. Our faculty, from a cross section of Cup and Prize, the highest teaching award departments, provided the surgical and that the University confers. Profiled in the medical interven­tions critical to saving lives, last issue of this magazine, Dr. Vaughan is preserving the best options for rehabilitation, a consummate teacher who has enlightened and giving patients and their families and guided generations of BUSM gradu- emotional support. Other members of the ates. The School of Medicine is exceedingly campus community—staff, residents, and proud of this well-deserved recognition. students—all contributed, whether at the Finally, the opportunity at Alumni scene of the bombings or in the Emergency Weekend to spend time with alumni is Department. Students and graduates of our a special experience. Whether it’s been master’s degree in emergency management 5 or 60 years since they graduated from participated in evidence collection and the School, alumni appreciate their BUSM evaluation. Our response can only be education—a tribute to the long tradition characterized as outstanding. of excellence that marks BUSM. I always Critical to the emergency response enjoy hearing how impressed our graduates were our surgeons. Developing highly skilled are by the renovations and growth on the surgeons is a long and challenging pro- Medical Campus. cess. In this issue we highlight our surgery department’s shadowing program for medi- Best regards, cal students, which is designed to explore what it’s like to be a surgeon early in the educational process and to dispel some of the myths about the specialty. Karen Antman, MD In other news, the Division of Graduate Provost, Medical Campus Medical Sciences, under the excellent lead- Dean, School of Medicine ership of Linda Hyman, continues to develop Professor of Medicine

on the cover A BUMC faculty member rushes +to help marathon bombing victims. Photo by Christopher Evans, courtesy of Commencement 2013 Boston University School of Medicine: design & production Please direct any questions or comments to: the Boston Herald. Campus & Alumni News Boston University Creative Services Mary Hopkins Published by the Boston University Communications Office Medical Campus Communications contributing writers Boston University Medical Campus Office on behalf of Boston University Robert Beazley, MD, Lisa Brown, Leslie 85 East Newton Street, M420 features departments School of Medicine. Friday, Amy Gorel, Mary Hopkins, Amy Boston, MA 02118 Laskowski, Elizabeth Mitchell, MD exceptional care for the 02 Campus News 33 Students Maria Pantages Ober P 617-638-8484 | F 617-638-8044 | E [email protected]

y 12 GMS News 34 Giving Director of Communications photography 14 boston marathon injured Boston University’s policies provide for equal opportunity and BU Photography, Boston University BUMC team critical to saving lives affirmative action in employment and admission to all programs 22 Research 36 Alumni Mary Hopkins School of Medicine Educational Media of the University. Publications Manager Center, Frank Curran SHADOWING PROGRAM 27 Faculty News 0913 9040046276 Kalman zabars k fran k curran 18 Students get early exposure to surgery Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 1 BUSM on the www.facebook.com/ www.twitter.com/ campus News Web BUMedicine BUMedicine

Deborah Vaughan, PhD, receives Education office. An attending physician at the faculty member in each category; the awards BU’s Metcalf Cup and Prize Dorchester House Multi-Service Center, she committee and student representatives work Commencement 2013 BUSM Professor of Anatomy and Neurobiology first volunteered at BUSM because of her inter- together to select the winners from the nomi- Deborah Vaughan, PhD, received the 2013 est in teaching medical students in community nees. Recipients receive a plaque and a check Faculty Honored for ­Excellence in Teaching Metcalf Cup and Prize for Excellence in Teaching health centers. She received her BA in biochem- for $1,500. at the 2013 BU Commencement ceremony. istry from Princeton University and her MD from For more than 40 years, Vaughan has con- Harvard Medical School. Shoumita Dasgupta, PhD, tributed to research and teaching on the Medical Dr. McAneny is an associate professor of ­recognized with BUSM’s Campus, but it is her deep commitment to surgery and vice chair for quality and patient Highest Teaching Award pedagogy and enhancing the student experience safety at Boston Medical Center. He is an Shoumita Dasgupta, PhD, associate profes- through thoughtful and effective use of educa- expert in tumors and other diseases of the sor of medicine at the School of Medicine, has tional technology that earned her BU’s highest endocrine system, the gastrointestinal tract, been recognized with BUSM’s highest teach- teaching award. Vaughan also is an assistant pancreas, hepatobiliary system, and spleen. ing award, the Stanley L. Robbins Award for dean for admissions at the School of Medicine. The recipient of numerous awards, including Excellence in Teaching. Colleagues who nominated Vaughan for the Massachusetts Medical Society award The award honors an outstanding BUSM the award noted that she “is one of the select for outstanding contributions to medical edu- educator and acknowledges the importance few who embrace change, especially when it cation and medical students, Dr. McAneny of teaching skills and commitment to students is for the betterment of curriculum and/or for received BUSM’s highest teaching award, the and education. Established in recognition of students’ learning. It is more than common to Stanley L. Robbins Award for Excellence in the exceptional teaching and devotion to stu- receive enthusiastic emails from her before the Teaching, in 2010. He received his medical dents exemplified by Stanley L. Robbins, MD, sun rises as she beams about the latest tool she’s degree from Georgetown University. former BUSM professor and chair of pathol- using to augment her course for the better.” ogy, the award is presented annually at May The Metcalf Cup and Prize was established Commencement exercises. in 1973 by Arthur G.B. Metcalf, a former BU “Dr. Dasgupta’s brilliance Dr. Dasgupta is director of graduate studies professor and chair emeritus of the BU Board is reflected . . . in our ability for the Genetics & Genomics program and an of Trustees, to create “a systemic procedure for assistant dean of admissions for the School of the review of the quality of teaching at Boston to grasp the global and Medicine. She is director for the medical genet- University and the identification and advance- finite concepts of the ics course (required for all first-year medi- ment of those members of the faculty who cal students) that teaches how to apply the excel as teachers.” material and how it is approaches of classical genetics and modern applicable not only to genomics to biomedical research and clinical Three Faculty members Honored practice. She also co-directs the Foundations with Educator of the Year the practice of medicine in Biomedical Sciences program in the BUSM Awards and the patient but also Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Three faculty members were honored with Dr. Dasgupta has presented and published Educator of the Year Awards at the BUSM to the philosophical in national and international venues on innova- Commencement ceremony May 18. Lorraine and scientific milieu of tive teaching approaches in genetics and on Stanfield, MD, was chosen as Educator of the cultural competency education through the Year in Preclinical Sciences; David B. McAneny, our society.” basic science curriculum. MD, as Educator of the Year in Clinical Sciences; One medical student noted, “Dr. Dasgupta’s and Matthew Nugent, PhD, as Educator of the A faculty member since 1992, Dr. Nugent brilliance is reflected . . . in our ability to grasp the Year in Graduate Sciences. Selected by the is a professor of biochemistry, ophthalmology, global and finite concepts of the material and Committee on Faculty Affairs CFA( ), the three and biomedical engineering. He is also direc- how it is applicable not only to the practice of were recognized for their excellence in teaching tor of the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research medicine and the patient but also to the philo- and mentoring. The awards are presented in the Laboratory and a course manager for the sophical and scientific milieu of our society.” Dean Antman congratulates Dr. Deborah Vaughan on receiving the 2013 Metcalf Cup and Prize as faculty award recipients Drs. David B. McAneny and areas of preclinical sciences, clinical sciences, Foundations in Biomedical Sciences program in Another said, “Dr. Dasgupta genuinely Lorraine Stanfield look on. and graduate sciences at BUSM. the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Dr. cares about students and wanted to make A faculty member since 1993, Dr. Stanfield is Nugent received his BA and PhD from Brandeis sure we learned as much as we could from the a clinical assistant professor of medicine, directs University and is a postdoctoral fellow at course. She was always kind, engaged, and the Introduction to Clinical Medicine 2 course Massachusetts Institute of Technology. approachable. It is inspiring to see someone (ICM-2) and the Clinical Skills & Simulation Medical students and Division of Graduate with so much enthusiasm for and commitment

fran k curran Center, and is a member of the BUSM Medical Medical Sciences students nominate only one to teaching and helping students.” n

2 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 3 Campus News

Commencement 2013 Relationships: Foundations for Healing Doctors urged to use “privilege and power” in best possible way

doctor’s relationship with a patient is the basis of all healing, physician Jessie Gaeta reminded a sea of newly Jessie Gaeta, MD, medical director of minted doctors at the School of the Boston Health Care for the A Homeless Program’s Barbara ­McInnis Medicine Commencement. House, addressed graduates at the School of Medicine’s Commencement Currently medical director of the Boston Health Care for the ­ceremony on ­Saturday, May 18. Homeless Program’s Barbara McInnis House, Gaeta has spent her career working with patients who live in poverty, and who as a result often are chronically ill. She told BUSM graduates gathered “Housing was always her ‘self-management goal,’ and eventu- at Agganis Arena that they are likely to work with such patients ally I came to see it as the most important prescription I could write throughout their careers and urged them to passionately connect for her,” Gaeta told the graduates. “I started working with the shelter with them to build lasting relationships. administration to prioritize her for housing, making the medical case Doctors must first recognize the “structural inequities” that influ- for it, recounting her hospitals stays, and attesting that she would, 1. ence health so they can diagnose appropriately, said Gaeta. “Then, ask indeed, be safe in housing.” ve rn o n do uc ette yourself, how can I, with privilege and power, impact those underlying With Gaeta’s help, Lisa moved to a modest double-decker in Dean Karen Antman, MD, presided over the confer- factors? Never lose sight of the fact that what you are doing in the lab Quincy. Her emphysema went into remission, her confidence increased, ral of degrees to the 222 members of the Class of translates directly to a suffering person—let that guide you in the design and doctors were able to give her routine checkups. When Lisa was 2013 at the 166th BUSM Commencement. MD can- and implementation of your research.” later diagnosed with cancer, the fact that she was able to recover in her didates received a green hood and PhD candidates Gaeta, currently a BU Advocacy Training Program core faculty home made a huge difference. Today, Lisa has a community of friends a blue one from faculty members or a relative of member, recently was promoted to assistant professor of medicine. and occasionally testifies before lawmakers about resources necessary their choice. Dean Antman shared the podium at the All-University Commencement with actor Morgan She earned a medical degree from the University of Maryland School of for the homeless. Freeman (above), who received an honorary degree Medicine, and completed her internship and residency in internal medi- Gaeta chose to recount Lisa’s story, she said, because it proved to from BU. cine at Boston Medical Center, where she was appointed chief resident be a turning point in her career. Lisa taught her that a trusting relation- of internal medicine in 2001. She became a physician advocacy fellow ship was the foundation for all the healing that followed. at Columbia University’s Institute on Medicine as a Profession in 2005. “There are times when the ‘doing’ implied in providing care will There, she co-founded Home & Healthy for Good, a Massachusetts- leave you wanting at the bedside—because there is no cure, or because based advocacy program that finds permanent housing for the chroni- there is a cure but it is no match for the despair of the living conditions cally homeless and then treats their illnesses. In 2009, Gaeta was that the patient endures, or because no medicine will ease the suffering named medical director of the Barbara McInnis House, a 104-bed medi- of the patient,” she said. “Yet you still have some healing to offer your cal facility that provides respite care to homeless people who are too patient: the fact that you are their doctor, all of the time, and the con- ill to stay in shelters, but not sick enough to remain hospitalized. She stancy of your relationship with them gives them a connection, a valida- won the Quincy Interfaith Sheltering Coalition’s 2004 Community Hero tion, and support that they might not have from anyone else.” award and was named the Department of Medicine Teacher of the Year Gaeta urged the graduates to step outside the comfort zone of in 2009. their individual clinical or scientific field of interest.B “ ear witness “I am still in awe of the privilege and power we doctors are afforded, to injustices that result in poor health, and work to remove those even though many years have passed since I sat where you are sitting injustices and build health equity,” she said. “This is what healers today,” Gaeta told members of the Class of 2013. “And knowing you as I owe society. And this is what our society desperately needs at this do, I know you’ll use that privilege and power in the best possible way.” moment in time.” She cited her own work over the years with a homeless patient she As degrees were conferred on the Class of 2013’s 222 graduates, pseudonymously called “Lisa” as an example of a doctor’s privilege in cheers filled the arena as some of the new doctors brought their young providing care to the homeless. She first met Lisa in a Boston homeless children on stage when they received their diplomas. The three-hour shelter and soon became her primary care physician, often helping her ceremony concluded with the Oath of the Scientist, read by Linda deal with her emphysema. But Lisa also faced extreme poverty, had no Hyman, PhD, associate provost for the Division of Graduate Medical family, and was constantly anxious. Sciences, and the Hippocratic Oath, delivered by Karen Antman, As the two women developed a trusting relationship, Gaeta real- provost of the Medical Campus and dean of the School of Medicine. n ized that Lisa needed the safety and stability of a home if she was

rs by fran k curran rs by all othe going to thrive. This story first appeared in BU Today. fran k curran

4 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 5 Campus News Commencement 2013 A Critical Mass of Compassionate and Dedicated Individuals Members of the GMS Class of 2013 receive master’s degrees in 15 fields

he Division of Graduate Medical with a rare degenerative connective tissue disorder. She told of being ready to quit and of speaking to her thesis advisor, Adam Hall. Sciences (GMS) held Commencement “Dr. Hall convinced me to stay that day by saying one simple thing, exercises on Friday, May 17, in the George ‘You owe it to yourself to get your degree.’ This was the moment Sherman Union’s Metcalf Hall. that I had to decide if I had the resolve to keep going; the turning T point. Today I give to you the lesson I’ve learned: you owe it to your- One hundred and twenty students received MAs in anatomy and self to continue to strive for more. Don’t let this be the end. Let this neurobiology; bioimaging; clinical investigation; medical anthropology day be a starting point. Let this be the day that you convince your- and cross-cultural practice; mental health counseling and behavioral self that you can do more than this. Keep striving. Even if life beats medicine; nutrition and metabolism; pathology laboratory medicine; you down—especially if life beats you down.” medical sciences and clinical investigation; medical sciences and pub- The inaugural GMS Special Faculty Service Award was pre- lic health; medical sciences oral health track; and medical sciences; sented to Jane O’Hern, EdD, for her 50 years of dedication and 2. 53 received MSs in biomedical forensic sciences; forensic anthropol- contributions to Boston University. After a long career at the School ogy; genetic counseling; and health care of Education, O’Hern was instrumental emergency management. Students were in developing the GMS Mental Health hooded by the faculty member of their “Perhaps we, BU, are more Counseling & Behavioral Medicine choice, bringing 36 to the podium. Program and served as a core faculty Linda Hyman, PhD, associate pro- than a team; more than member. “Dr. Jane O’Hern’s warmth, vost for the Division of Graduate Medical just the place where you intelligence, enthusiasm, humor, and Sciences, hailed the students as smart and flinty New England charm are sorely accomplished: “You are the best.” Noting went to school. We are part missed after her most recent retirement that the Latin alma mater means “nurtur- of your family, and just as from the School of Medicine,” Hyman ing mother,” she told the Class of 2013, said in tribute. Sadly, Dr. O’Hern passed “Perhaps we, BU, are more than a team; you’ve done for all of your away May 27. (See page 32.) more than just the place where you went family here today, you have Matthew Nugent, PhD, professor of to school. We are part of your family, and biochemistry, biomedical engineering, and just as you’ve done for all of your family made us very proud.” ophthalmology, received the Educator of here today, you have made us very proud.” —Linda Hyman, PhD, associate provost for the Division the Year Award in Graduate Sciences for Madeeha Channah, who received her of Graduate Medical Sciences his excellence in teaching and mentoring. 3. 4. degree in mental health counseling and The Robert F. Troxler Award in behavioral medicine and was one of three Biochemistry, which recognizes extraor- students chosen by the class to speak at Commencement, said, “As dinary student achievement in that discipline, was awarded to I stand here this morning, I believe I am looking at some of the finest James Kornfield. Kornfield is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in individuals this world has to offer. I don’t think there is any place in Medical Science. this world that, at this moment, has such a critical mass, such a con- In closing, Hyman told the assembled graduates, “Don’t be sur- centration, of passionate, compassionate, and dedicated individuals prised if you hear from me, not necessarily with the typical request for as those sitting before me. I am proud and humbled to have been part a donation, but rather to ask you to help out; to welcome a current stu- of this village, of being nurtured by it, and having contributed to it.” dent into your practice, your lab, your new world. Come back and visit, Rauvynne Sangara, who graduated with a Master of Arts in Medical give a seminar, or just stop by to say hello. We hope to learn from you Sciences (MAMS), spoke of the faculty. “MAMS has a great reputation even after you leave BU.“ n around this city and country, and it is because of you. The knowledge you have given and the confidence you have instilled in us will position us for success as we move on from BU. Your ability to maintain a level 1. GMS graduates celebrate their 4. A GMS graduate sporting of professionalism as our educators while demonstrating care and com- achievement. sunglasses, a gift from the BUSM Alumni Association. passion as our advisors is unrivaled.” 2. Diplomas on display. 5. Smiles all around for happy GMS Sarrah Hannon, who received her degree in biomedical foren- 3. Each graduate received a rose from Associate Provost Linda graduates. 1. 5.

sic sciences, talked of being diagnosed in the middle of her program Hyman, PhD. fran k curran

6 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 7 Campus News

Commencement 2013 Keefer Society Dinner May 2, 2013 On May 2, members of the Boston University School a cappella group The Doctor’s Notes. The Keefer The Scientist’s Pledge of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Board and the Chester S. Society recognizes donors who have supported Keefer, MD Society gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel the School of Medicine with lifetime gifts totaling

Left: Katya Ravid, DSc (fourth from for the Society’s 20th annual dinner. Guests enjoyed $50,000 or more. That evening, 19 new inductees left), professor, medicine and meeting members of the first- and second-year classes were recognized by Dean Karen Antman, MD, and bio­chemistry; founding director, Evans Center for Interdisciplinary and a performance by the all-medical school student welcomed into the Society. Biomedical Research, Boston University School of Medicine, posed with graduates and their families. Right: PhD recipients recite the Oath of the Scientist.

tudents graduating with tremendous ethical challenges over the past their medical degree few years, including the development of human Oath of the Scientist: embryonic stem cells and biological war tools. (MD) from schools of Developing an oath for scientists involves By accepting my Doctor of Philosophy medicine in the United many of the same issues of professional iden- 1. 2. 3. degree, I earnestly assert that: S tity and ethics addressed by Maimonides and States universally recite the Hippocrates, but also poses additional con- I will apply my scientific skills and Hippocratic Oath, an act that cerns. The realm of science is very broad and principles to benefit society; embraces their medical educa- encompasses several fields, including medical I will continue to practice and support tion and helps to cement their science. A scientist’s oath should reflect the professional activities inherent to being a scien- a scientific process that is based professional identities. tist, a commitment to responsible conduct, and on logic, intellectual rigor, personal Despite widespread use of the Hippocratic commitments to help humanity and society at integrity, and an uncompromising Oath, no analogous oath has been widely large. Such an oath could emphasize the value adopted for students graduating with doctor- of the graduates to our society. respect for truth; 4. 5. 6. ates of philosophy (PhD) in biomedical sci- An effective oath captures the essential I will treat my colleagues’ work with ences, even though students graduating with elements of a field and is inspiring without respect and objectivity; PhDs in the biomedical sciences need a gen- being confining; developing an oath can help 1. Gail O’Reilly, Nevart Talanian, Richard O’Reilly I will convey these scientific principles eral professional identity, too. Recognizing this, a field define itself. The Hippocratic Oath has 2. Maria Charrette; Ann Huang; Bernard Boston University School of Medicine designed been modified to reflect the evolution of medi- in my chosen profession, in Huang, MD ’62; Edmond Charrette, MD ’62 the Oath of the Scientist to be recited by PhD cine in society, and an oath of scientists might 3. Joseph Ilacqua; Anne Ilacqua; Menachem mentoring, and in public debate; Abraham; Carmela Abraham, PhD; Frederick awardees at graduation ceremonies. also evolve over time. Fox, MD ’68; Gail Fox Rituals are a key element of culture. The oath developed at Boston University I will seek to increase public 4. Genevieve Schechter; Alan Schechter, MD ’78; Earning a doctorate and then standing on a School of Medicine incorporates a commit- understanding of the principles of Paul Rothbaum; Rachelle Silver; Lee Silver, MD ’82 podium and being hooded to symbolize entry ment to apply science to humanitarian pur- 5. Aram Chobanian, MD, and Dean Karen science and its humanitarian goals. Antman, MD into a new profession represents a major poses. It also refers to key concepts related 7. 8. 6. BUSM student Jennifer Rosenbaum; Louis achievement. The experience is ripe with to the use of scientific methods to facilitate These things I do promise. Sullivan, MD ’58; Marcelle Willock, MD meaning, significance, elation at past accom- objective assessment of the natural world and 7. Phyllis Vogel and Martin Vogel, MD ’53 plishments, and a sense of responsibility for explicitly highlights the role of scientists as 8. Lee Golub; Burton Golub, MD ’65; Suzanne Cutler, PhD teachers and mentors to the younger genera- new ones to come. 9. Class of 2013 Keefer Society members: Elliott The transition to responsibility was tion and society at large. This oath reflects Acknowledgements: The authors wish to Antman, MD; Dean Karen Antman, MD; Robert recognized centuries ago by the physician the growth of science as a profession, and will thank the faculty members and trainees of E. Schiesske; Faith Ober; N. Stephen Ober, MD ’86; Anne Ilacqua (representing her sister Patri- Maimonides in an oath outlining the physician’s help to inspire graduates to reach for their the Boston University School of Medicine cia Issarescu, MD ’61); June White; Elizabeth ethical commitments. Oaths taken upon enter- highest ideals as they continue in their careers. who read our oath and supported the idea, Dooling, MD ’65; Burton White, MD ’61 ing the medical profession reflect a need to rec- First recited at the 2012 BUSM as well as Dr. Linda Hyman and Dean Karen 10. Mary Olsson; Ann Cea, MD ’67; BUSM student Gabriella Avellino, MD ’13; Carl Olsson, ognize the power and responsibility bestowed Commencement ceremony, the Oath of the Antman, MD, for incorporating the oath MD ’63 upon a graduate. Sciences in general—and Scientist is now recited at BUSM by graduates into Boston University School of Medicine’s 9. 10. www.bu.edu/supportingbusm certainly biomedical sciences—have faced receiving their doctorate in science. n Commencement ceremony. fran k curran fran k curran

8 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 9 Campus News

Appointments

Robert J. Vinci, MD, left, and William R. Creevy, MD, right

Robert J. Vinci, MD, pediatric residents. Dr. Vinci has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on the topics of pediatric emergency medi- Appointed Professor and Chair, cine and pediatric education, and has received numerous awards for Standing (l-r): Ted Moore; Elaine Kirshenbaum; Rachelle Silver; Dean Karen Antman, MD; Mary Jane England, MD ’64; John Avellino; Ann Cea, MD ’67; Peak Woo, Chief of pediatrics teaching and mentoring, among them BUSM’s Leonard Tow Humanism MD ’78; Jonathan Gertler, MD; Pedram Salimpour, MD ’00; Merwyn Bagan, MD ’62. Sitting (l-r): Alan Edelstein; Michael Kussman, MD ’68; N. Stephen Ober, MD in Medicine Award in 2010. ’86; Sherry Leventhal; Suzanne Cutler, PhD; Louis Sullivan, MD ’58; Lee Silver, MD ’82; Paul Rothbaum; Simon Parisier, MD ’61 Robert J. Vinci, MD, has been appointed the Joel and Barbara Alpert Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and chief of pediat- Dean’s Advisory Board Meeting May 3, 2013 rics at Boston Medical Center (BMC). William R. Creevy, MD, For the past 20 years, Dr. Vinci has served as vice chair and clinical Named chief ­executive officer The School of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Board held Campus, gave the board an overview of the Medical chief of the department, spearheading the significant expansion of pedi- its annual spring meeting May 3. Dean Karen Antman, Campus response to the Boston Marathon attack. atric clinical services. He co-founded the Kids Fund at BMC, which helps and president, Faculty Practice MD, opened with an update on the admissions Deborah Frank, MD, professor of pediatrics, spoke meet children’s most basic needs and gives them the foundation for a Foundation profile of the incoming Class of 2017. She discussed about the impact of research on impoverished healthy and bright future. He led the campaign to establish Kids Can’t Fly, a window-fall prevention program for children in Boston that has the increasingly competitive residency matching children. Roundtable discussion groups led by board William R. Creevy, MD ’85, has been appointed chief executive officer led to a dramatic decrease in the number of window-fall injuries. And and president of the Faculty Practice Foundation (FPF) and assistant program and the success of the Class of 2013. Timely members Ann Cea, MD ’67, Pedram Salimpour, MD ’00, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, dean for faculty practice at BUSM. He is responsible for the overall stra- presentations by Gerard Doherty, MD, chair of the and Suzanne Cutler, PhD, addressed important School Dr. Vinci established the Massachusetts Emergency Medical Services tegic direction of the FPF and direct fiscal and operational oversight of Department of Surgery, and Maria Ober, director issues, including increased board engagement, (EMS) Program for Children, which created training protocols and guide- the physician organization. of communications at Boston University Medical research resources, and faculty recruitment. lines for children in the statewide EMS system. Creevy has served as vice chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Dr. Vinci received his medical degree from the College of Medicine Surgery, leading orthopaedic surgery clinical services for the past and Dentistry-Rutgers Medical School, now known as the Robert Wood 15 years. He is also the physician quality leader for orthopaedic sur- Johnson Medical School. After completing his pediatric residency at the gery at BMC. Creevy received his undergraduate degree from Boston Photo far left: Ann Cea, MD ’67, Lawrence former Boston City Hospital (now BMC) and serving as chief resident, University, graduating magna cum laude, and his medical degree Crimmins, and Louis Sullivan, MD ’58 he joined the Department of Pediatrics at BUSM in 1984. Two years from Boston University School of Medicine, where he was named a Photo left: Jonathan Gertler, MD, Michael later, he established the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Commonwealth Scholar. He completed his orthopaedic surgery resi- Kussman, MD ’68, and Merwyn Bagan, MD ’62 Boston City Hospital. dency at BMC, serving as chief resident, and a fellowship in sports An innovative leader in medical residency education throughout medicine at the Graduate Hospital, University of Pennsylvania. He joined www.bu.edu/supportingbusm his career, he founded the fellowship program in Pediatric Emergency the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at BUSM in 1994. In 2001, he Medicine here in 1988 and has directed pediatric residency since 1989. received a Master of Science in Health Care Management from the In 1996, Dr. Vinci and Frederick H. Lovejoy, MD, established the Boston Harvard School of Public Health. Combined Residency Program in Pediatrics, one of the nation’s lead- Creevy has received numerous awards, including the Robert E. Leach ing pediatric residency programs. He has also championed research Resident Teaching Award from the BU Orthopaedic Surgery Residency u gh vid keo

fran k curran Da activities, global health training, and flexible training opportunities for Program. n

10 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine FallFall 2013 2013 || www.bumc.bu.edu 11 GMS NEWS

GMS Launches New Doctoral Student Professional Alumni who have volun- your skills are more promising than those of teered to be mentors engage other candidates.” Recruitment Program: Single­ Portal to Development in a range of activities, includ- Framing the curriculum in a workshop ing as researchers and admin- and short program format offers greater Graduate Science Education and Mentorship: istrators in academia; clinical flexibility. “We are very sensitive to the workers in hospitals and already considerable time commitments our Foundations institutes; research analysts students have to their required studies and for biomedical and pharma- laboratory responsibilities. As it is, training is Previously, each of the 14 doctoral Curriculum 2.0 ceutical companies; product getting more extended, so the last thing we programs had its own admissions com- scientists; and senior research want to do is have another half-year require- mittee, recruitment day, and acceptance scientists at commercial ment,” says Henderson. procedures, plus other infrastructure that laboratories (engaged, for Schreiber notes that the curriculum is a surrounds attracting and enrolling new example, in human genetics work in progress. “We are still working on a students. Hyman points out that while therapies development, assay biostatistics component that is specific for individual departments have not been fter creating a new curriculum, development, and glycolic our doctoral students, a two-credit basic skills required to use PIBS for recruiting new stu- Foundations in Biomedical and proteomic technology course in science writing and oral presenta- dents, most of them have signed on. Sciences (FIBS), BUSM’s development). They are also tion that Dr. Hyman will be directing. We are “In the spirit of efficiency as well as A scientists and administra- gathering feedback from faculty on what areas Division of Graduate Medical Sciences looking at what is best for students and tors at the National Institutes would best be presented in credit-bearing optimizing their experience, we created (GMS) formed a committee to develop of Health (NIH) and the US courses and what is best for workshop format.” this single portal into the doctoral pro- and implement a program focused on Public Health Service. Schreiber also credits the work of the gram at the medical school,” notes Hyman. Mentors Dr. Andy Henderson and Dr. Barbara Schreiber with There are a series of GMS Postdoc office under the direction professional growth and mentorship. Yolanta Kovalko (center), administrative manager for the of Yolanta Kovalko, which offers excellent “The streamlined process has reduced the Available to all students in all GMS pro- Postdoctoral Affairs office. workshops on topics including considerable faculty and staff resources work-life balance and creating career development panels and workshops required to attract the most qualified stu- grams, the Professional Development an Individual Development that the curriculum shares. Students can Linda Hyman dents to our programs.” and Mentorship curriculum addresses “As basic and clinical research scientists, Plan (IDP), which is a career-planning strategy also meet with a career consultant who will Hyman points out the flexibility the need for training in a variety of skills we don’t always have the skill sets you need endorsed by the NIH and a number of scientific advise them on résumé writing and cover advantages of PIBS for students who applicable to different careers. to succeed outside of academia or have the societies that uses the online tool myIDP as letters, interviewing (including mock inter- enter thinking they want to study in one contacts for students to move forward,” a framework to help students set achievable views), negotiating job offers, identifying mpowered by the launch of the program and realize they are interested in “We recognize that perhaps 12 percent of our notes Andy Henderson, PhD, associate goals, improve professional skills, and engage career goals, and networking. another area of science. “They have more graduates will do what we do—go into aca- professor of medicine and a member of mentors in career development. The Personal Program leaders are looking to increase new Foundations in Biomedical choices and options in that they have demia,” says Barbara Schreiber, PhD, associ- the committee, who created and imple- Qualities and Career Workshop examines participation and educate students and faculty E Sciences (FIBS), the Division not committed to one program from the ate professor of biochemistry and a leading mented the Professional Development and how personality type has an impact on career as to the importance of all the Professional of Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) outset and can experiment to learn what participant in the development of this new Mentorship curriculum. “We are already and explores choosing between academia and Development and Mentorship curriculum has created a single entryway to the it is that they really want to study,” says curriculum. “It is, therefore, our responsibil- giving our students a strong science industry, identifying factors of emotional intelli- offers. Their efforts are paying off, as the pro- Hyman. “We want our students pursu- ity to train not only that group but the other foundation; with this program, we are gence that promote leadership, and how under- gram has increasingly drawn the attention of division’s doctoral programs. Programs in ing the science that is most interesting to 88 percent. This program was designed—and enhancing that by giving them the skills standing can help develop a career plan. There medical students. Biomedical Sciences (PIBS) provides them and where they can make the great- it is still a work in progress—to help our stu- to apply it to public policy, education, or are also sessions on how to get published and “The implementation of the Foundations the framework for prospective students to est contributions.” dents develop the skills that they will need for whatever possibilities they wish to explore. how to move from academia to entrepreneur- in Biomedical Sciences program and the be admitted to GMS rather than to a spe- PIBS also meshes smoothly with the new a career in science, but not necessarily as an When you look nationwide, progressive ship, and self-promotion strategies to use with Professional Development and Mentorship cific department within the division. Foundations in Biomedical Sciences program, academic faculty member or a researcher.” students are demanding this. They are prospective employers. program moves GMS to a more integrated Now, recruiting students to the depart- as students enter GMS through a single pro- Developed during the 2011–2012 aca- looking at options other than the traditional “We have a wonderful workshop titled and interdisciplinary level of graduate sci- ments is centralized in one process. “We are cess and experience their first year as a more demic year and initiated in the fall of 2012, the academic career track. They want to be able ‘Selling Yourself, A Dirty Job But You Can Do ence education,” says Hyman. “We are tak- promoting our doctoral programs as an inte- cohesive group. program comprises a core curriculum of both to promote themselves and be able to It,’ presented by Tobe Berkovitz, PhD, associ- ing the best of our science education and grated and interdisciplinary model of biomed- “The core of all of these changes we initi- theoretical and practical training and experi- network effectively.” ate professor of advertising in the College of combining it with important training in career ical sciences education,” says Linda Hyman, ated is enhancing the educational experience ences for future careers in a host of scientific An important component of the cur- Communication and a media consultant on advancement to provide our students with a PhD, associate provost for GMS and director of our students,” adds Hyman. “We care sectors. The overall goal is to meet the diverse riculum is the mentorship piece that offers presidential and congressional campaigns,” rich environment that is responsive to their of PIBS. “We accept students who know the about our students. The message is Boston needs of graduate students by enhancing their student access to alumni who have agreed says Schreiber. “The skills he highlights are needs. This is a dynamic process to which specific discipline they want to study—bio- University is the best place to study and skills in critical thinking, communication, lead- to serve as mentors. “Alumni can give back critical no matter what you do. To say that we are committed.” n chemistry or microbiology, for example—and engage in biomedical science.” n ership and management, bioethics, intellectual in a large way with a small investment,” says the experiments in your lab are going to get we also accept students who know they want property, and research compliance to assure Schreiber. “Mentors are important and can you an academic position is not enough. You For more information on Professional

to pursue biomedical sciences education but For more information on PIBS, visit www. that they are prepared for successful careers ott give students real-life experience. Business have to figure out how to get those hiring to Development and Mentorship programs, go haven’t decided which area. Both groups can bumc.bu.edu/gms/gateway/prospective/ in academia, industry, government, or any field schools figured this out long ago and made agree that you are the person they want and to www.bumc.bu.edu/gms/gateway/students/

benefit from the integrated model.” phd-programs. they choose to enter. d n e y sc cy fran k curran networking a priority.” that your experiments are better and that phd/professionaldevelopment.

12 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 13 feature US Marine Corps members of Semper Fi who lost limbs in Iraq and Afghani- stan talk to members of the BMC Emergency Department who cared for victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. The Marines also offered support and encouragement to patients who underwent amputations.

days and weeks following. “As surgeons, we see patients like this with mangled extremities, but we don’t see 16 of them at the same time, and we don’t see patients with blast injuries,” said Peter Burke, MD, professor of surgery and chief of the section of Acute Care and Trauma Surgery at BMC. “We are used to a lot of chaos, but this was extraordinary,” said Andrew Ulrich, MD, assistant professor of emergency medi- cine and executive vice chair of emergency medicine at BMC. BMC’s motto is “Exceptional Care Without Exception.” On Marathon Monday the accuracy of this deeply felt mission was demonstrated by the physicians, nurses, technicians, transport and nutrition staff, and patient advocates who cared for and sup- ported the patients and their family members. Off-duty physi- cians came in to help wherever they were needed. In less than an hour, a family resource center was established for the victims’ families with computers, phone lines—including an interna- tional line—and phone chargers. Food was offered while hospital social workers, chaplains, patient advocates, and volunteers worked with families to update them on conditions, unite them with their loved ones as quickly as possible, and lend support in the face of such devastating loss. “In my 20 years here I have never been more proud to be a part of BMC,” said Ulrich. Exceptional Care for the Boston Marathon Injured In addition to caring for patients and their families, experts from the master’s programs in health care emergency manage- ment and biomedical forensic sciences assisted authorities in tracking down the suspected bombers. Four graduates of the forensic program—who are also adjunct professors of the pro- gram—work in the Boston Police Department Crime Lab as By Mary Hopkins criminalists and were involved in analyzing the evidence. “The Biomedical Forensic Sciences program trains forensic ast April 15—Boston’s It was a regular Monday at BMC, BUSM’s primary teaching hos- his wife run the race and took a pedicab to the hospital to avoid scientists for scene investigation, evidence analysis, and forensic Marathon Monday—was pital located a five-minute ambulance ride from the finish line. gridlock on the streets. research,” said Adam Hall, PhD, forensic chemistry faculty in BUSM faculty direct and staff BMC’s Emergency Department (ED) BMC, which embraces the School of Medicine with build- the Biomedical Forensic Sciences program. “Students trained in one of those pleasant and trauma team along with medical students on rotation in the ings on both sides of the Medical Campus, is a Level 1 trauma these disciplines become professionals who are crucial to com- ED and in surgery. center and the busiest provider of emergency services in New prehensive forensic investigations, including the horrific explo- spring days. Seventeen Everything changed at 2:49 p.m., when the first of two bombs England. Although staff were seasoned, highly skilled practitio- sions that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.” BU/Boston Medical exploded just short of the finish line. Bystanders, race officials, Bos- ners, Marathon Monday was different for these trauma veterans. Ultimately, the blasts killed three people and injured more ton Emergency Medical Services, and medical volunteers mobilized They had only minutes to prepare for what one nurse described than 260. It has been noted time and again that the extraordinary Center (BMC) attend- and triaged the hundreds of injured, sending them to area hospitals. as, “Patients bloody, missing limbs, and in shock physiologically response of those at the finish line using all available techniques, ings and residents as well BMC pediatric resident Natalie Stavas, MD, had just finished and psychologically. They had multiple shrapnel wounds and especially tourniquets to stem loss of blood, and in the emergency running the marathon on a broken foot when the bombs exploded. were being treated as though they had just been removed from departments and critical care units across the city of Boston was as more than 50 medical students were vol- Jumping over barricades to get to the injured, she applied tourni- the front lines of a war zone in Bosnia, Iraq, or Afghanistan.” responsible for limiting the number of deaths. The Medical Cam- quets to limbs and pumped oxygen. BUSM medical student mara- BMC received 23 patients over 40 minutes ranging in age pus played a crucial role in this response, making a difference in unteeringL in the medical tents located at the thon volunteers grabbed wheelchairs and gurneys to help get the from 5 to 70, many in critical condition. A majority had limb- as the lives of the victims and their families. race’s Boylston Street finish line, ready to injured into ambulances. BMC doctors who were running the mar- well as life-threatening injuries. Trauma, vascular, orthopedic, “Our medical community, as demonstrated on Marathon athon just kept on going to reach the Medical Campus; others who and plastic surgeons worked on 16 patients in 10 operating rooms, Monday and the days and weeks that followed this tragedy, is care for runners with dehydration, sprains, were bystanders used any means necessary to get to the hospital. performing seven amputations on five patients. Patients’ bodies truly extraordinary,” said Dean Karen Antman, MD. “Our faculty, and strains. They included Jeffrey Kalish, MD, assistant professor of surgery were riddled with nails, pellets, and glass; a number of them were staff, and students are consummate caregivers and their dedica- and director of endovascular surgery at BMC, who was watching wounded so severely that they needed multiple operations in the tion and outstanding skill is an inspiration.” n

14 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 15 feature

grew up in Watertown, a block and a half from where the second Boston Marathon bomber was captured and where my parents still live. On Marathon Monday, I was in the main medical tent less than a block from Iwhere the first bomb exploded. Posing for a group photo with other volunteers from BMC’s By Elizabeth Mitchell, MD Emergency Department (ED) that morning, Emergency Medicine At the Finish Line of the Boston we had no idea what we would be facing later that day. Along with several of my colleagues, I was assigned to Tent A near the finish line. We arrived early, prepared our areas, then waited after we had done what we could and worried about our department. When we finally made contact with the ED, they told us to come in. MARATHON until the elite runners came through, followed And we did. By bike, ambulance, walking, whatever way we could. by a steady stream of manageable patients. When that first explo- And when we got there we found our department filled with people sion came—a sound none of us had ever heard before—we stopped who had come from every part of the hospital, every part of the city and the entire tent went silent. It sounded like a bomb. Then the and state, to help where they could. There were embraces for those second boom came and someone yelled, “They need doctors!” and of us who had been at the scene. Then we did what we could, until before we could stop to think, we ran out into the acrid smell of we were just getting in the way and were told to go home. explosives toward the injured. I will never forget that scene. People lay in disarray, their clothes I will never forget that scene. People and shoes blown off, the sidewalk covered with blood. They lay soundless, but family members, friends, and strangers held them, lay in disarray, their clothes and shoes held their torn limbs, and pleaded with them to hang on. Miracu- blown off, the sidewalk covered with lously, almost every patient I attended to had already been tourni- queted with a torn pant leg, a belt, or someone’s shirt. Their faces blood. They lay soundless, but family By Elizabeth Mitchell, MD were unlike any I had ever seen; these patients were silent and in members, friends, and strangers Associate Professor of shock. In retrospect, I wondered if they could even hear us and if held them, held their torn limbs, and Emergency Medicine their eardrums had been injured in the blast. Smoke hung in the air, a store alarm rang, and amid the chaos, we worked as we’d never pleaded with them to hang on. worked before. We used scattered debris to splint legs that were barely hanging on. We rolled people onto boards. Boston At the end of the day, I leaned over to unlock my bicycle to ride Emergency Medical Services (EMS) was everywhere with stretchers, home. The bottoms of my sneakers were caked with blood. I could backboards, and helping hands. Volunteers, police, and bystanders not rid my mouth of the taste of explosives and I was more tired helped evacuate patients as quickly as possible in any way they could. than I have ever been. I looked up and there waiting beside me on A group of us put a patient on a backboard and ran, carrying him the street was an EMS supervisor. He rolled down his window and back to the tent, where we found a scene that resembled a MASH asked me if I would like a ride home. I could have cried. I smiled and unit. Doctors and nurses moved from patient to patient, assessing thanked him for his kindness. Then I got on my bike and rode home, injuries, placing IVs and bandages, and doing whatever was needed. from one family to another, numb with grief and shock, awed by Boston EMS triaged with number cards or simply wrote on people’s the incredible people I work with, and inspired by the people of the foreheads, apologizing as they did so. I can’t say enough about Bos- city of Boston, rising up to face terrorism like they face most things: ton EMS; they worked furiously and with incredible speed to get straight ahead, with conviction and without fear. n people organized and get patients moved out to hospitals. And in between all this was my BMC family. We looked at each This article has been accepted for publication in Annals of Emergency

fran k curran other in disbelief and despair as we worked. We gathered together Medicine for Fall 2013.

16 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 17 feature

racey Dechert, MD, knows studying for exams students may only be able to shadow at night or on from experience that medical weekends, making the trauma service a good fit. The team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and weekends and holidays. “A student can students are exposed to mis- come in on a Saturday morning or Sunday night and our whole team information about the field of is here—attendings, fellows, chief residents, residents, interns, and third-year medical students,” explains Dechert. “Students have the surgery. As a woman, she was opportunity to learn about the different roles and gain experience at actively discouraged from becoming a sur- the different levels of training and providing care. They are linked with T various members of the team—they can go to the Emergency Depart- geon; as the faculty advisor to the student ment to see what’s happening with new patients or the OR, and if there Surgical Society at BUSM, she often hears is no surgery happening, they can go to the ICU.” Because each day and night can be different in trauma service, students tell her that before their surgical Dechert says the students are never bored, and they can shadow as rotation they had never considered surgery many times as they want. “The first night I shadowed the surgery team I witnessed a patient because they either didn’t understand the with penetrating trauma, a stab wound that required no surgical field, or held negative perceptions of it. intervention, and the placement of a chest tube in a patient who had suffered bilateral pneumothoraxes subsequent to an automobile When Dechert came to BU’s Medical Campus as an attending at accident,” says David Cholok ’16. “During perhaps my most arresting Boston Medical Center (BMC), she never intended to focus on teach- experience, I observed a patient with a ruptured abdominal aortic ing. “I love the work because trauma, critical care, and emergency aneurysm. I was surprised by the willingness of surgeons and resi- surgery are very busy. I also like the patient population of a safety net dents to facilitate my learning experience. As long as I wasn’t imme- hospital and serving people who traditionally have not had access to diately in the way, everyone was respectful and more than willing to high-quality care.” shed light on what was going on at any particular moment.” As Dechert got farther along in her training and career, she Approximately 30 students have taken advantage of the pro- realized how much she enjoyed teaching and was named associate gram, and Dechert wants to increase this number significantly. She ShadowingStudents program director for the residency program in general surgery at is looking for ways to get the word out to students, especially those BMC. “That is when it really hit. I started meeting with students who who may not have considered surgery as an option. Dechert notes Get Early thought they were interested in surgery and who were brimming with that surgery shadowing is not unique to BUSM, as in most medical Exposure ideas of what it meant to be a surgeon, many of which were inaccurate. “I heard the stories and the rumors about surgeons when I was a to Surgery student, and they weren’t nice ones,” recalls Dechert, associate pro- fessor of surgery and trauma surgeon at BMC. “I thought, after all of By Mary Hopkins these years, this is still what students are hearing—and for women “Our program facilitates Program it is even worse. Students have told me about being discouraged not the experience for students, just by family members, but doctors in other fields of medicine and other students.” alleviating what may seem From her experience in the field, Dechert knew that perception and reality were quite divergent. She thought that if these students to them a daunting task of could be exposed to surgical care and practicing surgeons early in their approaching an already- medical school experience, they could make more informed decisions about their careers. “First and second years of medical school are busy surgeon and asking learning all of the basics, but we can’t wait until third year to let them see what surgery is about,” she says. “Also, early student opportuni- for his or her time. The ties to experience medicine and surgery in practice can help motivate initiative comes from us, them. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as it were.” As the faculty advisor to the surgery interest students, Dechert the surgeons.” had a ready-made group of first- and second-year students who were —Tracey Dechert, MD considering surgery as a career path and who could benefit from a shadowing program. With the backing of the Department of Surgery, Dechert put together a program that offers students access to surgical schools, students can seek out surgeons to observe. “But the onus is situations and to both resident and attending surgeons years before on the student,” she says. “Our program facilitates the experience their required surgical rotation. for students, alleviating what may seem to them a daunting task of A little more than a year ago, first- and second-year students began approaching an already-busy surgeon and asking for his or her time. shadowing the trauma service. Dechert feels that with classes and The initiative comes from us, the surgeons.”

18 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 19 feature

Members of the Department of Surgery—as well as patient care care and trauma surgery at Boston Medical Center. “Shadowing helps providers from the specialties involved with surgical services like students make better decisions about what they want to do in an orga- emergency medicine, anesthesiology, and radiology—have been very nized fashion. Mature and informed decision making helps to create supportive of the shadowing program, and because the trauma service better physicians who are really happy with the choice they make.” works as a team, members are used to being observed as well as teach- To Burke, it is a win-win situation—students experience surgery ing. Exposure to postgraduate training is another benefit of shadowing. early and deepen their clinical knowledge, while the field benefits by “I got a snapshot into the life of interns and residents in a surgical pro- developing prospective candidates for surgical careers. gram,” notes LaChapelle. “They offered invaluable information on how “We owe it to our students and their future patients to clarify and best to tackle med school and the pros and cons of surgical residency.” demystify the field of surgery,” says Gerard Doherty, MD, James Utley Cholok describes his shadowing experiences as “illuminating.” Professor and Chair of the Department of Surgery and surgeon-in- He was struck not only by the mechanics of the surgical specialty, chief at BMC. “Through this shadowing program, students can learn but also by the dynamics of comprehensive patient care. “I was able how diverse the field is, and how interdisciplinary the practice is when to witness the progression and transitions from emergency care, to done well. Many students who believe that they are destined for some radiology, and finally to the operating room, and was cognizant of the other field (like I was) only find out how interesting surgery is when intricate collaboration between specialties at each stage,” he says. they are exposed to it directly. For me, that was late in my third year of “My shadowing experience helped to actualize this ideal of teamwork medical school—it would have been much better for me if my school in health care delivery, especially when manifested in an emergency had had a program like this!” n or life-threatening situation. And, of course, I was amazed at the skill and dedication exhibited by the surgeons I shadowed.” (Left) Dr. Dechert, center, faculty advisor to the BUSM student Surgical Society, “This program allows medical students, before they define them- talks with medical student Brian Currie (BUSM ’15), a participant in the selves, to have firsthand experience of real-life surgery in real time,” Department of Surgery’s shadowing program. says Peter Burke, MD, BUSM professor of surgery and chief of acute (Below) Medical students observe surgery as part of the shadowing program.

Learning is enhanced by the firsthand exposure of shadowing, dents, fellows, and medical students has given me many different per- which connects students to the living, breathing expression of their spectives on surgery, career development, and work-life balance. It’s studies. “The first year of medical school involves a significant amount been great to be a second-year medical student and to shadow in my of classroom and study time,” says Chris LaChapelle ’16, a program free time. I’ve been able to ask all the questions I’ve wanted without participant. “One can forget the reasons for embarking on the voyage being responsible for knowing much or seeing to patient duties. My of becoming a doctor.” observations of serious cases being handled in the OR and ED have Students get to see the anatomic structures they have been been pretty awe-inspiring, too.” studying in the lab in a live patient while the surgical team Robinson first met Dechert at a breakfast seminar to introduce describes each step in a gall bladder removal or an appendec- general surgery to first- and second-year medical students. The semi- tomy, for example. Step stools are provided for viewing surgeries nar’s panel included two BMC surgical attendings and two recently from above, and students are encouraged to ask questions along matched BUSM fourth-years. “I was happy to see that all four were with their third-year student counterparts who are on their sur- women, and I asked whether this perhaps signaled a change in the gical rotation. field of surgery, in being more accommodating to family and personal “The most important learning moments for me have been unex- needs,” he says. “They all affirmed that surgery remained tougher pected and unplanned,” notes Tyler Robinson ’15, who has shadowed than many other fields, but that it in no way prohibits you from having in surgery a number of times. “Chatting informally with interns, resi- a quality personal life.”

20 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 21 busm Research body temperature. One particular physiological event, Belkina, MD, PhD, a researcher in the Department which is a hallmark sign of REM sleep, is the appear- of Microbiology, and senior author Gerald V. Denis, ance of phasic pontine waves (P-waves). PhD, associate professor of pharmacology and med- Memories of fearful experiences can lead to icine at BUSM. Alcohol Consumption a Leading Preventable enduring alterations in emotion and behavior and Epigenetics is an emerging field of study explor- sleep plays a natural emotional regulatory role after ing how genetically identical cells express their genes stressful and traumatic events. Persistence of sleep differently—resulting in different phenotypes—due to Cause of Cancer Death in the US disturbances, particularly of REM sleep, is predic- mechanisms other than DNA sequence changes. tive of developing symptoms of anxiety disorders. Previous studies have shown that a gene, called BUSM and BUSPH researchers have shown provides examples of Epigenetic drug Presently, exposure therapy, which involves con- Brd2, is associated with high insulin production and that alcohol is a major contributor to cancer how epigenetic drug treatments trolled re-exposure to the original fearful experience, excessive adipose (fat) tissue expansion that drives deaths and years of potential life lost. These treatments could be could be is considered one obesity when Brd2 levels are low, and cancer when Epigenetics findings, published in the April 2013 issue of beneficial in treat- beneficial of the most effec- Brd2 levels are high. The Brd2 gene is a member of the is an emerg- the American Journal of Public Health, also show ing cancers and also in treating tive evidence-based Memories Bromodomain Extra Terminal (BET) family of proteins ing field of that reducing alcohol consumption is an impor- decrease the likelihood cancers and treatments for anxi- and is closely related to Brd4, which is important in of fearful study exploring tant cancer prevention strategy, as alcohol is of cancer relapse. also decrease ety disorders. highly lethal carcinomas in young people, as well as how geneti- a known carcinogen even when consumed in The article’s corre- the likelihood of “Given the experiences in the replication of Human Immunodeficiency Virus cally identical small quantities. sponding author, Sibaji cancer relapse. inconsistency and (HIV). The BET family proteins control gene expres- can lead to cells express Timothy Naimi, MD, MPH, associate pro- Sarkar, PhD, adjunct unpredictability of sion epigenetically by acting on chromatin, the pack- their genes fessor of general internal medicine, and col- instructor of medicine, exposure therapy, enduring aging material for genes, rather than on DNA directly. differently. leagues from the National Cancer Institute, and colleagues pro- we are working to alterations in The study results show that proteins in the the Alcohol Research Group, the Public Health pose that epigenetic identify which pro- BET family have a strong influence on the produc- Institute, and the Centre for Addiction and processes, specifically cess or processes emotion and tion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Mental Health examined recent data from DNA methylation, may trigger cancer progenitor Asians and people of European descent. AMD during REM sleep behavior. “Our study suggests that it is not a coincidence that the United States on alcohol consumption cell formation from somatic cells in coordination typically presents later in life, but identifying dictate the success patients with diabetes experience higher risk of death and cancer mortality. They found that alco- with other cellular and environmental events. genetic variants associated with the disease, all or failure of expo- from cancer, or that patients with chronic inflam- hol resulted in approximately 20,000 cancer “Progenitors are known to cause cancer relapse, of which are present at birth, could help future sure therapy,” said Subimal Datta, PhD, director and matory diseases, such as atherosclerosis and insulin deaths annually, accounting for about 3.5 per- and because epigenetic drugs can help destroy studies determine how to stop the disease principal investigator at the BUSM Laboratory of resistance, also are more likely to be obese or suffer cent of all cancer deaths in the United States. progenitor cells, these drugs could help reduce from progressing and even from occurring. Sleep and Cognitive Neuroscience, who served as from inflammatory complications,” said Belkina. “This Breast cancer was the most common the chance of cancer relapse and improve the “Genetic research allows us to piece the study’s lead author. “The study results provide requires us to think of diverse diseases of different cause of alcohol-attributable cancer deaths long-term outcomes of people with cancer,” said together disease pathways that may have direct evidence that the activation of phasic P-wave organs as much more closely related than our current in women, accounting for approximately Sarkar. “While our hypotheses are based on cur- their starting point much earlier in life,” said activity within the brainstem, in conjunction with division of medical specialties allows.” 6,000 deaths annually, or about 15 percent rent knowledge, we are proposing important and Farrer. “These newly identified genes, individ- exposure therapy, is critical for the development of Research was supported in part by the National of all breast cancer deaths. Cancers of the exciting areas to be explored in the future.” ually and collectively, provide novel clues and long-term retention of fear extinction memory,” said Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes, mouth, throat, and esophagus were common Research included in this review article was funded targets to evaluate for their potential thera- Datta, who also is a professor of psychiatry and neu- Digestive and Kidney Diseases. causes of alcohol-attributable cancer mortal- in part by the American Cancer Society. peutic benefits.” rology at BUSM. ity in men, resulting in a total of about 6,000 Research included in this study was supported in part by ■ Study Reveals Potential Immune annual deaths. ■ New Genomic Regions Associated ■ Study Reveals Potential Target to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute of Benefits of Vitamin D Supplements in “The relationship between alcohol and with Age-Related Macular Better Treat, Cure Anxiety Disorders Mental Health and the National Institute of Neurological Healthy Individuals cancer is strong, but is not widely appreciated Degeneration Discovered BUSM researchers have, for the first time, iden- Disorders and Stroke. Improving vitamin D status by increasing its level in by the public and remains underemphasized Lindsay Farrer, PhD, chief of the Biomedical tified a specific group of cells in the brainstem the blood could have a number of non-skeletal health even by physicians,” said Naimi, who served Genetics section and BUSM and BUSPH whose activation during rapid eye movement ■ Mechanisms Regulating Inflammation benefits, a BUSM study shows. Published online in as the paper’s senior author. “Alcohol is a big professor, is co-lead author of a study by an (REM) sleep is critical for the regulation of Associated with Type 2 Diabetes, Cancer PLOS ONE, the research reveals for the first time that preventable cancer risk factor that has been international group of researchers that has emotional memory processing. The findings, Identified improvement in the vitamin D status of healthy adults hiding in plain sight.” n discovered seven new regions of the human published in the Journal of Neuroscience, could BUSM researchers have identified epigenetic mecha- significantly impacts genes involved with a number genome—called loci—that are associated with help lead to the development of effective nisms that connect a variety of diseases associated of biologic pathways associated with cancer, car- ■ Researchers Propose Potential increased risk of age-related macular degen- behavioral and pharmacological therapies to with inflammation. Utilizing molecular analyses of diovascular disease (CVD), infectious diseases, and Epigenetic Mechanisms for Improved eration (AMD). The study, which is published treat anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic gene expression in macrophages, which are cells autoimmune diseases. While previous studies have Cancer Therapy online in Nature Genetics and represents the stress disorder, phobias, and panic attacks. largely responsible for inflammation, these research- shown that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an A review article by Boston University Cancer most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of During REM sleep, the brain becomes ers have shown that inhibiting a defined group of pro- increased risk for the aforementioned diseases, these Center researchers proposes a new epigen- genetic variations associated with AMD, was more active and the muscles of the body teins could help decrease the inflammatory response results go a step further in providing direct evidence etic hypothesis linked to tumor production and supported by the National Eye Institute (NEI), become paralyzed. Dreaming generally occurs associated with diseases such as obesity, type 2 dia- that improvement in vitamin D status plays a large novel ideas about what causes progenitor cells a part of the National Institutes of Health. during REM sleep, as well as physiological betes, cancer, and sepsis. role in improving immunity and lowering the risk for to develop into cancer cells. Published in the AMD often runs in families and is more events including saccadic eye movements and The study, published online in the Journal many diseases. February 2013 issue of Epigenomics, the article common among certain ethnicities, such as rapid fluctuations of respiration, heart rate, and of Immunology, was led by first author Anna C.

22 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 23 Research in Brief

Vitamin D is unique in that it can be both ■ Chemical Compounds That Halt Virus B cells secrete a pro-inflammatory ratio of proteins Led by James ingested and synthesized by the body with sun expo- Replication Identified called cytokines, which directly promote the insulin Hamilton, PhD, pro- Using sure. It is then converted by both the liver and kidneys A new chemical class of compounds that have the resistance that characterizes type 2 diabetes. The fessor of biophys- to a form that the body can use. An individual’s level potential to block genetically diverse viruses from researchers also demonstrated that B cells directly ics and physiology, magnetic of vitamin D, or their vitamin D status, is determined replicating has been identified by BUSM researchers. regulate inflammatory T cells, an immune cell type researchers found resonance by measuring the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the The findings, published in Chemistry & Biology, could known to cause insulin resistance in animal models that the measure- blood. Vitamin D deficiency—which is defined as a allow for the development of broad-spectrum antivi- of disease. ment of endothelial imaging (MRI) status of less than 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ ral medications to treat a number of viruses, including “Now that we have identified the specific mecha- sheer stress (ESS), to measure mL) of 25-hydroxyvitamin D—can cause a number the highly pathogenic Ebola and Marburg viruses. nisms by which B cells promote inflammation, we can which is the indirect of health issues, including rickets and other muscu- Researchers Claire Marie Filone, PhD, postdoctoral help develop novel, targeted approaches to treat type stress from the fric- blood flow loskeletal diseases. Recent data, however, suggests identified a researcher at BUSM and the United States Army tion of blood flow over ath- that vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) and vitamin new chemi- Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases over the vascular D insufficiency (between 21–29 ng/mL) are linked to cal class of (USAMRIID), is the paper’s first author and led this BUSM endothelium sur- erosclerotic cancer, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, compounds study under the leadership of John Connor, PhD, research shows face, can identify plaques could type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. that effectively associate professor of microbiology and the study’s obesity-associ- plaques in the high- Samples of white blood cells were collected blocked geneti- corresponding author. John Snyder, PhD, BU profes- ated inflamma- est risk category. help iden- from study participants receiving different levels of cally diverse sor of chemistry, and researchers from the Center tion and type “Our results tify plaques vitamin D, and a broad gene expression analysis was viruses from for Chemical Methodology & Library Development 2 diabetes are indicate that using conducted on the samples, with more than 22,500 replicating by at BU (CMLD-BU) collaborated on this study. regulated by B noninvasive MRI at risk for genes investigated to see if their activity increased or limiting RNA Researchers identified a new chemical class cells through assessments of ESS thrombosis. decreased as a result of the vitamin D intake. production by of compounds that effectively blocked genetically two specific together with the The results of the gene expression analysis indi- the virus in cell diverse viruses from replicating by limiting RNA pro- mechanisms. structural charac- cated statistically significant alterations in the activ- culture. duction by the virus in cell culture. These indoline teristics of the plaque offers a comprehensive way to ity of 291 genes. Further analysis showed that the alkaloid-type compounds inhibited a number of identify the location of ‘high-risk’ plaque, monitor its Their ­findings biologic functions associated with the 291 genes are viruses from replicating, including Ebola. , progression, and assess the effect of interventions,” introduce a related to 160 biologic pathways linked to cancer, “Because the production of viral RNA is the first 2 diabetes,” said Barbara Nikolajczyk, PhD, associ- said Hamilton. “Early identification of ‘high-risk’ novel way to autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and CVD. step in successful replication, it appears that we have ate professor of microbiology and the study’s senior plaques prior to acute cardiovascular events will pro- study COPD uncovered an Achilles’ heel to halt virus replication,” author. “Our study supports the continued explora- vide enhanced decision making and might improve that could lead said Filone. “These compounds represent probes of a tion of FDA-approved B cell depletion drugs, which patient management by allowing prompt aggressive to new treat- The results of the central virus function and a potential drug target for are known to be generally safe and effective, as novel interventions that aim to stabilize plaques.” ments and the development of effective broad-spectrum antivi- agents to prevent obesity-associated inflammation gene expression This research was supported by grant funding from the ways to moni- rals for a range of human pathogens.” and type 2 diabetes.” analysis indicated National Institutes of Health’s National Heart, Lung, and tor patients’ Research highlighted in this press release was funded Research included in this study was supported in part Blood Institute (NHLBI). responses statistically signifi- in part by the National Institutes of Health’s National by the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute to those ■ Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), BUSM Researchers Identify Novel treatments. cant alterations under grant award numbers RO1 AI1096159-01 and the NIDDK’s Boston Area Diabetes Endocrinology Approach to Study COPD and Treatment in the activity of K22AI-064606 (PI: Connor). Research Center Pilot Program and the Boston Nutrition Efficacy Obesity Research Center; the NIH’s National Institute BUSM researchers have pinpointed a genetic signature 291 genes. ■ Study Explores B Cells As Therapeutic of Dental and Craniofacial Research; the NIH’s National for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Targets to Alter Obesity-Associated Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from airway cells harvested utilizing a minimally inva- “This study reveals the molecular fingerprints Inflammation and Type 2 Diabetes Immunology Training Program; the NIH’s National sive procedure. Their findings introduce a novel way that help explain the non-skeletal health benefits of BUSM research shows obesity-associated inflam- Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Hematology Training to study COPD that could lead to new treatments and vitamin D,” said Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, professor mation and type 2 diabetes are regulated by B cells Program; and the Evans Center for Interdisciplinary ways to monitor patients’ responses to those treat- of medicine, physiology, and biophysics, and leading through two specific mechanisms. The study, pub- Biomedical Research at BUSM. ments. The study is published online in the American vitamin D expert who served as the study’s corre- lished in the Proceedings of the National Academy Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. sponding author. “While a larger study is necessary to of Sciences, indicates the importance of continuing ■ Detecting Dangerous Plaques “There have been limited molecular studies of confirm our observations, the data demonstrates that to explore B cells as a therapeutic target to treat BUSM researchers have shown that using mag- COPD given the inaccessibility and invasiveness of improving vitamin D status can have a dramatic effect these diseases. netic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure blood obtaining lung tissue,” said Katrina Steiling, MD, MSc, on gene expression in our immune cells and may help Previous research has shown that B cells—which flow over atherosclerotic plaques could help iden- assistant professor of medicine at BUSM who served explain the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk for are white blood cells of the immune system— tify plaques at risk for thrombosis. The findings, as the study’s first author. The researchers hypothe- CVD, cancer, and other diseases.” promote inflammation and can lead to the develop- which appear in the March 2013 issue of Circulation: sized that while COPD primarily affects the tissue deep This research was supported by a pilot grant from the ment of type 2 diabetes, but the mechanisms under- Cardiovascular Imaging, offer a noninvasive applica- within the lung, the effects of COPD might be detect- National Institutes of Health’s Clinical & Translational lying B cell function were unclear. The results of tion in the diagnosis and treatment of patients able in relatively accessible tissue throughout the respi- Science Institute. this study shed light on that area and indicate that with atherosclerosis. ratory tract. To examine their hypothesis, the research

24 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 25 Research in Brief

faculty team used airway cells obtained during a bronchos- demonstrate that aspects of photoaging, the process News copy, a procedure that involves putting a small camera of skin aging by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radia- into the airway through the nose or mouth. tion, could be linked to genetic factors that accelerate “Our data shows that there are consistent gene- the aging process when induced by the environment. expression changes that occur in both airway and lung tissue cells in individuals with COPD,” said Costello Named William Fairfield Warren Avrum Spira, MD, MSc, Alexander Graham Bell Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of In this study, skin Computational Biomedicine at BUSM, who served as Distinguished Professor one of the senior co-authors of the study. cells were cultured develop and apply high-end instrumentation cell, such as a cancer cell, we can look at “Part of the COPD ‘signature’ reverses with ther- and exposed to and methods. “Having appointments in sev- markers that take the cell somewhere, and apy, suggesting that examining airway cells might be eral departments is sometimes regarded as examine subtle differences in the structure a minimally invasive tool for monitoring the disease UVB or UVA rays odd, but this professorship underscores the of carbohydrates or proteins.” In her years of and evaluating the response to therapy more quickly and then examined value of crossing boundaries,” says Costello, developing and refining mass spectrometry in order to determine the best course of treatment whose list of honors includes the 2010 Field applications, Costello, who collaborates on for each individual patient,” said Marc Lenburg, PhD, for expression and and Franklin Award from the American research of cancer, infection, and antibiotic- associate professor in computational biomedicine accumulation of Chemical Society. resistant Lyme disease, has seen the field and bioinformatics at BUSM and the study’s other Funded by the National Institutes of grow exponentially. “We now have the sen- senior co-author. progerin, a protein Health, her lab is devoted to improving the sitivity to do things you couldn’t even think that has been sensitivity and applications of mass spec- about doing before,” she says. “We can look trometry, an analytical technique used to at molecular changes contributing to cardio- associated with determine the composition of large molecules vascular disease in people who are obese or both normal and such as the proteins and carbohydrates that have diabetes.” make up blood and other body tissues. Mass The William Fairfield Warren Distinguished abnormal aging. spectrometry is an increasingly valuable tool Professorships are named for the University’s Catherine Costello, PhD in clinical and diagnostic medicine. Used to first president, who led BU for three decades, analyze inorganic as well as organic solids, beginning in 1873. The endowed professorships The study, published in the Journal of Catherine Costello, PhD, professor of bio- liquids, or gases, it determines the compo- are supported by the William Fairfield Warren Investigative Dermatology, was led by co-authors chemistry and of physiology and biophysics, sition of compounds by ionizing them and Fund. Among the honorees are George Annas, Thomas M. Ruenger, MD, PhD, professor and vice has been named a Boston University William comparing their molecular weight, or mass, a School of Public Health professor and chair chair of the Department of Dermatology, and Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor for before and after the process. Asked to explain of the Department of Health Law, Bioethics & Hirotaka Takeuchi, MS. her scholarly contributions. her work in lay terms, Costello likes to say, “I Human Rights and a School of Law and School In this study, skin cells were cultured and Costello, also professor of chemistry in do puzzles.” of Medicine professor, and James Collins, a “This, to our exposed to UVB or UVA rays and then examined the College of Arts & Sciences, established “We can look at the structure of even very College of Engineering professor of biomedical knowledge, is for expression and accumulation of progerin, a pro- the internationally recognized BU Center for large molecules and look at how they change engineering. n the first time tein that has been associated with both normal and Biomedical Mass Spectrometry. She is one with the development of a disease,” she says. that induction abnormal aging. The results showed that progerin of four BUSM faculty members working to “If these molecules are on the surface of a This article first appeared in BU Today. of progerin is is induced by ultraviolet light, specifically UVA described in rays, and that this induction is mediated by reactive response to oxygen species, causing alternative splicing of the an external LaminA gene pre-mRNA. Awards & Honors that leadership positions such as hers are agent.” “This, to our knowledge, is the first time that obtainable,” says Elizabeth Travis, associate induction of progerin is described in response to an Karen Antman, MD, BUMC provost and vice president of women faculty programs at Funding for this research was provided in part by the external agent,” said Ruenger, who also is profes- BUSM dean, has received the 2013 Margaret the MD Anderson Cancer Center. “Walking National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) NHLBI and the sor of pathology and laboratory medicine at BUSM L. Kripke Legend Award for Promotion of in Margaret Kripke’s footsteps, she’s an ideal NIH’s National Center for Advancing Translational and a dermatologist at Boston Medical Center. “Our Women in Cancer Medicine and Cancer Legend Award recipient.” Science through the Boston University Clinical & results reveal a novel mechanism by which UVA Research. The award, given by the University “The Kripke award is a tremendous Translational Science Institute. rays, which are often emitted from tanning beds, of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, recog- honor,” says Antman. “Margaret Kripke is a may play a role in the acceleration of photoaging of nizes scientific and medical leaders who have pioneer who opened doors for me and many ■ New Ways UVA Contributes to the skin.” made extraordinary efforts to hire diverse other women in medicine and science. As Photoaging of Skin Identified The researchers also note that some aspects workforces, promote women to leadership president of the American Association for y A BUSM study provides new evidence that long- of photoaging should be regarded as a process of roles, nominate women for awards, and help Cancer Research (AACR), she gave me the wave ultraviolet light (UVA) induces a protein that damage-accelerated intrinsic aging, and that intrin- women advance in their careers. first opportunity to be an AACR program could result in premature skin aging. The findings sic and extrinsic aging are interdependent. n “Dr. Antman’s accomplishments set a chair, and I’ve always regarded her as a Karen Antman, MD k alman zabars very high bar that signals to female faculty role model.”

26 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 27 faculty news

Under Antman’s stewardship, BUSM strives to Endocrinology (FACE) distinction, is recog- thyroid, parathyroid, endocrine, pancreas, She has also served as president of the ensure that deserving women are nominated nized as a distinguished practicing endocri- and adrenal glands, as well as the surgical Association­ for Advancement of Behavior for professional awards and societies and nologist as well as a role model for developing management of multiple endocrine neopla- Therapy (AABT) and president of the pushes for a multicultural campus. Because endocrinologists, and is a contributor to AACE sia syndromes. International­ Society for Traumatic Stress studies show that diverse companies outper- and to the art and science of endocrinology. Allen A. Mitchell, MD, BU School of Public Studies (ISTSS). form those that are not diverse, Antman says, Domenic Ciraulo, MD, BUSM chair of Health professor of public health and BUSM David J. Salant, MD, professor of medicine, “Achieving diversity among students, staff, psychiatry and chief of psychiatry at BMC, professor of pediatrics, received the Godfrey P. professor of pathology and laboratory medi- and faculty can improve the learning environ- has been selected as one of the co-recipients Oakley, Jr., Award at the annual meeting of the cine, and chief of the section of Nephrology ment for all.” of the inaugural Drew-Foley Award by the National Birth Defects Prevention Network. at BMC, has been named the recipient of At the School of Medicine, women com- Massachusetts Association of Mental Health Mitchell, also the director of BU’s Slone the 2013 Jean Hamburger Award from the prise 45 percent of the faculty, while the (MAMH). The award was presented at the Epidemiology Center (SEC), was recognized International Society of Nephrology (ISN). The median for US schools of medicine is 35 centennial anniversary of the MAMH Friend for his significant lifetime contributions to the award was presented at the World Congress of y percent. Antman cites other efforts: BUSM and Leader/Spirit of Compassion Reception. field of birth defects. Nephrology in Hong Kong on June 1. reviews salary versus years-in-rank and This award is named after two former A member of the Drug Epidemiology The award recognizes outstanding research regularly corrects outliers for both women MAMH members, Paul Drew and Jim Foley, Unit (now SEC) at BU for 38 years, Mitchell in nephrology with a clinical emphasis. The

and men; the School carries a banner in who were compassionate advocates for men- k alman zabars applied the concept of case-control surveil- award was established in memory of Jean Lewis E. Braverman, MD the Boston LGBT parade; and a Diversity & Allen A. Mitchell, MD lance to the study of medications that may Multicultural Affairs office, led by an asso- cause birth defects, and initiated the SEC ciate dean and several assistant deans, is Under Antman’s Birth Defects Study (BDS) in 1975, which Dr. Resick has published located on campus. stewardship, BUSM strives continues to this day. more than 200 papers “Among students, we are at the 85th The BDS is now one of two data col- percentile in the fraction of our graduates to ensure that deserving lection components collaborating with the and developed Cognitive between 2006 and 2011 who are Latino women are nominated for American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Processing Therapy, and 75th in the fraction who are African Immunology in a national systematic surveil- American,” Antman says. “Our graduates professional awards and lance effort—Vaccines and Medications in considered to be one of the consistently rate their instruction in cultur- societies and pushes for a Pregnancy Surveillance System (VAMPSS)— most effective treatments ally appropriate care for diverse populations designed to evaluate the risks and safety for PTSD and used by above the 85th percentile.” multicultural campus. of the wide range of medications taken by Antman has some advice for young pregnant women. Mitchell also designed and clinicians worldwide. women in medicine, science, and academia: tal health care and advancement in the field of directed epidemiologic efforts to evaluate “Academia first requires being nationally psychiatry. Drew served as the former execu- pregnancy prevention efforts for drugs known Hamburger, the “Professeur de Paris,” a pioneer or internationally recognized as an expert tive vice president of BMC. to cause birth defects. of clinical nephrology and founding president of in your field,” she says. B“ ecoming such an With research support from the National Patricia Resick, PhD, ABPP, profes- the ISN.

Domenic Ciraulo, MD expert in an emerging area of investiga- Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Patricia Resick, PhD, ABPP sor of psychiatry and psychology, received Salant has written several key papers tion is easier than competing with experts (NIAAA), the National Institute on Drug the American Psychological Association’s on immunological kidney diseases, as well with decades of experience in established Abuse (NIDA), and the Department of Division of Trauma Psychology Award for as editorials, reviews, and book chapters on areas. Publishing and presenting your work Veterans Affairs, Ciraulo leads a research Lifetime Achievement in the field of Trauma glomerular diseases and vasculitis of the at national meetings helps build your repu- team that studies alcoholism and addiction Psychology at the APA convention. This kidney. He has delivered keynote lectures at tation. And serving on professional society with a focus on medication development, award recognizes a senior distinguished psy- major scientific congresses and served as committees also helps to keep you aware of the interaction of psychosocial and medica- chologist who has made outstanding contri- chairman of the American Board of Internal what is going on nationally and internation- tion therapies, neuroimaging, and clinical butions to science, practice, advocacy, and Medicine Subspecialty Board of Examiners ally. Besides, it’s fun.” psychopharmacology. education/training that has advanced the in Nephrology. Lewis E. Braverman, MD, professor of Gerard Doherty, MD, BUSM field of trauma psychology. Salant is also the recipient of the John medicine in the section of Endocrinology, James Utley Professor and Chair of the Dr. Resick is director of the Women’s P. Peters Award, which recognizes individu- Diabetes & Nutrition in the Department Department of Surgery and chief of sur- Health Sciences Division of the National als who have made substantial research of Medicine, received the Master of the gery at Boston Medical Center (BMC), has Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder contributions to the discipline of nephrology American College of Endocrinology (MACE) been elected president of the American (PTSD) at VA Boston Healthcare System. and have sustained achievements in one or Award at the American Association of Clinical Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES). She has published more than 200 papers more domains of academic medicine includ- Endocrinologists (AACE) 22nd Annual He will serve as president-elect through and developed Cognitive Processing ing clinical care, education, and leadership. Scientific & Clinical Congress. The MACE 2014 and as president through 2015. Therapy, considered to be one of the most Established in 1983, this annual award is Award is given to an AACE member who has Doherty’s clinical focus is endocrine effective treatments for PTSD and used by named for one of the fathers of the discipline Gerard Doherty, MD received the Fellow of the American College of oncology, including surgical diseases of the David J. Salant, MD clinicians worldwide. of nephrology. n

28 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 29 faculty news shooting everything they had. I remember lying in the snow under my for all the meetings, negotiations, and parties. On the first night, jeep at 10 below zero watching the German tracer bullets going over- all the officers were invited to the Russian side. The vodka flowed head into the clouds. It was frightening, strange, and beautiful all at the like water. We brought most of the American officers back in trucks same time. Some Christmas!” loaded like cordwood. The next “What did you do?” I asked. night was the Americans’ turn and He laughed. “We were ordered Peter Mozden, MD ’53, my old friend and they broke out Kentucky bourbon. to get the hell off the hill. The big colleague who in 1988 convinced me to The Russians refused to touch the German push eventually failed, stuff, calling it ‘baby’s milk,’ and A Good Map Reader and we chased them back across come to Boston University, was a pioneer drank their vodka instead.” My last conversation with Peter Mozden, MD ’53, professor emeritus of surgery France, Alsace, and the Rhine River. surgical oncologist with an international At this point we were all laugh- When we got into Germany, all the ing. The mood had totally changed. By Robert M. Beazley, MD, professor emeritus of surgery and medicine road signs had been removed or reputation. Since 1949, when he began Peter’s spirits were raised by memo- turned the wrong way. We made medical school here, he had maintained ries of his youth. a lot of wrong turns and did a lot a deep loyalty and commitment to the Another team of doctors came of backtracking. When the gener- in, and the spell broke. Shaking als came up, they always told us Boston University School of Medicine Peter’s hand, I thanked him for his how great a job we were doing— and its mission. great story and for his service. they didn’t know we got lost a lot! He said, “Good-bye, Bob.” Eventually we made it to the Elbe I felt good that for a few min- River and were told to stop and wait for the Russian Army coming from utes we had managed to snatch him back, to go to another place and the East.” see his sparkle once again, if only fleetingly. The next evening, Peter “Did you get to use your Russian?” passed away. n “Did I ever,” he said with a big smile and a gleam in his eyes. In addition to his theater and campaign ribbons and medals, Sergeant “Since I was one of the few who could speak Russian, I was needed Mozden received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for valor in action.

➜ In Memoriam

William R. Cranley, MD ’68, clinical pro- A gifted clinician, he scholarship, most notably the Award for fessor of radiology and associate professor Teaching Excellence from the Society for of pediatrics, on May 18, 2013, at Boston was passionate about Pediatric Radiology. Medical Center, where for four decades he teaching and oversee- Dr. Cranley leaves his wife of 39 years, cared for children and mentored two gen- Kathleen K. Cranley, two sons, and a daughter. erations of pediatricians and pediatric radi- ing the work of medical Peter Mozden, MD ’53 ologists. He was known and beloved for students and residents. Merrill I. Feldman, MD, former chair of his leadership, his knowledge, his teaching, the Department of Radiology, on April 27, and his dry and unflagging sense of humor, He received numer- 2013. A distinguished radiation oncologist, Peter Mozden, MD ’53, my old friend and colleague who in 1988 assigned to Russian language school at the University of Wisconsin for but mostly for his dedication to the care of ous accolades for his he graduated from Harvard College and convinced me to come to Boston University, was a pioneer surgical about 10 months. Our teachers were old Russian officers; really strict. children and to the education of hundreds received his medical degree from Harvard oncologist with an international reputation. Since 1949, when he began One weekend we were all invited to their dacha on the lake, where we of medical students and residents teaching and scholar- Medical School. He completed his radiol- medical school here, he had maintained a deep loyalty and commitment were introduced to vodka. I got so sick that I have never touched the at BUSM. ship, most notably the ogy residency at Yale School of Medicine. to the Boston University School of Medicine and its mission. In 1989, stuff since then! I got pretty good with Russian before I was shipped to He received his bachelor’s from Villanova While on a fellowship at the royal Marsden I established the Peter Mozden Visiting Professorship and renamed France in ’44.” University in 1964 and his medical degree Award for Teaching Hospital in London, he began work on the surgical oncology service the Mozden Service in his honor. Peter, in “They don’t speak Russian in France, as I recall,” I said. from Boston University School of Medicine Excellence from the radiation therapy to treat cancer. On the turn, started the Mozden Summer Student Fellowship and the Mozden “That is right, but the Army works in funny ways,” he replied. in 1968. He completed pediatrics and radi- staff of North Shore Medical Center in Award, given to a graduating senior for surgical scholarship. Peter brightened. His voice was strong, with few pauses. ology residencies at Boston City Hospital Society for Pediatric Lynn, he established the hospital’s first I visited Peter on the afternoon of January 3, 2011, a cold, wet, and “What did you do in France?” (now Boston Medical Center) followed by Radiology. cancer treatment center. In 1972, he began gray day. He was quite ill, so I decided to keep my visit brief. Our col- “Well, I was attached to the Ninth Army in the 458th Mechanized a fellowship in pediatric radiology and serv- teaching at BUSM, ultimately rising to league, Dr. David McAneny, was also visiting, and he and Peter began Reconnaissance Battalion, in a jeep with a machine gun, out front scout- ing as chief resident in pediatrics at Boston chair the department. A pioneering cancer to discuss Peter’s clinical status. ing the way for the Army.” Children’s Hospital. He also served as a radiology, and vice chair of graduate medical researcher, Dr. Feldman was a member of I knew a little about Peter’s service in World War II and that he liked “Peter, that sounds pretty hazardous.” major in the US Air Force. education. He was a member of the BUSM the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and to tell stories. Hoping to change the conversation and perhaps learn a “Could be at times.” Until his retirement in July 2012, Dr. Admissions Committee for two decades. Bowel Cancer Project. little more about him, I said, “Peter, tell us what you did when you were Then he grinned. “I got to France in time to get caught up in the Cranley devoted his career to pediat- A gifted clinician, he was passionate A decorated hero of World War II, he in the Army. Were you drafted out of college?” Battle of the Bulge. I was actually in Belgium while my brother Joe was ric radiology and caring for children at about teaching and overseeing the work of received the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, “Well, not exactly, I got one year in but was not a good student,” he caught, too, a few miles away. After it was all over we got to meet, Boston Medical Center, where he served as medical students and residents. He received and two Purple Hearts. In 2008, the French said. “I had to take ROTC and did well, with a special comment about which was a special treat. I remember Christmas Eve ’44. We were pediatric radiologist, program director of numerous accolades for his teaching and Consul General presented Dr. Feldman with being a ‘very good map reader.’ I wanted to fly but the wait list was up ordered up a high hill to look out over the next valley for Germans. to nine months, so I volunteered for the Army. After boot camp I was Well they were there alright, starting up the other side of the same hill,

30 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 31 faculty news Students ➜ In Memoriam

the French Legion of Honor in recognition Rhode Island Association of Counselor hospitals—BUMC, Boston City Hospital, BUSM Student Receives Award of his service to help liberate France during Educators and Supervisors, and was a fel- and the Boston Veterans Affairs Hospital. for Melanoma Research World War II. low of the Massachusetts Psychological Led by Dr. Snider, they built one of the pre- He leaves his wife, Avis, and three sons, Association. She also served on the Boston eminent training programs in the US, which lizabeth Shenk, a PhD which melanomas are likely to metastasize. attracted research trainees from around the one of whom is James Feldman, MD, BUSM University National Alumni Council for student in pharmacology She has been instrumental in creating the cel- professor of emergency medicine. 10 years. Dr. O’Hern was presented with world. He was also instrumental in develop- lular model of this system, which is expected a special award for her service from the ing and guiding the scientific and research E and biomedical engineering, to be used to develop novel therapies target- Jane O’Hern, EdD, BU and BUSM profes- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences at programs of the Alpha One Foundation and has received the Joanna M. Nicolay ing the metastatic progress on an individual- sor emerita, on May 27, 2013. After serving Commencement on May 17, 2013. an important contributor to the NIH Lung Melanoma Foundation (JMNMF) ized basis for patients at risk for metastasis. Division programs. as a professor in the School of Education for “Jane O’Hern’s warmth, intelligence, 2013 Research Scholar Award, Shenk, who graduated with honors and 33 years, Dr. O’Hern joined the faculty of the enthusiasm, humor, and flinty New England The Gordon and Ruth Snider high distinction from Penn State in 2010, charm will be sorely missed,” said Linda Professorship in Pulmonary Medicine was one of 10 nationally competitive works under the direction of Rhoda Alani, MD, “Jane O’Hern’s Hyman, PhD, associate provost for the endowed at BU in 2000. Plans for a lecture- $10,000 grants from the JMNMF the BUSM Herbert Mescon Professor and Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. ship in his name are in progress. supporting exceptional graduate Chair of Dermatology. She also collaborates warmth, intelligence, He leaves his wife, Sarah Everett, two Elizabeth Shenk student melanoma research. with Joyce Wong, PhD, and Mario Cabodi, enthusiasm, humor, Gordon L. Snider, MD, former chief of sons, a daughter, two stepdaughters, and PhD, of the BU College of Engineering pulmonary medicine at BUMC and chief many grandchildren. The highly prestigious award is a mark of Biomedical Engineering Department. Kimmel Cancer Center in 2006, and expanded and flinty New England of medicine at the Boston Veterans Affairs distinction for lab directors, universities, and The JMNMF is the first program in the US nationally to benefit the broader academic, sci- charm will be sorely in Jamaica Plain, on June 8, 2013, after a Diane Weiner, PhD, assistant profes- cancer research institutions across the US. to fund graduate student melanoma research- entific, clinical, and patient communities and long illness. Dr. Snider was an outstand- sor of family medicine and core faculty Shenk’s research uses a three-dimen- ers. The Research Scholar Award program was encourage more students to choose a career in missed,” said Linda ing clinician, scientist, teacher, administra- of the master’s program in medical sional engineered platform to determine initially piloted with the Johns Hopkins Sidney melanoma research. n Hyman, PhD, associate tor, academic leader, advisor, and friend. He anthropology and cross-cultural prac- influenced the lives of his patients, students, tice in the Division of Graduate Medical provost for the Division and trainees, and informed and educated Sciences, on June 14, 2013, after a brief of Graduate Medical countless others through his administrative and sudden illness. She was a beloved duties and numerous publications. friend and colleague and a passion- Sciences. ately dedicated and engaged teacher. Dr. BUSM Students Honored As Weiner was also an adjunct assistant pro- Division of Graduate Medical Sciences and Dr. Snider was an fessor in community health sciences at Massachusetts Medical Society Scholars was instrumental in developing the Mental outstanding clinician, the School of Public Health. Health Counseling & Behavioral Medicine She was a medical anthropologist who Program. She also served as core faculty for scientist, teacher, worked with American Indian tribal, rural, the program, where she was beloved by fac- administrator, and urban communities to develop cancer ulty, staff, and students. and diabetes education and support inter- Dr. O’Hern received both her bachelor’s academic leader, ventions. She obtained her PhD in Cultural and doctorate from Boston University and a ­advisor, and friend. Anthropology from UCLA in 1994 and was Master of Arts in Counseling from Michigan particularly interested in chronic illness State University. During her tenure at the behaviors and lay-health professional com- School of Education, she served as direc- Dr. Snider came to BUSM in 1968 as munication encounters. tor of training for the counseling psychol- professor of medicine and head of the Based at Mashantucket Pequot Tribal ogy program, director of the mental health Pulmonary section. He teamed with tho- Nation (MPTN), she worked on projects education program, academic coordinator racic surgeon and physiologist Edward in Connecticut and other parts of the of the overseas program, chair of counselor Gaensler and Carl Franzblau, chair of the BU Northeast with a multidisciplinary team Maria Badaracco William Hammond Alexander Lankowski Ashish Premkumar education, and assistant vice president for Department of Biochemistry, to develop a of researchers, educators, and American international education. She was a member research program in lung cell and molecular Indian cancer advocates to conduct research of the American Counseling Association, biology, and built an academic pulmonary on cancer information-seeking patterns, Four BUSM students were recognized by the Massachusetts Medical academic performance, community involvement, and financial need. Association of Counselor Education training program at Boston University. They colorectal cancer education, and cancer Society (MMS) with the society’s Scholar Awards, presented annually Maria Badaracco, William Hammond, Alexander Lankowski, and Supervision, and the Massachusetts and merged the pulmonary programs at three survivorship. n to fourth-year medical school students who demonstrate excellent Ashish Premkumar were honored with $10,000 scholarships. n

32 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 33 Giving

who was still climbing would have some story about my mother—about Middlesex District how kind she was or the conversation they’d had, and eventually you’d find her again, talking to someone new.” In 1939, she met an Australian Medical Society Endows rancher on a train; he sent her a Christmas card every year until his death. Alice Schiesske was unforgettable. Emergency Fund for And together, the Schiesskes shared a love of learning and knowl- Medical Students edge. Robert grew up in a home full of newspapers and magazines, and his parents instilled a deep appreciation of education and opportunity BUSM is the beneficiary of a $100,000 contribution by the Middlesex in him. District Medical Society as part of an effort to establish endowed funds He was already working hard in the IT field when the time came to at all of the medical schools in Massachusetts to benefit medical stu- get a second degree. Knowing how important work was to his family, dents during an unanticipated financial emergency. The endowed funds he searched for a master’s program that would allow him to continue at the four medical schools will be called the “Middlesex District Medical his day job, but also give him an in-depth understanding of computer Society Student Emergency Fund.” science. “BU had a nice evening program,” he recalls. “I could have sup- Barry M. Manuel, MD, secretary/treasurer of the Middlesex District per in the company cafeteria and walk down to campus. It was almost Medical Society and BUSM associate dean and professor of surgery, a second job.” A couple of years later, Schiesske had his degree from reported that for years the district has been contributing funds to Metropolitan College and entered BU’s MBA program with another eve- Massachusetts medical schools to help meet the unanticipated financial ning schedule and more opportunity to expand his knowledge. needs of medical students. “Our district felt we had the necessary funds After graduation, Schiesske’s connection to BU faltered a bit. “Once to make a major commitment to our medical students,” Manuel said. “It I had the degrees, I would glance through Bostonia, but I was never par- is our hope that others will see this as an important safety net for our ticularly active,” he says. Then, his parents passed away, and he was medical students and contribute to these funds.” determined to create a memorial to them that others would benefit from The Middlesex District Medical Society is a component of the and appreciate. His years of struggling with the health issues of his aging Massachusetts Medical Society, the commonwealth’s professional asso- parents gave him an idea. ciation of physicians and medical students. “When they start giving back, a lot of people are getting in touch “The generosity of the Middlesex District Medical Society will assist with the medical community,” Schiesske explains. “The Wall Street medical students at a crucial, and often urgent, junction in their lives,” Journal recently highlighted health care as nearly the top choice of retir- said Dean Karen Antman, MD. “We are grateful for the Society’s consid- ees for ongoing support.” To Schiesske, this makes sense; after years erate foresight of the unanticipated financial needs of our students.” n of meeting doctors and witnessing medical procedures, the effects of degenerative diseases, and the difficulties in geriatric care, Schiesske knows how important health care is and how much support it needs in order to improve treatment and find cures. Having been a student of technology and business, Schiesske might not have immediately considered his alma mater except for the Robert E. Schiesske strong reputation of BU’s School of Medicine. He knew he could give to a national health organization, but this MBA-holder knows a little something about return on investment. As he puts it, “A very successful The scholarship agreement begins, “The Alice (Davis) and Victor mutual fund manager once said, ‘Invest locally—it’s what you know best Robert E. Schiesske (MET ’78, Schiesske Scholarship Fund is established at Boston University by Robert and it’s easy to keep track of progress.’” E. Schiesske (MET’78, GSM’82), in honor of his parents, to whom he is In addition to the scholarship, Schiesske has created several GSM ’82) forever grateful.” bequests, including a stroke fellowship named for his mother and a geri- a love of learning Robert Schiesske lights up when he talks about his parents. He atric fellowship named for his father. He aims to further research and describes his father, Victor, as a resilient and principled man. “He battled improve the odds for those who someday will suffer the same diseases BU alumnus honors his parents through corruption within his own company,” Schiesske says, “and he survived and medical struggles his parents experienced. the School of Medicine. the death of my mother, four bouts of cancer, and continuing congestive Thanks to Robert Schiesske’s generosity, these memorials will heart failure by keeping up his strong work ethic and daily activities.” carry the names of Victor and Alice in perpetuity, reminding future Schiesske’s mother, Alice, was generous and always connecting with recipients to work hard, never give up, and be generous, curious—

people. “You could climb a mountain with her, and she’d fall way behind, ott and unforgettable. n talking to the other people on the trail,” Schiesske says. “Then, you’d turn Barry M. Manuel, MD

and make your way back down from the summit, and everyone you met d n e y sc cy fran k curran www.bu.edu/supportingbusm

34 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 35 Alumni news Alumni Weekend 2013

Dear Friends, alumni affairs, I am a program participant; I person- Two of the School of Medicine’s highlight ally present each graduate with a welcome packet events occurred in May: Alumni Weekend and and congratulate them on their graduation—and Commencement. Alumni Weekend was a great suc- on becoming our newest alumni. All of the student cess, with many reunioners from classes ending in 3 speakers for both the GMS and MD/PhD ceremo- and 8. The 25th reunioners, the Class of 1988, and nies noted the rigor of their education as well as the 50th reunioners, the Class of 1963, were well repre- impressive support they received during their years sented indeed. here that helped make their achievements possi- One of the Alumni Weekend highlights was ble. You will be pleased and proud to know that the the “Campus Experience” program we developed emphasis on caring for patients remains the center to give alumni a taste of what it is like to be a cur- of a BUSM education. rent BUSM student. Faculty members spoke of the With the close of one academic year and the new tools being used to enhance education, and a start of the next one soon to come, BUSM contin- panel of students gave presentations about other ues to be an institution of extraordinary education learning activities at BUSM that add to their over- and research as well as a community of caring all experience. We were also happy to hear alum- and connection. nus Jim Brust ’68 give a truly informative talk on the history of the School of Medicine. An amateur Best regards, historian with a treasure trove of facts and photos, Dr. Brust wonderfully exemplifies our multital- ented alumni community. Commencement showcased the tremendous Jean E. Ramsey, MD ’90, MPH ’08 quality of BUSM students and our outstanding fac- Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs ulty. It is an event of ritual as well as a joyful and Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Pediatrics spontaneous experience. As associate dean for Vice Chair of Education and Program Director 1. F ran k C urran

1. Student volunteers for Alumni Weekend welcome alumni and their guests, guide them around the Medical Campus, and participate in a panel on instructional technology. 2. Alumni visiting the Clinical Skills & Simulation Center listen to Lor- Thomas Insel ’74, NIMH Director, raine Stanfield, MD, director of the center.

Gives TED Talk More than 500 School of Medicine alumni and their guests came back to the Medical Campus on May 3 and 4 to attend In April, Thomas Insel, MD, presented a presti- mental illnesses. Major mental disorders like the School’s annual Alumni Weekend, some for the first time in gious TED Talk on the topic of “Toward a New schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, more than 60 years. Understanding of Mental Illness.” A Class of and obsessive-compulsive disorder start After a campus welcome and Grand Rounds, alumni listened 1974 graduate and a renowned psychiatrist very early in life, with 50 percent afflicted to a group of faculty members and medical students discuss new and neuroscientist, Insel is director of the by age 14 and 70 percent by age 24. Insel instructional technology and its impact on the experience of cur- National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH). suggests thinking of them as disorders of rent medical students at BUSM. Noting that early detection and early the brain rather than mental or behavioral Deborah Vaughan, PhD, professor of anatomy and neurobi- intervention have greatly reduced the mor- problems, thus opening up a new framework ology and assistant dean for admissions, shared how BUSM is tality and mobidity rates of major chronic for understanding mental illness; changes in y using technology that is changing the way students learn today. illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and the brain are manifest years before behav- “It is often said that technology isolates students, and what we stroke in the past two decades, Insel pro- ior changes. For the full talk, go to www.ted. are doing here at the medical school is making sure that we Thomas Insel, MD 2. F ran k C urran poses these strategies be applied to treating com/speakers. n k alman zabars take advantage of the technology to help the students work in

36 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 37 ALUMNI Weekend 2013

in place of microscopes in the lab. Lectures are Lectures are recorded and pre- sented online for students who recorded and miss class, and can be used as a presented online resource to clarify material. She for students who highlighted technological tools for clinical training including robotic miss class, and teachers—affectionately called can be used as a SimMan and Friends—that simu- late patients and are programmed resource to clarify for a variety of situations, includ- material. ing emergency care, so students can practice their clinical skills. teams,” said Vaughan, this year’s “When I got here I thought I winner of the Metcalf Cup and was going to spend every second Prize for Excellence in Teaching. of my life studying,” said Mauro Vaughan demonstrated how Caffarelli, a second-year student at students and faculty use the BUSM. “It didn’t turn out that way. online learning management sys- The way we learn here is tremen- tem Blackboard to share educa- dously efficient.” tional resources. Laptops are used Doug Hughes, MD, associ- during class, to take exams, and ate dean for academic affairs,

3. Members of the Class of 1958 talk with Dean Karen Antman, MD, and Asso- ciate Dean for Alumni Affairs Jean E. Ramsey MD ’90, MPH ’08. 4. Members of the Class of 1968 at their 45th reunion. 5. Having graduated 68 years earlier, Marjorie Readdy-Sullivan ’45 had a few questions for medical students who participated in the Alumni Weekend Campus Experience panel discussion. 3. 5. 6. Members of the Class of 1993 at the reunion reception.

4. 6. F ran k C urran

38 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 39 ALUMNI Weekend 2013

7. 9.

7. Eva Ricardi Mauer ’73 and her husband, Patrick, flanked by Paul Schepis ’58 and his wife, Carole, enjoy the make-your-own ice cream sundae bar. 8. Members of the Class of 2003 and guests enjoy their 10th reunion. 9. Distinguished Alumnus Award recipients Andrew Levey ’76 and Robert Golden ’79 with Dean Karen Antman, MD, and Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs Jean E. Ramsey MD ’90, MPH ’08. 10. The photo booth at the Alumni Banquet offered guests the opportunity to have some fun and create photo memories.

also explained plans to expand the students to our campus each medical school curriculum to a year. The goal is to create a global platform by implementing a diverse, rich, global experience third-year pediatric clerkship option for our students both in travel for BUSM students in the US Virgin and also on campus.” Islands, which began this June. In addition to reunion dinners “We have been chosen by the and the annual meeting and ban- AAMC (Association of American quet of the Alumni Association, Medical Colleges) to pilot a BUSM alumni attended a pre- new global program, the Global sentation on BUSM’s extraordi- Health Learning Opportunity,” nary history. Tours of the Medical said Hughes. “This program will Campus highlighted new class- help facilitate our fourth-year rooms, expanded research facili- students doing electives globally ties, the Alumni Medical Library, and will allow fourth-year medi- and the new medical student cal students from other countries residence. The weekend ended to take electives more easily at in a night of dinner, dancing, and BUSM. Our students can choose award presentations, recognizing from 15 international medical Robert Golden ’79 and Andrew schools in their fourth year, and Levey ’76 as 2013’s Distinguished 8. 10.

F ran k C urran we will be bringing international Alumni. n

40 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 41 ALUMNI Weekend 2013 ➜ In Memoriam

1941 • Harold I. Miller of Laguna the Cambridge T.B. and Health Asso- gist, he practiced in Natick, Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine, his wife, Louise, a son and daughter, Woods, California, on January 9, ciation, and the Massachusetts T.B. Massachusetts, for 30 years. In and a clinical associate professor of and two grandsons. 2013, at the age of 97. A general Respiratory Disease League. Rodman Naples, he enjoyed providing pediatrics for Tufts University School surgeon in the Boston area for many was a fellow of the American College medical care to the needy elderly of Medicine and the University of Ver- years, he was a past president of the of Physicians and the Massachusetts of Collier County at the Senior mont College of Medicine. He was a William R. Cranley (See Faculty BUSM Alumni Association. He served Medical Society. He leaves his wife, Friendship Center. He was prede- National Science Foundation fellow News, page 31.) in the US Army during World War II Jo-Ann Rodman, three daughters, a ceased by his wife of 62 years, Lois, in the Research Division of Infectious in the Pacific theater. He leaves his son, and a granddaughter. and leaves his wife of two years, Diseases in Dr. John Enders’s labora- wife, Maida, two sons, a daughter, Gloria Passidomo; her five children tory at Children’s Hospital Medical 1977 • Gary M. Tanguay of West and four grandchildren. and her grandchildren; his daughter Center in Boston, and a research fel- Boylston, Massachusetts, on April Seymour R. Shalek of Boston, Mas- and son, and four grandchildren. low in medicine at Harvard Medical 21, 2013, at the age of 61. An internist sachusetts, on September 5, 2012, at School. In 1961 he took a position at and geriatrician, he was an assistant 1945 • Joseph Alpert of Savannah, the age of 91. A radiologist, he was Downstate Medical Center in Brook- professor of medicine at the Univer- Georgia, on May 27, 2012, at the age on the staff of Beth Israel Hospital 1952 • Arnold Abrams of Lexington, lyn, New York, and for the next 10 sity of Massachusetts Medical School 11. of 90. A retired vascular surgeon, in Boston for 45 years, volunteered Massachusetts, on December 27, years he was an assistant professor and served as an outpatient preceptor he served at Memorial University his time at Boston City Hospital, 2012, at the age of 85. A psychia- in pediatrics, researcher, and lecturer, for the Internal Medicine Residency Medical Center in Savannah and was and taught at Harvard Medical trist, Abrams spent more than 50 with publications on his research in program. He also served on the board 11. MED Alumni Association President former chief of vascular surgery at School. He served as a captain in years in public service, working for viral diseases. In 1971, Berkovich left of trustees at Central Mass Health Katherine Phaneuf and Class of 1988 classmates enjoy their 25th reunion. Beth Israel Hospital in Newark, New the US Army Medical Corps dur- the Commonwealth of Massachu- medical research to open a pediatric Care and as medical director of Sun 12. Burt Perlmutter ’63 and his wife, Jersey. He served as captain/surgeon ing World War II. Predeceased by setts as a regional administrator and practice in Portland, Maine. He served Bridge Worcester and Clark Manor Bobbi, celebrate his 50th reunion and in the US Army during World War II. his wife of 69 years, Rosalind (Lyn) as assistant superintendent of the in the US Army as a radio intercept Health Care. He leaves his wife of 38 enjoy dancing at the Alumni Banquet. 13. Lisa Scheid Ramey ’79 hugs Serena Predeceased by a son, he leaves his Shalek, he leaves his two daughters, Department of Mental Health, and operator. He leaves his wife of 61 years, Marilynn S. (Sakowski) Tan- Phillips, MD. wife of 25 years, Jane, two daughters, a son, five grandchildren, and two holding positions with the Veterans years, Barbara (Levitt) Berkovich, and guay, a son and daughter, a grandson, four sons, two stepdaughters, eight great-grandchildren. Administration and the Social Secu- his three daughters. and his parents. grandchildren, three step-grandchil- rity Administration. He practiced dren, and four great-grandchildren. at the University of Massachusetts Sydney M. Sorrel of Belmont, Mas- Worcester, Westborough State 1965 • David Hutchison of Aztec, 2001 • Autumn Klein of Pittsburgh, sachusetts, on October 18, 2011. He Hospital, Brandeis University, and in New Mexico, on September 2, 2012, Pennsylvania, on April 20, 2013, Gerard A. Barnaby of Sarasota, Flor- was an ophthalmologist and served private practice. He also taught at at the age of 78. A psychiatrist, he at the age of 41. A neurologist, she ida, on October 19, 2011, at the age of in the US Army during World War II. Tufts University and the University of was predeceased by his wife, Eliza- was an assistant professor of neu- 91. An orthopedic surgeon, he was in He leaves his wife, Margaret, three Massachusetts Medical School. He beth O’Rourke Hutchison, and leaves rology and obstetrics and gynecol- 12. private practice in Albany, New York, children, a stepson, four grandchil- served in the US Navy during World his significant other, Terri Kennedy, ogy at the University of Pittsburgh for 30 years until his retirement in dren, and three great-grandchildren. War II. He leaves his wife of 59 two daughters, six grandchildren, School of Medicine and was chief of 1988. He leaves his wife, Katherine years, Fern Shader Abrams, 3 chil- and eight step-grandchildren. the Division of Women’s Neurol- Hoppe Barnaby, two daughters, two dren, and 10 grandchildren. ogy at the University of Pittsburgh sons, and eight grandchildren. 1949 • Leonard Alexander of Roch- Medical Center (UPMC) and at ester, Minnesota, on April 4, 2013. 1968 • Steven Cogan of Rockville Magee-Womens Hospital/UPMC He practiced internal medicine and Henry H. Frenkel of Fairfield, Con- Centre, New York, on March 7, 2013. Presbyterian. She was best known Melvin H. Rodman of Winchester, gastroenterology for 45 years and necticut, on October 13, 2012, at the A pediatrician, he had a private prac- for her work focusing on neuro- Massachusetts, on August 12, 2012, was chief of medicine at Mount age of 88. He practiced ophthalmol- tice in Lynbrook, New York, and was logical diseases in pregnancy. She at the age of 90. An internist and Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit, ogy until his retirement in 2001. He a former director of pediatrics and established the women’s neurol- pulmonologist, he was professor of Michigan, and clinical professor of served in the US Army during World chair of the medical board at Franklin ogy division within the UPMC medicine, medical director, and head medicine at Wayne State University War II. He leaves his wife, Annelis, 3 Hospital Medical Center in Valley Department of Neurology, one of of the medical department at Mas- School of Medicine. He was prede- sons, and 12 grandchildren. Stream, New York. He also had fac- the first in the country. She pub- sachusetts Institute of Technology. ceased by his wife of 63 years, Mar- ulty appointments at Mercy Medical lished numerous papers and book He was also an associate clinical cia, and leaves four children. Center, Long Island Jewish Hospi- chapters, and lectured nationally on professor of medicine at BUSM and 1956 • Sumner Berkovich of Cum- tal, North Shore University Hospital, women’s neurological issues. She a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. berland, Maine, on January 6, 2013, Winthrop University Hospital, and leaves her husband, Dr. Robert J. He served in the US Navy submarine 1950 • George J. Talis of Naples, at the age of 85. A pediatrician and South Nassau Communities Hospital. Ferrante, a daughter, a stepdaugh- service. He was a president of the Florida, on March 27, 2013, at the infectious disease specialist, he was In May 2012, he retired after over 40 ter and stepson, and her mother MA Thoracic Society (1967–1968), age of 87. An obstetrician-gynecolo- on staff at Maine Medical Center and years of medical practice. He leaves and father. n

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42 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Fall 2013 | www.bumc.bu.edu 43 Fall Phonathon Hiebert Lounge, BUSM Sept. 23 September 23, 2013 • 5:30 p.m. Boston University Planned Giving

BUSM History Project Dedication and Reception BUSM Sept. 24 September 24, 2013 • 4 p.m. North Shore BUSM Alumni Event Hosted by Tim Kelliher ’90 Thanks to our donors’ oct. 3 Beverly, MA October 3, 2013 forward thinking, BUSM Department of Surgery Reception at the American College of Surgeons 99th Clinical Congress, Washington, DC oct. 7 October 7, 2013 • 6 p.m.

Dean’s Advisory Board Meeting we can move ahead. BUSM oct. 24 October 24, 2013 • 2:30 p.m.

Scholarship Donor/Dean’s Advisory Board Dinner Hotel Commonwealth, Boston oct. 24 October 24, 2013 • 6 p.m.

Dean’s Club Dinner The Taj Boston oct. 26 October 26, 2013 • 6 p.m.

Fall Phonathon Hiebert Lounge, BUSM oct. 29 October 29, 2013 • 5:30 p.m.

BUSM Reception at AAMC Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA Nov. 3 November 3, 2013 • 5:30 p.m.

Department of Dermatology Barbara Gilchrest and Peter Pochi Professorship Installations Nov. 8 BUSM Calendar November 8, 2013 American Academy of Ophthalmology We can: National Meeting, New Orleans, LA Nov. 17 November 17, 2013 2013–2014 develop more effective treatment strategies BU School of Medicine Faculty Planned Giving Breakfast support more cutting-edge research BUSM Nov. 19 November 19, 2013 • 8 a.m. serve our patients—and the world—more effectively

Chester S. Keefer Society Annual Dinner Four Seasons Hotel, Boston The Boston University Planned Giving team can help you MAy 1 May 1, 2014 create a philanthropic strategy that fits your unique interests and financial situation. Once you know all the possibilities, Dean’s Advisory Board Dinner and Meeting you may discover that you can have a greater impact than MAy 1–2 May 1–2, 2014 you ever imagined.

School of Medicine Alumni Weekend Ready to start the conversation? We want to hear from you. MAy 2–3 May 2–3, 2014 Please contact the BUSM Development Office at [email protected] or 617-638-4570, or visit www.bu.edu/supportingbusm. F ran k C urran

44 Campus & Alumni News | BOSTON UNIVERSITY School of Medicine Nonprofit US Postage 72 East Concord Street PAID Boston MA Boston, Massachusetts 02118 Permit No. 1839

Nationwide coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings featured stories of the critical care BUSM doctors at Boston Medical Center provided to victims of the explosions. ott e y sc cydn