BostonUniversity University School of Medicine WINTER 2015 • bumc.bu.edu

What’s ARTgot to do with it?

How today’s med students become better doctors by being better observers, listeners, and participants in the arts. Message From The Dean

Boston University Medicine these opportunities. Alumnus and travel and nature photographer Paul Gitman Boston University Medicine is published by the Boston WINTER 2015 (MED’66) is a perfect example of melding a University Medical Campus Communications Office life of clinical practice with visual represen- on behalf of Boston University School of Medicine. tation of the cultural variety of human and animal societies. Some of his wonderful Maria Ober Contents work is included in this issue. Director of Communications Diverse populations bring diverse think- ing and perspective. Seeing things differ- Mary Hopkins ently can be a key component to effective Publications Manager research teams. Creating a pipeline of diverse students interested in the biomedical sciences is important to the School and to design & production Boston University Creative Services the future of scientific discovery. We high- light here the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences’ (GMS) STaRS program. Initiated by contributing writers GMS Associate Provost Linda Hyman and Lisa Brown, Kate DeForest, Mary Hopkins developed and directed by faculty member William Cruikshank, STaRS is creating access for underrepresented minority students to photography DEAR FRIENDS, Atlantic Photos, Boston University Photography, advanced biomedical education and expand- Sara Cody, Frank Curran, Kate DeForest, Amy Gorel, From the White Coat ceremonies we ing opportunities for engagement in scien- Jake Hopkins, David Keough highlight here to the celebration of tific pursuits. Commencement, a BUSM education is a Alumnus Howard Bauchner (MED’79) resource-rich environment for students. received the University’s highest alumni Enhancing their experience creates a award during University Alumni Weekend healthy environment for them to meet the last fall. Renowned editor-in-chief of JAMA challenges of modern medical and science and a former BUSM pediatrics professor, education and facilitates their develop- Bauchner shares some of his thoughts on ment as confident, aware physicians and publishing one of the world’s premier medi- scientists attuned to patients and to the cal journals in the digital age. complex issues in health care delivery and The Campaign for Boston University has scientific research. raised $768 million of the billion-dollar goal. Astronaut and doctor Mae Jemison We are gratified that School of Medicine said, “The difference between science efforts have raised $127 million of our $200 and the arts is not that they are differ- million goal. With the receipt of gifts such ent sides of the same coin, or even dif- as the $1.3 million bequest of Class of 1959 ferent parts of the same continuum, but alumnus Frank Gazzaniga and his wife, rather they’re manifestations of the same Florence, for scholarships, we look forward thing . . . science provides an understand- to reaching our goal that supports the train- ing of a universal experience, and arts ing of our students and the teaching and provide a universal understanding of a scholarship of our faculty. personal experience.” The arts play a vital role in the lives of our students, faculty, Best regards, and alumni through a variety of activi- Physician Assistant (PA) students ties on the Medical Campus, including a happily model their new white coats. College of Fine Arts program created to bring the arts across the University. We make available diverse electives like Visual Karen Antman, MD Please direct any questions or comments to: FEATURE DEPARTMENTS Mary Hopkins Thinking Strategies, the linkage for that Provost, Medical Campus Communications Office 2 Campus News 27 Research universal experience and understand- Dean, School of Medicine Boston University Medical Campus THE ARTS ISSUE 14 Faculty News 30 Giving to BUSM ing. In this issue, we showcase some of Professor of Medicine 85 East Newton Street, M420 20 Boston, MA 02118 How the BU Arts Outreach Initiative is creating a new 19 Student News 32 Alumni News way to think about students, patients & medicine. P 617-638-8491 | F 617-638-8044 | E [email protected] 0215 KALMAN ZABARSKY BY P;HOTO On the cover: Third-year medical student Tripp Leavitt, course manager for the Visual Education in Medicine elective. Photo by Michael D. Spencer Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 1 BUSM ON THE facebook.com/ twitter.com/ CAMPUS News WEB BUMedicine BUMedicine

Far left: Jeffrey Choi and Yeon Woo Lee came to Boston from South Korea. They enrolled at BU three years ago for their undergraduate studies in the Seven-Year Med program.

Left: Robert Lowe, MD, associate profes- sor of medicine at BUSM and fellowship director of the Section of Gastroenterol- ogy at BMC, borrows the words of a famous doctor to tell students that they are now embarking on a profession of unlimited hours.

Below right: Vonne Lee has been braving the Boston winters for a while now— she graduated from Boston University School of Public Health in 2012 and has been working at for the past two years.

Below left: Students wearing their first white coats.

White Coat 2014 them a part of you is the most important handle a crisis, and putting others before part of your education. self. These qualities, he advised, will come to “So just know that when this is over, you “be in you, not on you.” “You will be a doctor all the time, wher- can do it without the coat and to paraphrase This year’s class ranges in age from 20 to ever you are, and you will expect things the famous Dr. Suess, ‘. . . you can do it in a 32. Some members are only a few months embers of the BUSM Class of 2018 were of yourself even when no one else knows box and you can do it with a fox . . . you will do out of their undergraduate programs, while you’re a doc,” guest speaker Robert Lowe, it here and there, you will do it everywhere.’ 34 hold a master’s degree or above. They advised to dismiss any expectations of 9-to-5 MD, BUSM associate professor of medicine, And soon you’ll learn just what I mean, so come from 31 states and 23 countries. The jobs as they assembled on Talbot Green for told the 166 students. “You will be calm in welcome, Class of 2018.” majority of the class—86 percent—is bilin- crisis, you will step forward to help when Lowe also stressed that the tradition of gual, and together they speak a total of 28 start of their journey to becoming physicians. the White Coat Ceremony, which symbolizes others hang back, and you will comfort students donning the white coat begins to languages. Women make up 51 percent of The ceremony closed with the students M and heal at accident scenes, Little League instill the values of professionalism from the class and under-represented minorities reciting the Hippocratic Oath, a promise the beginning of medical training and a commitment to the games, and on airplanes. The coat is very the very start of medical training. The coat 20 percent. to respect the physicians who have come ethics and values that go along with the profession. nice, but the oath you are about to take is is meant as a reminder of the qualities they With help from their professors and in the before them and to practice with compas- the key to this ceremony, and the way in need to embrace as future doctors—hard presence of family and friends, the class put on sion and ethics, which they will recite again which you adopt those principles and make work, humility, the ability to stay calm and their white coats for the first time, marking the at graduation. n

2 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 3 CAMPUS News

Inaugural Physician public health, and public policy, delivered the Physician keynote address. “Two pillars of truth as a Assistant BUSM Class of 2018 Parents Reception Assistant Class clinician are first, the practice of medicine is Professional not just a job or career, it is a sacred calling, Oath Receives White Coats on august 4, the school of medicine held a reception for parents and guests of a lifelong pledge; and second, our patients I pledge to perform the following the BUSM Class of 2018, who enjoyed refreshments while mingling with depart- Below left: Keith Parker, Savan Parker, come to us because they have to, not because duties with honesty and dedication: and Jayshri Parker the inaugural physician assistant (pa) they want to,” Toney said. “The white coat you ment chairs and other BUSM faculty members before being welcomed by Dean • I will hold as my primary Below right: Dr. Dwayne Baharozian, class received their white coats at the PA wear is a symbol to patients of a safe haven; a responsibility the health, Karen Antman, MD. Alyna Baharozian, Christine Baharozian, White Coat ceremony July 16. Accompanied symbol of help with their pain, injury, or dis- safety, welfare, and dignity and Douglas Hughes, MD, associate The dean spoke of the importance of family support for first-year medical stu- dean for academic affairs by family and friends, the 25 members of the ease. They give us their trust and we cannot of all human beings. dents, what students should expect during the first year of medical school, and recent Bottom left: Terry Ng, Jessica Ng, and Class of 2016—who were of diverse back- abuse that trust. As clinicians we take a vow • I will uphold the tenets of patient Maggie Koong autonomy, beneficence, nonma- campus enhancements, including the renovated classrooms and new electronic test- grounds and hailed from all parts of the coun- to put someone else ahead of ourselves.” Bottom right: John Batter, Rafael Ortega, leficence, and justice. try—were welcomed into the profession by Toney, currently assistant professor of ing center in the Instructional Building. Following the ceremony, students and their MD, and Lisa Batter Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Doug clinical medicine and health policy at the • I will recognize and promote the guests joined BUSM faculty and staff on Talbot Green for a dessert reception. n value of diversity. Hughes, MD, and BU PA Program Director University of New England, served as a health Mary Warner, PA-C. manpower specialist in the Georgia Division • I will treat equally all persons who seek my care. Carl Toney, PA, a graduate of the Duke of Public Health and as the director of the University Physician Assistant Program HIV/STD Prevention Program for the Maine • I will hold in confidence the information shared in the course who has had a long career in primary care, Bureau of Health. In 2000, he founded the of practicing medicine. Center for Transcultural Health at the Uni- • I will assess my personal capa- versity of New England, where he served as bilities and limitations, striving founding director for 11 years. He is a com- always to improve my medical " he white coat munity ambassador for the National Health practice. you wear is Service Corps and a member of the Diversity • I will actively seek to expand my Cabinet for the United Way of Greater Port- knowledge and skills, keeping a symbol to land and the Maine State Advisory Commit- abreast of advances in medicine. patients of a tee to the United States Commission on Civil • I will work with other mem- Rights. bers of the health care team T to provide compassionate and safe haven; a symbol of help David Coleman, MD, Wade Professor and effective care of patients. Chair of the BUSM Department of Medicine, with their pain, injury, or • I will use my knowledge and also addressed the class. “We have worked disease. They give us their experience to contribute to an long and hard to establish this program,” he improved community. said. “We are inspired by the students we trust and we cannot abuse • I will respect my professional that trust. As clinicians we have attracted who understand the obligation relationship with the physician. and privilege we have to our patients, whether • I will share and expand knowl- take a vow to put someone they are homeless or victims of violence. Our edge within the profession. enduring gift as clinicians is to help people.” else ahead of ourselves." These duties are pledged with After donning their coats, the class sincerity and upon my honor. recited the PA Professional Oath. n

The PA class recites the Physician Assistant Professional Oath. Carl Toney delivers the keynote address to the first class of PA students. PHOTOS BY KALMAN ZABARSKY BY PHOTOS INC. ©2014 SERVICE PHOTO ATLANTIC BY PHOTOS

4 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 5 O Skinner Professor for Research inAmyloidosis David C.Seldin,MD, PhD, Installed asWesley andCharlotte CAMPUS 6 the MedicalExecutive Committee ofBoston the BUCancer Center. Healsoserves on and Translational Science Institute andof the executive committee oftheBUClinical of “Best Doctors” lists.Heisamemberof cal skillshave beenrecognized onavariety Program atBoston MedicalCenter. Hisclini- and memberoftheStem Cell Transplant other forms of amyloidosis. plantation anddeveloping therapies for techniques ofautologous stem cell trans- He andhiscolleagues work onrefining inhibitors, andanti-fibril antibodies for AL. of immunomodulatory drugs,proteasome ing asprincipalorco-investigator ontrials also isanactive clinical investigator, serv dosis, usedto test novel therapeutics. He transgenic modelofAL,orprimaryamyloi- of amyloidogenic lightchainsandthefirst developed apublicallyavailable database form ofamyloidosis. Heandhiscolleagues blood disorders, thelightchain particularly research interests focus oncancer and ally known BUAmyloidosis Center. His he becamedirector oftheinternation- Hematology-Oncology in2008.In2011, 2005, andbecamechiefoftheSection in 1994, was promoted to professor in logy, SeldinjoinedtheBUSMfaculty emeritus ofBUSM. MD, president emeritusofBUanddean Amyloidosis Center; andAram Chobanian, and specialprojects director oftheBU Skinner,Martha MD, professor ofmedicine ofMedicine; and Chair oftheDepartment MD; David Coleman, MD, Wade Professor with remarks by DeanKaren Antman, friends, andpatientscelebrated thehonor for Research inAmyloidosis. Colleagues, Wesley andCharlotte SkinnerProfessor standing academiccareer, astheincumbent and elsewhere have contributed to anout Boston University SchoolofMedicine Seldin serves asanattending physician Professor ofMedicineandMicrobio ­

News orations withcolleagues atBU Seldin, MD, PhD, whosecollab- Medicine installedDavid C. n June12,theSchoolof - - in cancer biologyandindiseasesofprotein Sciences andestablishedgraduate courses cine intheDivisionofGraduate Medical of thegraduate program inmolecularmedi- Medical Center. Seldinwas thefirst director June 14.The parade was sponsored by Boston Pride, anorganization thatpromotes BUGSDM students,proudly marched inthe44thannualBoston Pride Parade on Members oftheMedicalCampusCommunity, includingBUSM,BUSPH,and BUMC Pride Dean Karen Antman,MD;andDavid Coleman, MD. Skinner,Martha MD;David Seldin,MD, PhD; clinical fellows. committees, andtrained ageneration of laboratory, served oninnumerable thesis pre- andpost-doctoral trainees inhisown misfolding. Hehasmentored more than20 national, andglobal significance. ing peopleto acton issues oflocal, encouraging dialogue, andmobiliz community by disseminating news, for social justice for the LGBTQ advocates beyond. Boston Pride awareness in Greater Boston and inclusivity, equality, respect, and events andactivitiesto advance n

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TOP PHOTO BY ATLANTIC PHOTO SERVICE INC. ©2014 on may Faculty MD MemberJoelAlpert, ofPediatricsDepartment Remembers Longtime tor’s senseof justice, hislifelong 40 years, highlighted hismen- andwasAlpert hiscolleague of atrics atBUSMwhotrained under fessor andchairemeritusofpedi- careers.“ and therightresidency for their about getting them into pediatrics cal studentsandwas passionate was afierce advocate for medi- Dean Karen Antman,MD. “He faculty andclinicalservices,” said for increased fundingfor junior practitioners ofpediatrics. forsupport future leaders and and hisdedicationto ensuring national leadership inpediatrics, neering pediatricresearch, his Boston MedicalCenter, hispio- deep attachmentto BUSMand remembrances ofDr. Alpert’s spouses, theevent featured fond children Norman,Deborah, Mark,andtheir family, includinghiswife Barbara andhis many physicians hetrained andmentored. headed, thepatientshecared for, andthe rics, thepublichealthinitiatives hespear impact hehadonthepractice ofpediat program, Dr. Alpert’s legacy lives oninthe speakers affirmedduringthememorial Center. Butasthemany distinguished career atBUSMandBoston Medical amore31, 2013, after thanfour-decade until 2000—would have greatly enjoyed. ofPediatricsBUSM Department from 1972 that Dr. himself—who Alpert chaired the Legacy 1930–2013,” was awonderful event MD,Alpert, ACelebration ofhisLife and welfare ofchildren. Their program, “Joel his passion for improving thehealthand remarkable professional achievements and member andesteemed pediatricianfor his remembered BUSMfaculty alongtime Barry Zuckerman, MD, pro- “Joel tenaciously advocated Attended by colleagues, friends,and Dr. passed away Alpert onDecember 22 , thedepartment ofpediatrics - -

Howard Bauchner, MD(MED’79);andRobert Vinci, MD. Barbara MPH(SPH’79); Alpert, Mark Silverstein, MD, MPH; From Davida left: Schiff, MD (MED’12);BarryZuckerman,MD; legacy for thisdepartment.” and fightthe tough battlesashisguiding We willcontinue to advocate for children ours withthesamepassion thatdrove his. will honorhimandhiscareer by continuing next chapter ofJoel’s career. We canand ensuringthatwedepartment complete the only remember him;itisreally aboutthis Today’s ceremony isnotto thankJoelor setting thestandard for thisdepartment. “He treatedof Alpert. allofuslike family, Pediatrics atBUSMandaformer trainee and Barbara Professor Alpert andChair of family,” recalled Robert Vinci, MD, theJoel That’s why hisdyingwas sohard.” confident . . . so thatheseemedinvincible. believed something.Hewas extremely the family. Hewould notletupwhenhe importance oflistening to thepatientand him useallofhissensesandlearnedthe about thephysical exam. We watched expert skillsasaclinician.“He was afanatic ofuniversalsupport healthcare, andhis “Nothing was more thanhis important n

" invincible. dent . . . so thatheseemed He was extremely confi he believed something. He would notletupwhen the patientandfamily. importance oflistening to his sensesandlearnedthe We watched himuseallof H — Barry Zuckerman, MD Winter 2015 |www.bumc.bu.edu

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cal exam. the physi fanatic about e wasa - - 7 CAMPUS News

1984 to 1986. He rose to the as their first American editor; story about a particular issue. and was pleased we added including meta-analyses, guide- a review of how it is used. This Howard Bauchner, MD, rank of professor of Pediatrics I ultimately became editor- At JAMA, we make sure that them to the journal. Actually, lines, and statistical methods, is an important example of how and Public Health at BUSM in-chief. They gave me many the authors interpret results JAMA has had opinion pieces that are useful and easy to read JAMA can contribute to discus- Receives BU’s Highest and served as director of the opportunities for experimenta- appropriately and we use our for many years, but they were in for the busy clinician. It has sion and debate about complex Division of General Pediatrics tion. I have worked to under- editorial pages to place articles the back of the journal and hard been a busy three years. medical issues. Alumni Award and vice-chair of Academic stand how print and digital in the broader context of health, to discover. Even though we had Affairs at BUSM and Boston journals should be used to move health care, and the health care great content it was hard to find, Will social media help you to How did your years at BU pre- Medical Center. While a mem- scientific information from system. so the redesign has enhanced better connect with medical pare you for your career? ber of the BUSM faculty, he investigators into the broader As a communications net- the visibility of our content. students? It has been the richness of oward Bauchner, MD (MED’79), was selected to be a scholar- medical community. work, it is very important that We have moved aggres- We know medical students the Boston University commu- is editor-in-chief of the Journal of in-residence at the Center content is communicated in dif- sively into social media. When value JAMA, but they may want nity for 30-plus years that has for the Future of Children at Why is JAMA important? ferent formats. In some regards I came to JAMA we had about to engage with us in a different allowed me to thrive. Whatever the American Medical Association the David and Lucile Packard Journals are the conduit we need to be an agnostic com- 20,000 followers on Twitter way. I think it is how an indi- I have accomplished in my (JAMA), the most widely circulated Foundation and associate visit- by which the scientific com- municator of information. Our and Facebook, and our online vidual wants to engage with our life is due to my mentors and H ing professor of pediatrics at munity communicates with the readers should have access to version went to 50,000 people. content that is important. For the environment that I was and one of the most prestigious medical journals Stanford University. He also larger medical community and print or electronic versions of Now, we have 225,000 Twitter example, some folks may not allowed to succeed in. Howard in the world. Boston University recognized served as a child and adoles- with the public; they move sci- our content, on mobile devices and Facebook followers, and like the content in shorter ver- Koh, the former US Assistant Bauchner's outstanding contributions to the cent health scholar-in-resi- entific information around the or computers. We need to have we send out our weekly ETOC sions, but some certainly will. Secretary for Health, was my medical profession by presenting him with dence for the Agency for Health world. Few journals do that as audio and video. The way the (electronic table of contents) Reading habits have changed resident as a medical student. Care Research and Quality in effectively as JAMA. JAMA is a world of communication has alert to close to 400,000 phy- and will continue to evolve. We During residency, Joel Alpert, a Distinguished Alumni Award, BU’s highest Washington, DC. legacy journal in the sense that changed in the past 10 years sicians. The way we connect want to give people options then professor and chair of alumni recognition, during the University’s He conducted clinical and it originated in print along with necessitates changes in the way with the world has fundamen- with respect to our content. pediatrics, and faculty mem- Alumni Weekend on September 20. health services research for the three other weekly jour- journals must communicate tally changed over the past Although we have accomplished bers Ben Siegel, Steve Pelton, more than two decades, pub- nals—NEJM, Lancet, and the their content. three years. We touch between a great deal—and I do mean and Barry Zuckerman were lishing more than 125 papers BMJ—that are the most pres- 750,000 and 1,000,000 read- we—there are many people in such wise and caring physi- in peer-reviewed journals. His tigious medical journals in the What are some of the recent ers with our content each week. editorial and publishing working cians who taught me about Howard Bauchner, MD research has received support world. Though we are a weekly, changes at JAMA? We know ultimately we long hours to modernize JAMA. the importance of clinical care (MED’79) from the National Institutes with the onset of digital media JAMA has been a magical have to engage with our read- We have much, much more to and listening to patients. Jerry of Health, foundations, and we publish almost daily online, name for decades so I thought ers more effectively; we are not accomplish. Klein, a gentleman and scholar, industry. so just five minutes ago we the use of the name as a brand quite there yet. I think Twitter has provided lifelong wisdom. I published online, ahead of print, was very important. The notion and Facebook may serve a dif- Do you see yourself as an was allowed to complete sab- You became editor-in-chief of a viewpoint on Ebola and the of creating a network of journals ferent purpose than the normal advocate? baticals under Alpert and his JAMA three years ago. What crisis in Africa. There are many all branded JAMA was a prior- website or print. Social media I want to ensure that the successor, Zuckerman, allow- made you want to be part of media outlets that are doing an ity, hence JAMA and The JAMA connects us with the world pages of JAMA can critically add ing me time to think without publishing a medical journal? excellent job covering the Ebola Network. What used to be nine in a way print and web con- to the discussion about complex the pressure of writing grants or I have always been a journal crisis, but that coverage has not archives of journals now have tent don’t. There is a multiplier clinical, policy, and ethical issues seeing patients. And of course junkie. I always was reading the focused on important ethical the JAMA name and the name effect. In some regards you do that affect patients around the my many, many colleagues over medical literature, keeping up and public health issues, which change—and the new and uni- it because it is the modern way world. It is my preference to the years—Bob Vinci, Bobbi with it and using it for teaching are the focus of the viewpoint. fied website—have raised their to touch the medical commu- ensure that JAMA is a platform Philipps, Bill Adams, Megan and making clinical decisions. As a respected voice in medi- visibility. nity but also it is a way to drive for experts to communicate Sandel, Jason Wang, and Then journals went electronic cine around the world, JAMA Although I think this was people to our website. Yet, the their thoughts and ideas about Michael Silverstein—have pro- and that radically transformed can influence clinical care and difficult for many people, the conversation remains unidirec- important topics. For example, vided continued stimulation and the world of medical journalism. policy debates. print redesign of JAMA was tional. Our goal is to develop nine months ago we commis- inspiration. BAUCHNER OVERSEES the a medical student, resident in About 10 years ago, I was lucky symbolic in signaling updates effective bidirectional commu- sioned a viewpoint on uterine publication of 48 JAMA print pediatrics, teacher, researcher, that my old mentor, the late Joel What is your philosophy of to our content. The redesign nication with the scientific and morcellation by two leading What is in the future? issues per year with a circula- and clinician. He completed Alpert (former professor and communicating scientific/ allowed us to create domains clinical communities. scholars. Subsequently, we JAMA will continue to be tion of more than 325,000, and his undergraduate training at chair of pediatrics at BUSM), medical research? for our readers whether they We have created a new published a research letter that one of the most influential jour- several weekly online releases the University of California, recommended me to the journal First, what we publish access our content in print or app called the JAMA Network details some of the associated nals in the world, but it must accessed more than 14 mil- Berkeley, and pediatric residen- Archives of Disease in Childhood, must be valid. Second, it is electronically, and helped to Reader that allows our content risks of cancer in women who continue to evolve and adapt to lion times annually. Until he cies at Boston City Hospital the official publication of the very important that authors reinforce the major domains. For to be disseminated free around undergo uterine morcellation. changes in publishing. We must assumed his role at JAMA in and Yale-New Haven Hospital Royal College of Paediatrics not overstate the value of their example, in a discussion with the world. We have created Along with other publications reach out to our authors and July of 2011, he spent more and served as a Robert Wood and Child Health in the United research. Very few studies a senior member of American many new article types called and professionals, a critically readers to seek their advice as than 35 years of his academic Johnson Foundation Fellow in Kingdom. They were looking for change practice overnight; most medicine, he mentioned that he “shorts.” These are two-page important discussion about this to what we can do better, and and professional life at BU as General Pediatrics at Yale from an editor-in-chief and took me often they add to a complicated really loves JAMA’s viewpoints synopses of the literature, procedure has ensued as well as how we can improve. n PHOTO BY DAVE GREEN DAVE BY PHOTO

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Dean’s Advisory Dean Antman Visits Board Meeting and BUSM Community in Scholarship Dinner California he Dean’s Advisory Board held last summer dean karen antman, md, its annual fall meeting on Octo- traveled to northern and southern California ber 23. Dean Karen Antman, to meet with alumni, parents, and stu- T MD, opened the proceedings dents prior to the start of the school year. with a discussion on campus planning Neda and Shahram Gholami (MED’96) and and renovation, as well as current BUSM Stacy Weiss, MD, and Pedram Salimpour research strategies. Robert Witzburg, MD (MED’00), graciously hosted receptions at (MED’77), associate dean and director their homes. These events gave attendees Host Pedram Salimpour (MED’00) (far left), Calvin Fong (MED’17), for admissions, presented a profile of the a great opportunity to connect with each Boston University Assistant Dean of Students Daryl Deluca, and Dean Antman (far right) are joined by a group of incoming medical incoming Class of 2018. Michael Silverstein, other and meet current and incoming medi- students at a Pacific Palisades reception. MD, vice chair for research in the Depart- Wayne Riley, MD, cal students. n Dean Karen Antman, MD, ment of Pediatrics, spoke about innovative and Louis Sullivan, MD research practices within the department (MED’58). that aim to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families. Nahid Bhadelia, MD, director of infec- tion control at the BU National Emerging Faculty Couple Donates variety of people and care for some of the that their donation might inspire other Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), most difficult patients,” said Noble. “It has physicians or faculty to donate additional and Elke Muhlberger, PhD, director of the Collection of Rare been a wonderful place to spend our lives. materials, and thus build an even biomolecule production core at the NEIDL, Historical Books to We are pleased to have this collection here more robust collection of historical gave the Board a timely synopsis of BUSM’s in the Alumni Medical Library to give pres- medical texts. clinical and research impact on the Ebola Medical Library ent and future generations the opportunity “Building such an inspiring collection outbreak. to see things from perspectives that are no t a ceremony honoring John requires knowledge, passion, and commit- Board members later joined scholarship longer easy to attain.” Noble, MD, BUSM professor of ment,” said Mary Blanchard, director of donors at the Hotel Commonwealth for a It is important to Noble that the books general internal medicine, and the Alumni Medical Library. “This valuable dinner celebrating the impact of scholarship be placed in a highly visible location in collection sets a foundation and brings per- Aileen Caceres (MED’18), Lewis Pleas- Ewa Kuligowska-Noble, MD, funds, where Kate Weber (MED’18) dis- ants (MED’17), Sarkis Kechejian, MD A the library, rather than stored in a locked spective to the entire BU Medical Campus BUSM professor of radiology, the couple cussed the critical role scholarship support (MED’63), Deandrea King (MED’18), and archives room not to be seen and enjoyed. community. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Ekta Patel (MED’17). stands in front of a bookcase that houses is playing in her medical school education. n Both he and his wife have expressed hope n the collection of rare books they donated to Noble and Dr. Kuligowska-Noble.” the BUSM Alumni Library. “We are here today to celebrate two Boston University leadership careers in radiology and medicine,” said Dean Karen Antman, MD. “We thank them for making this collection of rare and important titles available to our medical and graduate stu- dents to read from the original texts, and for realizing their historical context.” A treasury of unique and historical medi- cal books from the Nobles’ personal medical library that John Noble carefully selected dur- ing 35 years of service at BUSM, the collection includes rare Vesalius volumes, many works by and about William Osler, books on infec- tious diseases (such as smallpox) from the 1700s, books published as early as the 1500s, Mary Blanchard, John Noble, Ewa Kuligowska-Noble, and textbooks edited by John Noble himself. and Dean Karen Antman flank the plaque dedicating Drs. Noble and Kuligowska-Noble’s donation to the BUSM Scholarship “The smartest thing we ever did was donors and students. Alumni Medical Library. come to Boston University to work with a

10 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 11 CAMPUS News

them excited about scientific discovery. My undergraduate work is in elementary STaRS: Advancing We hope that when they finish up their education, but I decided to do a post bac- Access to Biomedical undergraduate studies they will strongly calaureate program for pre-med. With consider applying to graduate programs the STaRS program, now my game plan Science Training in the biomedical sciences. In addition, probably will include doing an MD-PhD.” we hope that as a result of their STaRS Simon worked in the Pulmonary Center experience, they will include BUSM on in Dr. Joseph Mizgerd’s lab, studying the in july of 2012, the national their list of schools. It’s really a dual mis- relationship between infection site and Institutes of Health (NIH) issued an advi- sion: Increase the pipeline of minority the ability of pneumococcus bacteria to sory report that recommended creating students in the biomedical sciences and activate macrophage NF-KB signaling in new research training models to increase included in that, increase the pipeline of pneumonia. diversity among the ranks of scientists. those students to BUSM.” He also sees the “Kailah is exactly the type of student Three years earlier, Linda Hyman, PhD, program as a faculty recruiting tool, as one we are looking for,” says Cruikshank. associate provost of the Division of day these students may return to the Uni- “Most students are familiar with clinician Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS), was versity in that capacity. careers, but very few know what conduct- ahead of the curve in piloting a program The program is designed specifi- ing research is all about. For Kailah, who with Xavier University designed to help cally to enhance the skills required for is very smart and wants to be a doctor, increase interest in and access to gradu- successfully entering and completing this type of experience hopefully makes ate programs in the biomedical sciences a graduate or MD/PhD program in the her aware that she can be a physician- among underrepresented minorities. biomedical sciences. It offers motivated scientist. In college science, your profes- Her early initiative is now a program— and academically talented students a sor knows the answer; you go into the funded this year for the first time with hands-on, mentored opportunity to real- lab and conduct an experiment and you a grant from the NIH National Health, ize a strong interest in doctoral studies, either do it correctly or you get the wrong Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)—that particularly in the areas of heart, lung, answer. In research, we don’t yet know welcomed 17 students from across the and blood research. During the ten-week the answer. In this program, we hope to country to the Medical Campus. The summer internship, students—or research instill in students the excitement of inves- Summer Training as Research Scholars scholars—are mentored in the labora- tigating and discovering something that (STaRS) program offers an introduction tory by faculty and laboratory staff from no one has discovered before.” to graduate science education for talented GMS’s doctoral departments and pro- William Cruikshank, PhD, The word is spreading at BU. The undergraduates from minority groups grams. Placements are aligned with their (center) with (from left) Neuroscience Department approached STaRS Program Administra- traditionally underrepresented in the bio- research interests. The research scholars tor Lynese Wallace, Jennifer Cruikshank to develop a program for medical sciences including African Ameri- are trained in the use of equipment and Leahy (MED’17), and Chino them and they have submitted a grant Igwebuike (MED’17). can, Hispanic, Native American/Native become familiar with the laboratory envi- for funding. “We also wrote into that Alaskan, and Pacific Island and Native ronment and routines. At the close of the proposal bringing some undergraduate Hawaiian students. program, students present their projects faculty to the Medical Campus to spend “Diversity breeds better science,” at a symposium. accept are highly academically qualified, is to help them get over some hurdles and offers opportunities for participants to 10 weeks in a neuroscience lab, then go says William Cruikshank, PhD, BUSM With 400 applicants for the 13 funded we also want to make a difference for stu- successfully apply for graduate school explore Boston and meet like-minded back to their classrooms to present state- professor of medicine and assistant dean positions, competition is strong. Four dents who are closer to the 3.0 GPA than where otherwise they would either not students through the Charles River Cam- of-the-art ideas on neuroscience. We are of diversity and multicultural affairs, who additional students, whose colleges were the 4.0,” Cruikshank says. “We accepted apply or not have the credentials to be pus summer term programs. looking for the faculty to spark an interest garnered the NHLBI funding and directs so enthusiastic about the STaRS program some students on the cusp because we accepted.” Considering the time and resource in college students and perhaps get them STaRS. “By increasing diversity and engag- that they provided full support, were also want to promote, and help them get into, a Research scholars receive a $4,800 commitment the program requires, the thinking about pursuing a research career ing those with different life experiences, accepted. “While a majority of those we program and the biomedical field. Our goal stipend for STaRS participation, travel faculty response has been tremendous, in the field of neuroscience.” different and better questions are asked expenses to come to Boston, housing on says Cruikshank. “They take their role “Expanding the diversity of research that open up avenues for better research.” the Charles River Campus with fellow as mentors very seriously,” he says. “It is scientists is vital to the pursuit of bio- “We are very interested in increas- summer scholars, and travel funds to a time sink to train students with little medical discovery, which in turn trans- ing diversity in the biomedical sciences y increasing diversity and engaging those attend a scientific meeting and present or no experience, but they have a lot of lates into the health of the public,” says at BU and in general,” notes Cruikshank, " their research. They have the opportunity desire and enthusiasm. We also have had Hyman. “Dr. Cruikshank and the faculty who is also director of the Molecular and with different life experiences, different to participate in enrichment and profes- great support from the GMS administra- engaged in this program have done a Translational Medicine Graduate Pro- and better questions are asked that open sional development activities offered tion and from our graduate students and superb job. Even in the short time of 10 gram in the Department of Medicine and through GMS, departmental affiliations, postdocs in all the departments.” weeks, it is evident that the excellent director of immunology at the Pulmonary up avenues for better research. " and labs. Activities include the journal “When I was accepted I was really exposure to biomedical research that the Center. “One of the most effective ways to club, research seminars, science talks, and excited. This is my first experience with research scholars experience catalyzes B —William Cruikshank, PhD do that is to bring students to the Medical workshops focused on building specific research,” Kailah Simon says. “It has been and heightens their interest in the field. Campus, expose them to research, and get DOHERTY CONOR BY PHOTO career development skills. STaRS also eye-opening and has swayed me a bit. We all benefit from this.” n

12 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 13 FACULTY News

FACULTY PROFILE: investigated the effects of hypermuscularity improved is an exciting and interesting Ann Zumwalt, PhD, Anatomist and Educator on locomotor patterns and bone morphology he brings to bear responsibility. We all want to get it right; to in rodents. She also collaborated on various " do what is best for the students.” research and educational projects with clini- a high level of Advising students is a big part of her BU life. cians in radiation oncology, obstetrics and attention to detail “Advising is a great way to engage with stu- gynecology, and neurology. dents and get to know them. The School has a She joined BUSM because of its emphasis coupled with wonderful system of advising in the Academy on teaching. “Many research institutions don’t S of Advisors. I know it takes a lot of time, but creativity, inspiration, and tend to value educators, but at BUSM not only enthusiasm. it’s most rewarding to help them when they’re the Anatomy and Neurobiology Department, " struggling and to see them fulfill their goals.” but the School itself, values educators. My —Jarrett Rushmore, PhD Zumwalt also advises master’s degree stu- department teaches the core subjects of gross dents, is the faculty advisor for BUMC Pride, anatomy, neuroscience, and histology, so a the Medical Campus LGBTQ organization, and majority of our members are educators as well educators strive. Dr. Zumwalt achieves it has served as a School of Medicine represen- as researchers. Also, I work with other course effortlessly.” tative to the University Faculty Council. On a directors and faculty from other departments Her research also dovetails with her teach- national level, she is involved in the American who are extremely dedicated to teaching. This ing, providing an objective way to study Association of Anatomists (AAA), having is a wonderful place to be.” learning. Capitalizing on the strong neurosci- served on the AAA’s Advisory Committee of Zumwalt also instructs a course for gradu- ence program in her department, Zumwalt Young Anatomists and Board of Directors. n ate students on how to become an effective looks at how knowledge of brain function can educator of biomedical sciences, explicat- inform educators and further their work. “My HONORS ing the theory and practice of teaching. personal interest is the transition from naïve Richard Babayan, MD, chief and chair of the She mentors master’s degree and doctoral learner to expert; what happens to a person Department of Urology, was named president students in teaching anatomy and develops when they go from knowing little to nothing elect of the American Urological Association collaborations with other departments so about a particular topic—like medical stu- (AUA), effective in May 2015; he will assume Dr. Ann Zumwalt conducts students can demonstrate their knowledge dents entering the gross anatomy course—to the presidency in May 2016. He is the first an anatomy class. through pedagogy. becoming an expert radiologist who can look Boston urologist to be elected national AUA “What makes Dr. Zumwalt such an out- at an abstract representation of the body president since 1988. Babayan has served in standing educator is her commitment to and quickly see a tumor or lesion.” Zumwalt a number of capacities for the AUA’s New BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SAID, “Tell me and them to walk the line between learning from she says. “We do an exercise in which they the education of her students, as well as her recently published a paper in which she and England section over the years, including in I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve the bodies they are dissecting and remember- draw out their feelings about their anticipa- profound interest and dedication to her stu- her research team used gaze tracking to docu- the role of section president and representa- me and I learn.” ing the humanity of the person who donated tion of doing human dissection. I then show dents themselves,” says Jarrett Rushmore, ment that progression. tive to the AUA Board of Directors. Ann Zumwalt would agree. the amazing gift of their body. “I think it is an them results of this exercise from previ- PhD, assistant professor of anatomy and Inspired by the educational endeavors of Assistant professor of anatomy and neu- important part of my job to usher the stu- ous classes. What becomes apparent is the neurobiology. “She is a consummate educa- her colleagues, she directs John McCahan Domenic A. Ciraulo, MD, professor and chair robiology and a BUSM faculty member since dents through this process. This is true of all same themes are repeated over and over tor who thinks deeply and carefully about Medical Campus Education Day, an annual of psychiatry and chief of psychiatry at BMC, 2007, Zumwalt is a teacher to the core whose anatomists at BUSM, and I consider myself again: Questioning whether they can handle how to convey complex concepts and event that fosters a community for educators was appointed as the chair of the National research focuses on the neurobiology of edu- lucky to teach a subject that has a human side it, thinking about the human person and the thoughts. She brings to bear a high level of on the BU Medical Campus who are inter- Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism cation. She is course director for gross anat- to it as well as being an interesting science.” journey they took to get there, and paralleling attention to detail coupled with creativity, ested in educational innovations and scholar- (NIAAA) study section AA-3, which reviews omy and also teaches the subject to medical, To bring humanity to her class and guide their own journey to becoming a doctor to inspiration, and enthusiasm. Dr. Zumwalt ship. She also participated in the task force to all grant applications requesting funding for doctoral, and master’s degree students. students through the rite of passage that the journey of donor.” is a tireless mentor and advocate for her develop and implement a professional devel- clinical studies of treatments for alcoholism “The theme of my life has been teaching, is gross anatomy, she openly discusses the Zumwalt earned her doctorate in 2005 students; the graduate students she has opment program for junior faculty. and health services research on alcoholism. and it is the driving force for what I have done,” complexity of the process, encouraging stu- from the Center for Functional Anatomy and mentored have emerged from her tutelage Currently, she is revising the first-year He has been funded by NIAAA for more than says Zumwalt. “Along the path to becoming dents to communicate their own feelings and Evolution at The Johns Hopkins University as better writers, educators, and scientists, medical curriculum as a co-chair of the 18 years, serving as a Principal Investigator a teacher of anatomy, I learned it’s not just thoughts. She describes the body donation School of Medicine, where her research and she has fostered an environment among BUSM I Revision Subcommittee of the (PI) at the BUSM site for the COMBINE study, about teaching the science; it’s about teaching program and how donors specifically choose demonstrated that endurance exercise does the medical students that is supportive School’s Medical Education Committee. PI on his own R01 grants, and mentor for a students the humanity of the work we do in BUSM because they want to help medical not affect the surface morphology of skel- and encouraging while still being intellec- “It is challenging to change curriculum, number of K awards. dissecting the human body to understand it.” students there become excellent physicians etal muscle attachments. She subsequently tually challenging. This balance between as there are so many ripple effects of any She describes anatomy class as a rite of and scientists. “I think that knowledge is joined the Animal Locomotion Laboratory in being creative as well as precise and creat- substantial change,” she says. “But to be Gerard Doherty, MD, chair of the Department passage for students where they learn about important to helping students feel com- the Department of Biological Anthropology ing a supportive yet challenging academic able to take a step back to look at what of Surgery and chief of surgery at BMC, was

life and death—and themselves. She guides fortable about what they are about to do,” and Anatomy at Duke University, where she KALMAN ZABARSKY BY PHOTO environment is something for which all we do well and identify what needs to be elected president of the American Association

14 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 15 FACULTY News

of Endocrine Surgeons. He will serve as presi- Rose Razzino, administrative manager in APPOINTMENTS the Boston Public Health Commission and the to Methodological Foundations. He is a past physician at the University of Toronto and dent through 2015. the Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Ronald Corley, PhD, was appointed director CDC. Corley’s goal is to begin BSL-4 research president of the Society for Epidemiologic practiced in rural communities in Canada and Behavioral Neuroscience, received the 2014 of BU National Emerging Infectious Diseases in the NEIDL in 2015. He also plans to begin Research and an elected member of the Somalia. He then returned to academia and Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD, professor of BUSM Academic Affairs Office Excellence Laboratories (NEIDL) effective October 1. He a significant recruitment campaign across a American Epidemiological Society and of the earned a master’s degree in public health at medicine, physiology and biophysics, was in Service Award. With BU since 1971, succeeds John R. Murphy, number of different disciplines. Institute of Medicine of the National Academy Harvard and a DrPH at Columbia. awarded the American Society for Bone and Razzino began her outstanding work with a BUSM professor of medi- Corley earned a BS in zoology and a PhD of Sciences. Galea trained as a primary care —From a BU Today story by Art Jahnke n Mineral Research’s (ASBMR) 2014 Louis V. the Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Program cine and microbiology, in microbiology and immunology from Duke Avioli Award, which honors a member of the at its inception 29 years ago. She manages who has served as interim University. He has been MED’s microbiology ASBMR for fundamental contributions to all administrative aspects of the Behavioral director since 2011. Corley chair since 1994, a position he says taught bone and mineral basic research. It is named Neuroscience PhD Program, coordinating has served as associ- him to work across disciplines and build broad Publications for ASBMR’s first president and founding activities in the Behavioral Neuroscience ate director of the NEIDL collaborations between the Charles River and member, Louis Avioli, MD, who was one of the Program within GMS and clinical depart- for five years as well as associate provost for Medical Campuses. Dermatopathology Interactive use today to save victims of went miss- world’s leading medical authorities on osteo- ments affiliated with the Laboratory of —Barbara Moran, BU Today research on the Medical Campus and chair of Atlas, Second Edition heart attacks and to prevent ing. This porosis and calcium metabolism. Neuropsychology, and grant-related admin- the Department of Microbiology. Online at: premature deaths from other compel- istrative activities for the Laboratory of Corley will continue as professor and chair Sandro Galea, PhD, an internationally www.dermpathatlas.com forms of . The ling memoir Judith A. Linden, MD, vice chair for edu- Neuropsychology. She supports the PhD of microbiology, though not as associate pro- respected physician and epidemiologist Jag Bhawan, MD biography examines his child- begins in cation and associate professor of emer- Program in its numerous and frequent interac- vost for research. known for his research linking health to such hood, education, military 1959 in Jag Bhawan, MD, profes- service, family relationships, suburban gency medicine, was honored as the 2014 tions with other BU departments and the VA social disadvantages as “Dr. Corley’s leadership and vision will allow sor of dermatology and recreational interests, and Washington, Community Clinician of the Year by the Boston Healthcare Service. the NEIDL to reach its potential of being one poverty and lack of educa- pathology and head of the social associations from 1911 DC, and Suffolk District Medical Society, one of of the premier centers for research on emerg- tion, has been appointed Dermatopathology Section to 1999. The book focuses concludes the district societies of the Dr. Erika Wolf, assistant professor of psy- ing and deadly infectious diseases,” said the new dean of the School and vice chair in the BUSM on Dr. Zoll's contributions in 2012. Medical Society, the statewide professional chiatry and a psychologist in the Behavioral Gloria S. Waters, vice president and associ- of Public Health. Galea, Department of Dermatology, to medicine, especially his and co-authors Hugh breakthroughs in cardiac Impact of Energy Balance on association of physicians. The Community Sciences Division of the VA National Center formerly the Anna Cheskis ate provost for research. “His experience as Randolph Byers, MD, PhD, care and his development of Cancer Disparities Clinician of the Year Award was established for PTSD, was selected as the 2014 recipi- the associate director over the past five years Gelman and Murray and Purnima Sau, MD, have closed-chest pacemakers and Springer, 2014 by the Massachusetts Medical Society to rec- ent of the Chaim and Bela Danieli Young will ensure a smooth transition and has shown Charles Gelman Professor and chair of the made the Dermatopathology defibrillators, implantable Gerald V. Denis, PhD, ognize a physician from each of the Society’s Professional Award from the International that he has the collaborative style necessary department of epidemiology at Columbia Interactive Atlas available pacemakers, and heart moni- co-editor 20 districts who has made significant con- Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. The to run a center like this and strengthen this University’s Mailman School of Public Health, online. The 5,000 images tors. Through documented and 10,000 links contained in historical analysis, the book Dr. Gerald Denis, associ- tributions to his or her patients and the award recognizes outstanding contribu- assumed the BU post on January 1. area of research excellence at BU.” the atlas can be accessed at shows how Dr. Zoll created ate professor of pharmacol- community and who stands out as a leading tions to the traumatic stress field by an The lab has been approved for some Galea, who in 2006 was named one of no cost for anyone to learn, and was the first physician to ogy and medicine, co-edited advocate and caregiver. early career professional and reflects her Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) research and is cur- Time magazine’s epidemiology innovators, review dermatopathology, or use devices that are forbear- this volume that reviews exceptional scholarship in the areas of PTSD rently working to secure the necessary per- served on the New York City Board of Health aid in diagnosing skin lesions. ers of life-saving implements disparities Christine Pace, MD, assistant professor genetics and assessment. mits and approvals for BSL-4 research from and chair of the New York City Department The atlas is also useful to commonly used today. in cancer prepare for examinations in The author, Dr. Stafford I. genetics, of medicine and primary care physician at of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Community dermatopathology and der- Cohen, was a medical resi- etiology, BMC, was selected as one of the Greater Services Board. His research has examined matology and includes a quiz dent under Dr. Zoll and, later, treatment, Boston Chamber of Commerce’s “Boston’s many aspects of public health, from the following the review. his colleague at Beth Israel and survi- 2014 10 Outstanding Young Leaders.” The Thomson Reuters Names BUSM Faculty and Framingham Heart Study causes of brain disorders to the consequences Hospital in Boston. His book, vorship that list acknowledges the contributions of young Researchers Among World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014 of mass trauma and conflict worldwide, Paul Zoll, MD: The Pioneer the first full-length biography are associ- Whose Discoveries Prevent of Dr. Zoll, firmly establishes ated with leaders who come from the public, private, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Sudden Death him as a world-class innova- differences and nonprofit sectors of Greater Boston. Pace Katrina, conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa, and Free People Publishing, 2014 tor whose treatments and in energy leads an interdisciplinary team at BMC that BUSM faculty members and Framingham Heart Study researchers are listed in Thomson the American wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Stafford I. Cohen, MD inventions truly make him the balance and how integrates behavioral health services into care Reuters’ The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014. Reuters’ list of “some of the best He was the lead author on a groundbreak- (MED’61) father of modern electrocar- those differences and dis- provided at the Adult Primary Care Clinic. and brightest scientific minds of our time” is determined by analyzing data on which research- ing study published in the American Journal diac therapy. parities may be affected by ers have produced work that is most frequently acknowledged by peers. Reuters analyzed of Public Health in 2011 that calculated the Paul Zoll MD: The Pioneer geography, socioeconomic Whose Discoveries Prevent The House of Black and White: status, ethnicity, biology, Vasan Ramachandran, MD, professor of citation data over the last 11 years to identify those who published the highest-impact work number of deaths caused by six social fac- (2002–2012 and 2012–2013). Sudden Death is an account My Life with and Search for behavior, and other factors. medicine and senior investigator of the Faculty members Michael Holick (medicine, physiology and biophysics) and Alice Jacobs tors. That study, a meta-analysis of 47 earlier of the life Louise Johnson Morris State-of-the-art strategies Framingham Heart Study, was awarded the (medicine/) are included on the list under clinical medicine as are BUSM/BU studies, concluded that each year 133,000 and work Strategic Book Publishing, are outlined to alter these American Heart Association (AHA) 2014 Framingham Heart Study researchers Emelia Benjamin (medicine/cardiology), Ralph D’Agostino deaths could be attributed to poverty and of Dr. Paul 2014 problems at the individual, M. Zoll, the David Sherer, MD (MED’84) community, and policy Population Research Prize for “brilliantly seiz- (mathematics/statistics), Martin Larson (mathematics/statistics), Daniel Levy (medicine/ 176,000 deaths could be attributed to racial physician levels. ing upon opportunities to translate cutting- cardiology), Joseph Massaro (biostatistics), and Vasan Ramachandran (medicine/cardiology). segregation. “Everyone acknowledged in this book is a person of influence in the sciences and social and medical The House of Black and White The book provides a edge bench science into an epidemiological sciences. They are the people who are on the cutting edge of their fields. They are performing Galea has published more than 450 sci- researcher is the story of a young boy comprehensive assessment context, thereby making fundamental contri- and publishing work that their peers recognize as vital to the advancement of their science. entific journal articles, 50 book chapters and behind the so strongly influenced by of the multiple contribu- butions to identifying systemic markers for These researchers are, undoubtedly, among the most influential scientific minds of our time.” commentaries, and 9 books. His latest book, treatments his family’s maid that, as a tions of disparities in cardiovascular risk, both here and in develop- (Thomson Reuters’ The World’s Most Influential Scientific Minds 2014) coauthored with Katherine Keyes, is the text- and tech- man, he begins searching for energy balance and how niques we her three decades after she they affect cancer. n ing countries.” book Epidemiology Matters: A New Introduction PHOTO BY KALMAN ZABARSKY BY PHOTO AGUIRRE DAN OF GALEA BY PHOTO

16 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 17 IN Memoriam Students

Jasmine Chobanian, cherished in Rehovot, Israel. He later mechanisms of modulation of by the Boston Public Health He was a fellow of the On the Farm at the Medical Student Residence wife of Aram V. Chobanian, MD, joined Tufts Medical School GABAergic function by benzo- Commission in 2001. American Academy of Arts President Emeritus of Boston faculty, lectured in biophys- diazepines and neurosteroids Dr. Kyei-Aboagye earned and Sciences, a member of University and Dean Emeritus ics at , and of CNS abnormalities such his bachelor’s degree from the the Institute of Medicine of of BUSM, on July 25, 2014, after and joined BUSM in 1973 as as autism. His discoveries were University of Ghana, and both a the National Academy of a brief illness. Considered the a professor of physiology and revealed in more than 45 pub- PhD in pharmacology and MD Sciences, and president of the "First Lady" of Boston University research professor of medicine, lications and many abstracts degree from McGill University American Federation for Clinical and the Medical Campus by her where he worked until his retire- presented at the Society of in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Research, the American Society many admirers, Mrs. Chobanian ment in 2013. Neuroscience annual meetings. of Clinical Investigation, and was honored by the University He received his BS in math- A recent recipient of the Arnold Relman, MD, former the Association of American in 2006 with a gala dinner and ematics from Excellence in Education and BUSM professor of medicine, Physicians. He was a member of arts program. and his MD from The Ohio Mentoring Award from the on June 17, 2014, at the age of the American Board of Internal State University. After intern- Neurosteroid Congress, he 91. Editor of the New England Medicine, as well as of the board ships at Kings County and played a key role in the design Journal of Medicine (NEJM) from of directors of the Hastings Much beloved and warmly Jewish Hospital in Brooklyn, and implementation of the cur- 1977 to 1990, Relman gradu- Center for Bioethics. He was a regarded by the entire BUSM New York, he served as a lieu- riculum for the Biomolecular ated from Cornell University master of the American College community, Mrs. Chobanian tenant (junior grade) in the US Pharmacology Predoctoral in 1943 with Distinction in of Physicians and a fellow of will be greatly missed. Navy. He specialized in nephrol- Training Program at Boston Philosophy and received his the Royal College of Physicians Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Doug Hughes, MD, ogy at New York Presbyterian University and guided innu- medical degree from Columbia of London. (red tie) joins students for planting season at the Medical Hospital and Massachusetts merable PhD candidates. He University in 1946. After his Student Residence’s (MSR) lower 40 acres. The raised beds behind the MSR provide students with fresh, organic A graduate of Brown General Hospital. He published taught medical, dental, and internship and residency at Gene Stollerman, MD, BUSM produce for healthy eating. University (Pembroke College), numerous scientific articles master’s degree students Yale-New Haven Hospital, he professor emeritus, on August Mrs. Chobanian was a research and in 1983 authored, with Roy at BU, and all medical stu- served as a National Research 5, 2014, at the age of 93. Dr. hematology technician at Caplan, what is now considered dents over the past 23 years Council Fellow in medical sci- Stollerman joined the faculty of Harvard's Thorndike Memorial a classic textbook, Bioenergetics have learned the principles of ences at BUSM. In 1951, he BUSM in 1981, where he advo- HONORS Leslie Maness, a third-year medical student, was Laboratories. She was also a and Linear Nonequilibrium pharmacodynamics under his joined the BUSM faculty as an cated for research and clinical one of six 2014 Margaret E. Mahoney Fellows. The talented portrait painter who Thermodynamics. tutelage. assistant professor of medi- training in geriatrics, preven- Yvette Joon Ying Boon, a Department of Mahoney Fellowship program of the New York attended the Boston Museum cine, achieving the rank of tive medicine, health services Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Academy of Medicine (NYAM) provides stipends School and studied under the late Terrell Gibbs, PhD, associ- Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye, MD, professor in 1961, and was research, and primary care. doctoral student, was selected to receive the for outstanding medical, dental, public health, artist Conger Metcalfe. A patron ate professor of pharmacology PhD, former BUSM associ- named the Conrad Wesselhoeft Appointed a distinguished phy- Perdana Scholar Award from the Education public policy, and graduate nursing students to of the arts, she served as a mem- & experimental therapeutics, ate professor in obstetrics and Professor of Medicine in 1967. sician of the US Department Department of Malaysia for students studying conduct summer research projects on some aspect ber of the Board of Trustees of on August 15, 2014, at MD gynecology, in a car accident He also served as director of of Veteran Affairs in 1986, he in the United States. The goal of the program is of health care delivery transformation for vulner- the Boston Ballet Company. Anderson Cancer Center in his July 24, 2014, on the University the V and VI Medical Services promoted research to aid aging to identify, document, and promote Malaysian able populations and/or early childhood health and Much beloved and warmly home state of Texas. A BUSM for Development Studies at Boston City Hospital, now veterans and helped establish students who have excelled in areas including development, with an emphasis on policy implica- regarded by the entire BUSM faculty member for 24 years, Dr. (UDS) campus in Tamale, BMC. He was editor of the a research center in Bedford to academics, leadership, sports, entrepreneurship, tions. Maness conducted her research at New York community, Mrs. Chobanian will Gibbs received his undergradu- Ghana, at the age of 74. He was Journal of Clinical Investigation evaluate the outcomes of geri- invention, and research. The Prime Minister of University School of Medicine/Bellevue Hospital be greatly missed. ate degree in biology from MIT the Acting Dean of the UDS from 1962 to 1967 and 1968 atric care. Malaysia presented the award September 26 in on the impact of low health literacy and limited and his doctoral training in phar- School of Medicine and Health to 1977, and the Frank Wister He graduated from Columbia New York. English proficiency on parent/caregiver medication Alvin Essig, MD, professor macology from Harvard Medical Sciences. Thomas Professor of Medicine University College of Physicians dosing errors when delivering liquid medications to emeritus of physiology and School. He pursued his interests In addition to his work at and chair of the Department and Surgeons and served as Katrina Ciraldo and Daniel Silva were named children. She presented her summer research proj- medicine, on July 22, 2014, at in neuropharmacology, first at BUSM, Dr. Kyei-Aboagye was a of Medicine at the University chief resident in medicine at recipients of the American Society of Tropical ect at the NYAM. the age of 91. A BUSM profes- Downstate Medical Center in member of the Department of of Pennsylvania School of Mount Sinai Hospital in New Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) 2014 sor for more than 40 years, the Department of Anatomy Obstetrics and Gynecology at Medicine. York. He also served at the Benjamin H. Kean Travel Fellowship in Tropical Lauren Sweetser, a first-year student, was named Essig was an international & Cell Biology at SUNY Health BMC. He joined the BUSM fac- He also was a professor of med- Percy Jones Army Hospital in Medicine. Through a highly competitive pro- an Albert Schweitzer Fellow for the 2014–15 scholar regarding the appli- Science Center in Brooklyn, ulty in 1984 and left in 2008 to icine at Harvard Medical School Battle Creek, Michigan, where cess, 22 fellows from 18 medical schools were Class. She and approximately 220 other 2014–15 cation of thermodynamics to New York, and then at Boston join UDS. (HMS) and senior physician at he was a captain in the US selected. This fellowship is the only medical Schweitzer Fellows will spend the next year devel- epithelial transport processes. University, working in close col- He was instrumental in Brigham and Women's Hospital in Army Medical Corps. Returning student award dedicated to nurturing a career oping lifelong leadership skills while learning to He worked with Ora Kedem, laboration with Pharmacology establishing BMC’s program Boston. In 1991, he became editor- to Mount Sinai in 1948, he path for physician-scientists in tropical medi- effectively address the social factors that impact a pioneer in the development Chair Dr. David Farb. to care for pregnant women in-chief emeritus of NEJM and completed his residency and cine and is presented annually to full-time health. Schweitzer Fellows follow the example of irreversible thermodynam- Dr. Gibbs’ research involved with addiction issues and professor of medicine and of social was a microbiology fellow at medical students at accredited medical schools set by famed physician-humanitarian Albert ics, at the Weizmann Institute elucidation of the molecular was recognized for this effort medicine at HMS. New York University. n in North America. Schweitzer, for whom the fellowship is named. n

18 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 19 COVER STORY l The Arts Issue

oisès Fernández Via once volunteered in the pediat- ric oncology department of a local hospital in his home- town of Barcelona, Spain, where the now world-renowned concert pianist says he learned about life and the power of the arts. After a young patient asked him to “make music,” he envisioned bringing a performing arts program to the hospital and ultimately established the first-ever such program in a Spanish medical facil- Mity. He extended his vision to Boston University, where he has piloted the BU Arts Outreach Initiative, a collaboration between the BU Medical Campus (BUMC) and the College of Fine Arts (CFA). “My endeavor at BU is a continuation of the work I started in Barcelona a decade ago—a way to continue following that request to make music,” he says.

Fernández Via, the initiative’s project curator and researcher, Health Student’s Art Society, inter-school art projects including a sees Boston University as a unique environment for an arts out- dance flashmob, and a National Public Health Week music video. reach program. “Under the umbrella of a prestigious research Collaboration between patients of the BMC/BUSM Department of university, BU is home to a first-class medical education institu- Neurology and the BU Jazz Combo and BUSM faculty dedicated a tion, an affiliated teaching hospital with one of the most rich and performance to the physicians and hospital staff who cared for the diverse populations, and a conservatory arts college with the oldest patients involved. Also, study break concerts are arranged for Medi- degree-granting music program in the United States,” he says. “The cal Campus students. Arts Outreach Initiative aims to articulate an innovative dialogue Waiting is a central part of the hospital experience. It can among these three realities that coexist at BU. Our goal is to nur- heighten anxiety and in some cases, exhaustion. In BMC’s Cancer ture cross-disciplinary collaborations, edifying an avenue for cre- Center, students from the BU Theater Department read poetry ativity for qualitative expressive outlets and celebration among our and stories to chemotherapy patients to help pass the long and Medical Campus community.” sometimes empty waiting periods they must tolerate. During these THE ARTS As designed, the program builds relationships between times, staff members report that patients request staff attention HOW THE BU ARTS OUTREACH artistic creativity and health care practice. “Medicine and the less frequently, which helps with the workflow on the unit. In wait- INITIATIVE IS CREATING A NEW arts have in common their committed dedication to life,” notes ing areas throughout the hospital, Arts Initiative students singly Fernández Via. “Both possess an endless curiosity about the and in groups perform the finest of classical music, thereby turning WAY TO THINK ABOUT STUDENTS, human condition and its challenges; both aim to care, nurture, these spaces into concert halls. PATIENTS & MEDICINE. and transform at some level. A dialogue between medicine and Some Arts Initiative projects address specific issues in deliver- the arts seems to me a conversation between two perspectives ing health care. "Silence," a project implemented in a surgical unit BY MARY HOPKINS observing the same object. A productive relationship between at BMC, utilizes curated musical performances by students. The the two means a two-way endeavor that mutually benefits unit aims to both heighten the awareness of and reduce the noise each other.” level in their area. ISSUE Through the Arts Initiative, CFA students come to the Medi- “Not only for the patients, but for the nurses and other health cal Campus to share their artistic gifts with students, faculty, staff, care teams, [music] provides an overall comfort on the floor. When- and patients. In turn, Medical Campus students, faculty, staff, and ever the music starts, the levels of noise get reduced, it gets quieter patients are given opportunities to display their artistic talents and and quieter, and you can feel it . . . it almost becomes spiritual,” learn from their CFA counterparts. The arts play a role in the early wrote the unit nurse manager. intellectual and personal education of many medical students. This Musical performances also occur in hallways adjacent to where program supports the presence of creativity in their medical train- patients are recovering from surgery, followed by performances ing, encouraging them to embrace both art and medicine without in individual patient rooms. Understanding that many victims of having to choose between them. the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing were cared for on the Medical During the 2013–2014 academic year, the program offered Campus, the program on the one-year anniversary of that event PhD student Alexandra Wink (MED’11, ’18) performs with fellow musicians and medical students Al 59 arts-related activities including campus and hospital musical included Medical and Charles River Campus students and BUMC Nadjarian (MED’17) (seated front), Bobby Carey performances, theater projects, life-study drawing sessions, and faculty and staff performing an impromptu concert to commemo- (MED’13, ’17) (left back), and David Park (MED’17). musical flashmobs. The program also fostered the School of Public rate the tragedy. Photo by Michael D. Spencer

20 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 21 COVER STORY l The Arts Issue

Fourth-year medical student Harin Patel explains that his involvement in the Arts Initiative meshes with his interest in nar- VISUAL THINKING STRATEGIES: rative medicine. “Narrative medicine is the clinical practice of listening to patients’ stories and using the patient-doctor interac- BUILDING COMMUNICATION tion as the foundation of the entire clinical encounter,” he says. “I think that participating in artistic endeavors—whether acting AND TEAMWORK in or watching a play, writing or reading literature, singing, danc- ing, or something else entirely—is a critical aspect of being able to WHILE MEDICAL CARE IS COMPLEX and delivered in teams, it practice narrative medicine. If in the future, I am fortunate enough is often framed by individual practitioners. More than 60 percent to practice at an academic medical center, I hope I will be able to of medical errors are due to poor communication. Also, research use my experiences with the Arts Initiative in promoting creative indicates a strong relationship between a health care team's com- expression in those around me. You don't need to be an artist to be munication skills and a patient's adherence to medical recommen- affected by art.” dations and adaptation of healthy lifestyles. “These artistic activities create an impact far beyond the origi- In order to train medical students to be active, effective com- nally planned goals, educating staff and patients alike in artistic municators who observe and listen well, Suzanne Sarfaty, MD forms generally inaccessible to them, restoring a general sense of (MED’88), assistant dean for academic affairs and enrichment, dignity, or simply promoting environments suitable for recovery,” piloted a Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) program in the ambula- says Fernández Via. “Medicine and the arts have in tory medicine fourth-year clerkship. Having consolidated the pilot phase of the Arts Initiative, his “Developing and reinforcing critical thinking skills as well as future plans include potential collaboration with the medical resi- common their committed dedication instilling a strong capacity for teamwork are essential goals of the dency program and BMC’s Witness to Violence program, among to life. Both possess an endless medical education at BUSM,” says Sarfaty. “VTS, by using facili- others. “We could say that the awareness phase is accomplished,” tated discussion of art work, builds skills in observation, listening, he says. “Now we hope that the campus sees us as a reliable partner curiosity about the human condition and communication that enhance critical thinking and support to team up with to envision and utilize creativity to continue trans- effective team building.” forming the campus’ vibrant human and intellectual capital.” n and its challenges.” The program is now in its second year at BUSM. Students view Moisès Fernández Via and discuss works of visual art with a group of their peers, focusing on identifying characteristics of a highly functioning team. They Through the elective, Leavitt found that students became work collaboratively to maintain a climate of mutual respect, listen better active observers and came to understand the difference carefully, and encourage ideas and opinions of other team mem- between observation and inference by looking closer at images and bers. Students explore working within a team to probe ambiguity, artwork, deducing what might be happening, and then backing up their opinions. “This kind of observation also involves an internal processing of visual information,” says Leavitt. “The first step of any patient Research indicates a strong relationship encounter is observation. The amount of information that can be between a health care team’s gleaned from the subtlest of clues can be immense. What is the patient’s posture like? Why are the blinds down? Is the patient communication skills and a patient’s obese or is what appears to be fat distributed in an irregular or adherence to medical recommendations pathological way? Enhancing observational skills is useful to both clinicians and artists, and can be achieved through the practice of and adaptation of healthy lifestyles. drawing. VTS also works to enhance communication and collegial- ity among co-workers, both of which are core to good patient care in today’s team-based medicine.” integrate viewpoints of all team members, and recognize the ben- “It is fascinating to participate in the evolution of a story the efit of teamwork in organizing, managing, and completing complex students create about the artwork they are viewing, building on tasks. They also examine conflict within a team or with challenging each other’s thoughts,” says Sarfaty. “They practice respectful dia- patients. logue, express differences in opinion, and learn how to speak up. “A major goal in my life is to find art in medicine, so naturally We explore conflict resolution strategies. These are skills that can Visual Thinking Strategies applied to medical education was imme- be used in the high stakes environment of clinical medicine but diately of interest to me,” says third-year medical student Tripp practiced in the low stakes environment of a classroom with peers.” Leavitt, course manager for the Visual Education in Medicine VTS training also is included in a first-year elective, Visual Edu- elective. “Before medical school, I found myself reading about the cation in Medicine. The departments of Medicine and Surgery have importance of observation and history taking from Drs. Lisa Sand- held VTS training sessions for their faculty, and the BU Goldman ers and Jerome Groopman. When I first stepped onto the floors as School of Dental Medicine has implemented it for their first-year a first-year medical student, I found the skills of observation devel- dental classes and included a VTS segment in a faculty develop- oped in the art studio and in museums coalescing with what I’d ment workshop. While Sarfaty is writing a grant proposal to expand read, and I wanted to provide other students with more insight into the program, she is working with the new physician assistant (PA) active looking in clinic.” program to offer VTS to PA students. n

22 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 23 COVER STORY l The Arts Issue

year, from reluctantly starting out on a run during our first prac- vention, but oftentimes inner-city youth have limited access to THE BEAT: tice, to joyfully celebrating at the finish of two full miles. We stand the kinds of quality after-school programs, teams, and parks that together, clapping and cheering for the other groups as they come promote regular exercise and active play. STORIES BY STUDENTS in, some jogging, some speed-walking, and some running. Every- As medical students, it is important to understand the barri- one, volunteers and ninth graders alike, starts out at a different ers to physical activity that many children and adolescents face. REACHING BY TEACHING level of athletic ability, but we push ourselves and one another to If we can truly understand their backstories, their needs, their By Lauren Sweetser (MED’17) improve and be strong—and together, we make it to the finish line. aspirations, and the resources available in their communities, we can more effectively collaborate with young patients and families I WILL NEVER FORGET THE TIME I helped a child learn to walk. Meet BUSM-FHR to help them engage in active lifestyles. Awareness is key, and When I first met him, though he was past the appropriate age to be In fall 2011, a group of BUSM students founded the Forest there is no better way to understand where someone is coming walking and had no significant disabilities, he just wasn’t able to. He Hills Runners community running group and joined with Alexis from than to (literally) walk next to them on their journey toward was living in a homeless shelter with his 17-year-old mother, and I Agrinsoni of the Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) to establish an wellness. worried that he simply wasn’t getting enough stimulation. Unfor- after-school running program for teens in Jamaica Plain. A commu- tunately, while this teenage mother was very well-intentioned, she nity center and youth development nonprofit organization for dis- Learning to move had just never been taught about child development and thus didn’t advantaged teens who attend Twice a week, Janisa and her peers (affectionately called “Rookie even realize her son needed to be encouraged to walk. As a first- Boston Public Schools, HSTF Runners”) can be found running through Jamaica Plain with year medical student, I was taking Human Behavior in Medicine faceted approach has proven to be one of the keys to the project’s serves youths who are from BUSM-FHR volunteers by their side. Since outdoor running is at the time, and was coincidentally learning about the important quick success thus far and has helped REACH gain enthusiastic predominantly low-income If we can truly weather-dependent, we tailor our exercise plans to ensure con- milestones in child development. I could hear the lecture playing support at BUSM and beyond. families and face a multitude understand their tinued physical activity throughout the year. During the warmer in my head as I showed the mother how to encourage her son to Health care is all-encompassing and extends far beyond the of obstacles to wellness, months, practices last an hour and consist of stretching, warm-ups, walk. Since I visited this shelter weekly, I was able to watch the clinic. My hope was that relationships fostered between the medical including struggles in school, backstories, and mapped runs around the Jamaica Plain area. In the winter, we progression of my little champion and felt a great sense of pride students and families at the shelter would help to increase student violence in their neighbor- their needs, their run on the indoor track at Curtis Hall Community Center, where when he took his first steps. I had never felt more connected to awareness about the unique struggles of homeless teenage mothers. hoods, and barriers to health we do relays and play games that make track-running fun. On some my medical education. I wanted to design a project that aimed to better educate and prepare care access. aspirations, and days, the group plans indoor workouts involving creative exercises, I met this family through a service-learning project I started our generation of medical students to understand the social deter- One of the issues we such as Zumba, circuit training, and strengthening exercises. Vol- in the fall of 2014. After years of volunteering at a shelter for teen minants of health, while encouraging them to be compassionate and wanted to address was the the resources unteers recruited from the community, including certified personal mothers and their young children, I arrived at BUSM and began to informed patient advocates prepared to tackle important issues in problem of childhood and available in their trainers and professional dance instructors, lead these special see the potential to combine our rigorous clinical curriculum with health care for Boston’s communities and beyond. adolescent obesity in inner- workouts. To wrap up after practices, we distribute reusable water the work I was doing at the shelter. It appeared that these young REACH’s recognized success and the energy created by its pas- city populations. Studies communities, we bottles and healthy snacks, thanks to generous funding from the teens had few positive, sustained relationships and certainly didn’t sionate members have helped spread awareness about this vulner- have shown that overweight can more effectively BUSM Wellness Program. Our practices are high-energy, physically have a reliable source of health information. I was inspired to cre- able and sometimes marginalized population. These teens need children and adolescents are challenging, and always a lot of fun. ate a group that would share the resources of BUSM with these mentor support, and medical students can provide that. REACH at increased risk for adverse collaborate with young women while also educating new medical students about the gives medical students an opportunity to connect with our commu- long-term health outcomes. young patients and From runners to leaders social determinants of health. nity in a meaningful way while providing an engaging complement Physical activity is a key After 10 months as a Rookie Runner, one sunny Saturday morning I began sharing the story of these young teens with fellow to our demanding medical education. component of obesity pre- families. in June, Janisa proudly steps up to a microphone in front of hun- classmates, and gathered students interested in working with this Creating REACH has been one of the most rewarding experi- population that I had come to know and love. In the first few weeks ences of my life. Precious moments at the shelter provide context of school, with the help and encouragement of BUSM faculty and and significance to my studies and I am thankful for every one of staff, our new service-learning project, “Resources and Education them. Those inspiring first baby steps were not just the first steps of for Adolescents and their Children (REACH),” was born. that young boy, but also the first of my journey in medicine. For the past nine months, our team of 20 enthusiastic medical For more information about REACH, contact Lauren Sweetser at students has piloted this unique service-learning project with great [email protected] or [email protected]. success. The mission of REACH has been to work with and learn from these homeless teenage mothers and their young children by actively supporting them through educational workshops, construc- LEADING THE PACK tive childcare, and longitudinal, multifaceted mentorship. By Kristin Schwarz (MED’14) and Miriam Ruiz (MED’16) Once a month, we conduct interactive workshops for what the shelter advertises as “Health Night.” These hour-long sessions “DO YOU ALL WANT TO RACE to the last stop sign?” Janisa* focus on specific health and wellness issues relevant to the young asks the group. Her friends reply to this challenge in a harmony of mothers and their infants, including mental health, nutrition, ill- enthusiasm—“Yup!” “Alright!” “Okay, Let’s Go!”—then take off in ness prevention, and infant environmental safety. In addition, we a full sprint for the last city block. We race all the way to the stop have partnered with Horizons for Homeless Children to provide sign, not slowing down until we have broken through the imaginary weekly, safe, creative, and playful activities for these young children finish-line tape. We all high-five each other for a job well done—our in order to counteract the negative effects of homelessness and to first two-mile run together without stopping to walk. encourage their appropriate social, motor, and cognitive develop- We are the Boston University School of Medicine–Forest ment. Our goal is to encourage solid, healthy relationships between Hill Runners (BUSM-FHR), volunteer “running buddies” for this PHOTO BY LAUREN SWEETSER LAUREN BY PHOTO inexperienced teen mothers and their new children. This double- group of ninth graders, and we’ve seen them come a long way this SCHWARZ KRISTIN BY PHOTO

24 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 25 COVER STORY l The Arts Issue

Bringing Music Into Their Lives house for accepted students, the Chester S. Keefer Society Dinner, THE DOCTORS’ NOTES the Creative Arts Society Art Days, open mic nights, and the annual Kick Back Kafe. Their mission is “to share our passion for singing with BUSM Singing in the BUSM a cappella group the Doctors’ Notes is a wonderful whomever we can, whether they are our fellow students, hospital Research way for second-year medical student Al Nadjarian and his fellow singers patients, or anyone whose day can be brightened by voices in harmony.” to have fun, relieve stress, and bring joy to others. “We all just love music The group finds their hospital performances especially gratifying, par- and are excited to rehearse and perform,” says group co-chair Nadjarian. ticularly in the pediatric units. ■ Anti-Seizure Drug May Reduce Alcohol indicate that women may be the driving force behind the “We want people to know that med school is not just studying all the Members regard their weekly rehearsal as entertainment rather time. We can take our heads out of our books and get together to sing.” than commitment. “While the performances are appreciated by oth- Consumptionn evolution of genetic variants that slow aging and decrease Co-chaired by David Park, Anne-Sophie Touret, and Aliyah ers, we also do it for ourselves,” Nadjarian explains. “Med school gets BUSM researchers have discovered that the anti-seizure risk for age-related genes, which help people live to Sanders, the student-run and directed group performs a cappella (i.e., stressful, and knowing that we have that hour each week with people drug ezogabine reduced alcohol consumption in an exper- Women may extreme old age. without instruments) music ranging from 1940s standards to current enjoying themselves and sharing their love of music is great.” Not to imental model. The findings, reported in the American be the driving “Of course this does not mean women should wait to force behind day hits; no formal experience is required to join. They sing in hospital mention that performing as a group requires knowing how to work as Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, may lead to more effec- have children at older ages in order to improve their own wards and at school functions, including the Admissions Office open a team, a valuable skill for future health care practitioners. the evolu- tive treatments for alcoholism. chances of living longer,” explained corresponding author tion of genetic According to the researchers, this study provides the variants that Thomas Perls, MD, MPH, director of the New England first evidence that alcoholism can be treated by this newly slow aging and Centenarian Study (NECS), a principal investigator of discovered mechanism that helps to regulate brain activ- decrease risk the Long Life Family Study (LLFS) and BUSM professor ity known as Kv7 channel modulation. “This finding is of for age-related of medicine. “The age at last childbirth can be a rate of importance because ezogabine acts by opening a particu- genes. aging indicator. The natural ability to have a child at an lar type of potassium channel in the brain, called the Kv7 older age likely indicates that a woman’s reproductive channel, which regulates activity in areas of the brain that system is aging slowly, and therefore so is the rest of her are believed to regulate the rewarding effects of alcohol,” body.” Also contributing to this study were researchers explained lead author Clifford Knapp, PhD, BUSM associ- from Boston University School of Public Health, Mailman ate professor of psychiatry. School of Public Health at Columbia University and the Senior author Domenic A. Ciraulo, MD, BUSM profes- University of Pennsylvania. sor and chair of psychiatry, was supported in this work The Long Life Family Study is funded by the National by the NIH and by funds received from the Gennaro Institute on Aging. Acampora Charitable Trust Fund. A group of 24 national ■ High-Protein Diets Lead to Lower Blood ■ First Guidelines for Patients with Pulmonary physician Pressure The Doctors’ Notes perform at the annual Hypertension in Sickle Cell Disease leaders in Adults who consume a high-protein diet may be at a Chester S. Keefer Society Dinner. The first set of clinical guidelines for treating patients pediatric and lower risk for developing high blood pressure (HBP). with pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease has adult hema- The BUSM study, published in the American Journal of been created by BUSM and BMC physicians. Elizabeth tology, pulm- Hypertension, found participants consuming the high- onology, and dreds of community members to greet them at the start of the Hyde In welcoming the 5K participants, Janisa described her expe- Klings, MD, BUSM associate professor of medicine and est amount of protein (an average of 100 g protein/day) cardiology Square Task Force Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk. The Rookie Run- rience training: “Before I started with this group, I was a couch BMC director of the pulmonary hypertension inpatient had a 40 percent lower risk of having high blood pressure convened ners have trained for months for the run, and today, Janisa encour- potato and not a fan of doing my homework. Then I came here, and and education program, spearheaded the development to develop compared to the lowest intake level. ages the community to be a part of their success. running was hard. But we encouraged each other, and the Forest of these guidelines, which are published in the American guidelines “These results provide no evidence to suggest that Beyond active living, BUSM-FHR supports teens in becoming Hills Runners all encouraged us. I began to see that overcoming a Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. specific individuals concerned about the development of HBP leaders and role models. Each year, we welcome a new group of 30 run was like overcoming my schoolwork. I got a tutor and now I am A group of 24 national physician leaders in pediat- to these should avoid dietary protein. Rather, protein intake may to 40 high school freshmen to the program and complete a “Couch doing much better in school.” ric and adult hematology, pulmonology, and cardiol- patients. play a role in the long-term prevention of HBP,” explained to 5K” training program in preparation for this springtime Neigh- What began as a simple concept for a youth exercise program ogy convened to develop guidelines specific to these corresponding author Lynn Moore, MD, BUSM associate borhood 5K Run/Walk. As part of the program’s initiative to build has become so much more. It is a safe, supportive environment for patients. Funded by the American Thoracic Society and professor of medicine. “This growing body of research on leadership skills, the teens help plan the event, which gives them the Rookie Runners to explore their potential and a way for medi- endorsed by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association the vascular benefits of protein, including this study, sug- a unique project-based context in which to practice their skills in cal students to reach out and invest in building relationships in and the American College of Chest Physicians, the gests we need to revisit optimal protein intake for optimal literacy, math, and communication. In taking on this challenge, the the community. With this unique experience, our volunteers will guidelines represent the most comprehensive pulmo- heart health.” Rookie Runners not only improve themselves, they also set a posi- be better prepared as physicians to work empathically and collab- nary recommendations thus far. This work was supported by the National Heart, Lung, tive example for their peers and invite the whole community to join oratively with patients to help them achieve more active, healthy, and Blood Institute’s Framingham Heart Study, Boston them in becoming more active. and well-rounded lives. Through this program, we hope to educate ■ Reproduction Later in Life Is a Marker for University School of Medicine, and a grant from the In spring 2013, more than 300 community members took young people about the benefits of physical activity and to pro- Longevity in Women American Egg Board/US Department of Agriculture. part in the Hyde Square Task Force Neighborhood 5K Run/Walk. mote positive self-image, leadership, and teamwork skills. We aim Women who are able to naturally have children later in Notably, participants included a large group of BUSM medical to inspire these adolescents to set and strive for goals not only in life tend to live longer and the genetic variants that allow ■ Mechanism that Stops Progression of students and a team of physicians from Martha Eliot Health Cen- terms of exercise, but in all aspects of their lives. The success of this them to do so might also facilitate exceptionally long life Abnormal Cells into Cancer Identified ter (MEHC), a Boston Children’s Primary Care health center that new program has been encouraging, fueled by the enthusiasm of spans. The BUSM study published in Menopause: The BUSM researchers report that a tumor suppressor path- stands just a couple of blocks away from HSTF. MEHC funded the BUSM student volunteers, HSTF administration, and the fantastic Journal of the North American Menopause Society, says way called the “Hippo” pathway is responsible for sensing event, and the New Balance Foundation provided running shoes for Rookie Runners. Together, we are moving forward, and we are con- women who are able to have children after the age of 33 abnormal chromosome numbers in cells and triggering the Rookie Runners. The event raised thousands of dollars to sup- tinuing to learn and improve with every step. n have a greater chance of living longer than women who cell cycle arrest, thus preventing progression into cancer.

port HSTF programming. *Name changed to protect privacy INC. ©2014 SERVICE PHOTO ATLANTIC BY PHOTO had their last child before the age of 30. The findings also Although the link between abnormal cells and tumor

26 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 27 BUSM Research suppressor pathways—like that mediated by the well- of Biomedical Genetics and BUSM professor of medicine, RESEARCH AWARDS known p53 gene—has been firmly established, the critical neurology, ophthalmology, epidemiology, and biostatis- steps in between are not well understood. According to tics. “Moreover, this is the first authentic example of rare ■ Boston University Receives NIH BEST Grant to Promote ■ BUSM Receives $3 Million from NIH for Genetic Research in the authors, whose work appears in Cell, this work com- The authors genetic variants conferring a high risk of AD in African Biomedical Careers Beyond Academic Research Alzheimer’s Disease pletes at least one of the missing links. demonstrate Americans.” BU is one of seven institutions to receive the prestigious Broadening BUSM received major funding from the National Institute on Aging At the end of a normal cell division cycle, chromo- that the Hippo Funding for this study was provided by the National Experience in Scientific Training (BEST) award by the National (NIA) as part of a national effort to identify rare genetic variants somes evenly divide to produce two identical cells with pathway also Institute on Aging. Institutes of Health (NIH). The five-year, $1.8 million award will pro- that may protect against and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease 23 pairs of chromosomes each. However, errors some- represents vide biomedical research trainees from across the University with risk. The four-year, $3 million grant, “Identifying Risk and Protective times occur during division, resulting in giant cells with the underlying ■ Study Finds Increasing Health Coverage Does Not enhanced training to help PhD students and postdoctoral trainees Variants for AD Exploring their Significance and Biology,” is led by double the number of chromosomes, known as tetra- pathway that Improve Readmission Rates prepare for careers beyond conven- Sudha Seshadri, MD, professor of neurology and a senior investiga- ploid cells. Normally, p53 dependent pathways stop tet- prevents tetra- In a first-of-its-kind retrospective study, BUSM research- tional academic research. tor at the Framingham Heart Study and for the Cohorts for Heart and raploid cells from proliferating. This response is critical ploid cells from ers have found that providing health insurance coverage “Our goal is to BU’s BEST program will involve Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology (CHARGE) consortium. because those tetraploid cells that escape detection can proliferating to previously uninsured people does not result in reducing trainees throughout the University’s This project is linked to CHARGE projects at two other universities; facilitate cancer development. and causing 30-day readmission rates. The study, which appears in re-engineer schools and colleges engaged in all together grants total more than $10 million. Other BU investiga- Using a technique known as genome-wide screen- tumors. the British Medical Journal, used data on actual versus self- the training biomedical research, including the tors who are part of the CHARGE project are Anita DeStefano, PhD; ing, the researchers found that when one specific gene, reported use of care and found no change in racial/eth- pipeline.” School of Medicine (BUSM), the Adrienne Cupples, PhD; and Josee Dupuis, PhD, who are professors of LATS2, was eliminated, the arrested tetraploid cells nic disparities in this outcome, despite a markedly higher School of Public Health, and the ­biostatistics; and Honghuang Lin, PhD, assistant professor of medicine. resumed proliferation, thus demonstrating that LATS2 was baseline of un-insurance among African Americans and Henry M. Goldman School of Dental an upstream gene responsible for halting abnormal cell Hispanics in Massachusetts. Medicine. BUSM’s Division of Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) is ■ NIA $12.6 Million Grant to Identify Genetic Variants Related to division. The LATS2 gene is known to activate the Hippo “Among African Americans and Hispanics, we home to more than 850 students and approximately 400 postdoc- Alzheimer’s Disease tumor suppressor pathway, which is the same pathway found the odds of readmission did not decrease in toral trainees who will benefit from the BEST program. Researchers from the BUSM Biomedical Genetics division are part of our bodies use to ensure our vital organs don’t grow out Massachusetts relative to control states, and there was no “In order to maintain the nation’s scientific competitiveness, it is a five-university collaboration receiving a $12.6 million, four-year grant of control. The authors demonstrate that the Hippo path- change in the magnitude of the white-black and white- critical to attract, prepare, and engage a well-trained workforce. Our from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to identify rare genetic vari- way also represents the underlying pathway that prevents Hispanic difference in readmission rates,” explained lead goal is to re-engineer the training pipeline,” explained Linda Hyman, ants that may either protect against, or contribute to Alzheimer’s dis- tetraploid cells from proliferating and causing tumors. author Karen Lasser, MD, MPH, BUSM associate profes- PhD, associate provost for the Division of GMS at BUSM and one of ease risk. “Although more studies are needed to further clarify this sor of medicine. The researchers believe that in order the principal investigators of BU’s BEST program. “Using analysis of At BUSM, the Consortium critical pathway, this work may help guide the develop- to reduce readmissions and disparities in readmissions, the job market as the driver of professional development program- for Alzheimer’s Sequence ment of new therapies that specifically target tumor states like Massachusetts need to go beyond simply ming, BU’s BEST will enable trainees to fulfill the needs not only of the Analysis (CASA) is led by They will analyze cells with abnormal numbers of chromosomes, while expanding insurance coverage. current market, but also the future biomedical workforce.” Lindsay A. Farrer, PhD, chief of data from 6,000 sparing the normal healthy cells from which they origi- "Our results Funding for this study was provided by the US National biomedical genetics and pro- volunteers with nated,” explained corresponding author Neil J. Ganem, show that we Institutes of Health grants and a grant from the Rx ■ $5 Million NIDA Grant Awarded to Jeffrey Samet, MD fessor of medicine, neurology, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology and medicine can have a Foundation. Jeffrey Samet, MD, MA, MPH, professor of medicine and community ophthalmology, epidemiology, Alzheimer’s dis- in the BUSM Shamim and Ashraf Dahod Breast Cancer marked impact health sciences, was awarded a five-year, $5 million grant from the and biostatistics, who is the ease and 5,000 Research Center. on a patient’s ■ Treat Patients with Addiction During and After National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) along with Dr. Carlos Del Rio principal investigator. Other older individuals Funding for this study was provided in part by the addiction by Hospitalization from Emory University for their project, “Improving Physician Opioid Boston University investiga- National Cancer Institute. addressing it The results of a study demonstrate that starting hospital- Prescribing for Chronic Pain in HIV-infected Persons.” tors include Kathryn Lunetta, who do not have during their ized patients who have an opioid (heroin) addiction on After marijuana, prescription opioids are the second-most com- PhD, professor of biostatistics; the disease. ■ Gene May Increase Alzheimer’s Disease Risk hospitalization.” buprenorphine treatment in the hospital and seamlessly monly abused substances in the US, and overdose deaths related to Gyungah Jun, PhD, assistant in African Americans connecting them with an outpatient, office-based treat- prescription opioids now exceed deaths from motor vehicle crashes. professor of medicine, ophthal- Researchers from BUSM report that two rare variants in the ment program can greatly reduce relapse rates after they Prescription opioid abuse appears to be even more common among mology and biostatistics; and Richard Sherva, PhD, research assistant AKAP9 gene significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer’s are discharged. The study shows the important role that HIV-infected patients, presumably a consequence of the known co- professor of medicine. disease (AD) in African Americans. This previously providers play in offering these patients addiction treat- morbidity between HIV and substance use. CASA investigators will analyze whole exome and whole unknown association furthers the understanding of the role ment both while in the hospital and after, even if their The grant will fund the “Targeting Effective Analgesia in Clinics genome sequence data generated during the first phase of of genetic factors in the development of AD. primary reason for being in the hospital is for something for HIV” (TEACH) Study. TEACH will test the effectiveness of a col- the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Alzheimer’s Disease According to the researchers, whose findings appear other than their addiction. laborative care intervention to improve the management of chronic Sequencing Program, an innovative collaboration that began in in Alzheimer’s & Dementia, AKAP9 encodes a protein with “Unfortunately, referral to substance abuse treatment opioid therapy and reduce the misuse of prescription opioids among 2012 between NIA and the National Human Genome Research multiple forms. One of these, AKAP450, is expressed in after discharge is often a secondary concern of physi- HIV-infected persons. Institute, also part of NIH. They will analyze data from 6,000 the brain and responsible for microtubule anchoring and cians caring for hospitalized patients,” said correspond- “This is a novel randomized controlled trial of a chronic disease volunteers with Alzheimer’s disease and 5,000 older individu- organization. Another protein, tau, which is responsible ing author Jane Liebschutz, MD, MPH, BUSM associate management intervention to improve the delivery of chronic opioid als who do not have the disease. In addition, they will study for microtubule functioning, is well known to be the key professor of medicine and an internist at Boston Medical therapy and reduce prescription opioid misuse among HIV-infected genomic data from 111 large families with multiple members who constituent of neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in Center. “However, our results show that we can have a persons. If demonstrated to be effective, this model could be adopted have Alzheimer’s disease, mostly of Caucasian and Caribbean AD brains. marked impact on a patient’s addiction by addressing it by clinics nationwide, may improve physician satisfaction and confi- Hispanic descent to identify rare genetic variants. “While further work is needed to clarify the causal during their hospitalization.” dence in this challenging aspect of patient care, and has the potential “This is an exciting opportunity to apply new genomic technolo- link between these AKAP9 variants and AD, “this study The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, was to improve the health and well-being of persons with HIV,” explained gies and computational methods to improve our understanding of the indicates a new potential disease mechanism in the quest conducted in collaboration with Butler Hospital in Rhode Samet, principal investigator of the grant. The study will be con- biological pathways underlying this disease,” said Farrer. “The genes for a better understanding of AD, particularly in African Island. Funding was provided in part by the National ducted within the BMC HIV clinic (CID), with Dr. Meg Sullivan as a and pathways we identify as integral to the Alzheimer process may Americans,” said senior author Lindsay Farrer, PhD, chief Institute on Drug Abuse. n co-investigator. become novel therapeutic targets.” n

28 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 29 BUSM Giving bu.edu/supportingbusm $1.3 million alumnus bequest for scholarships Dean’s Club Dinner 2014 Marks 40 Years It’s not every day that Holly Lindner, director thoughtful generosity. The training of future the American Board of Internal Medicine. of development and alumni relations for the generations of accomplished physicians that His wife, whom he met while a student at of Celebrating BUSM BUSM Alumni Association, gets a call like their gift will support is their legacy. We are BUSM, was a retired registered nurse who Leadership Donors the one she received last year. deeply grateful.” also worked in real estate sales. Lindner was informed that a bequest Dr. Gazzaniga’s decision to include “Our medical students are amazing in First held in 1974 to recognize leadership donors of from Class of 1959 alumnus Frank BUSM as a major beneficiary of his estate terms of their intellectual capabilities and the BUSM Alumni Association’s newly inaugurated Gazzaniga, MD, who died in 2012, soon stemmed from his having his medical diverse interests as well as their strong Dean’s Club Giving Society, the annual Dean’s Club Din- would be coming to BU. She learned that education paid for through the GI Bill; he commitment to community health and car- ner offers BUSM deans the opportunity to personally the bequest, which became effective on the wanted to give back in gratitude for the ing for the underserved,” said Jean Ramsey, thank the many alumni, faculty, and friends of BUSM. passing of Dr. Gazzaniga’s wife Florence, opportunities his education had afforded MD (MED’90, SPH’08), BUSM associate This year, members gathered at the Taj Boston on was for $1.3 million to fund a scholarship in him. When asked at his 50th BUSM reunion dean for alumni affairs. “It is so gratifying October 25. “Dean’s Club members constitute a core memory of Dr. Gazzaniga’s parents, Charles what his most memorable experience to know that an alumnus like Dr. Gazzaniga group who understand that philanthropy to the School C. and Anne Dineen Gazzaniga. This was a was during medical school, Dr. Gazzaniga believed in the importance of providing of Medicine is essential to supporting our institutional very pleasant and rewarding surprise, as the replied, “Training for experiencing the great- scholarship support for these dedicated and mission,” said Dean Karen Antman, MD. “We are deeply Alumni Association regularly communicates est profession there is.” passionate students.” n grateful to them for their ongoing generosity.” to alumni regarding the need for scholarship An internist with Kaiser Permanente in funds for medical students. Sacramento, California, for many years, Dr. Bequests and other forms of estate gifts “The financial indebtedness of our med- Gazzaniga specialized in nephrology. He are important vehicles for supporting scholarship funds at BUSM. To learn more Above right: From left: Richard Babayan, MD, BUSM professor ical students is a significant challenge and completed residencies at the Philadelphia about how you can help students achieve and chair of urology and his wife Sonya Nersessian, Esq.; Mary a major focus of our efforts at the School of VA Hospital and Boston City Hospital and their goals as part of your estate planning, Moore and Thomas Moore, MD, BUMC associate provost and director of clinical research. Medicine,” said Dean Karen Antman, MD. served as a clinical faculty member at the please contact Kate DeForest in the BUSM “A gift of this magnitude will provide major University of California Davis School of Development Office at 617-638-4570 or Right: Enjoying the evening are (standing) Alexander Norbash, financial support for them. We cannot thank Medicine. He was a fellow of the American [email protected]. MD, BUSM professor and chair of radiology; Eric Sax, MD Dr. and Mrs. Gazzaniga personally for their College of Physicians and a diplomate of www.bu.edu/supportingbusm (MED’89) and his wife, Julia; and (seated) Sepi Norbash, Sophia Catrambone, and Richard Catrambone, MD (MED’92). Below left: BUSM students (from left) David Park (MED’17), Al Nadjarian (MED’17), Bobby Carey (MED’13, ’17), and Alexandra Wink (MED’11, ’18) entertain Dean’s Club members. search Center. Of his gift, $50,000 was matched Impact: The Campaign for BU Below right: Dean’s Club members (left) Donald Kaplan, and the School of Medicine by another anonymous donor who shares his interest in advancing pulmonary medicine. Impact by the Numbers MD (MED’73) and (third from left) Gail Kaplan Kraft, MD (MED’70) with their spouses Edna Kaplan and Arnold Kraft. You can make an impact on BUSM students and An update on the progress of the seven- faculty. With your support, the next generation of Neil Ganem, PhD, assistant professor of pharma- clinicians, medical leaders, researchers, and en- cology and medicine, was recently named one year, $200 million campaign for BUSM: trepreneurs can join us in turning possibilities into of five New England recipients of a three-year, $300,000 Smith Family Award for Excellence in reality. You can help students receive a cutting- $127.4M Raised edge education that prepares them for rewarding Biomedical Research. This extremely selective award supports the careers of newly independent careers and gives them the tools and resources Permanently Restricted necessary to be trailblazers in their chosen fields. biomedical researchers, who must be full-time $110.3M You can help us support our faculty who conduct faculty at academic, medical, or research institu- Current Use pioneering research and are committed to creative tions in Massachusetts, Brown University, or Yale $17.1M and relevant teaching and learning strategies. No University, with the ultimate goal of achieving matter your contribution, you can advance medi- medical breakthroughs. 30 months remaining cal education and research. A friend of the School of Medicine who believes in the need for more pulmonary bench science More than $13.4M Raised for Student More information on our campaign is available at Scholarships www.bu.edu/supportingbusm. See how you can recently used a Charitable Gift Annuity to make make a difference! a $100,000 contribution in support of BUSM’s Pulmonary Center. $3.1M Annual Fund Spotlight on Gifts Generous support from alumni, parents, and friends 1,957 Alumni Participating in Campaign will have a vital and enduring impact on the experi- Edward Parsons, MD (MED’65), a pulmonologist ence of students, faculty, and researchers at the Corporations and Foundations specializing in tuberculosis, understands the need School of Medicine. Learn more about making $83.5M for more research in this area. Combining a cash your own impact at www.bu.edu/supportingbusm, Figures are as of January 13, 2014. Campaign gift with a bequest in his will, he recently commit- or contact the BUSM Development Office at concludes July 1, 2017.

ted $100,000 to support BUSM’s Pulmonary Re- 617-638-4570 or [email protected]. FRANK CURRAN BY PHOTOS

30 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 31 Alumni NEWS [email protected] Alumni Association Hosts Reception DEAR FRIENDS, Tringale Receives for Recent Grads Our alumni are among our greatest assets. We want you to stay connected to BUSM. Volunteer Faculty Award and Future Leaders Come visit the beautifully transformed In October, the BUSM Alumni Association campus, attend an event, or make a gift— of Excellence hosted a reception at the Taj Boston, over- whether of your time as a mentor to stu- During John McCahan Medical Campus Education Day looking the Boston skyline and Charles River. dents; as a guest speaker; or by donating (Med Ed Day), Stephen M. Tringale, MD (CAS/GRS’86, The event was a wonderful opportunity for to scholarship or annual funds. Share your MED’90), medical director of performance improve- BUSM alumni, faculty, staff, and students story! Where has your career taken you? ment and research at DotWell Codman Square Health, to mingle and for recent graduates to chat What path did you choose? Which faculty was recognized for his years of service to BUSM students. with current students about life after medi- and/or administrator had an impact on your Dr. Miriam Hoffman-Kleiner nominated Dr. Tringale on cal school. medical education? behalf of the BUSM Department of Family Medicine and While you are busy taking care of presented him with the Academic Affairs Office Volunteer Above: Dean Karen patients and making a difference in the Faculty Award of Excellence. Antman, MD, is flanked by Leah Sax (MED’19), world’s health care delivery, BUSM remains Dr. Tringale has been the primary preceptor for third- Mauro Caffarelli a part of your history and you, a part of year clerkship students at DotWell Codman Square Health (MED’15) and Ali Sax (MED’15). Lea and Ali the School’s legacy. Former BUSM Alumni Center for many years, where he also precepts and men- are daughters of Eric J. Association President and fellow Alumni tors family medicine residents and conducts his clinical Sax (MED’89). Board Member Ken Simons, class of 1980, practice. Right: Jaime Stull sums it up best: “Academic institutions last A genuine concern for the students—and for patients (MED’17), an officer longer than any one leadership team, and I they will serve in their future careers—is at the heart of with the Student Com- mittee of Medical Stu- believe that what alumni give is their passion Tringale’s teaching. The model of a community-based dent Affairs (SCOMSA), for the institution where they trained. Alumni family practitioner, he shows students what it means to offers remarks from the carry on the institution’s tradition. A good practice in a community and community health center by perspective of a current student. educational experience—and we had an out- offering a clerkship experience in which students learn standing one—makes you want to help keep clinical skills, how to interact with patients, and how cen- Below: From left: Basim M. Kahleifeh that tradition going.” tral the bio-psychosocial model is to providing effective (MED’96), Joseph M. Also, please take the time to look at the medical care. Fonte (MED’97), Kim incredible travel photography of our col- Above: Recent grads Scola, Richard Romero who joined us for the (MED’98) and Lillian league, Paul Gitman (MED’66), featured in recent Future Leaders Moy-Lee (CAS’91, this issue. He has observed and captured celebration at the Taj MED’97, SPH’97). Rooftop on Thursday CONTACT US some of the world’s most amazingly beautiful evening, October 2. spots. You can visit his website at www.flickr. If you have news, announcements, com/people/pgitman. Right: BUSM Associate or creative works you’d like to share Dean for Alumni Affairs with your fellow alumni, please Best wishes for a harvest of professional Jean E. Ramsey (MED write to the BUSM Alumni Asso- and personal success and happiness. ‘90, MPH‘08) with Rob ciation at 72 E. Concord Street, Najarian (MED’05) and his wife Kristin Kludjian L120, Boston, MA 02118 or email Najarian. [email protected].

BUSM Alumni Association on Facebook Jean E. Ramsey, MED’90, MPH’08 facebook.com/alumBUSM Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs Associate Professor, Ophthalmology Shown with Dr. Tringale (center right) are Ann Zumwalt, PhD, associate and Pediatrics professor of anatomy & neurobiology; John McCahan, MD; and Miriam Vice Chair of Education and Program Director Hoffman-Kleiner, MD, chair of the BUSM Clerkship Curriculum Subcom- mittee and director of Medical Student Education in the Department of

BUSM Department of Ophthalmology Family Medicine. FRANK CURRAN BY PHOTOS

32 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 33 BUSM Alumni CLASS NOTES IN Memoriam

1948 • Raymond Seltser of Chevy 1950 Henry Schoenberger of Chase, Maryland, on February 16, Laconia, New Hampshire, writes, 1981 Melody McCloud, 2014, at the age of 90. A professor “I'm alive and well, but suffering with MD, of Atlanta, Georgia, and associate dean at Johns Hopkins “Whatever I can see, and I want to see it all.” some of the unwanted leisure time writes, “Former US Health & University’s School of Public Health, I have now, which was so desired Human Services secretary he was deputy director of the uni- when I was busy practicing.” Dr. Louis Sullivan (MED’58), Paul Gitman, MD (MED’66), starting taking pho- versity’s oncology center from 1977 and obstetrician-gynecolo- tos when he was about 11 years old. “It’s an interest to 1981. He served as dean of the 1952 Alan S. Cohen of Ded- gist and author Dr. Melody T. University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate that my dad, who was also a physician, enjoyed,” ham, Massachusetts, writes, “My McCloud were panelists for School of Public Health from 1981 to recalls Gitman. “I now look at his photos and realize­ three sons are moving along in their the Atlanta Business Chron- 1988, when he came to Washington careers. All graduated from Harvard icle's Health Care Heroes that we have the same eye. What pleases me is as associate director of the Centers and the oldest, Evan, from Johns Awards 2014 ceremony. The clearly what pleased him.” Retired from an internal­ for Disease Control. He was a senior Hopkins Medical School; he is now annual event honors gifted medicine practice in New Hyde Park, New York, adviser to the Agency for Health practicing gastroenterology in Provi- leaders and innovators in Care Research and Quality from Gitman travels the world over seeking out cultures,­ dence. He has three daughters in medicine. Sullivan won the 1990 to 1998. A native of Boston, he people, wildlife, and scenery to photograph. He college, the oldest at Harvard Law Lifetime Achievement Award received a master’s degree in public School. My middle son graduated in 2001, and McCloud won especially loves large animals, waterfalls, ice, and health from Johns Hopkins in 1957. from U of Oregon Law School, where Physician of the Year in 2012. sunrises and sunsets. Most often he travels with He served as an army medical offi- he was interested in environmental groups interested in nature and photographs: cer during the Korean War and was improvements; he’s now working “Whatever I can see, and I want to see it all.” awarded the Bronze Star. He wrote at the Massachusetts Department nected with her in her hometown of 1986 Ziv Haskal of Charlottes­ scholarly articles on smoking, radia- You can enjoy more of Dr. Gitman’s photogra- of Environmental Conservation. Macon, Georgia, during the Martin ville, Virginia, writes, “At last tion, and other public health matters phy at www.flickr.com/people/pgitman. My youngest graduated from BU Luther King, Jr. weekend of 2012, March’s annual scientific meet- and later consulted on disability Law School and worked for Boston a mere three months before she ing of the Society of Interventional issues. He is survived by his wife and Mayor Tom Menino in inspectional died at age 90. It was an incredible Radiology, I was awarded the Leader two sons. services; he now lives in Arizona, experience. I was also chief medical in Innovation prize by its research where, after heading inspectional officer on a medical mission trip to foundation. In addition, my scien- 1950 • G. Robert Baler of Boston, services in Scottsdale, he went into Sakila, Tanzania, in July of 2014.” tific abstract, a report of a two-year, Massachusetts, on April 18, 2014. real estate. We have moved to an multicenter dialysis interventions He served as chief of dermatol- adult active living center in Dedham, 1985 I. Michael Leitman of New RCT, won Abstract of the Year (out ogy at Brockton Hospital and was Massachusetts, called NewBridge York, New York, writes, “Now part of more than 1,000) for the second a long-standing faculty member of on the Charles, where I have taken of the Mount Sinai Health System year in a row. Submissions to the the Department of Dermatology at up bridge and given up tennis (bad as associate dean for graduate journal I edit, Journal of Vascular and Boston University School of Medi- knees). Joan and I are approaching medical education and professor Interventional Radiology, exceeded cine. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of our 60th wedding anniversary. Look- of surgery at the Icahn School of 1,000 papers last year, an increase Boston University, he completed ing forward to the next reunion.” Medicine at Mount Sinai in New of 40 percent in my term.” his residency in dermatology at York City. Best wishes to all of my BUSM and since 1956 served as a 1974 Richard J. Shemin of Los classmates from BUSM 1985.” faculty member. He was appointed Angeles, California, is now chair as a clinical professor of derma- of the American Board of Thoracic tology in 1988 and as professor Surgery. Shemin is the Robert and 1988 Lloyd Paul Aiello, MD, PhD, received the emeritus in 2001. In 2010, BUSM Kelly Day Professor, chief of cardiac prestigious Antonio Champalimaud Vision Award named an endowed lecture series surgery, executive vice chair of as part of a group that developed anti-angiogenic in his honor. He continued to teach surgery and co-director of the Car- therapy for retinal disease. The award celebrates residents and see patients in the diovascular Center, and director of both the success of the scientific process and the BUSM Department of Dermatology cardiac quality at the Ronald Rea- outcome, an effective therapy for the treatment of two of the leading causes until 2013. He served in numerous gan UCLA Medical Center. of vision loss and blindness in the world: age-related macular degeneration leadership roles within the medi- and diabetic retinopathy. Aiello and other investigators who shared the prize cal community including resident 1984 David Sherer of Chevy demonstrated the important role VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) of the New England Dermatologi- Chase, Maryland, writes, “I released plays in ocular retinal disease and how anti-VEGF agents can block its effect. cal Society; member of the Board my second book, The House of Black of Trustees of the Noah Worcester and White: My Life with and Search Aiello, who received BUSM’s Distinguished Alumnus Award this year, is Dermatological Society; mem- for Louise Johnson Morris, in January a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and vice president ber of the Board of Trustees at the of 2014 (see Alumni in Print and/ of ophthalmology, head of the Section on Eye Research and director of the ; member or visit www.thehouseofblackand Beetham Eye Institute at Joslin Diabetes Center. A third generation ophthal- of the Executive Committee of the whitebook.com). It is the true story mologist, Aiello is committed to eliminating vision loss due to diabetic reti- Advisory Council, American Acad- of the rediscovery of my childhood nopathy and associated conditions. He has served on national and interna- emy of Dermatology; and House of caretaker 31 years after we were tional committees and received at least 45 awards for his research. He also Delegates for the Massachusetts separated, when I was at BUSM has been part of numerous editorial and review boards and authored more Medical Society. He is survived by and she left my parent's employ in than 240 publications. n his wife and four children. Bethesda, Maryland in 1981. I recon- Continued on inside back cover

34 Boston University School of Medicine Winter 2015 | www.bumc.bu.edu 35 In Memoriam, continued from page 34 He served in the US Army Medi- 1960 • Captain Robert C. Cochran cal Corps in Vietnam from 1966 of Charleston, West Virginia, on to 1968. He received the Bronze September 2, 2013, at the age of 80. Star, Combat Medics Badge, and Retired from the US Naval Medical the Vietnam Service Award, First Corps, he joined the navy at the end Cavalry Division, Vietnam 15th 2005 of his second year of medical school. Medical Battalion. In 1971, he joined Thanks to you, Enjoy reunion festivities During his naval career he served the staff of Anna Jaques Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia; Vietnam (USS in Newburyport, Massachusetts, “ Repose); New York City; and for the and Amesbury Hospital. He was a money didn’t make  2000 last 15 years of his 26-year career, district medical examiner for the as chief of surgery and the Surgical Commonwealth of Massachusetts this choice for me. Residents Training Program at the as well as an Aviation Medical Celebrate Bethesda Naval Medical Center. Examiner. He is survived by his wife ”  While there, he served as physician and four children. 1995 to Presidents Ford, Carter, and Rea- gan. After he retired from the navy in 1977 • Irma Miller Lessell of Alumni 1983, he moved to Charleston, West Lexington, Massachusetts, August,  Virginia, to work with the HYGEIA 2014 at the age 79. A homemaker 1990 Medical Corporation. In 1985, he and mother for 20 years, at age 38 was appointed professor of surgery she fulfilled her dream of becoming a Weekend!!! at West Virginia University School physician. As a student, she excelled of Medicine, Charleston Division, at every level and was only the third  1985 where he twice received the Vincent person ever to graduate summa cum Von Kern Award as the surgeon who laude from BUSM. After completing made the greatest contribution to her training in neurology, she joined resident education. In 2011, he was the staff of the Lahey Clinic, where  1980 the first recipient of the James P. for 19 years she specialized in neuro- Boland, MD Award for the greatest ophthalmology and pediatric neurol- contribution to medical education at ogy. In retirement, she returned to RECONNECTREMINISCE the school. He is survived by his wife her alma mater, Wellesley College, Tania Torres-Sanchez and her scholarship donor, Sarkis Kechejian (MED’63) REUNITE  and three children. and audited many courses in sub- 1975 REFLECT jects she had not studied during her 1960 • Gabriel Fernandes de undergraduate years. She is survived Your gift opens doors at BUSM MAY 1-2, 2015 Freitas of Paradise Valley, Arizona, by her husband and three sons. A The Taj Boston is our Host Hotel on March 26, 2014, at the age of 79. fourth son passed away in 1977. Take Tania Torres-Sanchez (MED’16), who Adjacent to the Boston Public Garden 1970 He completed his surgical residency fell in love with BU during her interview Events! at BUMC and a fellowship in surgical 1977 • Jeanne H. Benjamin of Campus Experience with Students and Faculty oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Brookline, Massachusetts, on July 3, visit. “I knew that I wanted to be here, Alumni Grand Rounds | Reunion Class Dinners Cancer Center in New York City. He 2011, at the age of 60. She is survived and work with this patient population,”  Open House | Student-led Tours 1965 practiced surgical oncology in Phoe- by her husband and three children. she says. But she also knew that her med Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar nix, Arizona, until he retired in 2000. Private Deans Reception | Annual Banquet He was a Fellow of the American 1984 • Kathleen M. Bennett school choice might be driven by financial College of Surgeons and a member of Boston, Massachusetts, on aid, not fit. Thanks to a donor-funded  of the Society of Surgical Oncology; November 23, 2013, at the age of 1960 Society of Head and Neck Surgeons; 56, from metastatic breast cancer. scholarship, “I could come to BU, where To join your class reunion team American Radium Society; American She completed her internship in I wanted to come,” she says. “When I got Contact BUSM Alumni Association at: Society of Clinical Oncology; Soci- family medicine at Cook County my BU financial aid packet, I thought ‘Oh,  617.638.5150 or [email protected] ety for the Study of Breast Disease; Hospital in Chicago, followed by 1955 + Golden and the American Society of Breast three years of internal medicine at good. I don’t have to choose between what Surgeons. He presented “The Final Boston City Hospital, plus a year as I want and what I can afford.’ That’s a Illness of Enrico Caruso” at a meeting chief resident. After finishing her great feeling.” of the Collegium Medicorum Theatri training, Bennett served as a resi- bu.edu/medaw in Vienna, Austria, in 1978. He is sur- dency program director and com- vived by his wife and two daughters. munity health physician and later To learn more about how you can support BUSM as a leader in health care admin- and its students, contact the BUSM Development 1964 • Putnam P. Breed of Hamp- istration at Neighborhood Health Office at [email protected] or 617-638-4570, or ton Falls, New Hampshire, on Sep- Plan and Boston Medical Center tember 18, 2013, at the age of 75. A HealthNet Plan. Most recently, she visit bu.edu/supportingbusm general surgeon, he completed his was chief medical officer at Senior residency at Boston City Hospital. Whole Health. n

36 Boston University School of Medicine Nonprofit US Postage 72 East Concord Street PAID Boston MA Boston, Massachusetts 02118 Permit No. 1839

2015–2016Calendar

Annual Keefer Society Dinner with Dean’s Advisory Board APRIL 30 Boston • Thursday, April 30, 2015

BU School of Medicine Alumni Weekend MAY 1 & 2 BUSM, Boston • Friday & Saturday, May 1 & 2, 2015

GMS/MMS Commencement MAY 15 Metcalf Hall, George Sherman Union • Friday, May 15, 2015

MD/PhD Commencement MAY 16 Agganis Arena • Saturday, May 16, 2015

All-University Commencement MAY 17 Nickerson Field • Sunday, May 17, 2015