Fall/Winter 2011/2012 Winter 2010 Alumni Association Illuminations Alumni The Magazine for the University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni and FriendsAssociation Volume 7 Number 2
COVER TO COME The Art of Doctoring Art of The Illuminations The Magazine for the University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni and Friends
Editor University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni Association Kristin Wann Gorang Board of Directors Communications Committee James T. Roth, M.D., Chair Saundra S. Buys, M.D., HS 1984 President Saundra S. Buys, M.D. Mark A. Johnston, M.D., 1990 Past President Christine A. Cheng, M.D. Sherm C. Smith, M.D., 1976 Vice President Kirk M. Neuberger, M.D. Bryan C. Stone, M.D. Susan M.Wiet, M.D., HS 2003 Secretary Lewis J. Barton, M.D., 1964 Photography G. Marsden Blanch, M.D., 1974 Steve Leitch, University Medical Graphics C. Hilmon Castle, M.D., HS 1959 Christine A. Cheng, M.D., HS 1997 Illuminations Spencer C. deBry, M.D., 2003 is published by the Dale G. Johnson, M.D., 1956 University of Utah School of Medicine Richard H. Keller, M.D., 1963 HS Alumni Relations Office James O. Mason, M.D., 1958 Kirk M. Neuberger, M.D., 1963 School of Medicine Kirtly Parker Jones, M.D., Faculty Alumni Relations Staff: Donald M. Pedersen, P.A., Ph.D., 1978 Kristin Wann Gorang, Director James T. Roth, M.D., M.S.P.H., 1989 Melanie Osterud, Associate Director Bryan C. Stone, M.D., 1986 Katie Korte, Data Entry Specialist David N. Sundwall, M.D., 1969 Ex-Officio: Send address changes to: Lindsay H.Wilson, M.D., 2009 Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., Sr. Vice Illuminations Office of Alumni Relations Medical Student Representatives: President Health Sciences, 540 South Arapeen Drive, Suite 125 Theo De Beritto, MS II Dean, School of Medicine Salt Lake City, Utah 84108-1298 Blake Dowdle, MS II Kristin Wann Gorang, Director [email protected] Faisal Ahmed, MS IV Stephen Warner, Associate VP for Health Paula Lueras, MS IV Sciences, Development/Alumni Affairs
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What’s Inside
1 Message from the Dean 7 End of Life Care 13 Distinguished Awards 28 Alumni Notebook • Alumni News 2 Alumni President’s 8 Save the Date 15 News Notebook Message • New Board Members • In Memoriam 3 To The Brink and Back 9 2011 Alumni Weekend 24 Student Life • Reunions • Dean’s Roundtables with Back Cover 5 Teaching the Art of Doctoring • Awards Ceremony James Freston, M.D. and • Distinguished Awards: Marsden Blanch, M.D. in a High Tech World • Continuing Medical Education Call for Nominations Message from the Dean
Yogi Berra once said, “You can observe a lot by just watching.” I might add, “You can hear a lot just by listening.”
sorb a $10 million reduction in Federal • Nationally, the median state support supplemental support funding and for public medical schools is 14 reducing the class size was the best way percent. If we received 14 percent in to maintain the integrity and efficacy state support, that would equate to of our training program. It was never $97 million each year. intended to be a long-term strategy. At the same time, we undertook a curricu- • This year, we had 1,500 applicants for lum transformation that brought clinical our 82 medical student slots. We have experiences into the first year, integrated an excellent applicant pool of Utah basic science and pathophysiology students who are either forced to leave teaching into systems-based courses, and the state to receive their medical edu- Since coming to the University in July, I emphasized small group learning. This cation or to pursue other career have engaged in a Listening Tour across new curriculum has been a resounding options. campus and beyond, including several success, and we believe we are training wonderful alumni association events. better doctors than ever. This is my highest priority as dean What I have heard and learned has been The country’s growing shortage of and I want to ask your help in making impressive. Thanks to the leadership of physicians is a looming public health the case for class size restoration and Lorris Betz, now Interim President, and crisis. An October 2010 study by expansion to our state legislative leaders. his predecessors, we have an organiza- the Association of American Medical If there is additional information we tion with terrific talent, operational Colleges estimated a shortage of nearly can provide that would be helpful please expertise, and extraordinary opportuni- 63,000 physicians in the U.S. by 2015. do not hesitate to contact me via the ties. I feel a strong sense of responsibility Nationally, Utah ranks 46th in the num- alumni association. and also great excitement about continu- ber of physicians per population. Finally, let me offer a sincere thank ing our successful trajectory. My goal is to restore our class size you to Dr. David Bjorkman who has In future issues of Illuminations I’m to 102 students and then by two years accepted an opportunity to serve as dean looking forward to sharing our thoughts later, expand it to 122 students. To do of the new medical school at Florida about some of these opportunities and this, we’ve determined we need an addi- Atlantic University. In his 26 years at telling you about innovative projects tional $12.2 million in annual funding. the U, David demonstrated his skills not Update your information at: from across the school that are drawing This legislative session we will propose only as a fine physician but also as an http://app.medicine.utah.edu/SOMAlumni/index.htm national attention to the University. Most to state leaders a cost-sharing plan with administrator and leader, serving as dean [email protected]
Vivian S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. immediately, however, I need to ask for the medical school’s clinical depart- and as executive medical director for your help with what has become my ments that will reduce the amount we the University of Utah Medical Group. highest priority for the medical school – need from the state to $9.6 million. Our During his tenure, David oversaw the restoring and expanding class size. proposal is fair, and we believe it is the design and development of our new I’ve listened to students, faculty, right thing to do. curriculum and established a success- alumni and community leaders over ful outreach program in Ghana, West the past few months and it’s clear to Consider this: Africa. We look forward to continued me that we can’t fulfill our mission and • The $26.5 million the School of collaboration with him in his new role. our responsibility to the people of Medicine receives from state taxpayers Utah without this change. (only four percent of our budget) puts Two years ago we made a difficult us in the bottom 10 percent of public but responsible decision to reduce our medical schools across the country. Vivian S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. class size. The school was forced to ab- Dean, University of Utah School of Medicine
1 Alumni President’s Message
The University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni Association has fulfilled its charge to promote relation- ships between alumni and the School of Medicine and to support the mission of the school in several unconventional ways of late. Alumni Board President Alumni Board
At the very successful School of 1958. In late November this group had the generosity of alumni who, despite Medicine Alumni Weekend in early a productive meeting with the Dean the current economic climate, have been October, in addition to the Awards ban- to provide insight from their extensive extremely generous in their support of quet, department events, CME (all very perspective about health education and medical school scholarships. Finally, the well attended and favorably reviewed) healthcare in Utah and to offer support. Board appreciates the long-term service and football game (also well attended The Alumni Board welcomed the of Dr. Ronald Ruff who just completed
M.D., HS 1984 but not so favorably reviewed), the new Dean, Dr. Vivian Lee, at a reception eight years of service on the Alumni Alumni Office facilitated the study of at Dr. Charles and Jasmine Rich’s house Association Board; welcomes Dr. Susan Michelle Skinner, a doctoral candidate in the fall. Under Dr. Lee’s direction the Wiet (Adolescent and Child Psychiatry) in the Dept. of Psychology, on alumni’s Dean’s Roundtable, introducing medical and Dr. Bryan Stone (Pediatrics, Primary attitudes about cadaver dissection as students to distinguished alumni, has Children’s Medical Center) to the board; medical students as they progressed into been inaugurated. Students have enthu- and wishes Dr. David Bjorkman, outgo- their practice. Alumni were quite inter- siastically participated in conversations ing Dean, the best in his new position as ested in reliving this experience; over 60 with Dr. James Freston and Dr. Marsden Dean of Charles E. Schmidt College of responded to our request of which 38 Blanch (see excerpts of interviews in Medicine at Florida Atlantic University. were chosen to participate in the study this issue of Illuminations or view the I hope you enjoy this edition of and have been interviewed by Michelle. videos of the Roundtables on the SOM Illuminations and current news on The Alumni Board also provided Website: www.medicine.utah.edu/ your classmates, School of Medicine pilot funding for the Medical Student alumni). Dean Lee, Stephen Warner, happenings, and student and depart- Wellness Program, directed by Jan Associate VP for Health Sciences mental activities.
Saundra Buys, Terpstra, M.D., to expand the available Development and Alumni Relations psychotherapy resources by establishing Director, Kristin Wann Gorang took a Counseling Psychology Practicum Site advantage of the renewed interest in at the SOM. And ten members of the Utah football after invitation into the Half-Century Society, which includes PAC12 by traveling to Los Angeles and Saundra Buys, M.D., HS 1984 alumni who graduated from the SOM Oakland, CA during the events lead- at least 50 years ago, have formed a Half ing up to football games to meet with Century Society Planning Committee, University of Utah School of Medicine under the leadership of alumni board alumni in these locations. member, Dr. James Mason, Class of Additionally, the Alumni Board has endowed the first Alumni Association scholarship and has been gratified with
2 To the Brink and Back: Lupus patient thrives after care at University of Utah Hospital
Henry Garza knew his daughter Rachael wasn’t well, but doctors didn’t know what to make of the long bouts of fevers, fatigue, and swelling she was experiencing. After many visits to the emergency room and exhaustive tests during a six-month period, Rachael, then 17 years old, was diagnosed with lupus, a complex autoimmune disease.
Lupus can be difficult to diagnose the stress Rachael felt as she because it affects each individual differ- prepared for final exams. The ently. It has a wide and variable array of symptoms were even more severe symptoms that often mimic other dis- than Rachael’s previous two eases. And, because the disease can flare episodes and her doctor advised up or lie dormant, symptoms come and her to return home. Shortly after go. Even the tell-tale butterfly-shaped arriving home, Rachael became rash that frequently marks the bridge of lethargic and lost consciousness. the nose and the cheeks of lupus patients The Garzas took her to the emer- occurs only when the disease is active and gency room and were referred to Lmanifests in many, but not, all University of Utah Hospital for lupus patients. treatment, where she was taken After her diagnosis, Rachael’s to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Rachael Garza symptoms continued to worsen, and she and placed on chemotherapy. The received chemotherapy to suppress her doctors discovered that Rachael Over the course of eight months, over-active immune system, a reaction had kidney failure and she was placed Rachael spent approximately four caused by the lupus. She began to im- on dialysis. months in the ICU and experienced four prove, and sought treatment from a rheu- The first night at the ICU, Rachael’s close calls. During this time, the Garzas matologist, who put her on a regimen to nose began to bleed. Boaz Markewitz, were constantly at Rachael’s side. As keep the disease in check. However, a M.D., the physician on duty, advised they watched over Rachael and saw the few months later the severe symptoms Garza that Rachael’s prognosis wasn’t doctors and staff care for her, they felt returned and she endured another round good as they couldn’t stop the bleeding. thankful for the expertise they witnessed. of chemotherapy. Garza explains that a “But somehow,” Garza says, “with all the “Through everything that happened small illness can be a catalyst for lupus care from the good doctors, all the pray- during the time that we were there, as my flare-ups. He says, “If she catches a cold ing—she was able to make it through.” wife and I watched it all, I was unbeliev- or anything like that, she has to take care The bleeding stopped and Rachael again ably amazed at the care and the precision of it quickly. If it’s not treated right, it began to heal. After another month and of the people.” Garza was touched to see will trigger the lupus.” a half, she was healthy enough to move the tender concern of the staff caring for Rachael regained her health and from the ICU to a medical floor—but his daughter and relates an experience moved to Oklahoma to attend college. not for long. Other symptoms appeared that occurred after his daughter had been In April 2003, near the end of her first and suddenly Rachael needed to be in the hospital for several months. She year, the lupus flared up as a result of moved back to the ICU. was hooked up to many IVs and tubes,
3 and Dr. Markewitz insisted that some he would need those prayers. The surgery it work, and to me it’s amazing because I sunshine and fresh air would do Rachael was a success and a few weeks later remember my parents telling me that the good. Garza couldn’t believe that with the Rachael had another operation to graft doctors didn’t think I would live a nor- condition she was in, with all the tubes skin from her back to her leg. “It was a mal life, even if I survived all this. To me, she was hooked up to, and the trouble it miracle,” says Genny. “Dr. Markewitz my life is pretty normal! I’m just thankful was going to take, that the doctor would really didn’t want to say that. He says to be here and see my family grow, and to go to such lengths to lift Rachael’s spirits. sometimes there’s that one percent. I experience my own family.” The nurses, accompanied by Henry and said, “You can call it the one-percent that When Garza reflects on his time his wife Genny, took Rachael outside for makes it through. We’ll call it a miracle.” with Rachael at University of Utah 30 minutes. “It was unbelievable,” says Finally in December 2003, Rachael Hospital, he recalls so many indi- Garza. “It made a difference.” was able to go home. “It was such a bless- viduals who showed his family not By October, a deadly medication- ing,” says Garza. “We got to go home only top-notch care, but also compas- resistant infection that had started out as and have Christmas—it was awesome.” sion and kindness. He remembers Dr.’s a small cut on Rachael’s leg had spread, and reached from her toes to her thigh. “When Garza reflects on his time with Rachael at Markewitz consulted with Garza and University of Utah Hospital, he recalls so many individu- Genny, and asked them to decide if they wanted to continue the medication, als who showed his family not only top-notch care, but which wasn’t working, and which meant also compassion and kindness.” possibly preparing to let Rachael go, or authorizing a major surgery in which Rachael slowly continued to improve and Markewitz, Saffle, and Estelle Harris, the infection, along with dead skin and gain strength and by the end of 2004, who were so crucial to his daughter’s flesh, would be removed from her foot, no longer needed a wheelchair. By 2005, recovery, as well as the nurses that tried calf, and thigh. The Garzas approved the Rachael’s life started returning to normal. to cheer his daughter by remembering operation. “We’ll do what it takes to save However, the complications that she her birthday and bringing her DVDs her,” says Garza. Jeffrey Saffle, M.D., a experienced in 2003 due to lupus had to watch on the computer. He recalls surgeon specializing in burn care, was the been extremely taxing on her kidneys the nurse that handed he and his wife surgeon. The day before Rachael’s opera- and in 2010, she was back in the hospital some of his lunch vouchers because he tion, Saffle met with the family. Garza for a kidney transplant. The kidney she was aware of how expensive and how told Saffle the family would be praying received was a perfect match, and now, tough this time was for the Garza family. for him during the surgery, and was a year and a half later, Rachael is thriv- He thinks of the cleaning lady with the touched by Saffle’s thoughtful reply that ing. She married in June 2011, to a man lovely, calm demeanor, who would stop Garza describes as by Rachael’s room the first thing in the her other perfect morning and greet them with encourag- match and is ing words. Garza says, “University of working part time. Utah Hospital is a great hospital in every Rachael says, “I’ve sense of the word, but to me it feels like
Alumni been well enough a home. Whenever I walk inside, I feel Association to be married, well comfortable, I feel safe, I feel good. I feel
Alumni enough to receive a like I’m going to get what I need there.” Association kidney and have
Genny and Henry Garza
4 Teaching the Art of Doctoring in a High-Tech World By Sara Lamb, M.D., Associate Dean of Curriculum
curriculum. The importance of respect, communication, listening and empathiz- ing with patients early and often was a central goal. As part of the clinical medicine portion of the curriculum, students in the Class of 2013 were introduced to their first patients – hospitalized children and adults at Primary Children’s Medical Center and the University Hospital – on the first day of medical school. Patients graciously volunteered to speak to the students. The students were tasked with exploring what it is like to be hospital- ized, to be ill, and to find out what advice Dr. Sara Lamb teaching MS III students these patients and families would give them as burgeoning young physicians Since 2006, the School of Medicine has elements on “doctoring” amidst the that would make the health care system been undergoing a transformation of the teaching and learning of gross anatomy, a better place for people to get well. system of educating medical students. biostatistics, biochemistry, pharma- Recognizing that students inherently In response to the changing climate of cology, women’s health, and biomedical come to medical school equipped with medical education theory and practice, informatics, along with other founda- the sensitivity, compassion, caring and the evolving nature of health care delivery tional topics. yearning to heal, the curriculum commit- and pressures to provide more efficient, Curricula in medicine across the tee wanted to celebrate these skills, build high quality care, the School of Medicine country have historically emphasized upon them starting on day one and is also changing. With the emergence basic science education in the first two reward students for their ability to of electronic medical records, comput- years with lesser emphasis on the actual let these qualities shine through. ers on wheels, and computer terminals art of working with patients until the Following this early introduction to in patients’ rooms, doctors can be found latter two years of the four year curricula. their “first patients,” students then have guilty of paying more attention to their The School of Medicine was not much the opportunity to continue practicing computer screen, smart phones, or iPads different. Up until 2009, students had interviews with actors, or “standardized than to their patients. While teaching limited access to “real” patient encoun- patients”. Their interviews are videotaped future doctors to work within systems ters. Practicing the skills of interviewing and reviewed to illustrate ways in which that employ these high tech devices to patients, empathizing with their struggles body language, subtle mannerisms and streamline care, reduce costs, improve ef- with illness and health related tragedies communication styles all impact the doc- ficiency and patient safety, the School of was limited to a mere two weeks as tor patient relationship. Students review Medicine has recognized that the doctor, part of their “Physical Diagnosis” and their videos and critique themselves. the patient and their relationship are still “Doctor Patient Relationship” courses. Small groups of students are tasked with at the center of healing. Starting in August 2009, the Curriculum reviewing their peers’ videos. This allows With increased pressure to include Implementation Committee set out clinical faculty and students to contribute more in an already packed four year to emphasize the intertwining of the to each student’s learning about how be- curriculum the School of Medicine has medical sciences, medical arts and clini- havior impacts the relationships they will had to become creative in weaving in cal medicine throughout the four year form with patients in the years to come.
5 Practice makes perfect, and practice entire curriculum is structured. Much ternalize the commitments they made to is what they do – weekly. During the like the competencies that underwrite the faculty, their families and their future first semester of medical school, students the graduate medical education pro- patients. They followed this by creating practice the skills of gathering informa- grams across the country, the School of their own personal oaths of professional- tion and learning the art of the physical Medicine has adopted similar competen- ism, which they revisit and reflect upon exam. Learning how to listen, commu- cies that students are expected to achieve at the year’s end. This fall, students in the nicate and observe are crucial skills that prior to graduation from medical school. Class of 2015 are participating in a video get regular reinforcement both within the Expectations for competence in areas project wherein small groups of students classroom and in the clinics. such as interpersonal skills and com- meet and interview patients and families In January of the first year of the munication and professionalism serve to with chronic diseases in their homes. curriculum students are assigned to a pri- hold students accountable for mastery in Charged with understanding their mary care clinic site where patients’ struggles with illness, they are immersed in the and the impact it has had on clinical environment. On their lives and livelihoods, a bimonthly basis, students students will learn first-hand in these continuity clinics about the ethical principle of work with physicians, nurses consent and will craft a video and medical assistants to of their encounters with these learn the system of health gracious patients. Later this care delivery from the com- year, the class will view their munity clinic perspective. videos and celebrate what These regular opportunities was learned, hopefully with to interface with patients the patients and families in and families, interview them attendance. and hear their concerns and Future projects for the fears all serve to reinforce curriculum, which are part Small group teaching session. principles learned in the first of the medical humanities semester. Throughout the remainder of each of these areas prior beginning their and ethics component of the program, the first two years, students progressively residency training programs. Inasmuch are under development and will involve develop their interviewing skills, bedside as the curriculum committee has crafted students learning about disclosing medi- manner, and physical exam techniques learning experiences for its students to cal errors, and working through difficult under the tutelage of University commu- progressively develop their skills in each encounters with patients and families, nity physicians. Ultimately, this time and of these areas, the School of Medicine such as delivering bad news. Developing exposure allow students to become much has created high stakes assessments of standardized patients and scenarios to more prepared for the clinical immersion students that are thoughtfully placed help train our students to be competent that characterizes the final two years of through the four year curriculum. It in these areas before they actually have the curriculum. Although only in the is through these regular, strategic and these critical conversations with real third year of its implementation, stu- rigorous examinations that the School of patients will be of great value to our dents in the new curriculum have been Medicine assures our faculty, patients and students – and to our patients. observed to be much more comfortable, the public that those successfully com- While only three years into a new sensitive and effective in communicating pleting the curriculum at the University curriculum, the School of Medicine with patients and teams of health care of Utah can interact, communicate and is excited about the changes that have professionals by the faculty and house- behave in a fashion that meets the come about in training our future physi- staff that traditionally help to train highest standards. cians at the University of Utah. As our our students. New projects for students at the community continues to change and In addition to weaving in opportu- School of Medicine continue to come on the demands on health care profession- nities for clinical exposure to patients in line as the curriculum committee contin- als evolve, our curriculum will continue the early portion of the curriculum, the ues to make regular improvements in the to transform to meet the needs of our
Alumni School of Medicine has adopted a com- educational program. In 2010, the Class patients, the public and theAssociatio studentsn petency based mission upon which the of 2014 started their first week of medical who will ultimately serve them.
Alumni school revisiting the Hippocratic Oath, That is our goal. Association dissecting it line by line to realize and in-
6 End of Life by Richard L. Anderson, M.D.
The Moving Finger writes, and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it. – The Rubiyatt of Omar Khayyam.
What defines our humanity is the shared importance of knowing “where you reality that death follows life. It is an ex- draw the line.” The line is different for perience none escape. With the wonders every individual. It is drawn where one of modern medicine and its everyday decides that though they could still be miracles, with the media preoccupation kept alive, their quality of life is such they around staying young forever, with death would rather simply be kept comfortable and dying sanitized and separated from and not have any medical treatments most of our lives, with living in the Land performed to keep them alive. For 10% of Denial, we generally ignore this reality. of us, no end of life decisions will need For those of us in primary care, the to be made. Our dying process is abrupt. Wnew Annual Wellness Exam offers a per- A car accident, a major heart attack or fect time to initiate a conversation about stroke. Whatever happens is sudden and end of life issues. There are four compo- fatal. For the other 90%, it is a drawn nents to quickly and effectively start out process. We “dwindle and fade away.” this conversation: The reality of life is that we all end First, I ask my patients, “Have you up dead. During the aging process, if we Richard Anderson, M.D. done a Power of Attorney for Health Care? maintain our cognition and our ability to Do you know what it is? Have your adult give informed consent, we will continue the traditional approach of medical care children done one?” I keep standard- to make our own decisions. However, which is to do whatever is necessary to ized blank copies of a Medical Power of since roughly 50% of 80-year olds and prolong life? Testing, treatment, surgery, Attorney to give to those who have not an even higher percentage of 90-year whatever the intervention, whatever the done one already. This a very simple olds develop cognitive decline, for many consequences? Do we want a “keep it simple” approach of simple tests we are For 10% of us, no end of life decisions will need to be willing to do, simple treatments, but there is a line beyond which we won’t made. Our dying process is abrupt... For the other 90%, go? Do we want a hospice approach it is a drawn out process. We “dwindle and fade away.” with treatment directed only to palliation of symptoms? If we choose the “keep it form to read, fill out, sign, and make a le- that decision-making responsibility will simple” approach, what do we chose to gally binding document by either getting pass to a designated agent. Making the do if we become sicker and increasingly two people to witness it or pay someone decision on where the “line” is drawn is symptomatic, become more aggressive to notarize it. Once done, I advise my fraught with difficulty. Religious, spiri- medically or go into a hospice program? patients to make several copies, send one tual, ethical, family, personal, moral, and Third, I clarify that once the line is to my office, give one to the important legal issues all get drawn into the mix. drawn it needs to be clearly communicat- people in their lives, and keep one with I discuss with patients that ultimately, it ed to the designated agent. It is impos- their other significant documents. is our personal responsibility for making sible to consider all possible decisions that Second, I discuss with them the that decision for ourselves. Do we want might need to be made and discuss them.
7
Rather, the philosophy of what we want the hope of finding something wrong sense that death is imminent from a can- needs to be thoroughly explained. that can be fixed to make one feel bet- cer or heart attack, but that life is “fading” Lastly, I tell my patients they must ter, is in itself tiring and often results in in the sense of a gradual loss of indepen- feel very certain and have a trust that “the further functional decline. Both doctors dence and well-being. As a primary care line” will be respected. The agent will and patients are balancing the hope of physician, this involves helping patients 2011Alumni Weekend use substituted judgment, making the improvement decisions based on the known wishes of by doing more I tell my patients they must feel very certain the patient, rather than making decisions tests and treat- for their own reasons. It is important to ment with the and have a trust that “the line” will be respected. understand that if one loses decision mak- reality that as ing capacity, the designated agent has full we age more and more things wear out to think through the process and make
Alumni legal authority to make whatever medical and a positive outcome is less and less the decision of how they want to live out Association decisions they wish, so it is imperative likely to happen. Also, as physicians are their life in a situation where a cure and
Alumni that you know and trust the agent. aware, many diagnoses have treatment functional improvement is not possible. Association I also share that these decisions are options so aggressive that they may cure not set in stone. They can be changed the disease but seriously harm the patient. Richard Anderson practices primary care at any time simply by having another It is important for both patients and internal medicine in Burbank, CA and conversation with the agent. The dilemma physicians to realize that old age, with its serves as a hospice physician with Roze we all face with end of life care is that impairments, is essentially a “life threaten- Room Hospice. the testing process itself, while offering ing” illness. Though not in the traditional
Save The Date Medical Alumni and Community Weekend September 13-15, 2012
Thursday, September 13 Awards Banquet and 50-Year Class Celebration (Class of 1962) Friday, September 14 School of Medicine Department Events Class Reunions: 1962, 1967, 1972,1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007 Saturday, September 15 Continuing Medical Education Conference Topic: TBD Keep track of who is coming to your Homecoming Tailgate Party class reunion on the School of Medicine Utah vs. BYU Football Game Alumni Association Facebook page!
8 2011Alumni Weekend Classes of 1961, 1966 and 1971
Class of 1961: Back Row, Left to Right: George T. Manilla, Jr., LeRoi “Barney” Gardner, Jr., Frank W. Kleist, James W. Freston, Ronald R. Potter, George A. Jutila, Verl H. Talbot, Lorimer “Lorry” “Chris” T. Christensen, Robert F. Montgomery, Jerry R. Martin, Kim Taylor
Front Row, Left to Right: LaMar M. Fox, Joseph L. Thorne, A. Owen Smoot, V, Clark J. Staheli, Ned L. Mangelson, Leon H. White, Enoch G. Dangerfield, John G. Moore, David R. Haymond, John V. Dickson, attended, missing from photo: Dorian R. Faber, and Claude Thomas 1961 Class of 1966: Back Row, Left to Right: Gary Haddock, Charles Swallow, D. Michael Edson, Gary Larsen, Michael Stevens, John Nichols, Scott Brown, and E. Alan Jeppsen
Front Row, Left to Right: Harmon Eyre, Kenneth Stevens, Gordon Affleck, Jan Freeman, Val Hemming, Todd Cypert 1966 Class of 1971: Left to Right: Brent Burdett, Craig Booth, and Kent Farnsworth 1971 9 Classes of 1976, 1981, 1986 1976 Class of 1976: Back Row, Left to Right: Carl Hebdon, Boyd Carter, James Tatton, David Benton, David Moore, John Ward, Robert Greensides, Steven Goodell, Ted Hackett, and Scott Swift
Front Row, Left to Right: Glenn Cook, Merril Dayton, Joseph Perry, Sherman Smith, Michael Stones, and Thomas Matthews,attended, missing from photo: George Cannon
Class of 1981: 1981Left to right: Maria Oneida, Kim Aoki, Ace Madsen, Robert Treft, Steve Lamb, Lee Vance, Ron Ruff, Lowry Bushnell, Bob Hoffman, Jim Rollins, and Lauren Florence
Class of 1986: Back Row, Left to Right: Steve Miller, Ted1986 Ajax, Robert Cope, Scott Cardon, Owen Reichman
Front Row, Left to Right: Harold Johnson, Chris Lehman, Talmage Egan, Joseph Steffens
10 Classes of 1991and 2001 1991 Class of 1991: Back row, Left to Right: Liz Jensen, Glen Morrell, Roger Zundel, Terry Finlayson, Van Christiansen, Lee Burns
Front row, Left to Right: Randy Jensen, Marco Mejia, Mike Hardy, Mark Bair, Evan Black, Scott Unice, Brett Bennion
Class of 2001: Back Row, Left to Right: Michael Foutz, Suzanne Harrison, Ryan Nel- son, Attila Barabas, Sara Johnson, John Hemmersmeier, David Barnes, Ann Burelbach Fowler, James Gordon Howard, Jeanne Falk, Jennifer Fergestad, Danielle Wolff
Front Row, Left to Right: Jona- than Meyers, David Hughes, Chris Carlin, Marion Folkemer, Margaret Solomon, Peter Maughan, Daniel Kaelberer, Christine Anderegg 2001 Awards Banquet
Molly and William McMahon, M.D. and Nancy Reiser Dr. Ed Dudek presents Distinguished Alumni Award to W. Donald Shields, M.D. ‘71
11 2011AlumniAwards Banquet Weekend
Bonnie and Claude Thomas, M.D., ‘61 Jelean and Robert Montgomery, M.D. ‘61
Catherine Sundwall and Kathie Coon Dianne and Devon Hale, M.D. ’69 and Marianne and Wayne Samuelson, M.D. ‘81
Judith and John Hoidal, M.D. Franzi and George Manilla, M.D. ‘61
12 Distinguished Awards Distinguished Award Presentations The School of Medicine Alumni W. Donald Shields, M.D., 1971, Distinguished Alumni Award Association Distinguished Dr. Shields received the Distinguished Alumni Alumni and Distinguished Award for his life-long work in Pediatric Service Awards are presented Neurology, where his patient care and research focused on “Improving the lives of the unfortu- annually at the Awards Banquet nate children afflicted with catastrophic child- kicking off the Alumni and hood epilepsy.” During his 25-year tenure as Medical Community Weekend. chief of Pediatric Neurology at UCLA, he and Every other year the Alumni the division developed a national and interna- Association also awards The tional reputation for epilepsy research and patient care, notably in the surgical approach Golden Anniversary Prize to medically intractable epilepsy in very young children and the development of anti- for Distinguished Clinical convulsant medications. He has also received numerous teaching awards for his skill in training residents and fellows. Investigation, an award en- Jelean and Robert Montgomery, M.D. ‘61 dowed by the class of 1945 at their 50-year reunion in 1995. David N. Sundwall, M.D., 1969, Distinguished Service Award The award recognizes young Dr. Sundwall is a clinical professor of Public Health at the University of Utah. He has had physicians for meritorious a distinguished career as a physician and in clinical investigation, while also health policy and administration in federal and continuing their responsibility state government. His professional life has been for patient care and teaching. dedicated to improving health in the United States, abroad, and in Utah. He served in Beginning in 2012 the School numerous federal positions including as Health Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, on the of Medicine Alumni Board National Commission to Prevent Infant Mortality, as an Assistant Surgeon General of will present a new award, The the U.S. Public Health Service, as an Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Distinguished Humanitarian Administration and as the Executive Director of the Utah Department of Health. Award, which recognizes Catherine Sundwall and Kathie Coon individuals, both alumni and non-alumni, or organizations, Srinivasan Beddhu, M.D. that have made outstanding The Golden Anniversary Prize for Distinguished Clinical Investigation Dr. Beddhu is an Associate Professor of Medicine contributions to the health and at the University of Utah School of Medicine. welfare of underserved popula- His major area of research is malnutrition and tions in our communities, both obesity in chronic kidney disease and dialysis locally and/or globally. For more patients. He leads a productive research team in information on nominating indi- conducting epidemiological studies, prospective viduals for these awards see the observational studies and interventional clinical trials. He has more than 50 publications and is back cover of the magazine or currently the principal investigator on two NIH RO1 grants. He has served on several download a nomination form at: national panels and NIH study sections. He mentors nephrology fellows and junior http://medicine.utah.edu/alumni/ faculty and his mentees have successfully competed for national research awards. network/awards/Nominations.htm
13 Continuing Medical Education
Updates in Science, Practice and Policy
In 1998 the School of Medicine Alumni Association decided to include a medical education component to their Medical Alumni and Community Weekend. For the past thirteen years the Education Committee of the SOM Alumni Association has planned and organized a program for our alums and other community members on the Saturday morning of the weekend. The past four years sponsors such as Merit Medical, ARUP, Megadyne, IHC, IASIS Healthcare, IHC, Mountain Intently listening Medical Physician Specialists and Regence BlueCross/BlueShield have partnered with the Alumni Association Norm Thuerston to provide this symposium for free to the general public and for a nominal cost for physicians seeking CME credit. In January of each year the Education Committee meets to brain- storm topic ideas that will interest a broad range of medical specialties: no small challenge. This year the topics covered everything from health care reform to the evolution of health infor- mation technology, from the mysteries of sleep, to where the study of genet- ics is taking personalized medicine. Attendees also learned the benefits of Liz Joy presenting exercise and how they, as physicians, Lynn Jorde can influence their patients, and the link between suicide rates and high altitude environments. It was a time for learning and renewing friendships across a broad range of specialties. If you have suggestions for topics for the 2012 Continuing Medical Education Symposium please email
Alumni Kristin Wann Gorang, Director of the Association School of Medicine Alumni Relations
Alumni at [email protected]. Association
Kirtly Parker Jones catching up
14 News Notebook
Huntsman Cancer Institute’s New Hospital Wing Offers State-of-the-Art Facilities to Cancer Patients By Lisa Anderson
A driving force behind the hospital suite provide comfort for patients endur- expansion was the desire to offer world- ing chemotherapy treatments. Reclining class care to more patients as well as chairs, accompanied by televisions and to further develop HCI’s clinical and blanket warmers, face sweeping views of translational research programs. The downtown Salt Lake and the surrounding new space adds 50 inpatient beds, 30 mountains. outpatient exam rooms, and four operat- HCI’s latest imaging technology, ing rooms to HCI’s hospital and clinics. an intraoperative MRI scanner, is one of The facilities include a new Center for fewer than 30 in the world and the only Infusion and Advanced Therapeutics, such device in the Intermountain West. a new bone marrow transplant (BMT) The scanner moves on ceiling-mounted In the fall of 2011, Huntsman Cancer unit, new imaging technologies includ- rails into the operating room during Institute (HCI) opened the doors of its ing an intraoperative MRI, an expanded surgery, allowing surgeons to see whether 156,000-square-foot hospital expansion, Cancer Learning Center and Wellness any tumor tissue remains. bringing new state-of-the-art facilities to and Survivorship Center, and a Center As a cancer survivor, Jon M. cancer patients. for Breast Health that combines all breast Huntsman says he has often visualized “With humility and gratitude, we cancer screening and care in one location, how a modern hospital could best treat present this magnificent addition to the and an intensive care unit dedicated to cancer patients. His vision has now been people of Utah and all those around the the needs of critical cancer patients. realized, he says. “With the hospital world who may enter its doors,” said The rooms in the BMT unit are spe- addition’s new technologies and patient-
Alumni HCI’s founder and principal benefactor, cially designed with HEPA filtration and centered facilities, our institute is one Association Jon M. Huntsman, at the October 28 more air exchanges per hour to accom- of the finest and most complete cancer
Alumni ceremony dedicating the hospital. modate immune-compromised BMT centers anywhere in the world.” Association patients. The amenities of the infusion Doctor Honoris Causa Degrees Awarded to Drs. Kolb and Normann On October 7, 2011 two professors was awarded to Professor Helga Kolb for function to individuals who have lost from the John A. Moran Eye Center, her basic neuroanatomical research in these functions due to disease and trauma. Dr. Helga E. Kolb, Emeritus Professor elucidating the structure and function Both Dr. Kolb and Dr. Normann of Ophthalmology and Dr. Richard A. of the vertebrate retina. Dr. Kolb is the have received numerous awards for Normann, Distinguished Professor of author of an online book on the organi- their scientific contributions, however, Bioengineering and Ophthalmology, zation of the vertebrate retina and visual they both regard receiving an honorary
Alumni were awarded honorary doctorate degrees system called “Webvision” hosted at the doctorate degree from a majorAssociatio Europeann from the Miguel Hernandez University John A. Moran Eye Center, with mirror university as one of the highlights of their
Alumni in Elche, Spain. sites in Elche, Spain and the National professional careers. Association Drs. Kolb and Normann, a hus- Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD. band and wife team who began work at The Doctor Honoris Causa degree Dr. Normann, nominator Dr. Eduardo Fernandez and Dr. Kolb wearing Spanish academic regalia. the University of Utah as junior fac- was awarded to Distinguished Professor ulty members 32 years ago, have been Richard A. Normann for his pioneering beneficiaries of the excellent research work in the development of techniques environment provided by the university for communicating with neurons in the and regard their decision to permanently central and peripheral nervous systems. locate to Salt Lake City as being a critical These techniques are expected to offer step in their successful research careers. new therapeutic approaches that will The Doctor Honoris Causa degree partially restore sensory and motor News Notebook
Endowed Chairs: An Investment in Education The best use of life is to invest it in something which will outlast life - William James In an increasingly competitive academic chair positions are the most prestigious recently held by the celebrated physicist medicine marketplace the University of faculty positions in the Colleges of Stephen Hawking.3 In the United States Utah Health Sciences must work harder Health Science. They provide invalu- Harvard College established the first than ever to attract and keep its world able financial support for use in research, endowed chair (the Hollis Professorship class faculty. An endowed chair is one of teaching or service activities. Excellent in Divinity) in 1721. the most powerful tools the University health science centers must provide re- The first endowed chair in the has to recruit and retain excellent faculty. search assistance for their faculty to sup- Health Sciences at the University of Utah When the U offers a talented and prom- port their educational mission. In order was the Nora Eccles Harrison Presidential ising candidate a tenure-track position, for faculty members to be outstanding Endowed Chair in Cardiology which he or she is almost always weighing that teachers, they must remain at the top of was established in 1979 by the board offer against two or three other leading their field of study. When professors go members of the Nora Eccles Treadwell Foundation to continue Nora Eccles Harrison’s lifetime efforts toward the An endowed chair is one of the most powerful tools the discovery, treatment, and cure of cardio- University has to recruit and retain excellent faculty. vascular disease. The University of Utah Health Sciences currently has 95 named endowed chairs, 12 anonymous endowed institutions. To be competitive the U on leave to write a new book or work chairs and 21 endowed chairs established must not only offer a good salary and the on a research project they often return through planned gifts. promise of research support, they must with ideas for new classes to teach and There are two types of endowed convince a candidate that the University new energy with which to teach them. chairs in the Health Sciences with two will invest in him or her for the long- In addition, funds normally paid out giving thresholds. An endowed chair is term. An endowed named chair shows for salaries are retained in the operating established with a gift of $1 million, the they have made that commitment. The budget, allowing the university to hire Presidential endowed chair is established more chairs a school has endowed, the more faculty, reducing its student-to-fac- with a gift of $1.5 million. Donors are more prestigious and attractive it is to ulty ratio and directing operating budget invited to lectures or programs organized potential faculty. money to other pressing university needs. by the holder of the chair and to recep- In the Health Sciences an endowed The earliest endowed chairs were tions and meetings with the chair. The chair position honors and recognizes the established by the Roman emperor endowed chairs serve as a living memorial distinction of superior faculty by provid- and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius for the donors, linking their names, or ing financial support, above and beyond in Athens in AD 176. Aurelius cre- the names of someone they honor, in per-
Alumni salary, with the revenue from an endow- ated one endowed chair for each of petuity to the succession of scholars who Association ment fund explicitly set up for that pur- the major schools of philosophy: are pursuing answers to some of the most
Alumni pose. The endowment is invested in the Platonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, challenging problems in health care. Association University endowment pool where the and Epicureanism.1 The practice was principal remains intact while the interest adapted to the modern university system For further information about endowed chairs provides a perpetual source of annual beginning in England in 1502, when contact Steve Warner, Associate V.P. for Health Sciences Development, (801) 585-7010, income. The current payout for a chair is Lady Margaret Beaufort, Countess of [email protected]. 4%. Usually the position is established in Richmond and grandmother to the a specific department or division and the future king, Henry VIII, created the first 1 http://www.rep.routledge.com/article/ donor contributing the funds is allowed endowed chairs in divinity at the univer- A068SECT1?ssid=383302487&n=1# to name the position. sities of Oxford and Cambridge.2 Private 2 http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/alexander- Endowed chairs aid the university in individuals soon adopted the practice of aphrodisias/#1.1 more ways than just recruitment of top endowing professorships, Isaac Newton 3 Lady Margaret’s 500 year legacy (http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/ news/dp/2004110501) – University of Cambridge. faculty; they help with the University’s held the Lucasian Chair of Mathematics A Brief History of the Lucasian Professorship of Mathematics at teaching and research mission. These at Cambridge beginning in 1669, more Cambridge University (http://lucasianchair.org) – by Robert Bruen.
16 News Notebook
USTAR: Turning Innovation into Industry
Photo credit Dan Hixson MRI and spectroscopy to develop early intervention treatments for psychiatric diseases and methamphetamine addic- tion. Working with USTAR consultants, Renshaw and Yurgelun-Todd are in discussions with local industry to license some of their findings. John White, formerly of Boston University, is a nationally recognized expert in deep brain stimulation. His Biomedical Device Innovation team is developing implantable technology to help patients with epilepsy and other disorders. Some of his findings will be showcased in June 2012 when the inter- national Neural Interfaces Conference “Coming from New York University, one of the things that has visits Salt Lake City. impressed me about Utah is the commitment state leaders have Hamid Ghandehari, formerly of the made to the long-term economic development of this community.” University of Maryland-Baltimore, has started a new company, TheraTarget, to –Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A. commercialize his team’s discoveries in The positioning of a new 208,000 square- which provides business consultation to drug delivery. His research is in polymer- foot research facility located between the connect entrepreneurs and companies to based approaches that “rifle-shoot” health sciences campus and the Warnock higher education resources. The third and cancer-fighting agents at tumor cells. and Merrill engineering buildings on key element is the recruitment of top- Marc Porter, formerly of main campus has both literal and figura- level researchers from outside Utah Arizona State University, leads the tive significance. In all senses, the James to the state’s two research universities. Nanotechnology Biosensors team. L. Sorenson Biomolecular Technology At the U since 2007, USTAR has Building on advances made in high- Building – A USTAR Innovation Center funded the recruitment of more than speed, high-sensitivity magnetic sensing, promises to be a multidisciplinary cross- 30 researchers from institutions such as the team is creating, among other road where medical doctors, engineers UCLA, Case Western Reserve, and the innovations, a nanotechnology-based and scientists will work together on the University of Texas at Austin. These platform for the early detection of interface of healthcare and advances in researchers have joined teams to pursue pancreatic cancer. engineering. innovations in areas that already represent The Imaging Technology team led by Most of the money for the $130- university strengths. Seven of the eleven Guido Gerig, formerly of the University million facility came from the Utah teams focus on life science related research, of North Carolina, is working toward the Science Technology and Research including medical imaging, neuroscience, detection of pathologies earlier in a per- (USTAR) initiative. USTAR is a state- and biomedical nanotechnology. son’s life, by studying differences in brain funded, industry-led effort to accelerate One example is the Diagnostic structure in patients with neurological the commercialization of innovative Neuroimaging team, led by Perry disorders. An example is brain develop- technologies, expanding and diversifying Renshaw and Deborah Yurgelun-Todd, ment in children with risk of autism. The Utah’s economy. both formerly of Harvard University. The team also seeks to create novel visual- This project and a similar one at age of onset for many psychiatric diseases, ization and analysis techniques for life Utah State University comprise one of including schizophrenia and bipolar dis- science datasets (such as genetics and cell three elements of USTAR. Another ele- order, is during late adolescence or young biology), to increase the ability to evaluate ment is regional Technology Outreach, adulthood. This team is using functional the therapeutic effects of new treatments.
17 News Notebook
“Coming from New York University, In aggregate through June 2011, across certification and includes a 23,000 one of the things that has impressed me a total of 20 teams at the U and USU, square-foot nanofabrication and imaging about Utah is the commitment state lead- USTAR and its researchers have secured center, vivarium, and neuroscience and ers have made to the long-term economic or supported the winning of $137.4 biotechnology labs. development of this community,” said million in total extramural research “With apologies to U of U athletics, Vivian S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., funding. Given the state’s $73.5 million the big game in the PAC-12 is research, University of Utah Senior Vice President investment in the research program, that’s and the Sorenson center puts us in good for Health Sciences. “While many states a 187 percent leverage of Utah’s research stead with our peer institutions,” said are looking at short-term solutions to investmentto date. USTAR Governing Authority chair their financial problems, Utah’s invest- In the long run, the USTAR fund- Dr. Dinesh Patel. “The nanofab in
Alumni ment in USTAR ensures that the technol- ing of state-of-the-art interdisciplinary particular is a world-classAssociation resource that ogy and innovation will remain economic research and innovation facilities should will accelerate discoveries in biomedical
Alumni engines for Utah for years to come.” prove equally beneficial. The Sorenson engineering.” Association So far, the investment has paided off. building is designed for LEED Gold
Surgery Department’s Alumni and House Staff Gatherings
This year the Department of Surgery on scientific information and regulatory Education and founded the Association paired with the Utah Chapter of the issues and acquire new skills to incorpo- for Women Surgeons. She is also the American College of Surgeons during rate into one’s practice. first woman to receive the American the Medical Alumni and Community Dr. Numann has served in a variety College of Surgeon’s Distinguished Weekend’s department event, Patient of leadership roles including President Award. She holds Emerita status at the and Surgeon Safety in the OR and of the Association for Surgical Education State University of New York, Health Maintenance of Certification. The guest and past Chair of the American Board of Science Center at Syracuse (SUNY).
Alumni speaker was Patricia J. Numann, M.D. Surgery, the first woman in either posi- Dr. Numann has mentored many youngAssociation F.A.C.S., President-Elect of the College tion. She was one of the founding surgeons, including women faculty in
Alumni of Surgeons, who addressed how to de- members of the Association for Surgical the U’s surgery department. Association velop a learning pattern to keep current
Chair, Department of Surgery, Sean Mulvihill, M.D. with Leigh Incoming Utah Chapter American College of Surgeons president Neumayer, M.D., a mentee of Dr. Numann. John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H. with Dr. Numann.
18 News Notebook
American Medical Informatics Association RecognizesAwards Scott Evans, Ph.D. with Donald A. Lindberg Award
R. Scott Evans, Ph.D. is a senior used computerized methods to identify patients who need medical informaticist consultant in the isolation, to reduce hospital-acquired infections, and to report Department of Medical Informatics notifiable diseases. A number of these computerized tools at Intermountain Healthcare and are clinically operational at all 22 hospitals at Intermountain a professor in the Department of Healthcare. Dr. Evans is a Fellow of the American College of Biomedical Informatics at University Medical Informatics (ACMI). of Utah. Dr. Evans has applied his The Donald A.B. Lindberg Award for Innovation in interests in computerized decision sup- Informatics recognizes an individual for a specific techno- port, the selection and management of logical, research, or educational contribution that advances anti-infective agents, and computer methods to produce clini- biomedical informatics. The recipient’s work must be con- cal tools that help reduce adverse drug events, adverse medical ducted in a nonprofit setting and the adoption of the particular device events, and venous thrombolytic events. He has also advance must be on a national or international level.
Drs. Charlene Weir and Qing Zeng Honored by American College of Informatics
Charlene R. Weir, P.h.D. and October 23, 2011, at the annual Qing Treitler Zeng, P.h.D., reception and dinner of the College held faculty at the University of Utah, in conjunction with the AMIA 2011 Department of Biomedical Informat- Annual Symposium in Washington, DC. ics, were formally inducted as Fellows Weir and Zeng are two of 21 fellows who of the American College of Medical were elected from an outstanding slate Informatics (ACMI) on Sunday, of nominations this year.
Per Gesteland, M.D. receives Homer R. Warner Award Dr. Per Gesteland was presented with the University of Utah Department of Biomedical Informatics. the Homer R. Warner Award at the Per is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediat- American Medical Informatics As- rics and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of sociation (AMIA) Annual Conference Biomedical Informatics at the University of Utah. He received on October 25, 2011. The Homer R. the award for his paper: The EpiCanvas Infectious Disease Warner Award is named for Homer R. Weather Map: An Interactive Visual Exploration of Temporal and Warner, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the Spatial Correlations which conceptualized a visual paradigm field of informatics and the founder of that provided a “common ground” for detecting and monitor- the Department of Medical Informatics ing regional infectious disease activity. From there he and his at the University of Utah. A cash prize is awarded for the paper team developed a software prototype using retrospective data chosen at the AMIA Annual Symposium that best describes from Primary Children’s Hospital to recreate gastrointestinal approaches to improving computerized information acquisition, and respiratory disease outbreaks as a proof-of-concept. His knowledge data acquisition and management, and experimental co-authors include Drs. Adi Gundlapalli and Matthew Samore results documenting the value of these approaches. The candi- from the Department of Internal Medicine and Dr. Yarden date papers are drawn from the distinguished paper nominees Livnat and Nathan Galli from the Scientific Computing and recommended by the AMIA Annual Symposium Scientific Pro- Imaging Institute. gram Committee and the selection of the recipient is made by
19 News Notebook
U of U Biochemist, Brenda L. Bass, Ph.D., Wins National Institutes of Health Pioneer Award
member of the American Academy of Arts Researchers have long known that and Sciences, was among 13 scientists dsRNA made by viruses signals pathways nationwide to receive the prestigious that activate dsRNA binding proteins 2011 award at a meeting near the NIH (dsRBPs) as part of our immune response, headquarters in Bethesda, MD. The and that this is an important defense award comes with $2.5 million in fund- against viruses. However, the prevailing ing, $500,000 annually for five years. As wisdom has been that dsRNA signals its name suggests, the Pioneer Award is those pathways only in response to a virus. intended to give exceptionally creative and Bass believes that dsRNA encoded within productive scientists the opportunity to an animal’s own genome, including the pursue high-risk, high-reward research in human genome, binds dsRBPs to signal new areas, with the possibility of making environmental and metabolic changes a substantial impact on biomedical or without a virus being present. behavioral research. Finding out whether and which Bass and the other 2011 recipients molecules and genes signal this response University of Utah biochemist proposed research projects that build on in animals without a virus being present Brenda L. Bass, Ph.D., has their past work while also taking it in new will be the thrust of Bass’s Pioneer Award dedicated her career to following and uninvestigated directions. She will test research. If her hypothesis proves true, the path less traveled. the idea that long dsRNA, encoded in our it opens the potential for new drugs to genome, signals environmental changes treat the inflammatory component of That bent hasn’t come without risks for that trigger pathways associated with many diseases. the U of U medical school distinguished inflammation, including stress, immunity, The Pioneer Award was established professor of biochemistry who researches and aging. Discovering this previously in 2004 to support exceptional scientists double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), an unrecognized network of dsRNA who propose potentially transformative elusive molecule whose biological roles are still not fully understood. But Bass Bass and the other 2011 recipients proposed research has made substantial discoveries involv- ing dsRNA in the past 25 years, and the projects that build on their past work while also challenge of researching an area wide open taking it in new and uninvestigated directions. for investigation ideally suits her spirit for tackling the unknown. signaling molecules would radically alter approaches in research to address major Her work embodies the creative the treatment and diagnosis of inflamma- biomedical and behavioral issues. This is and successful investigation the National tory-associated disease. the third straight year a U researcher has Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes “I’m testing hypotheses that have received the prestigious honor. In 2009, each year with a select group of scientists developed over my whole career,” says Ivor J. Benjamin, professor of cardiology, who receive one of the most prestigious Bass, who also holds an H.A. and Edna received the award for a novel model to honors it gives – the Director’s Pioneer Benning Presidential Endowed Chair in explain the cause of some heart disease. In Award. On September 20, 2011 Bass, a biochemistry. “Nobody knows what long 2010, Andres Villu Maricq, M.D., Ph.D., dsRNA does. Lots of things have hinted received the honor for proposing a new
Alumni that it has a much larger role than we approach to understanding Associatiohown neural know. There’s got to be something we circuits compute, store information, and
Alumni don’t understand.” control behavior. Association
20 News Notebook
Safe Travel DeVon C. Hale, M.D.,‘69
place. Smallpox disease has disappeared. from about 2 million down to 750,000 During my career I have seen a number per year. The people living in tropical of people still suffering from diseases for countries are relying on bed nets, residual which we have effective vaccines: diph- insect spraying and effective treatment theria in the Ukraine in 1996 when their medications to make this remarkable vaccine program deteriorated, a child progress. In U.S. travelers, about 1,500 dying from measles in Ghana, patients cases of malaria are diagnosed each year on mattresses on the floor in Ghana so with eight to twelve deaths. Eighty-five they would not fall out of bed when their percent of malaria in U.S. travelers is muscles began to spasm from tetanus, and contracted in sub-Saharan Africa. Those beggars in Africa who cannot walk because who do not take preventive medications of polio. Even in the U.S. there are people or are not on the appropriate medication with residual effects from vaccine prevent- dose or schedule are much more likely to able diseases: a relative who was unable develop malaria. It is fortunate that there to have children resulting from a mumps are several effective malaria medications With all the serious diseases in infection, deafness in a person born to a from which to choose. the world, it is still a pretty safe mother who had rubella during pregnancy, The most common infectious disease place if you understand the a pregnant young mother dying from travelers encounter is diarrhea. This is chickenpox pneumonia, thirteen infants most often a benign self-limiting infection risks and how to stay healthy. who died from Haemophilus influenza caused by a toxin from a bacterium called meningitis the year before the vaccine was Enterotoxogenic E. coli. As long as you The movie “Contagion” has gained some released, acute meningococcal meningitis remain well hydrated, diarrhea is seldom recent notoriety. This is a realistic story resulting in loss of fingers and toes, cervi- life threatening but it can sure ruin a vaca- of a virulent viral illness which is spread cal cancer in a patient which might have tion or business trip. Between 10% and rapidly by respiratory contact. The movie been prevented with the new human pap- 70% of travelers to tropical or resource is so realistic that it makes one a little illoma vaccine, and severe influenza pneu- poor countries develop diarrhea while trav- nervous. It describes what might happen monia in an older patient. These infectious eling. It is wise to use safe water and food if a virus similar to the avian influenza diseases might have been prevented by precautions but even those who are very virus ever acquired the ability to effectively vaccines. They are more prevalent in other careful have some risk. Pepto-Bismol can spread by respiratory contact. Fortunately, parts of the world. It would be important decrease the risk of diarrhea. For simple Tthe wild strain of the avian influenza virus to insure your routine immunizations traveler’s diarrhea without fever and with spreads mainly by ingestion and hasn’t for these infections are up-to-date no blood present in the stool, symptoms developed the ability for efficient respira- when traveling. can be controlled fairly quickly by taking tory spread. Travel related vaccines include hepa- an antibiotic and Imodium AD. There are a number of serious illnesses titis A, hepatitis B, typhoid fever, yellow Participants at the University of Utah we might be exposed to as we travel. fever, Japanese encephalitis and sometimes Global Health exchange sites in Eldoret, Some of the more feared diseases are rarely pre-exposure rabies. These vaccines should Kenya; Kumasi, Ghana; Baroda, India; contracted even when we travel to areas be considered when traveling to specific Hainan, China and Trujillo, Peru, are
Alumni of the world where they are known to areas of the world or if you are going for provided with the above information. We Association exist. Diseases such as cholera, ebola virus, longer periods of time. want them to have a great experience and
Alumni Marburg virus, African sleeping sickness, Malaria is still a major illness with the best chance of staying healthy. Association Lassa virus, plague, anthrax, leprosy and about 600 million cases per year. Progress For more information on specific vaccinations needed rabies rarely infect travelers. is being made in that the deaths from when traveling abroad contact the International Travel Vaccines have made the world a safer malaria in the last ten years have decreased Clinic at the University of Utah, (801) 581-2898.
21 News Notebook
Fighting Blindness Around the World: Fellow from the John A. Moran Eye Center Operates in Nepal
Each year, residents and fellows from the John A. Moran Eye Center are given the opportunity to travel to eye camps in developing countries to treat local residents. In November 2011, fellow Jeff Pettey traveled to multiple areas in western Nepal to provide eye exams and per- form surgeries on those who may otherwise never see an ophthalmologist. Dr. Pettey with post-op patient
Each morning throughout his time in “With cataract surgery, you can Nepal, Dr. Pettey would begin his day quite literally take someone who before sunrise to prepare for many hours cannot see anything but the per- of eye exams and surgery. Early in the ception of light and the next day morning, he arrived at the local eye camp they can read the small lines on where there were more than a hundred the eye chart,” added Pettey. people waiting to be seen by the American After a full morning of ophthalmologist. Many of these people examining patients, Dr. Pettey traveled on foot on unmaintained dirt moved directly to surgery where roads for hours and some camped out he would spend the rest of his day just to ensure they got an appointment. and most of his night performing E “A typical day for a patient is arriving surgery, mostly for cataracts. With at 7 a.m., being seen at 11 a.m., having each completed surgery came a surgery at 7 p.m. and having to walk back new patient prepped and ready to home on mountain paths that night. regain their sight. Line of patients waiting to be seen. Then they walked back, sometimes several “I was taken aback at the efficiency hours, the next morning for their follow- and hard work of the local team of up appointment,” said Pettey. technicians. They worked from dawn Jeff Pettey, M.D., received his bachelors degree Many of the patients Dr. Pettey saw to late each night ensuring the people at the University of Utah, his medical degree suffered from severe cataracts and hadn’t that came could be seen and treated. It at The Ohio State University, followed by been able to see anything more than a is a level of hard work I’ve seldom seen,” residency at the John A. Moran Eye Center shadow for many years. According to the observed Pettey. at the University of Utah. He is currently an World Health Organization, 18 million “I’m so lucky to have had this experi- anterior segment and ophthalmic education
Alumni people are blind from cataracts, the lead- ence and grateful for the knowledge I’ve fellowAssociation at the Moran Eye Center. ing cause of blindness worldwide. gained. I will take this experience with me
Alumni for the rest of my life,” he concluded. Association
22 News Notebook
Memorandum of Understanding Signed with College of Health, Kintampo, Ghana By: Nadia Miniclier MS, PA-C
The University of Utah has many to Ghana is not to just treat patients, but Dr. Vivian Lee, Dr. Emmanuel T. Adjase long-standing relationships throughout to teach and share knowledge with the sign MOU agreement. Back Row Dr. John Ghana, but this one is unique in that the clinicians and teachers thus empowering Houchins, Dr. Michael Magill, Dr. DeVon Hale, focus is on mid-level clinician training. change and growth from within. The U Brian Rivette, Nadia Miniclier The College of Health, Ghana has been of U and the College of Health, Ghana training physician assistants (PAs) for sponsors the only continuing medical On October 31, 2011 Dr. Vivian Lee, over 40 years and was recently named education conference in the country Sr. Vice President Health Sciences, signed the model PA training school for sub- for Ghanaian PAs. Currently over 500 the Memorandum of Understanding Saharan Africa by the West African Health Ghanaian PAs attend yearly. Ghanaian (MOU) for the University of Utah School Organization. clinicians and educators request the con- of Medicine with Dr. Emmanuel T. There are 24 million people in ference topics so local clinicians can train Adjase, Director of the College of Health Ghana, with approximately 2,300 physi- for what they need in their settings. This is in Kintampo, Ghana. The MOU formal- cians and 1,200 PAs. PAs in Ghana pro- a change from previous ‘service’ endeavors izes a collaboration that started in 2007 vide over 70% of the populations’ primary where first-world countries have tended between the Kintampo Rural Health healthcare needs, each seeing 90-150 to assume they know what is needed and Training School (now the College of patients per day, primarily in rural settings. don’t collaborate with the practitioners
Alumni Health, Ghana) and the University The U.S. collaborators gain clinical and individuals who work full-timeAssociation in of Utah Physician Assistant Program training experience in Ghanaian clinics their field and have the best grasp of the
Alumni in the Department of Family and and municipal and regional hospitals. problems and issues. Association Preventive Medicine. They have learned that the best assistance
Collaborative Medicine: The Utah Personalized Health Care Pilot Program for Ovarian Cancer Patients Begins Dynamic interdisciplinary partner- University of Utah Personalized Health testing will be effective in human trials. ships and new campus infrastructures Care Pilot Program Award to advance Pharmacogenomics-based systems used for personalized health care are uniting personalized treatments for ovarian cancer currently have limited predictive powers Huntsman Cancer Institute and the patients. A key component of this project and often generate confounding and costly University of Utah’s Health Sciences was the establishment of formal research discrepancies between preclinical and scientists and clinicians in a coopera- bridges between the University of Utah clinical outcomes. This has been attributed tive goal to improve drug screening and and the developers of cell sheet technol- to the lack of truly predictive, personalized testing introducing a novel personalized ogy: Tokyo Women’s Medical University, preclinical screening tools. Because failure healthcare platform, cell sheet technology. Waseda University and its research facility rates for Phase III anti-tumor therapy trials A technology established in regenerative TWIn’s, led by Professor Teruo Okano. in humans are higher than in any other medicine, cell sheets (Cell Seed®) can be The U’s team visited the Tokyo Institutions therapeutic arena, new technology utilized to create tumors from cells derived earlier this month and officially kicked capable of revolutionizing old paradigms directly from patient’s tissues. Engineered off future collaborations between the is required. The research team envisions tumors can then be used for personalized universities. that cell-sheet technology will permit drug screening, among other uses. This project hopes to improve identification of the most promising The team, including Drs. Janát- current models for the development of anticancer agents in a personalized,
Alumni Amsbury, You Han Bae and C. Matthew personalized drug screening, which have custom-tailored format for the post- Association Peterson, was recently awarded the unacceptably low rates of success predict- surgical, pre-therapeutic testing phases
Alumni ing which drugs identified in preclinical for ovarian cancer patients. Association
23 Student Life
Dean’s RoundtableStudent Life
Since the University of Utah School of Medicine started educating doctors in quite frankly I have tried to apply it to my 1905, thousands of exceptionally talented physicians have gone on to pursue career. I’ve tried not to get on the flat part. fascinating careers, making important contributions to their respective fields. As At the time, there were three gastroen- a way to connect some of the school’s contemporary alumni back to their alma terologists and no hepatologists in the mater and with our medial students, Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D., has created a Intermountain area. Gastroenterology was Dean’s Roundtable program. During an informal Q&A format, students learn just taking off scientifically. A lot of very smart people were starting to publish lots about these distinguished alumni’s different and often unique career paths. We of good science: the discovery of gastrin, are delighted to share with you excerpts from the first two Dean’s Roundtable secretin, the relationship of Banting and discussions with Dr. James Freston,‘61 and Dr. Marsden Blanch,‘74. To watch Best’s discovery of insulin and its relation- the interview videos, visit our Website: www.medicine.utah.edu/alumni. ship to beta cells and then islet cells of the pancreas. I caught GI at the start of the James Freston, M.D. Ph.D, is an his own right. He was the former surgeon curve, rode it up, got hepatology training internationally recognized expert in the general of Connecticut. He currently lives and rode it up, and then tried to marry clinical pharmacology of gastrointestinal on Kiawah Island in South Carolina with pharmacology with hepatology and gas- drugs and diseases. Trained in clinical his wife Margie (whose “career has been troenterology. That’s what led to the drug pharmacology, gastroenterology, hepatol- even more interesting than mine”), discovery part. ogy, and aerospace medicine, he received and is the proud father of four and On how he got to London: Back in his M.D. degree from the University grandfather of 11. those days, medicine was a club. Dr. of Utah and his Ph.D. degree from the On what medical school at the Maxwell Wintrobe [chair of the U’s University of London. He directed the Department of Medicine] would call U was like in 1957-1961: The grading A. McGehee Harvey [the chairman at gastroenterology and clinical pharmacol- system was diabolical. They kept our GPA Hopkins] for example, and say “I’m ogy divisions at the U, where he won the a secret and never told us how we were sending my best student to you.” And Outstanding Professor Award six times, doing. Traditionally, they’d flunk out a he would say “okay” and that was that. and then became the chair of internal quarter of the class, so you didn’t know I wanted to go away for an internship medicine at the University of Connecticut until the end of the year if you’d be invited because I had been educated entirely in for 17 years. He was the founding Chair back. There were 64 people in my class Utah, and so I applied to a couple of really of the Gastroenterological Association’s and I counted about 12 of my classmates fine places in the East. Well, I wasn’t the Foundation, President of the AGA, and who I thought were dumber than I was. best student, so when it got down to me, also the past Chair of the American They were gone after Christmas break, he said, “I can’t match you with the three Digestive Health Foundation. A prolific which meant I was sure to be right on the places you want to go so you’re staying researcher, Freston was instrumental in cusp of flunking out. I spent the rest of the here.” He told me not to worry because it the development of several blockbuster year working really hard to keep my place. was easier to transfer as a resident than an drugs, including Prevacid and Actos. He It paid off, I ended up second in the class. intern. That was the end of the discussion. stills spends about 30 percent of his time On why he chose gastroenterology: So in the middle of my second year, I said consulting to NIH and pharmaceuti- I was interested in every specialty . . . I’d really like to transfer, and he said, “No, cal and device companies. He lectures except for pediatrics. That’s because I had you are staying here. We want you and worldwide and is the author of more than a child die in my arms and it shook me Dr. McArthur [a colleague of mine in the 140 journal articles and 40 books and deeply. So I looked for opportunity. In my same predicament] to be the chief medical chapters. Freston also enjoyed a military second year of medical school I was taught residents.” And I guess my jaw dropped. I career as a full colonel in the Air Force, the concept of the dose-response curve— hadn’t aspired to be chief resident because logging a minimum of 100 flying hours when you increase the dose, the response I wanted to get on with pharmacology and per year as a flight surgeon, and a pilot in is steep, but then it flattens out—and gastroenterology, and I guess he noticed.
24 Student Life
They helped shape On how he got involved in my ideas and work developing drugs: It’s a long story, but Student Life habits and taught the short of it was that one of these com- me the importance panies asked me to help them develop a of associating new drug—Prevacid— for treating ulcers myself with talented and acid reflux, among other things, and people who shared I was intrigued. There wasn’t anything my values and sense like it on the market, and I could see the of what’s important. potential. This was a partnership between I tried to apply Abbott Laboratories in this country and those principles Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Japan. They Vivian Lee, M.D., Ph.D. with James Freston, M.D., Ph.D. throughout wanted to develop this mega drug that my career. was right down my alley. This was a new So he said “You do that, and when you pharmaceutical class. Nothing like it had On what sparked his interest in are finished, I’ll send you anyplace in the ever been seen before, certainly not given pharmacology: world.” So I started looking at good places I’m reluctant to tell to man extensively. There was concern and came back and said, “I want to go people this story. But we were really poor that it might be a carcinogen. The drug with Dame Sheila Sherlock at London’s and my job during medical school was before it, called Prilosec, had caused a Royal Free Hospital. He sent a one para- to catch feral cats under the old County bizarre tumor in the stomach of rats called graph letter to Dame Sherlock, and she Hospital, which they used in experiments gastric carcinoids. So there were many sent a one paragraph letter back saying, in the physiology and pharmacology toxicology issues. I was allowed to form a “We are delighted to accept him into our departments. I got two dollars a cat and committee of expert consultants to guide program. Tell him that two years are bet- a lot of scratches. Well, I guess I was so development and address all safety issues. ter than one.” diligent, that a professor of pharmacology, Don Esplin, a brilliant neuropharmacolo- On the kind of advice consultants On adjusting to the British: I was so gist, gave me a summer job working as gave to the company: We recom- intimidated when I got there that I devel- a technician in his lab. He also gave my mended what experiments they should oped a stammer because the Brits were so wife, who was a nurse supporting us, a do, and then after had an all-day seminar eloquent. About halfway through the year, job as a technician. I loved pharmacol- to analyze the data and then suggest the I realized they weren’t smarter than I was, ogy so much I was thinking of dropping next experiments they should do. The they just sounded better. out of medical school and becoming a FDA approved it and within 3 years it was On how he ended up getting his pharmacology graduate student. Dr. selling 3 billion dollars a year worldwide. Ph.D.: While I was in London, I figured Louis Goodman heard about that and It was a blockbuster drug that helped mil- I might as well get my Ph.D. So I walked he came in and practically grabbed me lions of people. The money generated by across the street to the University of by the ear and said, “Don’t do this. Go that funded the diabetic drug called Actos, London and enrolled. It was just a matter get your clinical training and if you want and we applied the same practice to that. of doors opening and taking advantage to get your Ph.D. later, fine.” I took his It was exciting. These were really smart of opportunities as they presented advice, as usual, but I never got over my people. Out of the 15 consultants, six or themselves. affection for clinical pharmacology. I seven went on to be chairs of medicine, realized that there were very few people and five became presidents of the AGA. Secret to his success: There’s no substi- in the world who were pharmacologists On how his pharmacology back- tute for hard work. But I think the reason and gastroenterologists or hepatologists at ground helped him: I could talk to the I’ve enjoyed success is that I was somehow that time. So I said that will be my niche pharmacologists and translate the discus- able to get myself associated with very to get research funding and to get clinical sion between the basic scientists and the capable people and good ideas. I trained trials going. When I came back to Utah, clinicians. So we were doing translational under tremendous mentors, who influ- we had vacant space in the University medicine before it became fashionable. I enced me profoundly. Louis Goodman Hospital so we created a clinical pharma- think being able to do this helped me and Max Wintrobe in Utah and Dame cology program and a clinical trials center enormously. Still does. Many of my publi- Sherlock in London. right there. Pretty soon, companies started cations are in clinical pharmacology. coming to us.
25 Student Life
On why he didn’t work for pharma- that silos are very counterproductive. surgeons can’t be as effective as they need ceutical companies full time: I was When I was chief of gastroenterology here, to be without input from us. asked many times, and I said, “Are you I was blessed with having a chairman of And other career reflections: I feel for- kidding me?” All they would do is pay me surgery (Frank Moody, M.D.), who was a tunate that I’ve been able to pursue several more money. I was having the time of my terrific GI surgeon, and really a fun man careers simultaneously, each of which has life. No, it was never even a consideration. to work with, and he liked to collaborate Alumni given me a tremendous sense of satisfacAssociatio- n as much as I did. We had combined GI On the collaborative approach to tion. I told my wife the other night; I can’t surgery conferences and we were right Alumni treating patients: I learned at a very imagine a more fulfilling life. Association together all the time. It was easy. We young age here at the University of Utah can’t do it without the surgeons, and the
into, so I did a straight ers (with the permission of the families of surgery internship to course). I did over 100 stapedectomies, figure out what area to averaging 10 to 15 procedures a month on pursue. I considered these cadavers. Eventually I got confident neurosurgery, cardiac enough and ended up seeing a lot of surgery…at the time cases in Utah. it was really about On how Megadyne was founded: finding the thing I In founding Megadyne, I’m reminded disliked the least. that you never know what is around the Ultimately, it was two corner in your life. I was planning my doctors that made me life around being a surgeon; my defining take a closer look at characteristic was that I was a surgeon. otolaryngology, both But in 1984 I got tired of taking the time of whom were men- to scrape eschar off of the cautery tips— tors for me—James Marsden Blanch, M.D. talking to students. the buildup of burned tissue from surgery. L. Parkin, M.D., and It wasted time and after the nurse had Mike Stevens, M.D. Marsden Blanch M.D. ,M.P.H., sandpapered the eschar off, the abraded I identified with them, learned a lot from F.A.C.S. combined his medical exper- blade attracted even more eschar. About them, and also appreciated that they this same time, I was watching my wife tise and business acumen in 1985 when emphasized the importance of family cook on a Teflon-coated frying pan one he founded Utah-based Megadyne along with being a good surgeon. I was morning and I thought “why can’t we Medical Products, one of the three largest also drawn to the challenge and the variety coat the blade with that?” I was pretty electro-surgical product companies in of surgeries in this specialty ranging from confident that Teflon could be used in the country. Its success is the result of Dr. micro-surgery of the ear to head and neck patients because of its inert nature and Blanch’s innovation in developing the first tumors, and encompassing both adults the fact that it was already being used in eschar-resistant, PTFE-coated electrodes. and children. While at the University of Utah, he earned some applications as a prosthetic implant. On perfecting stapedectomies: I got four Teflon-coated blades, his medical degree (1974) specializing in This is a very precise micro-surgery that sterilized one, and took it to the operat- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. restores hearing; there is no room for error ing room. It worked great! Pretty soon He returned, earning a Masters of Public at all. As a chief resident I loved doing colleagues were requesting them, refusing Health in 2003. He graduated from BYU them but there were not a lot of op- to do surgeries without them, so I found Magna Cum Laude in 1970 with a degree portunities to get experience because the myself practicing medicine by day and in Zoology and a minor in Chemistry. U did not see many stapedectomy cases spending my evenings coating blades with and assisting on these cases was difficult. Teflon and giving them away. I would On why he chose otolaryngology: So I had some connections at St. Mark’s test them out on a chunk of liver or meat I wasn’t sure what area I wanted to go hospital and was able to practice on cadav- in my office; nurses would come in the
2626 Student Life
labels that said “Medical Glasses,” and these joints were thriving. This gave with a one-page brochure. We sent me an idea. them to every hospital in the country; When I returned to Utah I said, “We within a couple of weeks orders came want to own core electro-surgery and we’re in like crazy—we couldn’t keep up going to be like In-N-Out Burger.” My with them. This was the late 1980s, partners caught the vision of becoming and we’ve never had to advertise them strictly an electro-surgical company. We since. It also provided us the money got rid of everything except about eight to to send a sterile sample of the blade to ten electro-surgical devices. We kept the every surgeon in the country, so that goggles of course! product then took off. Drs. Marsden Blanch, Vivian Lee, and On other passions: If someone had told Wayne Samuelson These two products exemplify the me ten years ago I’d be running marathons value of being aware and keeping next day, sniff the air, and say “Dr. Blanch and riding motorcycles, I would have your eyes open and seeing where there is a you’ve been working on your blades again.” laughed. I ran my first 10K at 58 and problem that can be solved. This product was the catalyst to starting a it nearly did me in. Since then I’ve run medical products business, which was first On patenting that first product: I didn’t 20 marathons and will run the Boston called American Medical Products and even know that Teflon was an insulator Marathon this year for the fourth time. then Megadyne. and radio frequency was electricity—I was I used to call motorcycles, “murder- too ignorant to know that this wouldn’t On hardships and payoffs those cycles” to my children when they were work so we just did it. And it worked. young, but at 62, I was looking for a way first years in business: It has been a real Nobody else had ever thought of it because to connect with one of my sons and the fun ride, but it wasn’t always easy. At first they assumed since Teflon was an insulator bridge was motorcycling. The BMW 1200 we flailed. I was busy as a surgeon and my it wouldn’t work. It wasn’t until we were RT is my passion right now—that is a hot business partner was busy as a hospital defending our patent in court that I found bike. Last summer we did a 3,000 mile administrator. We had no marketing and out it worked by capacitive coupling. road trip though four national parks. Once sales experience and we were just spinning Our patent was good for 17 years, and I get on a motorcycle, I just feel like the our wheels and were almost out of money. this time allowed us to build a solid base world has been lifted off. It’s pure freedom. We had spent $35,000 and not sold a before competitors could enter the picture, I’ve got 6 children and 19 grandchil- single blade. It got to the point that we had though we had several infringement dren and I love being with them. Right to stop doing this or leave our jobs; my lawsuits. We really were the first in the now I’m planning a pumpkin patch for wife nixed that—“who is going to give you market and are still the best. My advice is them on our property in Midway. In addi- a paycheck if you do that?” she asked. So if you are thinking of an idea, chances are tion to several marathons, I’m training for instead I began to look for some partners someone else is too, so protect it early on. the Napa Valley Ironman for next summer with the experience we lacked and who and a motorcycle trip to the Northwest. could bring some money in. On establishing a niche: We are now a I honestly don’t think I would change Again we struggled and were about full-service electro-surgical company, but it anything looking back…I absolutely love six to eight months from running out of wasn’t until about 1998 that we narrowed my life. I never thought of myself as a money, when I got this idea. It was during our focus and made the decision to sell dedicated optimist, but a lot has just fallen the height of HIV and people were worried only electro-surgical devices. Prior to this into place. about it spreading, especially in operat- we were hustling to develop and sell all I provide free medical care at a clinic ing rooms. I figured it won’t be long until sorts of medical products and we knew our downtown once a week and have never we’ll be required to wear glasses in ORs, to 17-year Teflon-blade patent was coming to been tempted to give up medicine, even prevent HIV getting into the membrane an end. During this period of time, I went when Megadyne was flourishing. This is of the eye. So my partner borrowed Alumni on a three-year LDS mission in Southern who I am—a clinicianAssociation at heart and I’m $10,000 from his father-in-law and bought California where I oversaw the care and glad I’ve stayed in the realm of helping a bunch of shop goggles, two varieties— Alumni training of some 200 missionaries, and patients. Association standard and deluxe; we repackaged came across a fast food place called In-N- them in Ziplock bags with mimeographed Out Burger. It focused only on burgers
27 Alumni Notebook Alumni Notebook Alumni News Class of 1961 LaMar M. Raymond D. Hlavaty, M.D. Jerry R. Fox, M.D. Dr. Hlavaty is a life-long resident of Lo- Martin, M.D. William LaMar M. Fox, gan, Utah and had held many prestigious Jerry R. Martin Black, M.D. M.D. was a Clini- positions within the area. He was the enjoys hiking, Dr. Black and his cal Professor and instructor for the USU department of reading, fishing, wife Sandra reside Training Director Audiology and Speech Pathology, Chief western history, in St. George, in Child Psychiatry of Staff at Logan Regional Hospital and family history and Utah. Dr. Black has at UCSD. He, served as a team physician for both Logan LDS Church his- 12 children, enjoys along with wife Betty Lee, raised four sons High School and USU. Dr. Hlavaty is tory. He and wife Beverly live in Pleasant genealogy, and is the author of two books, and currently reside in St. George, Utah. an Aggie fan, enjoys fly fishing, hunting, Grove, Utah. Mormon Athletes – Books I and II. Dr. Fox enjoys reading, writing, travel and photography, gardening, travel and sports. church activities. Robert F. Frank W. Montgomery, Lorimer James W. Kleist, M.D. Frank M.D. “Lorry” “Chris” Freston, M.D. W. Kleist, M.D. Dr. Montgomery is Christensen, M.D. Dr. Freston has and his wife Teresa, a former two-term Dr. Christensen is been married to are residents of member of the happily married Margie for 55 years Visalia, California. Utah State Senate. to Barbara and and they have four Dr. Kleist enjoys He enjoys international travel and cattle resides in Salt Lake children, 11 grand- long distance cycling, traveling, tennis, ranching. Dr. Montgomery and wife City, Utah. He enjoys dancing, shooting, children and three great-grandchildren. book clubs and landscaping. A few of his Jelean live in Ogden, Utah. golf, tennis, photography, travel, writing, Dr. Freston was Chief of the GI Division significant achievements include serving research, hiking, swimming and music. at the University of Utah for eight years, as President of Tulare County Medical John G. six-time winner of the Outstanding Society and becoming a Diplomat of the Moore, M.D. Enoch G. Professor Award, and was chair of the National Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Moore resides Dangerfield, M.D. Internal Medicine Department at the in Salt Lake City, Dr. Dangerfield University of Connecticut for 17 years. Ned Mangelson, Utah. He enjoys and wife Ann He is very active in church, philanthropy M.D. his cabin in Island Marie live in Sandy, and community service. Dr. Mangelson Park, Idaho, skiing, Utah. He enjoys served as Chairman swimming, golf, reading Scandinavian walking/hiking, LeRoi “Barney” of the Urology detective novels and attending reunions! planes, video editing, photography and Gardner, Jr., M.D. Division at IHC music. Dr. Dangerfield is an ownership Dr. Gardner and Salt Lake Clinic, Ronald R. partner in a twin engine plane and sings his wife Sara reside LDS Hospital, and Primary Children’s Potter, M.D. in two choirs. in El Dorado Hills, Hospital during his career. He resides in Ronald R. Potter, California. He Salt Lake City with wife Alene and enjoys M.D. resides with John V. retired in 2002 photography, gardening, playing piano wife Beverly in Dickson, M.D. after a busy career in Orthopedic Surgery and organ, and traveling. He feels his suc- Walnut Creek, John V. Dickson, which included being the team physician cessful 55-year marriage, his four children California. He M.D. is an avid for the U.S. ski team and the U.S. men’s and 16 grandchildren are his greatest enjoys travel, golf and reading. ASU sports fan. and women’s soccer teams. Dr. Gardner achievements. He has been a Sun raced sports cars all over the U.S. from Howard L. Devil member for 1979 to 1995– even winning 1st place at George T. Roberts, M.D. 40 + years. He also enjoys other Arizona Pebble Beach. He also enjoys restoring Manilla, Jr., M.D. Dr. Roberts and teams and is a season ticket holder for the classic cars. Dr. Manilla and wife Laura have Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals, and wife Franzi reside in eight children and Arizona Diamond Backs. Dr. Dickson Stanley J. Haberman, M.D. Elko, Nevada. He 30 grandchildren has been happily married to Lou Ann Dr. Haberman and wife Nanette reside is a retired patholo- and reside in for 53 years and enjoys being an active in Trenton, New Jersey. He enjoys tennis, gist. During his Kanab, Utah. He enjoys scouting, music, grandfather. aerobic activities, his grandchildren and career he developed vaccines for bovine patriotism, community service, history white water rafting. squamous cell carcinoma of the eye and and gardening. Dr. Roberts would love to Dorian R. equine sarcoid in horses. Dr. Manilla was travel to different parts of the world and Faber, M.D. David R. also instrumental in the development of notes that retirement is great! Dr. Faber is the Haymond, M.D. dyslexia reading and writing treatments. father to three Dr. Haymond is In his free time, Dr. Manilla enjoys Robert P. children and married to wife fishing, water color and oil landscape Romney, M.D. grandfather to 19 Joan and together painting. Dr. Romney and grandchildren. He they have five wife Deborah reside enjoys reading, church service and cruises. children, 27 grand- in Alpine, Utah. Dr. Faber has served three missions to children and five great grandchildren. He enjoys fly fish- Bulgaria, Australia and Chicago. Joan and David have served three LDS ing, boating and missions together to Albania, England and LDS Temple work. His significant achieve- Peru/Bolivia and have worked in support ments include positions as the Medical of missionaries for the past 23 years. Director of Central Utah IHC and of BYU Student Health.
28 Visit us on Facebook: University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni Association
A. Owen Joseph L. Val Hemming, M.D. Brent R. Smoot, M.D. Thorne, M.D. Dr. Hemming served in the United States Burdett, M.D. A. Owen Smoot, Dr. Thorne notes Air Force from 1965 to 1990. He was the Dr. Burdett lives M.D. resides in his significant director of pediatric residency at David in Ogden, Utah Bountiful, Utah achievements as his Grant Medical Center, Travis, AFB, CA. where he recently with wife Joan. He three children and In 1980 he was assigned to the Depart- retired from his held many admin- 12 grandchildren. ment of Pediatrics at the Uniformed allergy practice. He istrative positions He enjoys spending Services University of Health Sciences was the first Board during his career but most enjoyed being time at his Montana property relaxing. (USUHS) in Bethesda, Maryland. He certified allergist to practice in Ogden. He able to put injured people back together. He and wife Donna reside in Salt Lake was promoted to Professor of Pediatrics in was the president of the Utah Society of He keeps busy in retirement with his work City, Utah. 1984; appointed Professor and Chair of Allergy and Asthma and the Utah Lung with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Pediatrics in 1987 and served until 1995 Association for several years. Dr. Burdett day Saints. Leon H. when he was appointed interim Dean of ran a volunteer allergy clinic at Primary White, M.D. the School of Medicine at USUHS. In Children’s Hospital for 20 years. He has Clark J. Leon H. White, 1996 he became Dean of the School of four children and five grandchildren. He Staheli, M.D. M.D. and wife Le- Medicine and served until 2002 when he enjoys fly fishing, skiing and running trails Dr. Staheli retired one reside in Roy, retired as an Emeritus Dean and Professor. in the Ogden foothills. this past year. He Utah. During his still sees patients career Dr. White James L. Kent W. at his home and is served as Chairman of the Department of Parkin, M.D. Farnsworth, M.D. a volunteer doctor Pediatrics at both McKay-Dee and Ogden Dr. Parkin resides Dr. Farnsworth had at the St. George Volunteer Clinic. In his Regional Medical Center. For 25 years, in Salt Lake City, an OB/Gyn clinical free time, Dr. Staheli enjoys hay farming. he served as team physician for Roy High Utah. He has practice at the Salt He and wife Deni live in Dammeron, School athletics. Dr. White enjoys ama- received many Lake Clinic from Utah. teur radio, gardening, fishing, hunting awards for his 1977 to 2004. In and wood carving. achievements. In 2010 Dr. Parkin was the 2007 Dr. Farnsworth became an Assistant Verl H. recipient of the University of Utah School Professor for the Department of OB/ Talbot, M.D. Class of 1966 of Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award Gyn at the University of Utah School of Dr. Talbot notes his and received the Merit of Honor Award Medicine until his retirement in 2011. He significant achieve- Gordon W. Affleck, M.D. from the University of Utah Emeritus also taught health policy for the Depart- ments as being his Gordon W. Affleck, M.D. was the team Alumni Board. ment of Community Health at Utah four children and physician for the Utah Jazz for many years Valley University from 2008 to 2011. Dr. nine grandchildren. and the President of the Utah Chapter Joseph A. Roberts, M.D. Farnsworth has traveled to Ethiopia, Mali, His interests are photography, reading and of the Western Orthopedic Association. Dr. Roberts is a practicing pediatrician at Ghana, and Cambodia and performed travel. His extensive travel destinations He practiced at Lakeview Hospital in Murray Pediatrics. He notes that he is the surgical training for pelvic prolapse and include Kenya, Israel, China, Tibet, Bountiful, Utah where he was Chief of oldest practicing pediatrician in Utah. GI fistulas. Brazil, Guatemala, Germany, Italy, France, Staff. He was co-founder of the Bountiful Switzerland, Canada, and Alaska. He and Orthopedic Group and also a physi- Kenneth Gary Hunter, M.D. wife Virginia reside in Murray, Utah. cian for Autoliv Airbag Manufacturing Stevens, Jr., M.D. Gary Hunter, M.D. resides in Salt Lake Company. Dr. Affleck currently serves as Dr. Stevens worked City, Utah. He is a retired plastic surgeon. Kim Taylor, M.D. a volunteer doctor at the Joseph Smith at Oregon Health He is proud of his 22 grandchildren; Kim Taylor, M.D. Building in Salt Lake City taking care of Sciences University not quite as proud of his very average is a practicing senior missionaries. in the Radiation golf game. ophthalmologist Oncology Depart- in Salt Lake City, Norman H. Fawson, M.D. ment from 1972 to 2005 and was the R. Alan Utah where he lives Norman H. Fawson is a retired family Department Chair from 1989 to 2005. Maurer, M.D. with wife Carolyn. practice doctor living in St. George, Utah. He was the LDS Australia Area Medical Dr. Maurer retired He has participated in humanitarian Advisor from 2006 to 2007. Dr. Stevens is from his career as vision care in Peru, Russia, Tanzania and Jan S. Freeman, M.D. currently working part-time as a physician an emergency room Mozambique. In his free time Dr. Taylor Dr. Freeman is alive and well living in in Sherwood, Oregon. He is happily mar- physician and lives enjoys hiking, traveling, sightseeing, read- Bountiful, Utah! He enjoys golfing, skiing ried to his wife Peggy Stevens and has 12 in Coyote, New ing, home repair and remodeling. and hiking. Dr. Freeman still does some children and 29 grandchildren. Mexico. work assisting at the hyperbaric and Claude wound clinic and the free clinic. Class of 1971 Gary L. Thomas, M.D. Rogers, M.D. Dr. Thomas consid- Earl E. Gary L. Rogers ers himself an old Hansen, M.D. Richard W. M.D. reports he is country doc! He Dr. Hansen resides Brown, M.D. alive and still work- spent part of his in Washington Richard W. Brown, ing as an OB/Gyn career as a team and is a retired M.D. has been doc in Bellevue, physician for the Atlanta Braves Major physician in family practicing Internal Washington. League Baseball team. Dr. Thomas’ hob- practice and emer- Medicine for 33 bies include woodworking, computers gency medicine. He enjoys sailing and years. He is cur- and technology. has two sailing circumnavigations. He has rently practicing at the Sandy Clinic in practiced in the remote islands of Samoa, Sandy, Utah. He is a physician volunteer Papua New Guinea and Seychelles. for the Alta Ski Patrol and is a member at Willow Creek Country Club.
29 Alumni Notebook Alumni Notebook
Dennis Stevens, M.D. Professionals Insurance Association which Nigel health records uniformly connect to each Dr. Stevens is a practicing infectious dis- is the malpractice insurance company for Wappett, M.D. other. She currently serves as Vice-Chair ease physician in Boise, Idaho. He recently the entire SUNY system. He has served as Nigel Wappett, of the Utah State Health Data Committee. obtained funding for a new Biomedical President of two national academic surgery M.D. lives in Fair- She’s married to her college sweetheart and Research Institute at the Boise VA Medical organizations, Western Surgical Associa- banks, Alaska and is is a grandmother of one. Center, construction will be completed in tion and the Association for Academic employed at Tanana February 2012. Dr. Stevens has over 170 Surgery and Vice-President of another – Chiefs Conference Marcia original research publications. He received Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract. as a practicing OB/ Leatham, M.D. the Infectious Disease Society of America Dr. Dayton was selected as a Distinguished Gyn physician. He is a Fellow, American Dr. Leatham is Society Citation, the Surgical Infection Educator by ASE and received the CEO Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecolo- retired and living Society Altemier Award, and the American Distinguished Contributions Award from gists, and a Diplomate for the American in Bonaire, Dutch Association of Physicians Endowed Lec- the Erie County Medical Center. Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Caribbean. She tureship, Royal Society of Physicians He is a certified menopause practitioner works from time at Edinburgh, Scotland. Val Dunn, M.D. and a member of the North American to time, as the mood strikes, and dives to Dr. Dunn and his Menopause Society since 2007. Dr. Wap- her heart’s content out her back door on Sherman Douglas Wing, M.D., F.A.C.R. wife Laura recently pett is certified in Operative Laparoscopy Bonaire. Dr. Leatham is loving being a Dr. Wing practices diagnostic radiology at celebrated their 40th and Operative Hysteroscopy. He has grandma to her two young grand girls! Utah Valley Regional Medical Center and wedding anniver- won the Dr. Bill James Award, the B.K. resides in Provo, Utah. He was a counselor sary. They have 17 Haffner National Award for Outstanding Ace Madsen, M.D. for the Radiological Society of North grandchildren and Service to Alaska Native/American Indian Dr. Madsen resides in Vernal, Utah with America from 1989 to 1994 and President have a happy life living in beautiful Provo Women, and the American Congress of his wife Zoe and practices internal medi- of the Utah State Radiological Society Canyon near Vivian Park. Together they OB/Gyn 2011 Professional Development cine at Ashley Regional Medical Center. from 1995 to 1996. Dr. Wing served as served a Humanitarian Mission to India Award. Medical Staff President, Utah Valley and for 18 months and currently enjoy serving Steve Mimnaugh, M.D. Orem Community Hospitals from 1998 at the Provo Missionary Training Center. Class of 1981 Dr. Mimaugh is working the night shift at to 1999 and received the Physician of Dr. Dunn is now working ¾ time with St. Mark’s Emergency Room in Salt Lake Distinction Award for the IHC Urban the greatest group of radiologists in the City, Utah. He been part of a geriatric South Region in July 2004. country, Utah Radiology Associates. Jonathan rock and roll band, The Disgusting Broth- Camp, M.D. ers Band for 31 years (a spin-off from The Class of 1976 Theodore N. Hackett, Jr., M.D. Dr. Camp lives Texas Uprising Band, 16 years – don’t ask!) Dr. Hackett lives in Arcadia, California in Henderson, and played at the Gallivan Center twice in Bart Brower, M.D. and practices at Verdugo Hills Hospital Nevada and has 2011. He has three children in grad school As Dr. Brower’s career ends he confesses in Glendale, California. seven children and at the University of Utah and a loving and that he still doesn’t understand renal physi- 14 grandchildren. fulfilling domestic partnership with his ology and the one unanswered question Robert M. Holley, M.D. All significant achievements in his life sweetheart and soulmate of 10 years, Jay that continues to burn in his soul is “why Dr. Holley has a family practice at Pt. are centered around his great family! Dr. Johnson, RN and her two daughters. He did I have to take biochemistry”? He Pleasant Medical Center in West Virginia. Camp loves his patients and practice as a continues to play rock and roll, run rivers, states he has not used one gram, not one He is an Assistant Professor at Marshall managing partner at the Children’s Bone camp, bike, hike, and go to concerts. milligram of it in 35 years of practice. All University, a Board eligible Lipidologist and Spine Surgery. He has a great life in in all Dr. Brower wouldn’t change a thing. and a national speaker on vascular disease. Las Vegas and hopes to retire in 10 years. Douglas Richards, M.D. He was blessed with a great education, Douglas Richards, M.D. currently resides a practice filled with wonderful patients Randy Paulsen, M.D. Steve in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. He was and experiences, fantastic partners, and an Dr. Paulsen resides in Lexington, Mas- Erdman, M.D. professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology incredible wife and family. sachusetts and is Assistant Professor of Dr. Erdman is and head of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Director, Pediatric Division at The University of Florida prior Glenn Cook, M.D. He told his classmates if they are ever Gastroenterology to returning to Utah in 2011. He practices Glenn Cook, M.D. in Boston for a conference or whatever Fellowship Training at Intermountain Medical Center and has been married to to give him a call or send him an email: Program at Nation- University of Utah Medical Center. Rosilene for over 40 [email protected]. wide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State years. Together they University College of Medicine. He is the Lee Wendell have three children Michael Past President of the Collaborative Group Vance, M.D. and eight grandchil- Stones, M.D. of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Dr. Vance is a resi- dren. He is practicing full time with Scott- Michael Stones, Cancer. He and his wife Terri are still dent of Jacksonville, sdale Medical Imaging. He is Endovascular M.D. lives in Logan, going strong after 29 years of marriage Florida. He is a Forum Board certified in Diagnostic Utah where he is and have one son, Sam. Fellow of American Radiology with CAQ in Interventional a working internal College of Chest Radiology. Classmates, he can be found on medicine doctor at Lauren Physicians and a Fellow of the American Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. IHC Budge Clinic. Florence, M.D. College of Physicians. Dr. Vance has had Dr. Florence’s work practices in St. George and Ogden, Utah Merril T. James (Jim) Tatton, M.D. revolves around and Roseburg and Hermiston, Oregon. He Dayton, M.D. Dr. Tatton lived long enough to retire as rejuvenating aging joined the US Navy and practiced at the Dr. Dayton is cur- of 2007 and now enjoys the privilege of faces. She’s been National Naval Medical Center and Naval rently Professor and volunteering. He has one wife and eight using autologous Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Chairman, Depart- children and resides in Nephi, Utah. He tissue transfer since 1993, basically moving Vance was a Clinical Associate Professor ment of Surgery, is a fellow in three organizations: Emer- fat from places where one doesn’t want of Medicine at the Uniformed Services- SUNY Buffalo and gency Medicine, Family Medicine, and it to places where one does want it. She University of Health Sciences from 2004 Chief of Surgery of Wilderness Medicine. founded the Healthcare Information Ini- to 2007 In his time in the service he the five hospital Kaleida Health Systems. tiative of Utah (hiiu.org) trying to make was deployed to Djifouti, Kuwait and Dr. Dayton currently serves on the Board Afghanistan. of Directors. for the Academic Health
30 Visit us on Facebook: University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni Association
Class of 1986 Douglas Lougee, M.D. Holly Casey Suzanne C. Jensen, M.D. Dr. Lougee is currently serving as the Wall, M.D. Dr. Jensen resides in Los Altos, California Scott McFarland, Command Surgeon for the US SOUTH- Dr. Wall has been and practices Emergency Medicine at M.D. COM/US Army. This is an operational in private practice Mills Peninsula Hospital in Burlingame, Dr. McFarland medicine position that provides guidance with her husband California. resides in Granite to the Command for medical activities and father-in-law Bay, California and and issues of US military in Latin America for 10 years. She Janet L. Larsen (Halter), M.D. practices Ophthal- and the Caribbean. He was deployed to has two sons, Trace Dr. Larsen and her husband Jim recently mology. Iraq in 2007-2008. He’s been married to and Casey. Dr. Wall and her family reside relocated to the Washington D.C. metro Suzanne for 24 years and they have four in Shreveport, Louisiana and she encour- area. He joined a law firm as a patent Steven K. Miller, M.D. kids, one son and three daughters. He is ages all her classmates to call anytime they attorney and Dr. Larsen is currently self- Dr. Miller is a resident of Salt Lake City still running, although he notes it’s much make their way down South! employed as a locums physician which and the father of five children, two of slower now! allows her the flexibility both to work and which are medical students. Dr. Miller is Class of 2001 to care for their two children, Andrew the Past President of the Utah Otolaryn- Jeff Randle, M.D. and Elizabeth. They recently celebrated gology Society, President of ENT Center In 1998 Dr. Randle helped found the their 8th wedding anniversary and enjoy of Salt Lake, Park City and Draper, and is Healing Hands for Haiti International Marion a blessed life with their two adorable currently an AMA delegate from the state Foundation, which is dedicated to provid- Folkemer, M.D. children! of Utah ing rehabilitation training, care and After finishing equipment to the disabled of Haiti. From residency Dr. Debra Naylor, M.D. Scott Rallison, M.D. 1999-2009 HHH treated over 10,000 Folkemer spent Dr. Naylor resides in Grapevine, Texas Dr. Rallison is a practicing OB/Gyn at patients. The earthquake of January four and a half where she practices at the 18 and Under Avenues Specialty Clinic and LDS 2010 destroyed seven of the eight clinic years in the Indian Clinic. She served as the Department Hospital in Salt Lake City. compound buildings. Dr. Randle traveled Health Service for the Navajo and Tulalip of Pediatrics Chair at Medical Center to Haiti with a team of doctors and nurses Reservations. She currently resides in of Lewisville in 2009-2010 and is the Dean Smith, M.D., Ph.D. five days after the earthquake and helped Seattle, Washington and practices at the Department Vice Chair at Presbyterian Dr. Smith resides in Texas. He is a profes- coordinate makeshift clinics field surgery. University of Washington Neighborhood Hospital – Flower Mound and also serves sor in the Department of Pharmacology In April 2011 HHH began rebuilding the Clinics as a pediatrician. on the Medical Executive Committee. and Department of Neuroscience at the clinic and prosthetic shop which should be University of Texas Southwestern Medical completed by this time next year. If any- Brian David Petersen, M.D. Center. He received his Ph.D. in Neuro- one is interested in taking a life changing Hall, M.D. David Petersen, M.D. lives in Reno, sciences from UC San Diego. medical trip to Haiti, please contact Dr. Hall resides Nevada and is a hospitalist in Pediatrics at Dr. Randle at [email protected] or visit in Medford, the Renown Children’s Hospital. Class of 1991 the HHH website at www.healing Oregon and is the handsforhaiti.org. Medical Director Mary of Anesthesia and Tipton, M.D. Mark Bair, M.D. James “Fritz” Schmutz, M.D. In the past five Dr. Bair lives in Highland, Utah where he Cardiac Anesthesia at Rogue Valley Dr. Schmutz is an Interventional Radiolo- Medical Center. years Dr. Tipton has practices emergency medicine. gist at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical become an owner of Center, Mountain View Hospital in Idaho James G. a group practice, she Falls, Idaho. Significant career achieve- Howard, M.D. passed two Board Van Christiansen, ments include Fellow of the Year in 1997 certification exams, had two children and M.D. Dr. Howard com- at the University of Washington, Chair- pleted an internal had nine surgeries to correct injuries from Dr. Christiansen is a man of Medical Imaging Department a car accident which occurred at the end family practice phy- medicine/ophthal- EIRMC, President of the Idaho Chapter mology internship of her residency, and hence has acquired a sician in Ogden at American College of Radiology, Idaho few grey hairs! Dr. Tipton currently resides the Ogden Clinic’s at the University Falls Medical Society President and Coun- of Utah, an ophthalmology residency in in West Jordan, Utah. Mountain selor to the ACR National Conference. View facility. 2005 and a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and disease in 2007 at the Univer- Ryan Raymond Williams, M.D. Dr. Williams did a Triple Board residency Denise Devereaus, M.D. Class of 1996 sity of Iowa. He currently lives in Sandy and is a partner at Retina Associates of and is Board certified in Pediatrics, Gen- Denise lives in Soquel, CA and practices eral Psychiatry, with Child Psych pending. family medicine with obstetrics at the Lisa Morgan, M.D. Utah in salt Lake City. Dr. Morgan is married to Brian Canty and He also did a fellowship in child abuse Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in and neglect. Dr. Williams and his wife, Watsonville, CA. resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is cur- Easton rently taking some much need time off to Jackson, M.D. Vanh reside in Beaver, Utah and have two beautiful girls, ages six and three. Shay Holley, M.D. spend with their five year old son, Luke. Dr. Jackson com- Dr. Holley practices at Davis Hospital/Og- pleted his residency den Regional where they have established Todd Murdock, M.D. in family medicine one of the premier emergency department Dr. Murdock resides in Missoula, Mon- in 2004 in the groups in the west. Dr. Holley is married tana and practices pediatric ophthalmol- Spokane, WA Fam- to Erin and has five children. ogy at Rocky Mountain Eye Center. ily Medicine program. He then worked as a family medicine doctor for five years in Randy Jensen, M.D. James Pingree, M.D. Delta, UT and also served as the Millard Dr. Jensen was recently promoted to Profes- James Pingree, M.D. resides in Salt Lake County Deputy Medical Examiner. He sor of Neurosurgery, Radiation Oncology City, Utah and practices Neurosurgery at returned to Salt Lake City in 2010 and and Oncological Sciences at the University St. Mark’s Hospital. works for the Granger Medical Clinic. of Utah. He is also President of the Rocky He and his wife have three girls and two Mountain Neurosurgery Society. boys, ages three to thirteen. Alumni News 31 Alumni Notebook
Class of 2002 Class of 2006 Children’s Hospital at Michigan State Housestaff and Fellows University in 2006 and a fellowship in Jeremy William clinical research in 2010. William B. Biggs, M.D. Mitchell, MD Slayton, M.D. Dr. Biggs is Dr. Mitchell lives Sarah Petersen, M.D. Dr. Slayton, who currently working in San Diego, Dr. Petersen is excited to be back home is a children’s as an Assistant California and in Utah. She completed her residency at oncologist and an Professor at the works as a medical Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, associate professor University of Utah oncologist seeing Missouri in 2010. Dr. Petersen has two of pediatrics in and lives in Draper, primarily thoracic children, Timothy and Anna Bella. She the University of Utah with his wife and three children. malignancies. He also serves as the medi- loves being a mostly “stay-at-home-mom” Florida College of Medicine was recently cal director of the palliative care program with a great part-time gig at University of named chief of the division of pediatric Paula Cook, M.D. at UCSD. Utah South Jordan Health Center. hematology and oncology after serving as Dr. Cook is the interim chair since 2008. Dr. Slayton Board certified in Christian completed a research fellowship in pedi- Class of 2003 Family Medicine Sybrowsky, M.D. atrics hematology and oncology focused and sitting for Ad- Dr. Sybrowsky is on stem cell biology and leukemia at the diction Boards in currently complet- University of Utah in 1999. He specializes Jacob December of 2012. ing a fellowship in in treating and studying high-risk forms Clendenon, M.D. She enjoys her family practice at Wasatch sports medicine/ of leukemia. Dr. Clendenon Family Medicine and at St. Marks Hospi- arthroscopy at the finished an Ab- tal and watching her family grow in University of Iowa. He completed his dominal Transplant Randy Danielsen, Ph.D., Salt Lake City, Utah. residency in 2011 in orthopaedic surgery PA-C, DFAAPA, ‘78 Surgery fellowship at the University of Washington. in Abdominal Dr. Danielsen is an Emeritus professor Chenyin He, M.D. Transplant Surgery in 2011 at Mayo at A.T. Still University. He serves as the Dr. He is happily married to her husband, Aaron Clinic and currently practices in that field Senior Vice-President of the National Ben Li who is a fellow in maternal-fetal Waite, M.D. at Aurora St. Luke’s in Milwaukee, WI. Commission on Certification of Physi- medicine and pediatric genetics at UCSF. Dr. Waite com- He did his general surgery residency at cian Assistants Foundation. He recently Together, they have a little furry dog pleted a Cornea Albert Einstein School of Medicine at the co-authored a book, The Preceptor’s named Bouncy. They love being back in Fellowship in Montefiore Medical Center. Handbook for Supervising Physician the Bay Area and enjoy the surrounding Colorado after Assistants, for physicians who supervise mountains and Pacific Ocean. finishing residency PAs. For more information go to www. in Tennessee. He joined a private practice jblearning.com/catalog/9780763773618. in Las Vegas to offer the latest in ad- Heather Helton, M.D. vanced cornea surgery to the patients Dr. Helton is currently a Pediatric in Southern Nevada. Hematology/Oncology Fellow at Seattle Children’s Hospital. She completed her
In Memoriampediatrics residency at Helen DeVos
Roscoe B. Anderson, M.D. MD 1946 10 Dec 2011 Hiroshi Kuida, M.D. MD 1951 02 Aug 2011
Robert H. Ballard, M.D. MD 1944 08 Aug 2011 John Kumagai, M.D. MD 1946 09 Jun 2011
David D. Bone, M.D. MD 1978 21 Oct 2011 Stephen F. Lowry, M.D. HS* 1974 04 Jun 2011
Ezra R. Clark, M.D. HS* 1954 10 Sep 2011 Dean H. Mahoney, M.D. MD 1955 12 Jul 2011
Abraham T.K. Cockett, M.D. MD 1954 16 Aug 2011 Hugh C. McLeod, M.D. HS* 1977 30 Sep 2011
Warren G. Eyre, M.D. MD 1962 27 Aug 2011 W. Ward Mumford, M.D. MD 1952 25 May 2011
Clayton Ronald Gabbert, M.D. MD 1958 22 Jul 2011 Charles B. Peek, M.D. MD 1959 25 Oct 2011
Kenneth Howard Huey, M.D. MD 1956 22 Jun 2011 John E. Smith, M.D. MD 1950 18 Aug 2011
John W. Isgreen, M.D. MD 1958 29 Aug 2011 *HS designates House Staff alum
Roger S. Jernstrom, M.D. MD 1957 15 May 2011
32 Incoming Board Members Bryan Stone, M.D., ‘86 Bryan graduated from the University of Utah Medical School with the class of 1986. He completed a residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Duke University from 1986-1990. At the completion of residency he was awarded a Pediatric Scientist Development Program postdoctoral fellowship and spent 3 years at the “U” as a molecular geneticist. He left academic medicine for 10 years, serving the people of Carbon and Emery counties in rural Utah as a primary care provider, with the last 2 years as a community hospitalist in Price. Bryan returned to academics at the “U” as a pediatric hospitalist in 2003 at Primary Children’s Medical Center. He resumed a research career pursuing interests in health services and comparative effectiveness, and enjoys opportunities to teach the medical students and residents. He is funded on grants addressing needs of children with chronic illness including focused work helping children with asthma.
Susan Wiet, M.D., House Staff, ‘03 Dr. Wiet graduated from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, IL. She completed her residency in Adult Psychiatry then fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Utah Hospital and Clinics. She served as Medical Director for the Child and Adolescent Behav- ioral Health Clinic, then Youth Partial Hospital Programs at the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute. She served in community mental health as the Medical Director for Summit County and increased substance abuse services in the community. For the past eight years, she has served as the Medical Director/Consultant and Residency Rotation Director for Odyssey House – Adolescent Unit and will soon expand dual diagnosis services to Adult and Parent/Children units. She holds American Board certifications in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. She is the immediate past president of Inter- mountain Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and was instrumental in forging collaboration between child psychia- trists and pediatric practices in conjunction with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Utah. She is an advocate for people with mental health impairments and is particularly committed to improve the identification of and services for youth and adults with dual diagnosis and childhood trauma.
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School of Medicine Distinguished Alumni, Service and Humanitarian Awards 2012 Submission Criteria The following categories are used to describe the nominee’s qualifications for receiving the award. The nominator will Callbe requested to describe howfor their nominee contributesNominations to any or all of the categories listed, plus any other pertinent information he or she feels is valuable to the nomination:
Distinguished Alumni Award Distinguished Service Award Distinguished Humanitarian Award • Excelled in Clinical Practice • Service to the School of Medicine • Outstanding Commitment to the • Extensive Academic Activities • Contribution to the Field of Medicine Health of the Community • Research Accomplishments • Demonstrated Commitment to • Service to Underserved Populations Enhancing Medical Education or in Challenging Situations • Community Service
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Announcement of Awards: Awards will be announced in May of each year and printed in the June edition of Illuminations magazine. Recipients will receive their awards at the September 13 Alumni Association School of Medicine Awards Banquet.