Volume 16 • Number 4 • fall 2014 For Alumni, Friends, Faculty and Students of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Quarterly

White Coats a strong symbol for students who dream of becoming doctors

women in leadership p. 4 medical scientist training program p. 10

middleton society p. 16

There’s More Online! Visit med.wisc.edu/quarterly QUARTERLY January 2015 The Magazine for Alumni, Friends, Wednesday, January 14 Operation Education, Health Sciences Faculty and Students of the University of Wisconsin Contents School of Medicine and Public Health Learning Center quarterly • Fall 2014 • Volume 16 • Number 4 EDITOR Kris Whitman March 2015 ART DIRECTOR Friday, March 6 Winter Event, Fluno Center, Madison Christine Klann principal PHOTOGRAPHer John Maniaci april 2015 Production Michael Lemberger Friday, April 24 WMAA Board of Directors Spring Meeting, Health Sciences Learning Center; WISCOnSIN MEDICAL WMAA Awards Banquet, Union South ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (WMAA): EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karen S. Peterson May 2015 EDITORIAL BOARD Friday, May 15 SMPH Graduation, Union South Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75, chair Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH Maureen Mullins, MD ’79 June 2015 Calendar Sandra L. Osborn, MD ’70 June 4-6 • medical alumni weekend Patrick Remington, MD ’81, MPH Wade Woelfle, MD ’95 Thursday, June 4- Reunions for classes of 1950, ’55, ’60, ’65 and ’75 Saturday, June 6 and a celebration for all classes that graduated EX OFFICIO MEMBERS in 1965 or earlier! Robert N. Golden, MD, Andrea Larson, Karen S. Peterson, Jill Watson, Kris Whitman BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2014–2015 Save the date! OFFICERS Steve Merkow, MD ’80, president October 2015 Susan Isensee, MD ’83, president-elect Ann Ruscher, MD ’91, secretary-treasurer October 16-17 • homecoming weekend Donn Fuhrmann, MD ’76, past president Friday, October 16 Reunions for Classes of 1970, ’80, ’85, ’90, ’95, John Kryger, MD ’92, past president 2000, ’05 and ’10 Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH, past president (details to be announced) BOARD MEMBERS Women in Medical 14 Alumni Notebook Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80 Saturday, October 17 UW vs. Purdue Leadership Scientist Mathew Aschbrenner, MD ’06 4 10 24 Giving Back Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA Nine dynamic women Training Dirk Fisher, MD ’79 are department chairs Program 28 Student Life Kent Haselow, MD ’92 and three hold top Graduates of this Daniel Jackson, MD ’03 administrative roles. 29 Awards Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75 program thrive as Kyla Lee, MD ’98 physician-scientists. 32 Research Advances Ann Liebeskind, MD ’98 Meghan Lubner, MD ’03 34 Faculty Profile Kathryn E. Nixdorf, MD ’06 (national) Leon E. Rosenberg, MD ’57 (national) 36 Spotlight John Siebert, MD ’81 Middleton Society Fall on Campus (above) Alex Tucker, MD ’75 16 The school honors its most Students stroll through crunching leaves in a 39 Healer’s Journey Steven Wiesner, MD ’85 (national) dedicated donors through this picturesque section of UW-Madison near the Michael Witcik, MD ’07 annual evening of gratitude. Lakeshore Dorms. 40 Larson’s Perspective Board advisory council Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 Philip Farrell, MD, PhD Kay Gruling, MD ’88 Quarterly is published four times a year by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) On the Cover Charles V. Ihle, MD ’65 and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Following an honored tradition, M2 Mazdak Bradberry helps M1 Taylor Boland Thomas Jackson, MD ’67 For editorial information, call (608) 263-4613 don her white coat—a strong symbol of their chosen career path. Robert Jaeger, MD ’71 Sandra L. Osborn, MD ’70 For address corrections and to reach the WMAA, call (608) 263-4915 Photo by John Wingren/Media Solutions Anne Schierl, MD ’57 E-mail us at [email protected] Wade Woelfle, MD ’95 Visit us on the web at med.wisc.edu/quarterly quarterly 1 messages

Robert N. Golden, MD steve merkow, MD ’80 of leaders who will tackle the most critical reetings fellow medical alumni! • Consider volunteering for our Wisconsin health-related challenges. An MSTP student, I would like to introduce myself as Alumni Shadow Program. Students Julian Motzkin, is the first author of two Gyour new Wisconsin Medical Alumni cherish the opportunity to get a snapshot research articles described on page 32. Association (WMAA) president. I am excited of what it’s really like to practice in Talented people and promising programs and honored to serve in this role. the community. need resources to reach their full potential. About seven years ago, I was asked to We are in one of our country’s most difficult join the WMAA board. The decision was • Attend Operation Education on phases in the evolution of medical research easy. It was an opportunity to invigorate my Wednesday, January 14, 2015. Very funding. Only the “best of the best” are able relationship with the University of Wisconsin popular with the students, this evening to secure federal funding. We are extremely School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) in the Health Sciences Learning Center proud of our faculty members who have and help look for ways to encourage other allows them to move from table to table received competitive grants from the NIH and alumni to do the same. to discuss various fields of medicine with other organizations to advance our research. The salient message of our mission practicing physicians. Alumni and school solutions For example, our UW Population Health statement is to cultivate relationships among faculty staff the tables. Institute recently received a large award alumni and students. Those of you who • Host an alumni reception in your from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation know me personally know what makes me geographic area. The helpful staff in the to build a culture of health. Dr. Elizabeth smile: People, relationships and networking. WMAA office and UW Foundation can Jacobs and her team received a multi-million I encourage each of you to get involved at help you do this. dollar award from the Patient-Centered any level to help support our SMPH. Many john wingren / media Outcomes Research Institute. Stay tuned for who are reading this are already involved, For more information about these announcements about other large grants and we thank you for your service. For those programs, contact the WMAA office at ne of my favorite local youth in the Health Sciences Learning Center. that we anticipate will be activated soon, of you who haven’t stepped in, please make [email protected] or via phone or mail. programs, Camp Shalom, embraces Shepherding McArdle into its promising including the largest NIH grant in the history the effort. It feels good. Full contact information is on the back cover the slogan “We inherit our past, we future is its new director and the new chair of O of our school. Together, these successful There are many opportunities to consider: of this magazine. create our future.” This rings true as we oncology, Dr. Paul Lambert, an internationally grant applications cover the entire spectrum On a personal note, on September 1, celebrate in this issue of many renowned researcher, gifted teacher and Quarterly of basic, clinical, population heath and • Join the prestigious Middleton Society. 2014, my 91-year old wonderful mother wonderful aspects of our school’s legacy and dynamic leader (see page 36). translational research—the elements that This represents a cumulative commitment passed away. Along with my dad, she a few of the keys to a promising future. Other talented chairs and leaders define our transformation into a school of of $10,000. You may have contributed instilled the concept of giving back. I am An icon of our school—Dr. Robert are shaping our SMPH departments and medicine and public health. some funds in the past. If so, those funds very grateful for the way they shared this Schilling—leaves a legacy worth emulating. centers. We have moved forward with While our faculty members continue to can be applied to a multi-year pledge to value with my brothers and me. Years ago, At the Middleton Society event, Bob received our commitment to make sure the SMPH succeed in obtaining larger slices of the reach this goal and immediately become my parents decided to start a Great People our school’s highest honor, the Folkert Belzer leadership team, like all segments of our shrinking extramural research pie, the margin a member. Each September, the WMAA Scholarship—the Dr. William and Riva Award (see page 22). In a truly bittersweet school community, reflects the diversity of of excellence in our academic missions and school host a wonderful reception, Merkow Great People Scholarship— unfolding, we lost him a few weeks later. the population that we serve. We recently still increasingly relies on the generosity of program and dinner to honor Middleton to help fund medical students in need. Their Bob embodied the very best traditions of the welcomed new leaders of our school’s our supporters. It is a personal pleasure to Society members. This year’s event was philanthropic philosophies helped me realize University of Wisconsin School of Medicine Office of Multicultural Affairs. Dr. Tracy highlight, on page 24, Dr. Richard Boxer, an held at the beautiful new Edgewater Hotel how important and gratifying it is to support and Public Health (SMPH) and UW-Madison. Downs and Mr. Manuel Santiago are well extremely loyal, supportive alumnus and a (read more on page 16). worthy causes. We also are celebrating the first 75 poised to advance our commitment to valuable advisor for past and present deans. • Participate in the recently created Please consider joining me in giving back years of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer diversity at all levels. Watch the next issue The SMPH’s legacies help guide us as Stethoscope Program. A $150 to your school of medicine and public health. Research. As a major “birthday present,” of Quarterly for details. we work toward securing a bright future. donation gives a student a beautiful Thank you for listening. the SMPH provided McArdle with a new We also recently welcomed a new cohort Whether one’s reflections focus on academic medical tool that is an important part of facility. Its faculty and staff recently moved of students who will help shape the future of medical centers or Big Ten football, it is clear his or her first steps on the journey to Steve Merkow, MD ’80 into the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical health care in Wisconsin and the world. that championship teams need support from becoming a physician. (See page 8.) The President, Wisconsin Medical Alumni Research (WIMR) Tower II. We are confident In another article, we highlight our their fans—and a sense of their history and program’s funds also aid in the student’s Association that the faculty, staff and students—and National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded destiny—to achieve their full potential. their successors—will take full advantage of Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), first year of WMAA-sponsored programs. A $500 donation covers a stethoscope this building’s incredible resources. We are which prepares students for combined Robert N. Golden, MD especially pleased that all occupants of the plus all four years of these expenses. MD/PhD degrees. This program has an Dean, University of Wisconsin School of WIMR complex now are in close proximity impressive history of shaping the careers Medicine and Public Health to our clinical programs at UW Hospital of talented physician-scientists and is Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, and Clinics and our educational programs continuing to develop the next generation UW-Madison

2 Fall 2014 quarterly 3 feature story by kris whitman Women in Leadership

ine dynamic women are leading departments at the University of NWisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). That’s a nine-fold increase since Robert N. Golden, MD, became the SMPH dean. He’s celebrating because gender diversity is moving in the right direction, and he’s optimistic because the recruitment of faculty and students from other underrepresented groups is gaining momentum. Golden’s vision is for the school’s faculty and student body to reflect the rich diversity of our society. Susan E. Lederer, PhD He shares, “Our leaders should Chair, Department of Medical History and Bioethics, since represent what we seek to achieve January 2008 as an institution, and we seek to achieve diversity.” —continued on next page

PatRICIA Keely, PhD Chair, Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, Tricia Kiley, PhD since April 2014 Chair, Department of Biomolecular Chemistry, since February 2013

NOT PICTURED Azita Hamedani, MD Laurel Rice, MD Ellen WalD, MD Terri Young, MD, MBA Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Chair, Department of Pediatrics, Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Valerie GilcHrist, MD since July 2014 Visual Sciences, since September 2014 Gynecology, since October 2007 since January 2006 C&N P hotograph y Chair, Department of Family Medicine, since January 2008 Donata Oertel, PhD Chair, Department of Neuroscience, since November 2014

4 Fall 2014 quarterly 5 Eleanor Maxine Bennett, MD, climbed Azita Hamedani, MD, Wisconsin Chair Implicit Bias earned her opportunity-rich summer some of the tallest peaks in the United States of Emergency Medicine—who has two Today’s biggest challenge in hiring positions at Ford Motor Company. She and Switzerland, but some say she scaled young children and a physician husband, and promoting women is implicit bias. received a scholarship to Bowdoin College bigger mountains at work. and spent the past several years helping her Fortunately, the SMPH has ready access to in Maine. She earned her medical degree In 1953, when few women held medical department evolve from its earlier status as a nationally recognized expert in women’s from Harvard Medical School and completed degrees, Bennett (1915-2008) joined the a division—says she feels like a juggler who equity, Molly Carnes, MD, a professor in the further training at the University of Illinois, faculty of the Division of Otolaryngology at manages several spinning plates. Department of Medicine and director of the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins the University of Wisconsin Medical School, “One of my mentors advised, instead UW-Madison Center for Women’s Health University. She was a tenured professor of now called the UW School of Medicine and of focusing on ‘balance,’ embrace that at Research. She prolifically publishes and ophthalmology, pediatrics and medicine at Public Health (SMPH). Ten years later, she different times personal and professional lectures on her research about diversity. Duke University before moving to Madison. became the chief of that division. Back then, issues will require more or less of your Golden calls upon Carnes to coach search Professional Mentors success for women physicians required attention. It’s important to realize if an committees about implicit bias, which can The leaders say many mentors helped toughness to gain acceptance from many important ‘plate’ is wobbling, then take care taint the way people perceive candidates. them along the way, and that Golden and male peers. of it,” explains Hamedani. Kokotailo arranges faculty workshops others support chairs in ways that matter. Like the other women leaders, through the UW-Madison Women in Science Changing Landscape Tricia Kiley, PhD, chair of the Department Christine Seibert, MD, associate dean for and Engineering Leadership Institute, which Today, the SMPH is celebrating success in of Biomolecular Chemistry, appreciated medical education and a professor in the Carnes co-founded. attracting many talented women to its faculty having frequent meetings with Golden when Department of Medicine, has always been “Molly has demonstrated that even men and student body (see sidebar). About 38 she was a new chair. The Massachusetts a working mom. She explains that her and women with the best of intentions are percent of its faculty are women, and many native moved to UW-Madison in 1987 for her Christine Seibert, MD, Elizabeth Petty, MD ’86, and Patricia Kokotailo, MD, (left to right) are among ability to maintain balance was aided by her not immune from implicit bias,” says Golden. women hold leadership positions. the highest ranking leaders in the SMPH administration. They share a commitment to provide the best postdoctoral work before joining the SMPH pharmacist husband’s flexibility to work less “We need to do everything possible to create Of the school’s 27 departments, nine possible environment to train the next generation of health care professionals. faculty, and she fell in love with the university when their children were young. an environment that attracts women and have women serving as chairs. This was and city. However, earlier in her career, she Seibert notes that Madison’s size— men from diverse backgrounds. The best not the case when Robert N. Golden, MD, demographics, it may take more time and Recalling a story from early in her own did not love how people elsewhere expected compared to Chicago, where she used to candidate can’t possibly be a woman if you became the dean of the SMPH in 2006. effort to increase the number of faculty career, Lederer shares, “When my husband women to be as tough as men. work—allows reasonable commute times haven’t attracted any female applicants.” “When I first met with all of the chairs, and students from some underrepresented applied for our supermarket check-cashing “Over time, I realized that was ridiculous. and opportunities to attend school events. All I was astonished to observe that, while we groups,” he says. card, he wrote ‘Dr. Susan Lederer and Shared Vision It is important for men to realize the of these leaders value this type of flexibility. had many talented female faculty members, Patricia Keely, PhD, chair of the Mr. Mark Lederer’ on the form, but the card Laurel Rice, MD, chair of the Department contributions women make. We should Kokotailo recites a favorite quote: only one was a chair,” says Golden. Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, listed the doctorate after his name.” of Obstetrics and Gynecology, says Golden’s encourage everyone to share strengths “Women can have it all, they just can’t Ellen Wald, MD, chair of the Department observes diversity increasing among basic Work and Life Balance approach is working. and accept differences,” notes Kiley, who is have it all at once.” of Pediatrics, was that woman. She and her science graduate students, which she Recognizing that only women face the “Before interviewing in Wisconsin, I was married to a professor in the Department of husband, Arnold Wald, MD, a professor in the credits, in part, to supplemental funding biological realities of pregnancy, Golden says the vice chair of OB/GYN at the University of Bacteriology, Tim Donohue, PhD. Department of Medicine, joined the SMPH provided by the National Institutes of Health he observes many men becoming more Virginia,” she says. “It was easy to ascertain Keely agrees, noting, “I think we need to faculty just before then-Dean Philip Farrell, for trainees from underrepresented groups. involved in family responsibilities, which that the UW School of Medicine and Public embrace basic differences in the way men MD, PhD, handed the reins to Golden. SMPH initiatives such as the Centennial traditionally have been largely borne by By the Numbers Health embraced important principles of and women communicate. We are getting to “Dean Golden announced early on that Scholars Program—which provides support women. To aid families, the school helped women’s equity and women’s health. This is the point, I believe, where it’s ok to display he wanted to recruit more women leaders for junior faculty from underrepresented helping our department develop into one of establish a nearby infant care center that Students: 733 feminine aspects, such as a propensity to provide role models for other women and groups—make a difference, notes Patricia gives priority to SMPH faculty and staff. the nation’s top OB/GYN departments.” for empathy. While both genders can be assure equity,” she recalls. Kokotailo, MD, associate dean for faculty Valerie Gilchrist, MD, chair of the Students who are women: 358 (48.8%) The chair of the Department of empathetic, it seems to be more pronounced Golden elaborates, “When I pull development and faculty affairs, whose office Department of Family Medicine, shares, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Terri among women.” Faculty: 1,481 together our department chairs to discuss administers such programs. “Compared to the 1980s, I’ve noticed men Young, MD, MBA, shares a similar sentiment. Elizabeth Petty, MD ’86, recalls having challenging issues, having bright men and “The Centennial Scholars Program is and women being equally concerned about Faculty who are women: 564 (38.1%) “Having recently joined the school, I few women role models when she attended women in the room provides a rich and helping two medical history and bioethics having time to balance their professional and am grateful that my vision resonates with the SMPH. She says the increase in women complete perspective.” faculty members excel in my department,” family lives. I’m careful about giving advice, Faculty at full professor rank: 437 that of Dean Golden and others. I would leaders attracted her back to her alma mater love to build our Ophthalmology and Vision All Types of Diversity says Susan E. Lederer, PhD, chair of the because the way I did it may not fit others.” Faculty at full professor rank who are after she completed a pediatric residency Department of Medical History and Bioethics. Program into a translational research center Golden also made it a high priority Keely notes, “It frightens some women women: 101 (23.1%) at UW Hospital and Clinics, and genetics for the school to increase other types of Golden says, “The historic discrimination to think they may have to choose between a of excellence. We have outstanding basic fellowships and postdoctoral research at Yale diversity, including racial, ethnic, economic against women and other underrepresented career and having a family. I tell them that, Department chairs: 27 and clinical researchers, so I think it’s School of Medicine. She is now the SMPH background and sexual orientation. groups gradually has subsided, and the as a single mom, I’ve raised a child and had possible,” says Young. senior associate dean for academic affairs. Department chairs who are “We have been able to improve gender blatant, illegal barriers are gone. But other a successful career. I place a high priority on She is grateful for teachers who All leaders encourage trainees and faculty women: 9 (33.3%) diversity quicker than several other important more subtle, and at times unconscious, spending time with my son, who is now 16.” recognized her strengths and helped her to seek out many mentors of both genders. types of diversity. Due to our region’s biases persist.” achieve her dreams. Excellence during “The person you turn to for research help Young’s senior year at a Detroit high school is different from who you go to for clinical —continued on page 38 6 Fall 2014 quarterly 7 photo feature photos by todd brown and John wingren

Large photo (left to right): At the Badger Cookout sponsored by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association to welcome the Class of 2018, M1 students Jason Davies, Tony Yu, Iris Vuong and Kelleen Boehlke pose with New Students Bucky Badger and thank donors for their new stethoscopes. share gratitude for stethoscopes from donors

Three photos below (left to right): Ann Ruscher, MD ’91, funded a stethoscope for M1 Mercedes Williams; Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96, helps M1 Holly Ortman with her new white coat, while Christine Seibert, MD, looks on; M1 Nikita Shulzhenko writes a thank-you note to someone who helped him get to where he is in life.

new academic year is a time of great anticipation and The Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) hosted several excitement at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine events to welcome the Class of 2018. The White Coat Ceremony A and Public Health (SMPH). Every August, the school also included a ceremony in which the WMAA gave each student a welcomes about 175 new students who dream of becoming doctors stethoscope that was purchased for him or her by an alum. WMAA and improving the health of the residents of Wisconsin and beyond. staff strategically matched stethoscope donors and recipients based The new students’ first patient encounters began on day 1 as they on medical interests or geographic area. Matches—such as donor participated in “Faces of Patients,” an immersive experience in which Ann Ruscher, MD ’91, and first-year student Mercedes Williams— the future physicians learned one of the most important lessons in helped foster connections. medicine: Doctors don’t treat diseases, they treat people. “It was inspiring to receive my first stethoscope from an alumna Orientation week is a time to learn about what’s to come, meet who is a practicing physician. I felt honored and welcomed to the faculty members and bond with classmates. SMPH,” says Williams. “This gift also motivated me to succeed so, one day, I can join the field next to such amazing physicians.”

8 Fall 2014 quarterly 9 feature story by ian clark

Medical Scientist Training Program Building Physician-Scientists to Tackle Tough Questions

ollaboration among scientists and much-needed funding. Following Schwartz, physicians to ensure that clinical The MSTP became a program Deane Mosher, MD, became the program Cexperiences inform laboratory director in 1999. A professor in the SMPH research, and vice versa, sets the stage for in 1988. Today, it includes Department of Medicine, Mosher retired breakthroughs that can alter the way we 72 students and adds 10 from the directorship 13 years later. He and treat patients and approach health care. Schwartz laid the foundation to support These powerful interactions forge new ways students each year. the program, which now adds nine or 10 to contextualize diseases, technologies and students each year and continues to flourish population health. training. Each graduate earns a combined under the T32 grant. Sometimes the scientist and physician MD/PhD degree. Anna Huttenlocher, MD, became the working to address medical challenges are The program’s physician-scientist MSTP director in summer 2012, after one and the same. Such is the case for graduates are highly sought-after for their serving as an associate director for 13 years. students who graduate from the Medical unique abilities to work at the interface of As a professor in the SMPH Department of Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the clinical care and basic science research. Pediatrics and the UW-Madison Department University of Wisconsin School of Medicine This program began informally in the of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Public Health (SMPH). 1980s, when a few students combined she balances caring for patients in her The program acts like two interlaced research training with their medical pediatric rheumatology practice; teaching four-year programs. Students first complete education. It evolved into an organized medical and graduate students, residents two years of medical education. In their third program in 1988, and a decade later, its and postgraduate trainees; overseeing an year, students break away from their MD roster included 26 students. active research laboratory; and leading Left to right: Anna class and enter one of myriad PhD programs The MSTP’s director in 1998, Brad the program. Huttenlocher, MD; where they pursue rigorous biomedical and Schwartz, MD, secured a T32 National She does not hold the MSTP’s reins Mark Burkard, MD, PhD; health sciences research. Upon defending Institutes of Health (NIH) training grant, which alone. A leadership team representing a Caitlin Pepperell, MD; and their doctoral theses, they rejoin the MD track bestowed upon the eight-year program broad array of physician-scientists helps Scott Reeder, MD, PhD. for their third and fourth years of medical the highly sought MSTP designation and support the program. Associate directors T odd B rown / media solutions

10 Fall 2014 quarterly 11 UW-Madison ranked 3rd fellow, I developed a whole-blood screening When you look at the leading biomedical Janesville, Wisconsin. “He and I read a paper assay that captures the genetic diversity in researchers across the country, many of each week and discussed it as part of the among U.S. public institutions humans,” says Denlinger, who hails from them have combined MD and PhD degrees.” rotation. One of the issues that came up Kalamazoo, Michigan. “I was able to turn Without the extended financial support, an sparked my research project.” in total research that assay into an epidemiologic tool and MD/PhD student may be inclined to abandon The neuro-oncology rotation is part of ask questions about whether this receptor his or her research training to pursue a the MSTP’s Medicine 903 course, which expenditures for the contributes to turning inflammation on and lucrative role, perhaps in private practice, to is a longitudinal clinical experience during 2012-13 academic year. The off in humans.” pay off the debt sooner. But the support for graduate school. His research showed that about 30 the combined degree track is music to the While reviewing literature, Howard, an SMPH accounted percent of patients with asthma had lost the ears of students like Shawn Jackson, now in associate professor who holds an MD and function for this receptor, and their situation his final year of the MSTP. PhD and specializes in radiation oncology, for 33% of that figure. confers a greater likelihood of having an Jackson is eyeing a five-year combined confided in her that he loses sleep at night asthma attack. Denlinger’s lab is sorting residency in pediatrics and anesthesiology, trying to weigh the risks and benefits of through the underlying mechanisms of which—with additional fellowship training— radiation for children. are Scott Reeder, MD, PhD, professor and this discovery. will lead him toward his goal of becoming a He notes that childhood cancer patients medical director of Magnetic Resonance While many roads can lead to successful physician-scientist in pediatric intensive care. have a survival rate greater than 70 percent,

Imaging; Mark Burkard, MD, PhD, assistant sumit kar careers, Denlinger says the MSTP fosters a “The fact that I’m not going to have so quality of life is an important factor in professor, Division of Hematology/ way of thinking about even the most basic $200,000 of debt that would continue designing their treatments. Long-term side Oncology, Department of Medicine, and science experiments with a view toward to increase during my residency is really effects of radiation treatments for brain member, UW Carbone Cancer Center; and clinical practice and applicability. amazing. A lot of my friends are starting tumors include the threat of eye and teeth During the 2014 Medical Scientist Training Program’s annual retreat, most of the students took a hike in the Caitlin Pepperell, MD, assistant professor, “From day 1, the practice of going back residencies, and even though they’re paying problems, adrenal insufficiencies, infertility, picturesque Parfrey’s Glen near Merrimac, Wisconsin. Departments of Medicine and Medical and forth between my bench research and as much as they can on their loans, their cognitive issues and secondary cancers. The Microbiology and Immunology. Paul Cook The strength of doctoral research paired Then they go out and do amazing things seeing patients in the clinic helped me learn total debt is still going up,” says Jackson, risks are as real as the cancer being treated. is the longtime program administrator, and with medical education at the top-10 throughout their residencies and careers.” ways to stay productive in my approach to a Tucson, Arizona, native. “The financial “At the time I was doing that rotation, Chelsea Hanewall is the program coordinator. school offers immense breadth and depth One such graduate is Loren Denlinger, translational research,” he notes. support has allowed me the flexibility to do Barry Ganetzky and David Wassarman were These talented professionals are for students. They explore a wide range of MD ’98, PhD ’98, who entered the MSTP in Another major factor that helps students what I love.” beginning their work with fruit flies and advancing a program populated by research topics, such as creating diagnostic 1990, when it was a line item in the Dean’s is financial support offered through the MSTP. A similar passion is evident in sixth-year traumatic brain injury,” notes Sudmeier. 72 students who are spread across four aids, building analytical tools, pursuing public budget rather than an NIH-funded entity. For those who do not have a scholarship, MSTP student Lisa Sudmeier, who is “I thought, if they can study traumatic brain years of medical school and four years of health and epidemiology, and investigating He earned an MD and a PhD in medical financial pressure in medical school is huge, finishing her PhD and hopes to defend it in injury in flies, I’ll be able to study this, too. graduate school. basic mechanistic biology, chemistry, microbiology and immunology at the SMPH, says Denlinger, adding that the MSTP’s summer 2015. I was inspired by what they were doing, “Our goal is to train the best possible genetics and more. followed by an internal medicine residency funding sources helped him stay productive Working with Barry Ganetzky, PhD, a which is different from anything else being physician-scientists who combine research MSTP students are as unique and in the American Board of Internal Medicine and escape heavy debt. professor in the Department of Genetics, done in the lab.” with clinical training to advance their chosen encompassing as their research. They Research Pathway at UW Hospital and With such costly training lasting nearly a Sudmeier is studying the neurotoxic side Can a fruit fly tell us something about how fields,” Huttenlocher says. “To do that, are Ironman participants, marathoners, Clinics. He also completed a fellowship in decade, program support—including the NIH effects of radiation therapy. Although the brain responds to radiation treatment individuals cultivate careers along a broad musicians and foodies—renaissance men pulmonary and critical care and conducted grant and Rath Fellowship through the UW radiation is a mainstay treatment for patients and impact the way we treat childhood spectrum. Some are primarily research- and women with an uncommon drive that pulmonary research at the hospital. Foundation—is vital for MSTP students. with brain tumors, they often suffer long-term cancer? Could understanding the genetically based but have a clinical perspective that will has likely pushed them forward throughout Since he was a graduate student, “The NIH training grant supports much neurological side effects. encoded functional differences of an immune modify their research; others focus more on life. That driving force helps them take full Denlinger has followed the same research of the MSTP program, as does the Rath Sudmeier is studying neuronal system receptor help alleviate symptoms for clinical care with a research perspective that advantage of the program, which averages thread—exploring the interplay of Fellowship, which was donated by a person development and degeneration at a asthma sufferers? alters how they practice medicine. And some eight and a half years of training. inflammation and a cellular receptor, P2X7. in Wisconsin and is matched by funds from molecular level. In the first part of an Answers to these questions and many, balance the two fields equally.” “Our students are interested in the He joined the SMPH faculty as a clinical the UW Graduate School. The generosity extended research project, Sudmeier is many others are being explored by students UW-Madison’s sustained research brain, in medical physics and in all sorts of instructor in 2004; he is now an SMPH is just amazing,” says Huttenlocher, noting helping establish fruit flies as a model for and faculty in the SMPH’s Medical Scientist prowess is a plus for prospective students research fields. I find this amazing spectrum associate professor and specializes in that the fellowship supports seven student radiation-induced tissue damage. Once Training Program. who compare MD/PhD programs across the of people inspiring,” says Huttenlocher. pulmonary and critical care medicine at stipends every year. “These types of private established, she hopes that screening for nation. The university ranked third among “These are students who will end up UW Hospital and Clinics. and public financial support make a huge genetic modifiers can begin to shed light on U.S. public institutions in total research translating their clinical knowledge into “I was really interested in the genetics difference in how we understand human where and why changes take place. expenditures for the 2012-13 academic improved treatments that directly benefit of the P2X7 receptor, which influences the disease and come up with treatments.” “For me, this whole question was set up year. The SMPH accounted for 33 percent of patients. They do highly creative projects speed and strength of cytokine responses She adds, “The philosophy behind the while I was on a neuro-oncology rotation UW-Madison’s research expenditures. and influence the entire school environment. important for immunity during infection. As a NIH grant is to allow students to do the with Dr. Steve Howard in the Department dual training without incurring a large debt. of Human Oncology,” says Sudmeier, from

12 Fall 2014 quarterly 13 alumni notebook

New WMAA Board Members

n July 1, 2014, eight University of Your hobbies and interests? administration degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and I enjoy reading, cooking and traveling. Tennessee in Knoxville. OPublic Health (SMPH) alumni joined Family update? Your fondest memory of the SMPH? the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association I have three children. My fondest memory is taking gross anatomy, (WMAA) board of directors for their initial which was a differentiator. Because I could three-year terms. A year ago, three alumni Your goals for the WMAA? As the mother of a fourth-year medical see how the human body works, it struck joined as new national board members. home that I was on the road to becoming a We are featuring six of the new members student, I hope to be able to help reduce the financial burden for all medical students. doctor. I’ll always remember my tankmates. here. Watch for more WMAA board member todd brown / media solutions SMPH faculty members you most profiles in the winter issue ofQuarterly . The newest WMAA board members (left to right): Steven Wiesner, MD ’85; Meghan Lubner, MD ’03; Kent Haselow, MD ’92; Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80; Karen Peterson, WMAA executive director, Mathew Aschbrenner, remember? Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA; Alex Tucker, MD ’75; Mathew Aschbrenner, MD ’06; Michael Witcik, MD ’07; John Siebert, MD ’81; and Kathryn Nixdorf, MD ’06. Dr. James Pettersen had a great passion for Not pictured: Leon Rosenberg, MD ’57. thanks all of the board members for their MD ’06 teaching, and his class sessions were very dedicated service to supporting the SMPH’s Your current practice? engaging. I also reflect on spending several missions. The new members are: I am an ophthalmologist in Wausau, months in Mauston, Wisconsin, with Dr. Jack Your goals for the WMAA? Your goals for the WMAA? Wisconsin, and I am interested in District 1 Strong, who helped me learn what family I encourage alumni to become involved in My goal for the board is to help establish sub-retinal surgery for age-related macular Meghan Lubner, MD ’03 Mathew Aschbrenner, MD ’06, Wausau medicine was like. That experience solidified maintaining the strong relationship between more robust and lasting connections between degeneration. Your current practice? Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA, Plover my desire to go into family medicine. the WMAA and SMPH through social, SMPH students and alumni. I practice academic radiology at UW Michael Witcik, MD ’07, La Crosse Your fondest memory of the SMPH? financial and professional avenues. Your hobbies and interests? Hospital and Clinics. I am interested in District 2 Match Day is my favorite memory of I am a Harley Davidson motorcycle oncologic imaging, tumor ablation, computed Michael Witcik, MD ’07 Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80, Appleton medical school. enthusiast and love to travel the back roads Kent Haselow, MD ’92 tomography (CT) colonography and advanced Your current practice? SMPH faculty member you most District 3 of Wisconsin. I am interested in alternative CT techniques, including dual energy and I practice in a multispecialty group in the remember? Your current practice? Kent Haselow, MD ’92, Brookfield energy and live in a super energy-efficient dose reduction. Department of Cardiology of the Gundersen Alex Tucker, MD ’75, Mequon Dr. John Harting is loved and remembered home that is close to being “off the grid.” I practice anesthesiology in Waukesha, Your fondest memory of the SMPH? Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I am for many reasons by his students. Additionally, I have a passion for telemark Wisconsin. I am interested in community District 4 anesthesia practice. My fondest memory is drawing blood from interested in echocardiography. John Siebert, MD ’81, Baraboo Your hobbies and interests? skiing and enjoy spending time with my Sam Lubner—my future husband—in Your fondest memory of the SMPH? I enjoy camping, water skiing, collecting family in northern Wisconsin. We also are Your fondest memory of the SMPH? Meghan Lubner, MD ’03, Madison hematology lab. Some of my fondest memories are old cars and restoring mid-century into wine and good food, and watch for I recall developing great friendships with National Members SMPH faculty members you most participating in the Dean’s Cup events. modern homes. out-of-the-way restaurants when we travel. my classmates. Kathryn Nixdorf, MD ’06, Minnesota remember? Family update? SMPH faculty member you most SMPH faculty member you most Leon Rosenberg, MD ’57, New Jersey Family update? Drs. Don Yandow and Fred Lee really piqued My wife, Julia, and I have two children, remember? remember? Steven Wiesner, MD ’85, California I have an 11-month-old daughter, Madeleine. my interest in radiology when I was a third- Erin and Luke. Erin teaches middle school I remember Dr. Doug Coursin being an Dr. Karen Krabbenhoft was an excellent Your goals for the WMAA? and fourth-year student. Dr. Mike Snow was science at the American Indian Magnet excellent clinician, educator and role teacher and mentor. She demonstrated My goal is to help increase the financial a spiritual guide and mentor for our class on Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80 School in St. Paul, Minnesota. She earned model. I’m grateful that he was one of excitement in her teaching methods. participation and involvement of recent our journey through medical school. Your current practice? her first master’s degree in geology from my instructors. Your hobbies and interests? graduating classes. I work at the Veterans Administration Clinic Your hobbies and interests? UW-Madison. She is completing a master Your hobbies and interests? I love to spend time outdoors with my family, My hobbies include running, reading and in Appleton, Wisconsin. I have an interest in of education degree at the University of I enjoy hiking, fly fishing and cycling. playing sports and camping. women’s health care. Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA Minnesota. Luke is working on his MD/ following the Green Bay Packers and Family update? Family update? Your current practice? PhD at the University of Illinois-Champaign/ UW Badgers. Your fondest memory of the SMPH? My wife, Pam, and I are very proud of our I have a daughter and three sons. I remember watching the 1980 Winter For the past six years, I have been the Urbana. He completed his undergraduate Family update? three children, Noah, Olivia and Ian. Your goals for the WMAA? regional vice president of Ministry Medical degree in microbiology at UW-Madison. My husband, Sam Lubner, MD ’03, and Olympic hockey championship with My goal is to help increase connections Group (MMG) in central Wisconsin. I also see Your goals for the WMAA? I have two sons, Ben and John, ages 3 classmates in the Marshfield dorm lounge. Other news? among alumni and try to decrease the patients part time in our Family Medicine I hope I can help the WMAA continue its and 2, respectively. Sam is a gastrointestinal SMPH faculty member you most Everyone in our family has at least one financial burden of education for students. Clinic in Plover (MMG Plover)—the group mission of supporting medical students and oncologist in the UW group. remember? degree from UW-Madison. I joined 27 years ago. I recently earned my continue to connect alumni with the SMPH in I remember my absolute terror about being physician executive master of business a positive manner. quizzed by Dr. Helen Dickey during rounds.

14 Fall 2014 quarterly 15 alumni notebook

Mi dd leton So ci ety

Above (left to right): Robert Schilling, Jr., son of Robert Schilling, MD ’43, and his wife, Marilyn Johnsrud Schilling, celebrate the elder Schilling’s Folkert Belzer lifetime achievement award, which he received at the Middleton Society event (he passed away a few weeks later; see article on page 22); below: M2 DeMarco Bowen explains his research display to an alumnus. todd brown / media solutions (7)

This page, clockwise from top left (left to right): A Middleton Society member learns about MD/PhD student Brittany Mei Young’s research; another member inquires about M3 Bryan Vonasek’s display about his global health experiences; Carol Bartz and Lee Wilke, MD, FACS, spoke at the event. Top: The balcony of the newly reconstructed Edgewater Hotel faces west for perfect sunset views over Lake Mendota; immediately above: M3 Mario Ademaj visits with Mark Mergen, MD ’64.

hirty-two years ago, the Board of Welcoming attendees to the annual partnership and support, but there is still “Teams, Tailors and Teens: The Next his career. The award recognizes an He added, “A unique aspect of his life Directors of the Wisconsin Medical Middleton Society event, SMPH Dean Robert a long list of challenges for us to tackle.” Generation of Breast Cancer Research and individual whose contributions extend over involves a dimension that transcends TAlumni Association (WMAA) Golden, MD, shared, “The impact you have Among those challenges is a goal to Care.” Wilke is the WARF Professor for a prolonged period. the traditional boundaries of medicine. established the Middleton Society, made through the generous sharing of reduce student indebtedness. WMAA the Advancement of Surgery in the SMPH Much to everyone’s surprise, Schilling Throughout his career, he has involved a philanthropic society to honor University your time, ideas and gifts has advanced Executive Director Karen Peterson shares Department of Surgery and the director of passed away a few weeks later (see a students and others in considering the of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public our service to students, patients and the that the WMAA and UW Foundation the UW Health Breast Center. tribute on page 22). ethical, philosophical and public policy Health (SMPH) alumni, faculty and friends people of Wisconsin as we continue to live have established 18 new Great People WMAA co-founder Robert Schilling, “Emeritus Washburn Professor of aspects of medical issues, preparing the who support hope and encourage the the Wisconsin Idea. In its current iteration, Scholarships, totaling more than $1 million. MD ’43, also attended the event at the Medicine Robert Schilling is considered way for thoughtful participation in the real scientists, clinicians, teachers and students the boundaries of our school extend across In 2014, the WMAA was able to grant 35 Edgewater Hotel. Golden honored Schilling an icon by colleagues and former world. And by example, he has shown who translate hope into action. the planet, as demonstrated by our global Great People Scholarships to students. with the school’s Folkert Belzer Award, students for his outstanding teaching that the education of a physician is a Through the efforts of many strong health students here with us tonight. We Representing the research and patient a lifetime achievement recognition for and research accomplishments,” lifelong process.” partnerships, the Middleton Society has have accomplished much, thanks to your care missions of the school, Lee Wilke, MD, contributions to the SMPH throughout Golden told the audience. flourished; it now includes 1,200 members. FACS, shared the evening’s presentation:

16 Fall 2014 quarterly 17 alumni notebook

Rosemarie Metzger, MD ’04

s an endocrine surgeon many patients experience Shortly before my surgery at the Cleveland Clinic after surgery. This can be an rotation, I spent a week with A in Ohio, I see men insidious disease that smolders the Haiti Medical Mission of and women of all ages who for years before diagnosis Wisconsin. In Haiti, I fulfilled have thyroid, parathyroid and referral. Symptoms, the role of first assistant in and adrenal gland problems. including fatigue, bone pain the operating room, where Their conditions range from and neurocognitive changes, I learned a huge amount. primary hyperparathyroidism are often not recognized; many A month later on my surgery “On Call” and benign thyroid nodules, patients just assume they are rotation, the skills I had Three Surgeons to thyroid cancer and “getting old.” Having a post- already learned translated University of Virginia in pheochromocytoma. Working at surgical patient exclaim that he into real opportunity. I loved tell Quarterly what Charlottesville and an a tertiary care facility with an or she is able to stand without working with my hands and endocrine surgery fellowship they’ve been up to excellent genetics department, pain, or has had a “cloud seeing tangible outcomes. The at the Cleveland Clinic. I also see many patients who lifted,” is very rewarding. surgeons I interacted with had Endocrine surgery includes have inherited conditions. Into my third year of medical the same drive for perfection a perfect blend of technical Primary hyperpara- school, I had no clue what field that I saw in myself, and I knew cases, beautiful anatomy, a thyroidism cases are I wanted to pursue. I liked all that was where I belonged. diverse patient population and memorable because of the of my rotations but couldn’t I completed a general a healthy dose of complexity to rapid, dramatic improvement envision any as a career. surgery residency at the keep me on my toes.

Tina Sauerhammer, MD ’03

Daniel Mansfield, MD ’88 have practiced pediatric surgical team that performed I did my general surgery plastic surgery at Children’s the country’s first full face residency at UW Hospital and y interest in general valuable experience in me handle trauma cases and National Medical Center transplant. Being able to give Clinics and completed a plastic surgery came gynecologic surgery, which has obstetrical emergencies. I (CNMC) in Washington, D.C., for a 3-year-old girl the chance surgery fellowship at Lahey after working my helped tremendously in the One memorable case was M the past two years. I recently to see her father’s face again Clinic in the Boston area and way through college as an rural setting. a young man who presented decided to move back to is why plastic surgery is a craniofacial and pediatric emergency medical technician Serving in the U.S. Army to us in South Sudan after my hometown of Green Bay, so rewarding. plastic surgery fellowship in a rural hospital emergency overseas and being deployed to being stabbed with a spear. It Wisconsin, and am serving as When I entered medical at CNMC. department. I worked with a the Bosnian conflict enhanced penetrated through his upper northeastern Wisconsin’s only school, I wanted to be a Among the reasons I rural surgeon, who handled a my experience. After returning abdomen, through his liver fellowship-trained pediatric pediatrician, and I fell in love chose my specialty is to be broad range of patient care, to the United States, I practiced and into his spine. I was able surgery team that travels to plastic surgeon with Prevea with surgery during my final able to provide reconstructive including everything from farm general surgery in a rural to remove the spear, a frightful Milot, Haiti, each year. Health. I perform reconstructive third-year surgery rotation. I procedures for patients in accidents to cesarean sections. setting for 15 years. I now work object itself, and hold pressure offers a constantly changing I tell medical students that operations for children with was struggling with the thought underserved areas. I have I wanted to be able to serve as a general surgeon at Meriter on his liver to stop the bleeding. variety of surgical and no matter what you decide to congenital anomalies. I love of juggling a surgical career traveled to West Africa, Jordan patients in areas that didn’t Hospital in Madison. He was able to walk out of our medical cases. do in medicine, it is invaluable the diversity of the procedures, with having a family, and I and Haiti, where I performed have the luxury of multiple Through my involvement facility in just four days. I encourage medical to have plastic surgery skills. from cleft lip and palate to burn looked to the female surgeons reconstructive surgery on subspecialists, but nevertheless in Doctors Without Borders, I My current practice students to consider getting Overall, I feel lucky to have reconstruction. who mentored me. I realized children and adults. Over the needed surgical care. I was have recently made trips to Sri includes a full range of general the broadest base of found a specialty that I love During my plastic surgery that you have to do what you past three years, I have worked fortunate to be able to do a Lanka and South Sudan, where surgical issues, including experience that they can during while being able to make a training in Boston, I felt love, so I decided to become a with the CRUDEM Foundation residency in Pennsylvania that I helped build the medical minimally invasive surgery, training. These experiences difference in the lives of fortunate to be part of the pediatric surgeon. as part of a pediatric plastic did not have obstetrics and infrastructure in rural areas. gastrointestinal surgery and often seem trivial at the time, my patients. gynecology residents. I gained These experiences have helped breast surgery. General surgery but they become invaluable.

18 Fall 2014 quarterly 19 alumni notebook

Class Notes compiled by Andrea Larson We want to hear from you! Class of Health. He is an expert on developmental articles appeared on the cover of India med.wisc.edu/shareyournews disabilities, epidemiology and prevention, Currents magazine. In fall 2014, Beyond 1996 as well as risk factors for poor pregnancy Holistic presented a series of events Class of outcomes. He recently contributed to two co-sponsored by the University of California, James Gitter received the first Dr. John key studies related to the prevalence of Berkeley, School of Public Health and Institute Najarian Friend of the Foundation Award in 2011 autism spectrum disorder in the U.S. Kirby for South Asian Studies. Another event has April 2014. Presented by the National Kidney also was selected by students as the USF a goal of making peace more probable with Foundation (NKF), the award was created in College of Public Health 2013 Outstanding local peace advocates. honor of Najarian, a transplant pioneer and Professor of the Year, and he received the longtime NKF friend. Najarian developed one 2007 national Maternal and Child Health Class of of the world’s largest transplant programs, (MCH) Epidemiology Award for Excellence in residency at Georgetown University in which has performed more than 7,000 Teaching and Mentorship from the Coalition 1980 Washington, D.C., and an allergy and kidney transplants and thousands of other for Excellence in MCH Epidemiology. In immunology fellowship and research transplants, including pancreas, heart, liver, 2010, he was elected to a two-year term as fellowship in clinical pharmacology at lung and combined organ transplants. The president of the Association of Teachers of Vanderbilt University. He is certified in foundation presents the award each year to Maternal and Child Health. Kirby earned a internal medicine and allergy and clinical a medical professional who strives to move doctorate in human geography and a master immunology and is a member of the the mission of the NKF forward through of science in epidemiology from the SMPH. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and a commitment to programs, events and Immunology; Wisconsin Medical Society; and patients. Gitter introduced the idea of “Donor Class of Wisconsin Allergy Society. Day” in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins Johnny Tackett (co-class president) in 2011. Since then, event volunteers— 1990 Class of and Adam Wallenfang were married including those from Gitter’s practice, Kidney in Middletown, Connecticut, in June Specialists of Minnesota in Richfield—create Jayshree 1957 2014. Both earned bachelor’s degrees Chander started and distribute baseball cards featuring E. Richard Stiehm received the from UW-Madison: Tackett in 2007 and Beyond Holistic, In Memoriam popular Twins players on the front and kidney Mentorship Award of the American Academy Wallenfang in 2010; in addition, Wallenfang a nonprofit John Drawbert, an orthopedic and disease and transplantation statistics on of Allergy, Asthma, received a teaching certificate in 2012. organization sports medicine specialist in Eau Claire, Robert Schilling ’43 the back. Through this event, the NKF has and Immunology The couple met at the university in 2008 focused Wisconsin, and Patrick McBride, SMPH September 30, 2014 the opportunity to educate thousands of for a lifetime and worked with a team of students and on primary associate dean for students and professor Madison, Wisconsin people on the importance of early detection, of service as hospital staff to found the Wisconsin Dance prevention of in cardiology, recently climbed Mt. Gannett, (see article on page 22) prevention and organ donation. The 4th an allergy and Marathon, a fundraising event that benefits injuries and the tallest peak in Wyoming (altitude 13,900 annual Donor Day in 2014 raised more than immunology American Family Children’s Hospital. illnesses. As an interdisciplinary, integrative, feet). It was a difficult technical climb, but $15,000 for the NKF. mentor for John Rennebohm ’52 Tackett is a general surgery resident at Yale intercultural practice, the physician-led fulfilled a “bucket list” challenge for both. students, September 19, 2014 University, and Wallenfang teaches high Class of organization aims to reduce people’s The climb involved miles of boulder fields residents, Spokane, Washington school English in Darien, Connecticut. dependence on medical care by engaging and three glaciers to summit. The friends postdoctoral 1991 them as agents of personal and communal report that the climb was a great way for fellows and faculty. Stiehm is a distinguished Class of health. It draws on arts, action, humor, classmates to connect and share a life Mary K. Kubiak ’54 Russell Kirby earned University of South professor emeritus of pediatrics at the David information and inspiration. Beyond Holistic’s experience! September 5, 2014 Florida’s (USF) highest faculty recognition Geffen School of Medicine at the University 2009 premise is that all human activity is health Wisconsin native Dan Wendelborn Delray Beach, Florida, when he was named a Distinguished of California, Los Angeles. He also is the Luxme Hariharan was selected in June related. It addresses the root causes of moved to the Fox Valley in 1987, when and Omro, Wisconsin University Professor. He was one of three co-editor of the newly published textbook, 2014 as a finalist in the White House Fellows faculty members given this designation modern epidemics, such as obesity, diabetes he began his private practice. Besides Stiehm’s Immunodeficiency Diseases, Program among 30 candidates from across and cardiovascular disease; environmental being an avid fly fisherman and hiker, he Bernard Kampschroer ’67 in 2014. Internationally renowned for and the immunology section editor for the country. Although she was not chosen for illnesses; interpersonal, communal and enjoys sports photography and astronomy. August 30, 2014 his scholarly accomplishments, Kirby is Up-to-Date, the online source for medical the fellowship, Hariharan was encouraged to transnational violence; depression, anxiety He also has contributed to publications Waunakee, Wisconsin a professor and the Marrell Endowed information. He received the 1988 UW reapply in 2015 and feels honored to have and stress-related illnesses; and workplace about prostaglandins. After medical school, Chair in the College of Public Health Medical Alumni Citation Award. been a finalist. Department of Community and Family health. In July 2014, one of Chander’s blog Wendelborn completed his internal medicine

20 Fall 2014 quarterly 21 alumni notebook connections

Goodbye Dear Friend: Mini Med School Robert Schilling, MD ’43 Regenerative Medicine— From Stem Cells to New Organs Harvard Medical Unit at Boston City Following a profile of him in the spring Hospital, and UW Hospital and Clinics in 2007 Quarterly, numerous grateful former Madison. He served in World War II in the students shared memories, including Pacific Theatre as an assistant battalion James Sinclair, MD ’81, who wrote, “My surgeon in the 3rd Marine Division. His career was shaped by this gentle giant service took him to Guam and the Battle of who clearly knows how to live.” Iwo Jima, among other places. The 2007 article included this quote While at Harvard, Schilling began from Schilling: “The idea that you could his work on vitamin B12 and pernicious come from a small village and a high anemia, a treatable but often undetected school class of 30 students and come to condition. He joined the SMPH in 1951. the university and make a good life for On a historic day in 1953, he drank yourself is something special.” a solution containing one microgram of In recognition of Schilling’s radioactive vitamin B12, which led to the longstanding contributions to the SMPH development of the gold standard test for and the nation, Golden presented him with defective vitamin B12 absorption, named in the Folkert Belzer Award at the Middleton his honor as the Schilling Test. Society event on September 12, 2014.

todd brown / media solutions Schilling’s investigations resulted in an The school presents the award to its most of medicine (6) y er / department enormously important body of scientific distinguished current or former faculty beloved alumnus, co-founder of the tha Wisconsin Medical Alumni work and many national and international members. Schilling died a few weeks later. clint Association (WMAA) and the recognitions. He received a competitive Until his death, Schilling was an A by Rebecca Wasieleski Emeritus Washburn Professor of Medicine National Institutes of Health (NIH) lifelong active member of the WMAA, which he at the University of Wisconsin School research career award. He served as chair co-founded in 1956, and he attended many tem cells possess the ability to of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), of the hematology section of the American special events each year. He served as a replicate and turn into specialized cells, making them a valuable resource for Robert Schilling, MD ’43, passed away at Board of Internal Medicine and president of representative for his medical school class S medical researchers and the central focus of home on September 30, 2014. Schilling the Central Society for Clinical Research. for decades. He also served a four-year the emerging field of regenerative medicine. is considered an icon by his colleagues At the SMPH, Schilling served as the term as mentor for the Class of 1990, and chair of the Department of Medicine from he conducted research until the end. At the September 18, 2014, Mini Med and former students for his outstanding School, “Regenerative Medicine–From Stem 1964 to 1971. He voluntarily relinquished Having lost to cancer his first wife, teaching and research accomplishments. Cells to New Organs,” Tim Kamp, MD, PhD, his NIH lifetime research career award so Mariam Hansen Schilling, with whom he Hailing from Adelle in Sheboygan professor of medicine, served as moderator he could fully dedicate himself to the duties raised five children, Schilling remarried County, Wisconsin, Schilling lived nearly for a panel of experts who shared the story of Clockwise from top left: Presenters field questions; James Thomson, VMD, PhD, visits with participants; his entire life in Wisconsin, though he of that major SMPH leadership position. more than 40 years ago to Marilyn a stem cell—from creation, to its maturation a couple reviews event materials; the event packed a large auditorium at the HSLC; Amish Raval, MD, describes research; (left to right) K. Craig Kent, MD, and Richard Page, MD, are “mini deans” for the series. traveled the world as a researcher and Even as he gained worldwide Johnsrud Schilling. He rode his bike to into a somatic cell, and to its function within private citizen. recognition, Schilling remained fiercely work into his 80s, and swam his entire life. a new organ. Presentations demonstrated of patient-specific stem cells. Sam Gubbels, Richard Page, MD, chair of the Department of As a UW-Madison undergraduate, he devoted to his students and patients. The SMPH community will deeply how stem cell research leads to regenerative He taught the SMPH’s second-year miss Schilling, and will remember him medicine therapies. MD, assistant professor of surgery, outlined Medicine, and K. Craig Kent, MD, chair of the was a Big Ten batting champ. A minor Department of Surgery, founded the program hematology course for decades until fall for his trusted advice, expansive and Sean Palecek, PhD, professor of chemical the use of regenerative medicine to treat league team offered him a position. hearing loss. And Amish Raval, MD, associate in 2010 and preside as “mini deans” at three of 2006. He stopped seeing patients at varied interests, and succinct expressions. and biological engineering, described “Thankfully, he pursued his medical professor of cardiovascular medicine, annual events. During each Mini Med School, age 70, but continued teaching, which he Tributes appear on the SMPH web site. how researchers make stem cells follow education and graduated from our medical explained the use of stem cells in treating researchers offer educational presentations called “a permanent joy, because every To view them online, or to learn about directions. William Murphy, PhD, professor of school,” says Dean Robert Golden, MD. heart disease. that challenge “students” with real science year there is a new crop of young people.” memorials established in Schilling’s honor, biomedical engineering, explained the move Schilling continued his clinical training from stem cells to human tissues. James Mini Med School is a free, community- and explain how research can result in better go to www.med.wisc.edu/44324. at Philadelphia General Hospital, the Thomson, VMD, PhD, professor of cell and based program of the University of Wisconsin treatments for patients. regenerative biology, discussed the creation School of Medicine and Public Health.

22 Fall 2014 quarterly 23 Giving Back

Health Policy Expert by Sharyn Alden Alumni Association board and become a resources, calling this his “siren song.” He prominent voice in state and national health left Teladoc in 2013 to become the chief f Benjamin Franklin had known Richard policy issues. medical officer at Pager, which focuses on Boxer, MD ’73, he might have had Also prominent in her field, Barbara Boxer seamless urgent care on wheels. Moves Forward Ihim in mind when writing the famous specialized in government relations and In another role today, Boxer consults with line—“What one relishes, nourishes.” was widely respected for her legal work on patients throughout the country who look to Those words sum up Boxer’s passion for all certification of women-owned businesses him as a problem solver. by Giving Back things medicine. and other concerns affecting Milwaukee- “These people are stymied about what to Born and raised in Whitefish Bay, Richard J. Boxer, MD ’73 area citizens. She received the 2003 Pro do next and where to go when facing difficult Wisconsin, outside Milwaukee, Boxer now Bono Lawyer of the Year from Marquette health care choices,” explains Boxer, who lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Barbara, Law School. offers the service for free. “I feel that to move a fellow Badger who earned her bachelor Now a managing director of Belle forward, you have to give back, and I deeply and master of public policy degrees from Capital USA, an early-stage investment appreciate what others have done for me.” University of Wisconsin-Madison. firm that specializes in women-run tech “I try to find the best doctors for patients Boxer’s high school years hinted at his businesses, Barbara Boxer was the founder who are battling all types of diseases,” says future. For instance, beneath his yearbook and managing member of Women’s Boxer, whose attentiveness, creativity and picture are two profound words: “I Care.” Angels, LLC, which has approximately access to a large network of people help When Boxer completed his undergraduate $5 million in investments across the U.S., make this possible. degree in history at UW-Madison in 1969, including Wisconsin. His interest in learning and caring about he was thrilled to be accepted to the Nine years ago, Richard Boxer switched others comes through when he considers UW School of Medicine and Public Health from clinical practice to consulting due to who he’d like to have dinner with, choosing (SMPH). His medical career was anything but health issues involving melanoma, lymphoma from anyone alive or deceased. a roll of the dice. and hepatitis C. “I’d like to sit down and talk to “It was in my DNA,” he shares. “I could still consult, so I focused on that Maimonides, the influential 12th century The number of doctors in Boxer’s family for my next chapter,” he says, noting that a physician,” he notes. “At the same table, bears that out—he became the 30th career move to become the chief medical I’d like to invite Albert Einstein and the first physician among his relatives. A dozen others officer at Teladoc, Inc., fit his “sweet spot responders who went into the burning Twin have since become physicians, including of helping people connect with necessary Towers on 9/11 to save lives.” the Boxers’ daughter, Leslie, a professor of health care services.” Boxer has fond memories of times in radiation oncology at University of Southern A Dallas-based start-up company, Teladoc Madison as a student and as a returning California. Their son, Benjy, is the project links board-certified doctors with patients Badgers fan. A tennis aficionado, he laughs manager of a content marketing software who have non-life-threatening illnesses. about the times he snuck into Nielsen Tennis company, NewsCred. They also are proud of Boxer helped grow the company from 50,000 Stadium—before it had officially opened—to their 5-year-old granddaughter, Blythe. members in 2006 to 5 million in 2013. It is play tennis with Richard Hong, MD, and the The Boxers began their careers in the the nation’s largest telemedicine company. late Fritz Bach, MD, both pioneers in bone Milwaukee area—he as a private practice Boxer represented the United States marrow transplant. Hong had taught Boxer’s urologist and she as an attorney. They say at the World Health Organization and was first clinical rotation in medical school. they are forever grateful for the foundation appointed to the Board of the National More than two decades later, when Boxer they were able to establish at UW-Madison. Cancer Institute, as well as the National was battling a serious illness, he learned that “My outstanding education in Madison Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney he needed a bone marrow transplant. gave me the opportunity to become a Diseases. He also was a senior advisor on “Without the earlier work of Drs. Hong physician and to pay it forward,” he notes. health policy in five presidential campaigns. and Bach, I wouldn’t have survived.” With this in mind, the couple generously He was a finalist twice for U.S. Surgeon Boxer recently flew to Vermont to spend funded the Boxer Family Passageway that General—once each during the presidencies time visiting Hong. connects the Health Sciences Learning of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, probably “It was a spectacular pleasure to connect Center with the Wisconsin Institutes for the only American in modern times to be so with him because he means so much to Medical Research and the Clinical Science honored on both sides of the aisle, he notes. me,” Boxer says. “We reminisced about Center—home to UW Hospital and Clinics. miki & sonja photograph y “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride,” UW-Madison and how so many things in life “What we have given to the UW pales in Boxer jokes. come full circle.” comparison to how we’ve benefitted from our He also has a strong goal to help people tremendous education,” shares Boxer, who who don’t have adequate health care Barbara Boxer and Richard Boxer, MD ’73 also has served on the Wisconsin Medical

24 Fall 2014 quarterly 25 26

black & white photos courtesy of uw-madison archives color photos by Ariel arneson (2) and Tim anderson (1) T McArdle buildingonUniversity MD, andRobertClodius, PhD, the dedicate Harold Rusch, MD’33, KennethEndicott, theopenhouse;in1964,at MelvinLaird, Elaine conduct researchin1947;CaitlinRugani, Miller, PhD’45, andHaroldRusch, MD’33, PhD ’12, usesmodernequipment;Elizabeth Powers,and RobertGolden, MD);Ginny Bailey,Howard MD, MarshaMailick, PhD, Lambert, PhD ’85, Pitot, Henry MD, PhD, McArdle’s moveto WIM R II(lefttoright: Paul Facing page: to WIMR II onHighland from 1964to2014;McArdlemoved occupied thisbuildingonUniversity on NorthCharterStreet;thelaboratory Clockwise fromtopleft, thispage: McArdle McArdle Laboratory Celebrating 75 years which continuestoday. forexcellence, reputation an international recruiting talentedscientistswho earned Potter, PhD’38, charted itsfuturecourseby Rusch, MD’33, director andassociate Van Cancer Research. Itsfirstdirector, Harold for astheMcArdleLaboratory now known first basiccancerresearchfacilities— Madison created oneoftheworld’sMadison created in 1940, theUniversityof Wisconsin- donations hrough generousprivate Alarid, PhD, andPatrick Nymangather ribbon-cutting celebrates A ribbon-cutting celebrates milestones Avenue in2014. Avenue. Avenue

C&N Photography induction ofvariouscancers, discovered established thebasisofchemical of chemicalcarcinogenesis. Scientists McArdle buildingonUniversity Avenue. (NCI) funding, UW-Madison builtthe In 1964, CancerInstitute withNational from industrialist andattorney Wisconsin. Michael McArdle, aprominentChicago building resultedfromabequestby Its early research focused on studies Its earlyresearchfocusedonstudies Construction ofthefirstMcArdle laboratory’s clinical research complement. Clinical CancerCentertoprovide the processes in cancer. the rolesofoncogenesanddevelopmental viruses andcancerand, morerecently, expanded toinclude of therelationship from normalcells. The focusgradually differs cancercells’biochemistry how resultintumors,in cellsthat andshowed geneticchanges carcinogensinitiate how In 1973, RuschestablishedtheUW Fall 2014 quarterly ’84. In September2014, Paul Lambert, Hoffmann, PhD, andJamesShull, PhD PhD ’80, Bill Sugden, PhD, F. Michael Miller, PhD’45, NormanDrinkwater, including Henry Pitot, MD, PhD, Elizabeth asMcArdle’s served have topleaders, in Wisconsin. center comprehensivecancer NCI-designated from 1978until1997andistheonly Center, itbearsthenameofitsdirector calledtheUWPaulNow P. CarboneCancer Over theyears, severalnotables Baltimore, PhD, Dulbecco, MD, andRenato PhD, receivedtheNobelPrizewithDavid agents. And in1975, Howard Temin, widely usedanti-cancerchemotherapeutic PhD, discovered5-FU, oneofthemost instance, in1957, CharlesHeidelberger, majorscientificbreakthroughs.many For 36). (see page of Oncology Medicine andPublicHealth’s Department andchairoftheUWSchool Laboratory PhD ’85, becamethedirectorofMcArdle McArdle researchers have made made McArdle researchershave

C&N Photography laboratory’s in 2015. 75thanniversary planned severaleventstohonor the Medical Research Tower II. They have move intothe Wisconsin Institutesfor thelaboratory’sstaff celebrated recent retroviruses, mostnotably AIDS. diseasescausedby of drugstotreat discoveries revolutionizedthedevelopment ofthecell.”the geneticmaterial These interaction betweentumorvirusesand for “their discoveriesconcerningthe In October2014, McArdle’s facultyand 27 student life awards

Medical Student has Worked in Five Countries Gold Humanism Honor Society Honorees Serve as Jonathan Strong Excellent Role Models by Ian Clark e’s worked in five countries across the Atlantic. He took two years off in the Hmiddle of his medical education to get a master of public health (MPH) degree and conduct research in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Now back for his fourth year at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Jonathan Strong is excited about what he has learned and what lies ahead. As the third generation of his family to be a physician associated with UW-Madison, Strong says, “A career in medicine was always on my mind.” His father, Jeffery Strong, MD ’81, earned his medical degree from the SMPH and has practiced family medicine in Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, for many years. Jonathan solutions Strong’s grandfather, Jack Strong, MD, was a primary care doctor and preceptor who hosted many SMPH students at his Mauston, Wisconsin, practice. Jonathan Strong enjoyed working with children during his global health work in the Congo. “My international experiences in high

school and college helped solidify my passion john wingren / media for a medical career,” explains Strong. elderly—and especially elderly refugees— for Vaccines and Immunizations and took Students watch as Dean Robert Golden, MD, gives a GHHS certificate to May Tun. Other students (left to right) are Nathan Swenson, Benjamin Lipanot, As a high school senior, he traveled with are a vulnerable population,” Strong says. classes at the World Health Organization. Olushola Akinshemoyin Vaughn, Allison Aul, Lauren Bauer, Lauren Brown, Jonathan Fricke, Michael Kessler, Heather Nennig and Megan Trainor. a group to West Africa and helped establish Subsequently, he began a yearlong “I’ve kept pursuing international work rural clinics in Senegal, which sparked his experience in the Eastern Democratic as much as I can. I enjoy it and feel that it’s n August 2014, the University of Wisconsin emphasize these attributes as being equally • Lucas Kuehn interest in global health. Republic of the Congo as a Johns Hopkins meaningful. I want to do something that I School of Medicine and Public Health important as academic excellence for future • Benjamin Lipanot Strong visited Kenya when he was an faculty researcher. His research investigated enjoy and am good at,” Strong says. I(SMPH) inducted 17 fourth-year medical physicians,” explains McIntosh. • Heather Nennig undergraduate at the University of Minnesota. the impact of a U.S. Agency for International He adds, “Dr. Cindy Haq has been a great students, three faculty members and one The national organization funds • Mehria Sayad-Shah Soon after, he entered the SMPH, but opted Development project focusing on preventing mentor and teacher throughout medical resident into the Gold Humanism Honor educational events, supports research, • Nathan Swenson for a two-year leave of absence after his childhood malnutrition. Strong directed school. I started working with her early Society (GHHS). promotes professional growth and creates • Meaghan Trainor third year of medical school. This “leave of about 24 data collectors and traveled around on because she’s done a lot of incredible Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96, MPH, assistant networking opportunities for members. • May Tun absence” certainly provided no vacation time. to gather survey data from approximately international work.” dean for students, conducted the ceremony, McIntosh notes that this year’s awardees • Caroline Yang During the first year of his leave, he 1,800 households and anthropometric Now in his final year of medical school, and Robert Golden, MD, dean, and Elizabeth will serve as excellent role models for future • Robert Dempsey, MD, chair, Department earned an MPH degree from the John measurements (including height and weight) Strong plans to specialize in emergency Petty, MD ’86, senior associate dean SMPH classes. The honored individuals are: of Neurological Surgery for academic affairs, shared certificates • Samuel Lubner, MD ’03, assistant Hopkins School of Public Health. He also from 1,200 children under age 5 enrolled in medicine with hopes of continuing research • Olushola Akinshemoyin Vaughn and pins. professor, Department of Medicine traveled to Lebanon, where he led efforts to the study. Strong and his team accomplished projects and international work. • Megan Attridge The GHHS mission is to recognize • David Rakel, MD, professor, Department design and implement a health assessment this work despite a near total lack of “I’m interested in academic emergency • Allison Aul and encourage in future physicians the of Family Medicine of 300 elderly Syrian refugees who had fled electricity and ongoing fighting that displaced medicine, and I see myself at a university • Lauren Bauer development of humanism, compassion, • Katherine O’Rourke, MD, resident, to escape the civil war that continues raging. many study participants. that supports research projects abroad. • Lauren Brown integrity, respect and service toward patients Department of Obstetrics and “We looked at their health needs and During medical school, Strong also spent I envision splitting my time between • Jonathan Fricke and colleagues. Gynecology the gaps in health provisions, because the a summer in Geneva, Switzerland, where clinical emergency medicine and research • Victor Gonzalez “We are among the medical schools he did consulting for the Global Alliance overseas,” Strong shares. • Mohammad Hararah across the United States and Canada that • Michael Kessler

28 Fall 2014 quarterly 29 Awards

by Ian Clark Cynthia Haq, MD, ynthia Haq, MD (PG ’87), has earned the prestigous Arnold P. CGold Foundation Humanism in Honored for Medicine Award. A professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Population Health Sciences Humanism at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), Haq in Medicine received the national award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) at its annual meeting in Chicago on November 9, 2014. According to the AAMC, the Humanism in Medicine Award annually honors a medical school faculty physician who exemplifies the qualities of a caring and compassionate mentor in the teaching and advising of medical students. The nominee must also

possess the desirable personal qualities of the aamc necessary to the practice of patient-centered medicine by teaching ethics, empathy and service by example. y courtes “I am honored to be a representative photo for humanism in medicine. It’s the heart of Cynthia Haq, MD (PG ’87), received her award from Lorris Betz, MD, PhD, senior vice president emeritus medicine and is at the core of what we do,” for health sciences, University of Utah, and chair, AAMC board of directors. said Haq. “I’ve always tried to honor the art and the science of medicine. To me the art, at its very core, is respect for the dignity and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program that colleagues who’ve supported and covered for worthiness of every single human being. The she directs. TRIUMPH trains third- and me when I was working abroad, my students, reason we call it an art is that it is applied fourth-year medical students in underserved and my patients who’ve forgiven me for differently with every patient. Yet this remains areas of Milwaukee. being gone for periods of time. My work has one of the most vital skills for being a good More examples of her compassion stretch always been through collaborations with doctor. I’m glad that this award exists to across the globe, including her work to help many people; I’m just a representative of the heighten the awareness of this important establish the first family medicine residency hundreds of people who’ve supported me element of doctoring.” programs in Pakistan, Uganda and Ethiopia. personally and professionally, otherwise my Growing up in Indiana and Pakistan, In 2013, Haq received the Leonard Tow work would not be possible.” Haq took great interest in people around Humanism in Medicine Award, again from Valerie Gilchrist, MD, chair of the SMPH her who were living in poverty, forming early the Arnold P. Gold Foundation, which led to Department of Family Medicine, shares, ideas about her responsibility to help others. some early confusion about this new award. “I knew Cindy long before coming to the UW. “It troubled me greatly as a child that The Tow Humanism award is presented to a As an international leader in family medicine there were children who were just like me graduate student and faculty member at one education, she was often in the spotlight and but didn’t have clothes to wear or food to eat. of 96 medical schools in the nation. was always unassuming and generous with And as I grew older, I was always grappling “It was a great honor to receive the her praise of others. At UW-Madison, where I with the idea that, if the world is so unfair award last year because students selected have the pleasure of working with Cindy, I am and I’m the lucky one who was dealt a good me. I was happy to know that my work not surprised that TRIUMPH has flourished hand of cards, then what can I do to make was meaningful for our students, but I was under her leadership. She is supportive things better for others,” Haq said. stunned to receive this national award,” and inspiring for students, and a master at That compassion is evident in her Haq shared. “I wouldn’t be able to do the developing collaborations. Her unpretentious work in Wisconsin, for instance, through work that I do without the support of so nature, sense of humor and dedication the Training in Urban Medicine and many people—my family, friends, teachers, makes working with her a pleasure.” Dean Golden, family medicine chairs and

30 Fall 2014 quarterly 31 research advances

Filaments Act as Scaffolds for Cell-Dividing Machinery Using Heat and Cold to Manipulate the Brain

niversity of Wisconsin which use them to push When another component he body senses heat treating chronic inflammation believe the channels contain Unwinding Sister SOLVATION EFFECTS Chromatids School of Medicine and infectious particles out of cells, of the ESCRT machinery (Vps4) Stress Relief for and cold at a molecular and neuropathic pain. specialized modules that Heat-sensing Mitotic Cells JCB THE JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY Sec12 Widens + VOL. 206, NO. 6, SEpTEmBER 15, 2014 + High T Low T the Exit for Collagen level, sending signals Specialized ion channels, respond to temperature. +

Public Health (SMPH) enabling their reproduction. connects to the filament, the O U T Polar +∆V P + + -∆ researchers have discovered The ESCRT-III complex spiral contracts, bringing the throughout the body to react. called TRP channels, found Chanda notes that + C p

Voltage how an important protein in is one of many machines cell membrane with it and By unlocking secrets of these in the cell membranes of systematic experiments show, Cold-sensing

+ the body assembles into spiral that make life possible. It is closing the gap at this final pathways, neuroscientists higher organisms, mediate for the first time, that a radical + + O

Non- P Polar +∆V + filaments that help separate composed mainly of Vps32 stage of division. Audhya could have a new way to temperature responses. new theory proposed in 2012 + +∆C + p

Voltage daughter cells from the parent proteins (CHMP4B in humans) hypothesizes that additional study the brain. That’s why “TRP channels seem like by researchers in Harvard CHARGE EFFECTS after cell division. and assembles into spring- proteins are recruited to the University of Wisconsin School they are finely tuned to specific and Brandeis can account for Heat-sensing + ESCRT-III + channels that will likely affect O Published in the Journal shaped filaments. collapsed spiral to drive the of Medicine and Public Health temperature ranges,” explains all temperature sensitivity of +∆V P Spirals into Shape + the study of+ brain-∆ Cfunction.p of Cell Biology, the study “The filament can collapse final separation and fusion of www.jcb.org (SMPH) researchers studied Baron Chanda, PhD, associate the TRP channels. His group Voltage one such pathway. professor in the SMPH found that they could make Their study also lays the illustrates how remodeling and expel its potential the membrane. He says understanding In a recent study published Department of Neuroscience the voltage-sensitivity of the groundwork for design of of the spiral filaments might energy. We think something To discover how this works, this will be fundamental in online by Cell, SMPH scientists and the paper’s senior author. potassium channels highly novel ion channels which are squeeze the membrane “neck” similar happens with Vps32 Audhya and collaborators from exploring other instances of re-engineered a normal, Research on temperature- temperature-dependent by controlled by temperature. of the cell. Additionally, other spiral filaments,” explains five UW-Madison laboratories membrane scission, such voltage-dependent potassium activated ion channels has led introducing amino acids that Optogenetics, an established proteins can use the filament Jon Audhya, PhD, associate used many strategies, including as retrovirus replication and ion channel and made it either to competing theories. Some release or absorb heat when method for studying brain like a scaffold, positioning them professor in the Department of high-resolution microscopy, secretion, vesicle release and heat- or cold-sensitive. Such suggest that temperature exposed to water molecules. function, is invasive, but heat to ultimately cut the membrane Biomolecular Chemistry and computational modeling and cytokinesis, and could someday signaling plays an important modulates the channels’ The studies’ general principles can be delivered using other neck. The same set of proteins the principal investigator. in vivo models. allow scientists to attack role in pain pathways and in voltage-sensitivity. Others will aid in designing novel ion methods that are less invasive. is hijacked by retroviruses, problems like HIV budding.

Neurosurgery Patients Help Show Stress Reactions Researchers Find New Link Between Fat and Cancer

cans of patients with During scans, patients heart rate variability in the lthough people generally called dermal white adipose Research. “From other studies, injuries in an important looked at neutral or aversive patients. Control subjects had don’t like much fat on tissue (DWAT). They also are 60 we know that hyperactivation Sregulatory brain region photos. As predicted, those more variable heart rates, A their bodies, a discovery to 80 percent more resistant to of the p38 checkpoint causes are helping neuroscientists with vmPFC damage had much which is considered a healthy at the University of Wisconsin tumors than normal mice. a cell-signaling cascade that is understand reactions to stress stronger amygdala response to response to stress; lower School of Medicine and Public Researchers found that, important to the cold response and uncertainty. negative images than the 19 variability is associated with Health (SMPH) suggests that unlike other fat, DWAT expands and to suppressing tumor Principal investigator healthy control subjects. But delayed recovery from stress. one kind of insulating fat may to help the body stay warm establishment, particularly Michael Koenigs, PhD, with vmPFC damage should be patients did not respond more Study results may trigger be linked to a greatly reduced instead of burning fat to heat metastases growing in lungs.” associate professor in the more anxious and fearful. fearfully and did not have heart a revision of the predominant risk of tumors. the blood. In knockout mice, She continues, “Most fat University of Wisconsin “We’re concluding that rates change like the controls. theory regarding brain According to the study, they observed a continuous cells are established, though “This is like turning the heat School of Medicine and Public the interaction among brain The second study, mechanisms underlying published in PLOS Genetics, activation of brown fat to heat they may contain less or more on but leaving the windows Health (SMPH) Department regions is more complex than published in the Journal of emotion regulation. researchers studied “knockout” the blood, and activation of the fat. We think that the DWAT open,” explains Alexander, of Psychiatry, says all four researchers thought,” says Neuroscience, looked at how Researchers hope this mice that lack the gene p38 stress checkpoint. cells are continually expanding, adding that this study builds patients had shown personality Koenigs, adding that this is the damaged brains coped with could lead to more effective Syndecan-1, usually studied “Our study suggests dying and redifferentiating. upon earlier research, and changes before neurosurgery first time anyone has been able uncertainty by tracking the strategies for diagnosing and for its properties of sticking that improper development Each time that happens, the additional research is needed. to remove brain tumors in to look at causal interactions in activity of the insula, which treating mental illnesses. cells together and processing of insulation has systemic cells need syndecan. The Investigators are working the ventromedial prefrontal this circuit in humans. plays a role in anticipation. Julian Motzkin, a medical signals. Without it, mice don’t effects,” explains Caroline unique qualities of this fat were with radiologists to determine cortex (vmPFC). This region is The first study, published in Using similar methods, the student in the SMPH Medical develop intradermal fat—a Alexander, PhD, professor revealed accidentally.” whether this layer responds considered crucial to regulating Biological Psychiatry, looked study found that uncertainty Scientist Training Program, is very thin layer within the skin of oncology at the McArdle Without it, knockout mice to ambient temperature and mood and social functions; at what effect a damaged triggered a greater insula the lead author of both studies. that prevents heat loss—also Laboratory for Cancer battle to stay warm. whether it is true for humans. theories suggest that people vmPFC would have on the response but did not increase amygdala, the fear center.

32 Fall 2014 quarterly 33 faculty profile

by Susan Lampert Smith she and husband James Reardon, who “Claudia is the consummate clinical works in the UW-Madison Department of educator: simultaneously incredibly skilled at xtensive physical training doesn’t make Rising Star Physics, welcomed their first child, Benjamin, working in a wide variety of clinical situations elite athletes any more immune to to the world. and very adept at teaching residents and mental illness than the rest of us. E In addition to all of that, Reardon recently medical students how to care for patients,’’ Balances Claudia Reardon, MD ’06, learned this completed her tenure as chair of the he says. “Her patients adore her, and anecdotally via the colleagues of her brother, women’s group for the American Medical residents and students are always turning to Andrew Rock, a professional sprinter who Association and serves as the associate her for supervision and mentorship.” Patient Care, won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics in director for the Department of Psychiatry For example, through Reardon’s Athens, Greece. When his fellow runners Residency Program, which has 31 trainees. leadership, the department has received learned that his big sister was a psychiatrist, Teaching, “Claudia’s efforts are outstanding,” says national recognition as a pioneer in teaching they sought her out. Ned Kalin, MD, Hedberg Professor and residents about quality improvement— “I started to get all kinds of interesting Chair of Psychiatry. “She is highly dedicated the factor behind her ACP award. She also curbside questions,’’ she recalls. Mentoring to psychiatry and is an excellent teacher, leads a national task force on teaching “I think the general perception of athletes’ mentor and clinician. Her developing interests integrated primary care and behavioral health physical prowess does them a disservice.” in sports psychiatry are meeting a need that care to residents. and More For instance, during check-ups, has gone somewhat unrecognized in the But she hasn’t forgotten the need for physicians may not ask about any potential past. She truly is a rising star here at the UW advocacy that she witnessed years ago at Claudia Reardon, MD ’06 problems with mood or anxiety, explains and on the national scene.” Safe Haven. She helped lead a successful Reardon, an assistant professor in the In fall 2014, Reardon learned that effort—with the Wisconsin Medical Society University of Wisconsin School of Medicine she will receive the American College of and others—to get legislation to help reduce and Public Health (SMPH) Department of Psychiatrists’ (ACP) 2015 Award for Creativity concussions in high school athletes. The Psychiatry, who earned her undergraduate in Psychiatric Education at the organization’s law requires that youth athletes suspected degree at UW-Madison and her medical annual meeting. She is being honored for of having concussions be removed from the degree at the SMPH. her development of a quality improvement field and examined before they can return Her research led her to write an article curriculum for psychiatry residents. to play. She also works with second-year about the effects of common psychiatric Reardon, with a background as a runner medical students on the Advocacy Integrative medications on athletic performance, herself, grew up in the small central- Case, which teaches advocacy skills for published in the journal Sports Medicine. Wisconsin town of Stratford and came public health issues. That, in turn, led to an invitation for Reardon to UW-Madison under the former SMPH Renie Schapiro, MPH, who leads that to co-edit the 2013 book, Clinical Sports Medical Scholars Program. case, says Reardon has helped students Psychiatry: An International Perspective, In her first year of medical school, prepare resolutions for the Wisconsin which brought together the latest articles in Reardon volunteered at the Safe Haven Medical Society. the field. The book discusses issues ranging Clinic, which serves people struggling with “Her commitment to the students from substance abuse and exercise addiction homelessness and mental health issues. doesn’t end when her responsibilities to eating disorders, depression, suicide and That experience spurred her passion for have been met,’’ Schapiro says. “On her concussions. Reardon co-wrote the chapter psychiatry. own initiative, she continues mentoring on the effects of psychiatric medicines “It struck me how desperately those interested students, and some have gone on on athletes. patients needed services and how grateful to author impressive resolutions beyond the Today, she has a subspecialty in sports they were for any kind of help,’’ she says. boundaries of the case.” psychiatry. Badger athletes are among “It was a wonderful feeling to care so much Schapiro concludes, “Dr. Reardon is the patients she sees at the Wisconsin about a group of patients.” a dream to work with, an effective and Psychiatric Institute and Clinics in Madison. Art Walaszek, MD, vice chair for education committed educator and a wonderful role Overall, 2013 was a banner year for and director of the Department of Psychiatry model for our students.” Reardon: she won a “Rising Star” award Residency Program, says he has found it from UW Health for her exceptional clinical rewarding to watch Reardon develop from care and was elected into the American being a medical student and resident to College of Psychiatrists. Most importantly, joining the faculty.

34 Fall 2014 quarterly 35 spotlight

Lambert to lead Oncology and McArdle Laboratory UW Hospital and Clinics Names Two Top Leaders

The department and investigating the role of human Cancer Center and Waldemar he University of Wisconsin helped create the UW Health laboratory’s twofold mission is papillomaviruses (HPV) in cancer. Von Zedtwitz professor of Hospitals and Clinics Accountable Care Organization, to conduct research into the He is the principal investigator on genetics at Yale. “Paul and I T(UWHC) Authority Board renew the UW School of causes and biology of cancer three National Institutes of Health share an interest in the role of Directors has named Ron Medicine and Public Health’s and train graduate and post- research grants, edits the journal of viruses in cancer, a topic of Sliwinski (left photo) president National Institutes of Health grant doctoral students to conduct Virology and serves as associate longstanding interest to the and chief executive officer. for clinical and translational such research. editor of PLOS Pathogen. He McArdle Laboratory since the “Ron brings a passion research, and establish The Howard Temin Professor has served on many national time of Howard Temin. His for UW Health’s mission and affiliations that tightly link of Oncology, Lambert received and international study sections, development and analysis of vision,” says board chair David UW Health’s missions. his bachelor’s degree from the panels and advisory groups, sophisticated animal models Walsh. “He has a thorough “Ron, the board and senior University of Massachusetts- and he has lectured and served of HPV-driven cancers have understanding of UW Hospital leaders and boards of all UW aul Lambert, PhD ’85, a Amherst and his PhD from as a visiting professor at revealed many fascinating and Clinics’ operations and its Health organizations will continue In October 2014, Sliwinski former position was eliminated. longtime professor at the UW-Madison. In 1990, after he many institutions. aspects of carcinogenesis and role as a nationally recognized to discuss ways to create a more named Tim Gaillard (right) senior Gaillard, who continues to PUniversity of Wisconsin completed a fellowship at the “The choice of Paul Lambert gained international acclaim.” regional referral center.” streamlined and integrated UW vice president and COO. As part lead the UWHC Technology School of Medicine and Public National Cancer Institute, he for this leadership role puts one Robert Golden, MD, dean Sliwinski joined UWHC in Health structure for governance, of his focus on streamlining Assessment Committee and Health (SMPH), became the chair became an assistant professor of the nation’s finest cancer of the SMPH, thanked Jim 2009 as vice president for leadership and operations,” UWHC leadership, Sliwinski Value Analysis Executive of the school’s Department of at the SMPH, where he has researchers at the helm of a Shull, PhD ’84, for his dedicated professional services and soon notes Walsh. “UW Hospital and expanded the COO role to Oversight Committee, has been Oncology and director of the remained since then. renowned research enterprise,” leadership and service while he became senior vice president Clinics’ commitments to patients, consolidate responsibilities for named to the Unity Insurance McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Lambert is internationally says Daniel DiMaio, MD, PhD, was the Department of Oncology and chief operating officer families and staff are of the service line leadership. Many of Board and is a member of the Research in September 2014. renowned for his work scientific director of the Yale chair for the last five years. (COO). In addition to overseeing highest priority.” Gaillard’s previous duties were UWHC Authority Board’s Finance key operational areas, he distributed to others and his and Audit Subcommittee.

School Approved for $2.1 Million Funding from PCORI Institute Awarded $12 Million to Build Culture of Health

University of Wisconsin wellness in older adults at risk and Communities (Alliance), a he Robert Wood Johnson help communities on the road to School of Medicine and for frequent use of acute health nationwide network of nearly Foundation (RWJF) better health. A Public Health (SMPH) care services and/or nursing 500 nonprofit organizations.” Thas announced it will Catlin says that once counties research team led by Elizabeth home placement. While the investigative team continue to fund the University learn how they rank compared Jacobs, MD, was awarded Jacobs notes that peer-to- is based in Madison, study of Wisconsin Population Health to the rest of their state, they $2.1 million by the Patient- peer support is like having a participants over age 65 will be Institute to rank and provide have access to the Roadmaps Centered Outcomes Research trusted friend to help you. from Los Angeles; Palm Beach, guidance for improving the to Health Action Center that Institute (PCORI) to study “The “The fact that our work is of Florida; and Rochester, New York. health of all of America’s A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program provides tools and guidance for Effectiveness of Peer-to-Peer import to patients and families Each community has established counties. The annual release how to improve local health. For Community Support to Promote and is community based helped peer-to-peer programs by robust of the County Health Rankings every community, the decision emergency department visits and Aging in Place.” This three-year us secure the grant and gave us nonprofit organizations that are typically generates coast-to- about how to improve health is nursing home placement. Catlin, MHSA, PhD ’94, who The Rankings began as a study is one of 33 grants the best real-world context for members of the Alliance. coast media coverage. The a local one. As part of the new “We believe older adults in co-directs the Population Health Wisconsin program in 2003, and approved this year by PCORI, this study,” explains Jacobs, an Researchers will follow 360 related Roadmaps Project grant, the Roadmaps Project will the support groups will have Institute with Julie Willems Van RWJF expanded it to the national an independent, non-profit associate professor in the SMPH participants over 12 months. supports health improvement expand its community coaches. lower rates of these services Dijk, RN, PhD. level in 2010. RWJF will support organization authorized by Department of Medicine and They will examine how peer-to- in counties and cities across For more details, see the and situations compared to the “We are very grateful for the Population Health Institute Congress in 2010. associate vice chair for health peer support enhances overall the nation. article in the summer 2014 standard service group,” says RWJF’s continuing support and with $12 million over the next The study will compare services research. “We are well-being and affects rates “The rankings continue Quarterly magazine, or visit the Jacobs. collaboration as we continue to two years to continue compiling community-based, peer-to-peer proud of our robust partnership of depression and anxiety. The to get people’s attention and help communities build a Culture and sharing health data for County Health Rankings web support to standard community with the Milwaukee-based team also will assess whether drive action to improve health of Health,” Catlin adds. nearly every county in every state site at countyhealthrankings.org. services in promoting health and Alliance for Strong Families it prevents hospitalization, in communities,” says Bridget and to expand activities that

36 Fall 2014 quarterly 37 healer’s journey

women in leadership continued from page 7

reflection or leadership questions,” describes Evolving Life Plans Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Gilchrist, whose Canadian medical school When Wald completed her undergraduate Program for Women (ELAM). class included about 20 percent women. degree, she almost whimsically decided to Kokotailo met Gilchrist, a fellow ELAM Inspiring Hope Donata Oertel, PhD—whose husband, enroll in medical school, based on a friend’s classmate who worked in Ohio at the time. by Chinou Vang Bill Sugden, PhD, is the James A. Miller suggestion. Wald became one of 30 women Petty and Young were ELAM classmates An old, dark building stood at the corner. The glass door looked as if it hadn’t been washed in years. The smell Professor of Oncology at the SMPH— in her class of 200 at State University of New when they worked at different universities. of old carpet and smoke stained the hallways. I recognized the word “Dr.” on the door. We walked inside, and a appreciates the mentoring he provided as York Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, “The world gets smaller as your lady at the counter said hello. She muttered something and handed us some paper. I recognized the word “Name” she began her career and took on several where she met her husband. profession expands,” says Young. as my father scribbled my mother’s name. After a long wait, a lady pointed to us, and we followed her to a room leadership roles. She was the chair of the “We came from humble backgrounds, Participants say ELAM helped them that barely had enough space to fit all of us. former Department of Neurophysiology and attended state schools with scholarships, and understand functions of health care outside We waited for a long time before the doctor came in. He looked of Indian descent and spoke to us. My parents interim chair of the Department of Physiology. worked our way through medical school and of their niche and create a nationwide looked at me as I stared blankly back. Of what the doctor said, I only understood the word, “Hello.” I pointed at Recently named the founding chair of the residencies,” she recalls. network of mentors. Kokotailo called upon my mom and said, “My mommy’s tummy hurt,” as I rubbed my stomach and cringed. This broken communication Department of Neuroscience, Oertel relishes When her husband was called into ELAM classmates when deciding whether to occurred several times until the doctor wrote something and handed it to my dad. Success, I thought! Little did I a team approach, noting that Meyer Jackson, military duty during the Vietnam era, the pursue the SMPH associate dean position. know, but this was the first of many similar trips. PhD, is the department’s associate chair. couple and their two children moved to the “I was a busy pediatrician and researcher I was 8 years old when I had this experience. My parents were refugees from the Vietnam War and came “My most important mentors have been Baltimore Washington corridor, a location she but knew it was time to expand,” she says. to the United States without knowing any English. I grew up speaking Hmong and started learning English in my husband and my mother-in-law, who loved. They started medical careers at the Others, including Keely and Kiley, say their kindergarten. As a third-grader in English as a Second Language classes, learning the new language was a earned her PhD in her 50s and was a strong University of Maryland (her) and the Johns research provides similar networks of people big challenge. I felt jealous of children who came to school with perfectly completed projects and proudly said, role model,” notes Oertel. “Bill and I have Hopkins Hospital (him), before moving to who are working toward a common goal. “Mommy helped me.” I usually came to school with projects that were completely different from the guidelines that a son and daughter-in-law who hold PhDs the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Golden notes that the SMPH also were sent home. My mother could not read or write English, but she sat alongside me while I did what I could. in neuroscience and applied mathematics, where they spent nearly three decades. supports professional development programs Life got a little easier as I learned more English and made my way to high school. At age 16, I was hired respectively. My husband and son have A proud grandmother of five, Wald says a through the Association of American Medical as a part-time pharmacy technician at Walgreens. One day, a Hispanic woman with a young child walked in to co-authored a paper, and I have learned supportive partner makes a huge difference. Colleges and UW Medical Foundation. And fill a prescription. I quickly realized that the mother did not speak English, and her nervous child was doing the about optogenetics from our son at Brown Likewise, Gilchrist says the flexibility Keely cites a UW-Madison program that speaking. My mind flashed back to eight years earlier at the doctor’s office. I saw myself in this child and was University.” to move has helped during her 40-year helped her through a rough spell. reminded of the struggles for adequate health care in a poor, urban community. Moms as Role Models marriage to Bill Scott, PhD, a psychology In 2006, just before she reached tenure, In comparison to other communities, the “ghettos” of a city have the worst health care, but this is accepted Several women leaders cite their moms professor at Beloit College. Keely was diagnosed with esophageal cancer by those who live there. Some ask why people would accept such low standards, but these people know nothing as their top role models. “I spent 25 years on the Northeastern and given a 50 percent chance of survival. else. Only through education did I learn that this was not the only way. Through school, I learned that a world exists For instance, Young explains that her Ohio Medical University faculty, then I moved A single mom, she underwent major surgery, where the translator is an adult. Only through education did I learn that a person’s quality of life should not have to mom grew up in rural Mississippi and, after to Brody School of Medicine in North Carolina participated in a clinical trial and struggled to depend on the amount in his or her paycheck. high school, joined the Air Force, where she and in 2008 came to Madison. Two of our eat enough to regain a healthy weight. I want to be the change I wish to see in my community. I want every mother, father and child to receive the best met Young’s father. The couple instilled in children grew up in Ohio, but our youngest “Because I could not submit grants during available health care. I want all people to be able to communicate their needs and not have a language barrier their five children an attitude that they could claims Madison as home,” Gilchrist says. that time, the Vilas Life Cycle Professorship cause suffering. As a doctor, I will be able to help make these changes happen. This is why I work so hard to accomplish anything by working hard. Journey to Leadership helped me maintain my career until I could become a doctor. “When I was in high school, my mom Keely credits the SMPH for identifying get back on track. It helps faculty who face Stopping the cycle of generations of families on welfare begins with children—the nation’s future. As a doctor, went to college, and I became a ‘deputy people with leadership qualities. For instance, major setbacks,” she recalls with gratitude. I wish to provide care for underserved communities and inspire children to pursue education and a better life. mom,’” Young shares, adding that history when she was an associate professor, UW Pay It Forward Personally, I know the struggles of growing up in a poverty-stricken repeated itself when she earned a master of Carbone Cancer Center leaders asked her to Thinking about the big picture, Petty home. Thus, I want to give them hope and help them understand that business administration (MBA) degree while help lead the Cancer Cell Biology Program. It shares, “I see my role as helping to anything is possible if they put their minds to it. her kids were in high school and college. has evolved into the Tumor Microenvironment nurture the next generation of health care If enough of us help change these communities, hopefully someday Similarly, Hamedani will complete an MBA Program, which she continues to co-lead. professionals. My goal is to help faculty and we can live in a country where there is no such thing as a “ghetto.” degree in winter 2015. She says her basic- “Junior faculty don’t necessarily watch learners move forward toward their goals.” scientist parents encouraged her to consider for opportunities, so it helps when someone Oertel notes, “I am motivated by helping Chinou Vang (pictured at left with his parents) grew up in Milwaukee, careers that would leverage her compassion notices your talents and believes you’re others thrive. I want them to be as happy as I Wisconsin, and is a first-year medical student at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He wrote this essay as part of his and propensity for science. During medical ready for more responsibility,” Keely explains. have been in my career.” medical school application. school, Hamedani met influential mentors As part of their growth into leadership, And reflecting on her transition into who helped her explore several interests, Gilchrist, Kokotailo, Petty, Seibert and Young leadership, Rice says, “It’s no longer about including health systems improvement. gained valuable experience through Drexel me. I think the way to judge one’s self at this She found her niche at the SMPH. University’s year-long Hedwig van Ameringen point is to observe the success of others.”

38 Fall 2014 quarterly 39 larson’s perspective

Cold, Wet and Dark Inbox

he best amateur sailors from Australia, haptic—feedback. The laboratory works  Stay Informed Canada, Great Britain, Italy and the closely with the UW School of Medicine and Do you receive SMPH and UW Health e-newsletters? You can sign up to have news and valuable information TUnited States competed in a blue- Public Health and has been advancing our delivered directly to your inbox. Check out available offerings at uwhealth.org/11929. water sailing regatta this fall in Sheboygan, knowledge of how to equip visually impaired Wisconsin. A particularly exciting feature individuals with neurosensory input for better  Meet Our Researchers of this competition is that all participants daily living. According to the TCNL’s mission Laboratory research is vital to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health’s (SMPH) were blind. statement, it is “committed to enhancing the mission. The school’s robust research community includes active programs in all aspects of basic, clinical and It’s a fact that sailing is sensory. You can rehabilitation process and envisions a future applied science. Learn how today’s discoveries are becoming tomorrow’s treatments by watching video profiles of researchers who are shaping the future of health care. See med.wisc.edu/40737. feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your with faster and more complete rehabilitation face. According to my son, Drew Larson, who from sensory and motor disorders.” is a member of the University of Wisconsin- Through research there, we are learning  Passion for Patients Madison Hoofers Outdoor Recreation that visually impaired people, through the When medical student Jeff Mahlum suffered a spinal cord injury during a diving accident in 2011, leaving him paralyzed from the chest down, he had the unfortunate opportunity to learn how confusing and daunting the Program and sails a Badger Sloop on Lake process of neuroplasticity, can actually health care system can be. The experience led him to discover the importance of advocating for patients and Mendota, “much of sailing is simply feel.” “see” with their other senses. We’re not empowering them to make the best decisions for their health. Visit med.wisc.edu/44281. Drew Larson explains, “You feel the just talking figuratively about heightened pressure from the tiller and the change awareness through other senses, but rather Focus on Cancer Research in heel angle. You feel the effect of the sensory substitution with the equivalent of  Diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer at age 19, Aly Wolff of McFarland, Wisconsin, used her final year to mainsheet traveler on the weather helm. visual images. promote cancer research while undergoing treatment at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Her family and When the traveler is eased to leeward, Dr. Yuri Danilov from the UW College of friends organized a 5K run that raised $125,000 for cancer research. Learn about her inspiring story at the boat flattens, and the tension on the Engineering and the TCNL, informed me uwhealth.org/43629. mainsheet is reduced. When you retrim the that UW-Madison is a leader in discovering sheet, the boat accelerates.” methods of sensory substitution, particularly The BrainPort V100 is a nonsurgical B.J. Blahnik, a Sheboygan-based blind for the blind. assistive device used for orientation, mobility, recreational sailor who overcame his early In 1999, Dr. Paul Bach-y-Rita, Dr. Kurt A. object identification and spot reading by fears, says, “Sailing is a perfect environment Kaczmarek and Dr. Mitchell Tyler, all from the individuals who are blind or have no useful for a blind person. Everything stays in the UW College of Engineering’s Department of vision. It translates digital information same place and doesn’t move. And sailing is Biomedical Engineering, founded Wicab—a captured via a video camera into gentle, a sport of feeling.” high-tech medical device spin-off company. electrical stimulation patterns on the surface Mr. Blahnik was growing up on a Wicab licenses key technology from the of a person’s tongue. A user feels moving Wisconsin farm when he was diagnosed with Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, bubble-like patterns on his or her tongue, retinitis pigmentosa and began losing his which acts as the intellectual property which the person learns to interpret as the sight. The sport enables blind sailors like him manager for UW-Madison. Through this shape, size, location and motion of objects to participate on nearly equal footing with relationship, patented inventions from the in the environment. The BrainPort V100 is sighted sailors. Department of Biomedical Engineering are intended to augment, rather than replace, “It’s a level playing field,” Blahnik adds. made available to the private sector. other assistive methods such as white canes “Other sailors wait for ribbons on the stays to An early Wicab endeavor resulted in and guide dogs. indicate a shift in the wind. I anticipate and BrainPort, a company that manufactures Now, when I struggle in a dark room adjust much sooner. When it’s rough for me, devices that assist blind people. It focuses on to find the light switch, I have a better it’s rough for somebody who is sighted.” biomedical engineering, as well as research, appreciation for all that’s required for my The Tactile Communication and development and commercialization of mind to construct an image of the unlit room. Neurorehabilitation Laboratory (TCNL) in devices based on a proprietary electrotactile UW-Madison’s Department of Biomedical sensory substitution technology. Christopher Larson, MD ’75 Engineering studies this tactile—or Quarterly Editorial Board Chair

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