VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 • 2016 FOR ALUMNI, FRIENDS, FACULTY AND STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH Quarterly

Immunotherapy HARNESSING CELLULAR SYSTEMS TO FIGHT DEADLY DISEASES

MIDDLETON SOCIETY p. 8

ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY p. 10

FALL REUNION WEEKEND p. 14

There’s More Online! Visit med.wisc.edu/quarterly to be

QUARTERLY The Magazine for Alumni, Friends, JANUARY 2017 Faculty and Students of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Wednesday, January 11 Operation Education MANAGING EDITOR Kris Whitman ART DIRECTOR FEBRUARY 2017 Christine Klann Friday, February 24 WMAA Winter Event, Fluno Center PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER John Maniaci PRODUCTION Michael Lemberger MARCH 2017

WISCONSIN MEDICAL Friday, March 17 Match Day ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (WMAA) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karen S. Peterson APRIL 2017 EDITORIAL BOARD Friday, April 21 Spring WMAA Board Meeting, Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75, chair Jacquelynn Arbuckle, MD ’95 SMPH/WMAA Scholarship Reception and Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 WMAA Awards Banquet Robert Lemanske, Jr., MD ’75 Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH

Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96, MPH CALENDAR Sandra L. Osborn, MD ’70 MAY 2017 Patrick Remington, MD ’81, MPH Joslyn Strebe, medical student Friday, May 12 UW-Madison Commencement EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Robert N. Golden, MD, Andrea Larson, Karen S. Peterson, Jill Watson, Kris Whitman JUNE 2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Thursday and Friday, Spring Alumni Weekend 2016–2017 June 1 and 2 Class Reunions for Classes of ’52, ’57, ’62, ’67 OFFICERS and the Half-Century Society (all alumni who Susan Isensee, MD ’83, president Daniel Jackson, MD ’03, president-elect graduated before 1967) Ann Ruscher, MD ’91, treasurer Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH, past president Steve Merkow, MD ’80, past president BOARD MEMBERS OCTOBER 2017 Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80 Friday and Saturday, Fall WMAA Board Meeting Mathew Aschbrenner, MD ’06 October 20 and 21 Homecoming Weekend, UW vs. Maryland Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA Dirk Fisher, MD ’79 (Note updated dates) Class Reunions for Classes of ’72, ’77, ’82, ’87, Jennifer Foster, MD ’04 ’92, ’97, ’02, ’07, ’12 John Kryger, MD ’92 Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75 Kyla Lee, MD ’98 Meghan Lubner, MD ’03 Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96 Kathryn E. Nixdorf, MD ’06 (national) Leon E. Rosenberg, MD ’57 (national) John Siebert, MD ’81 Alex Tucker, MD ’75 Steven Wiesner, MD ’85 (national) Michael Witcik, MD ’07 BOARD ADVISORY COUNCIL Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 Philip Farrell, MD, PhD Donn Fuhrmann, MD ’76 Kay Gruling, MD ’88 QUARTERLY is published four times a year by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) Charles V. Ihle, MD ’65 and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Thomas Jackson, MD ’67 For editorial information, call (608) 263-4613 Ann Liebeskind, MD ’98 For address corrections and to reach the WMAA, call (608) 263-4915 Sandra L. Osborn, MD ’70 Anne Schierl, MD ’57 E-mail us at [email protected] Visit us on the web at med.wisc.edu/quarterly CONTENTS QUARTERLY • VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4

Immunotherapy Middleton 14 Alumni Notebook A team of researchers and Society 4 clinicians harness patients’ 8 24 Alumni Q&A The school thanks its own immune systems to most loyal supporters. Awards fight cancer and other 26 deadly diseases. 28 Spotlight 30 Leader Q&A 32 Connections Advancing Campus Scene (above) 34 Giving Back Health Equity Amid a sea of red and white, Badger fans cheered 10 their team to a Homecoming victory over Illinois in 36 Research Advances A conference brings together mid-November. experts who share goals and 39 Milestones ideas aimed at improving health outcomes for those On the Cover 40 Perspectives who need the most help. Modern equipment like this cell selection device helps University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers develop innovative cancer immunotherapies. At the UW Carbone Cancer Center, scientists and physicians work hand in hand to bring exciting new treatment options to patients from Wisconsin and beyond.

QUARTERLY 1 MESSAGES

ROBERT N. GOLDEN, MD the stubborn, persistent health disparities that affect our society’s most vulnerable individuals. We hope to reverse this heritage by promoting new strategies for advancing health equity. We are pleased to highlight, starting on page 10, a seminal event that we hope will inspire its participants to take active leadership roles in creating a more just future in which all individuals and communities have equitable access to health-promoting environments and services. It is always a pleasure to welcome exciting new developments that will enhance our organization’s heritage. We are absolutely delighted to welcome Dr. Alan Kaplan as the inaugural CEO of the newly integrated UW Health. It was a pleasure to join Dr. Kaplan at the starting line of The Ride (see page 32), the first in what will become an annual event in support of the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Suffice it to n organization’s development, like the UW Health Burn Unit nurse who chose say, one of us finished far in advance of the development of individuals, reflects to earn her medical degree at our school other (and I’m hoping that Dr. Kaplan will be A its heritage. In this issue of Quarterly and complete her postgraduate training so discreet and respectful of his more senior magazine, we celebrate the heritage of she could rejoin that unit as an attending partner in not sharing the embarrassing several key components of our University of faculty physician. racing results). I am sure that we will cross Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public We also celebrate and thank the key even more important symbolic finish lines Health (SMPH). individuals who help shape the SMPH’s together, as we race toward a shared vision We are especially pleased to build upon evolving heritage. Dr. Jeffrey Grossman, of creating the nation’s most innovative our heritage of immunotherapy-related one of the most influential people in our academic health system. innovations. Dr. Paul Sondel—who, as organization’s history, received the SMPH’s Regardless of where your personal and a UW-Madison undergraduate student, Belzer Award at our recent Middleton Society professional path has taken you, please trained with bone marrow transplant pioneer event, surrounded by members of that consider visiting the SMPH. We are always Dr. Fritz Bach—continues to expand the organization who also have helped advance thrilled to welcome back our alumni and expression of this heritage through wonderful the missions of the SMPH. supporters, and I would enjoy an opportunity scientific breakthroughs. Dr. Sondel and his A cornerstone in our school’s to reflect on our school’s heritage and dream colleagues, including Dr. Christian Capitini, heritage recently celebrated a major with you about its future. Dr. Jacques Galipeau (the newest addition to milestone—a quarter-century of providing our school’s immunotherapy team) and many free health care for the medically Robert N. Golden, MD other partners throughout UW-Madison, underserved population of Dane County. Dean, University of Wisconsin School of continue to shape this rapidly evolving field. Over the past 25 years, the interprofessional, Medicine and Public Health We love hosting our alumni when they student-led MEDiC Program has grown to Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, revisit the roots of their professional heritage, include seven clinic locations, all staffed by UW-Madison as shown in the colorful photos taken volunteer students and faculty members. during the Fall Reunion Weekend festivities. Sometimes our state, like the rest of Another article describes the journey of a the nation, realizes a specific aspect of its special alumna, Dr. Angela Gibson, a former heritage must change. Such is the case with

2 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 SUSAN ISENSEE, MD ’83 reetings fellow alumni! It’s a privilege before a triumphant Badgers football game. to introduce myself as your 50th As always, the events featured excellent food GWisconsin Medical Alumni Association and music. (WMAA) president. On behalf of the WMAA, I encourage all I have served on the WMAA board of alumni to give back to the SMPH. directors since 2004. The prior year, my Giving of your time is one way to do so. class of 1983—for which I am a co-class Many of you will join us for the January 11, representative—had a successful 20-year 2017, Operation Education, which gives reunion. WMAA Executive Director Karen students the opportunity to learn from Peterson and her staff helped plan that alumni about various specialties. Also, please event, noticed my enthusiasm and recruited plan to attend the WMAA Winter Event on me to serve on the board. It has been a February 24, 2017, at the Fluno Center, pleasure to work with the board and WMAA where you’ll be able to interact with fellow staff, University of Wisconsin School of alumni and medical students. Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Dean In addition, I encourage you to consider Robert Golden and others at the school. making a monetary donation to the WMAA I look forward to building closer working or SMPH. When Dr. Jeffrey Grossman relationships with all. retired this fall from his four-decade career Beginning my term by representing the at UW Health (see page 26), the SMPH WMAA at the new students’ White Coat created the “Grossman Chair in Healthcare Other ways to give include hosting Ceremony was memorable. The incoming Leadership,” an endowed chair position, as a an alumni event in your area—similar 2016 class is an impressive group! tribute. Dr. Grossman requested that smaller to successful 2016 events in Phoenix, Like the past few classes, these students donations in his honor be given to a fund Minneapolis and Seattle—or serving as a initiated their class fund right away at the to assist medical students who encounter class representative or on the WMAA board. WMAA-sponsored Stethoscope Ceremony. emergencies, such as unexpected illnesses, In any case, please share news about your Four years ago, the association launched this accidents or deaths in their families. The careers and family in Quarterly magazine. program by asking alumni to donate $150 WMAA is matching all gifts made to assist Connect with classmates on social media. to purchase a high-quality stethoscope for a students so this fund can be endowed and And remember, alumni are welcome to first-year medical student and sponsor that used in perpetuity. To donate to the new attend all WMAA board meetings and events. student for one year of WMAA events, or emergency fund for students, please contact Reach out and get involved! $500 to provide a stethoscope and sponsor a WMAA Executive Director Karen Peterson at I look forward to serving you and hope student for all four years. We are thrilled with [email protected]. you’ll get in touch with the WMAA if we the program’s success. Now is a great time to show your can help you. I presided as president at the September support for the SMPH and WMAA by joining On Wisconsin! WMAA board meeting, after which I toured the Middleton Society. Another idea is to the UW Health Med Flight helicopter; consider leaving a lasting legacy to the Susan Isensee, MD ’83 attended the Multicultural Reception hosted SMPH or WMAA through your estate plans. President, Wisconsin by the SMPH Office of Multicultural Affairs For additional information on how to join the Medical Alumni Association for alumni and students; and participated Middleton Society and/or make a planned in the Fall Reunion Weekend reception and gift, please contact Jill Watson at dinner at Dejope Hall. Saturday morning, the [email protected]. WMAA hosted a tailgate party at Union South

QUARTERLY 3 FEATURE STORY

Left to right: Ken DeSantes, MD; Christian Capitini, MD; Paul Sondel, MD, PhD ’75 (PG ’80); and Mario Otto, MD, PhD; are part of a North American Dream Team of researchers who have dedicated their careers to understanding the immune system and developing treatments that use its power to battle deadly diseases. Immunotherapy HARNESSING CELLULAR SYSTEMS TO FIGHT DEADLY DISEASES

4 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 BY TONI MORRISSEY

our decades ago, researchers at the “CAR-T cell therapy will be evaluated in therapy, such as cytokine release syndrome, University of Wisconsin School of 2017 by the Food and Drug Administration. UW-Madison researchers are tackling this FMedicine and Public Health (SMPH) Approval would be an important advance in next challenge, too. Through a National had the right idea—to pursue a theory that immunotherapy for patients with relapsed Science Foundation grant, Capitini and they could harness patients’ own immune leukemia because they have no good options. co-principal investigators Kris Saha, PhD, systems to fight and defeat cancer. Their Many people, particularly under-represented and David Beebe, PhD ’94, are exploring perseverance and hard work are paying minorities, don’t have donor matches for ways to improve the manufacturing of CAR-T off, as they’ve recently made great strides bone marrow transplants,” explains Capitini. cells to make them safer and more effective. in cellular immunotherapy, along with Hematti adds, “In my opinion, CAR-T Saha is an assistant professor of biomedical colleagues in myriad medical fields. cell therapy is one of the most exciting engineering, and Beebe is a professor of “It’s an exciting time for our team—and developments in cancer treatment and biomedical engineering in the UW-Madison especially for Dr. Paul Sondel and me potentially a game-changer for the field of College of Engineering. because we’ve been working on this for cellular immunotherapy.” Similarly, Hematti recently received an a long time,” reflects Ken DeSantes, MD, The medical director of the University award from the Wisconsin Alumni Research professor, SMPH Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clinical Hematopoietic Cell Foundation’s Accelerator Program to extend and director, Pediatric Hematology, Oncology Processing Laboratory (see sidebar) and a line of research that could further optimize and Bone Marrow Transplant Program, a professor in the SMPH Department of CAR-T cell therapies. This work—conducted American Family Children’s Hospital. Medicine, Hematti calls the method “cellular by Debra Bloom, PhD, in Hematti’s lab—was “Forty years ago, we didn’t understand immunotherapy 2.0” because it’s a huge originally supported by the Crystal Carney enough about how the immune system improvement over standard bone marrow Fund in Leukemia Research and the Don works, nor about how cancer cells can transplants with a matched donor. Anderson GVHD Fund. thwart the immune system, for us to make Instead, these advances allow experts Additionally, cancer immunotherapy and immunotherapy work. We felt vindicated to collect a patient’s immune cells and GVHD-countering innovations have been when we were able to mastermind how to re-engineer them before infusing them back discovered, in part, in Otto’s lab. An assistant get the immune system to attack cancer.” into the patient—eliminating the risk of professor in the Department of Pediatrics, A dedicated army of UW-Madison some side effects, such as graft versus host Otto and collaborators created a technology researchers is perfecting how to use disease (GVHD). that selectively removes GVHD-causing alpha immunotherapy and searching for new Aiming to outsmart potentially life- beta T cells from blood-derived stem cell ways to do so. Ken DeSantes, MD; Paul threatening side effects of CAR-T cell grafts, but retains important immune cells Sondel, MD, PhD ’75 (PG ’80); Peiman Hematti, MD; Christian Capitini, MD; Mario Otto, MD, PhD; Douglas McNeel, MD, PhD; Jacques Galipeau, MD; and many others synergistically have combined forces around the newest frontier in the war on cancer and other diseases. “This field is changing so fast that it’s hard to keep up. A lot of it sounds like science fiction, but this is very real,” notes Capitini, assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, who is investigating novel therapies, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy for refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia. CAR-T cell therapy uses a patient’s T cells that researchers have reprogrammed to express the chimeric antigen receptor, which—to treat leukemia—hunts down and destroys cells that express a CD19 antigen. The therapy is offered at just a handful of academic research centers. In the lab of Mario Otto, MD, PhD (right), researchers work to further refine processes used in immunotherapy.

QUARTERLY 5 along with stem cells. This allows just the This patient had neuroblastoma, a deadly American Family Children’s Hospital and carefully selected cells to be infused back childhood cancer,” says Otto. “We consider UW Health, as well as participation in multi- into the patient. him disease-free, but it is still too early to center “Pediatric Oncology Dream Team” Otto is leading a related Phase 1 clinical say this treatment is curative. Nevertheless, studies. That alliance represents unique trial that involves a haploidentical stem we are very encouraged by patients’ quick collaborations across multiple disciplines at cell transplant for pediatric patients who recovery in the trial so far.” eight U.S. and Canadian academic medical have relapsed solid tumors or leukemia. In DeSantes, the patient’s oncologist, recalls, centers. It was created in 2013 when Stand this trial, the patient’s immune system is “Ten years ago, we had no meaningful Up to Cancer, the American Association destroyed with high-dose chemotherapy; treatments to offer. These children would for Cancer Research and St. Baldrick’s stem cells and immune cells (the graft) are have needed hospice care.” Foundation established a four-year grant. obtained from a half-matched donor (usually Hematti points to a similar clinical trial a parent or adult sibling, eliminating the need being conducted by Vaishalee P. Kenkre, MD, to search for an unrelated donor); and the assistant professor, Department of Medicine. alpha beta T cells are removed from the graft “My trial uses alpha beta T cell and CD19 using the technology co-developed by Otto. B cell depletion with haploidentical donors. This process calls upon magnetic beads that The trial is open to adults with relapsed/ attach to a protein so a magnet can remove refractory lymphoma,” explains Kenkre. the tagged cells. When the immune cell “There is virtually no data on this cell- graft is infused into the patient, the cells can processing mechanism in adult lymphoma immediately attack cancer and decrease the patients, and we’re not aware of this type risk of life-threatening infections—a critical of study happening anywhere else. We are factor for these highly immunocompromised excited about having this option for patients patients. About 10 to 14 days after receiving who otherwise do not have viable options.” the graft, the new stem cells begin making UW Carbone Cancer Center’s pediatric blood and immune cells that destroy cancer. immunotherapy efforts have resulted in the “Seven months after treatment, the first development of several investigator-initiated patient in the trial shows no signs of cancer. trials, offering therapies available only at

Peiman Hematti, MD, in the University Hospital Clinical Hematopoietic Cell Processing Laboratory, oversees the machine that removes dangerous alpha beta T cells and B cells from blood stem cell products while leaving important immune cells in place to increase the life-saving potential of stem cell transplants. Mario Otto, MD, PhD, (not pictured) co-developed the process.

Hematopoietic Cell Processing Capabilities Expand A $1 million expansion of cell processing SMPH Department of Medicine. “We’ll be the hospital becomes an infrastructure for capabilities at the University of Wisconsin able to do things like perform cell expansion, culturing cells, and that will make University School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) genetically modify cells, manufacture Hospital a destination for this technology.” will help the academic medical center launch CAR-T cells and create new cellular “As much as I’d like to see the first the next phase of cellular immunotherapy and immunotherapies.” products out of that lab as soon as possible, precision medicine. The investment will allow Jacques Galipeau, MD, the Marilyn and patient safety is our biggest goal, and we want researchers to prepare individualized cellular Don Anderson Professor of Cancer Research, to do it right,” shares Hematti. treatments for patients. Department of Medicine, and director, Noting that he thinks UW-Madison is ahead “It’s really satisfying because we’re Advanced Cell Therapy Program, UW Carbone of the game in cellular immunotherapy product nearing the point where we can offer patients Cancer Center, adds, “We’re talking about manufacturing, Hematti says, “Collectively more than we ever could before,” exclaims taking cells from a patient’s own body and with all the smart people we have here, the Peiman Hematti, MD, director of the University putting them in a petri dish, growing a whole SMPH and University Hospital are becoming Hospital Clinical Hematopoietic Cell Processing crop of them, modifying them and giving a powerful center for cellular immunotherapy. Laboratory (CHCPL) and a professor in the them back to the patient. In this scenario, The time to act is now.”

6 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Galipeau Joins Immunotherapy Team

Another novel clinical trial will begin As Jacques tissues. Galipeau’s method re-engineers a in early 2017 at all eight Dream Team Galipeau, MD, patient’s cells rather than using donor cells. sites. DeSantes will lead the trial at all reflects on the “This new kind of pharmaceutical sites, investigating the role of an antibody importance of addresses catastrophic diseases for targeting the B7-H3 “checkpoint” molecule, immunotherapy patients with no options,” he shares. “I think which is expressed on the surface of many and the intense UW-Madison will be a destination for this pediatric cancers. This genetically engineered work of research type of medical technology, and it’s my job antibody, MGA-271, activates tumor- teams aimed to work with teams and make that happen.” destroying Natural Killer (NK) cells that are OF MEDICINE THAYER/DEPT CLINT programmed to eradicate cancer cells and at creating To that end, Galipeau is charged with prevents B7-H3 from dampening the immune personalized therapies for patients, he shepherding cell therapies from ethical, response to cancer cells. muses, “I’ve cured hundreds of mice, but scientifically rigorous clinical trials “Our bodies contain immune cells that I want to use the science to help people. And through application to the Food and Drug kill bacteria and viruses, but if the immune I want to do it now!” Administration, so successful therapies can system is active all the time, it can get out Galipeau joined the University of be deployed for the general population. of control and attack healthy cells,” says Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Before joining the SMPH faculty, he DeSantes. “It’s sometimes necessary to Health (SMPH) faculty in fall 2016 as its first founded the Personalized Immunotherapy dampen down the immune response, so a assistant dean for therapeutics discovery Center at Emory University’s Winship Cancer number of checks and balances are built into and development and the Marilyn and Don Center in Atlanta, Georgia. There, Galipeau the system.” Anderson Professor of Cancer Research in headed clinical trials of MSC treatments Yet, some cancer cells can co-opt that the SMPH Department of Medicine. He also for graft versus host disease and Crohn’s system by over-expressing checkpoint directs the Advanced Cell Therapy Program disease. Prior to that, he spent most of his molecules and telling the immune system to stop its attack. MGA-271 binds and at the UW Carbone Cancer Center and career at McGill University in Montreal. blocks the checkpoint molecules and allows the Office of Therapeutics Discovery and Three things lured Galipeau to the immune system to recognize that the Development at the UW Institute for Clinical UW-Madison: it has embraced cell therapy; signal has been activated, in turn letting the and Translational Research. it includes the powerful combination of the immune system destroy the cancer. “Dr. Galipeau is internationally known as UW School of Medicine and Public Health, This type of checkpoint blockade figures a translational researcher in immunology School of Veterinary Medicine and College of into two other potential clinical trials that and cell-mediated therapies,” says Howard Engineering; and it exhibits institutional will. cause great excitement for Sondel, the Bailey, MD (PG ’91), UW Carbone Cancer Stating a fourth reason, the French Reed and Carolee Walker Professor in Center director and SMPH associate dean for Canadian laughs, “I really love the Wisconsin Pediatric Oncology. oncology. “He’ll help us continue to expand Idea. It’s very Canadian!” One of the trials, which could open and grow our abilities for immunologic- Galipeau notes that UW-Madison’s for melanoma patients in spring 2017 Hematopoietic Cell Processing Capabilities Expand based research and therapies.” attractive characteristics make a huge with leadership from Mark Albertini, MD Galipeau notes, “Immunotherapy’s initial difference in moving scientific expertise (PG ’87, ’91), professor, Department of Medicine, and Zach Morris, MD, PhD focus is cancer—specifically to improve from science fiction in animals to reality in (PG ’12), assistant professor, Department patients’ outcomes by harnessing their own people—a game-changer for patients and of Human Oncology, will combine a dose of immune systems to fight cancer.” families across Wisconsin and beyond. radiation—too small to shrink a tumor but Calling himself a “platform expert” “The only limiting step is not the large enough to stimulate immune cells— who understands how cells work and science, researchers or physicians, but with a separate antibody that recognizes how to package them in a manner that’s the resources,” says Galipeau, likening the cancer cells and serves as a checkpoint compliant with the realities of doing research infrastructure to a well-equipped blockade. The combination has cured mice first-in-human clinical trials, his forte is sedan. “We have the car, but we need gas to with large tumors. growing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) keep it running.” A similar trial, also to start in spring 2017 that have been extracted from patients and His ambition is to take the next step with for children with high-risk neuroblastoma, will manipulating the cells in the lab to give a fleet of cars powering science that can be led by Sondel and DeSantes; it includes a them novel properties to kill cancer, treat be translated to people, noting, “I want our collaboration with hospitals in London; autoimmune diseases and restore damaged campus to be so successful that it would be —Continued on page 38 a mistake not to take the next step.”

QUARTERLY 7 PHOTO FEATURE

Middleton Society Brightens Future SCHOOL THANKS LOYAL SUPPORTERS

elcoming guests to the annual toward advancing the school’s missions Harvard Medical School to accept a similar Middleton Society celebration— and provided an update. offer at the SMPH. TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(9) Wco-hosted by the University of “Since our last gathering, many “To recruit the best and brightest, we Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public aspects of the SMPH have been as sweet need to continue to expand our scholarship Health (SMPH), Wisconsin Medical Alumni as the dessert we just enjoyed. At a time portfolio,” Golden shared. “Most of our Association (WMAA) and UW Foundation— when some of our peer institutions are endowed scholarships have come from WMAA President Susan Isensee, MD ’83, struggling, the SMPH is fortunate to be you, and we rely on private donors to help said, “You, the members of the Middleton accelerating all of our missions, largely due medical students pursue their passions Society, are our most loyal friends and to the outstanding work of our faculty and without suffering a huge debt burden.” supporters. Tonight provides us with the the encouragement and support from you Golden also applauded faculty members opportunity to thank you for your role in and other donors,” Golden said. who excel in all missions, including creating our school’s bright future.” The SMPH’s high “stick rate” for research, noting, “Since 2008, our National Also at the fall 2016 event at Union accepted applicants puts it among the Institutes of Health (NIH) grant support South, SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, nation’s most desirable medical schools. grew from $122 to $175 million, lifting us thanked members for their generosity A top candidate recently turned down a to 23rd place in the nation in this support.” generous merit-based scholarship from

8 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Both pages, clockwise from upper left (left to right): Alzheimer’s disease was the theme for displays and presentations; Zorba Paster, MD, applauds; M2 Ashok Bhattarai poses with Mary Ellen Peters, MD ’67; Middleton Society members learn about Alzheimer’s disease from M2 Rachel Lyerla; Anne Schierl, MD ’57, Jane Stoehr and Bruce Stoehr, MD ’57, visit; Brieanna Harris, Darcy Holland, Lou Holland, Jr., and Gina Green-Harris, MBA, gather; Middleton Society Brightens Future Babe Conney, Marv Conney and Sandi Bernhardt converse; James Beck, MD ’63, and Kato Perlman pose; Jerry Doss, MD (PG ’72), M2 Sarah Larson, SCHOOL THANKS LOYAL SUPPORTERS James Basiliere, MD ’62, and Rita Anderson enjoyed the evening.

Countering these successes, Golden In line with this, the SMPH is working Alzheimer’s Institute associate director shared challenges, including the loss of to fulfill its $455 million fundraising goal and associate professor of medicine, two department chairs who became deans in UW-Madison’s “Campaign for the Next Division of Geriatrics, and Lou Holland, Jr. at a medical school and at a school of Century.” When Chancellor Rebecca Blank Holland described the heartbreaking public health. asked each school for top campaign Alzheimer’s disease-related death of his “We’re proud of them, and we are priorities, SMPH leaders coalesced around father, Lou Holland, Sr., in whose memory even more proud and pleased with our Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and support he created the memorial Louis A. Holland success in retaining the vast majority of for faculty and students. Professorship in Alzheimer’s Disease. our superstar faculty, many of whom have “Our Alzheimer’s disease program Father and son are UW-Madison alumni turned down generous offers from other positions us as a national leader in and former Badger football players. top schools to accept our more constrained combating this devastating disease through Last but not least, Golden presented retention offers—recognizing the priceless new approaches to prevention, early the Folkert Belzer Award to Jeffrey value of our collaborative, innovative detection and treatment,” noted Golden. Grossman, MD (PG ’82) for his myriad environment,” Golden said. “But we need The event’s speakers were Cindy contributions to the SMPH and UW Health more resources to keep moving forward.” Carlsson, MD (PG ’98), Wisconsin (see article on page 26).

QUARTERLY 9 FEATURE STORY

David Williams, PhD, MPH, shared a passionate message about health equity, from a national perspective, at the recent “Advancing Health Equity” conference sponsored by the Wisconsin Partnership Program at UW-Madison.

Making Wisconsin a Healthier State for All The Wisconsin Partnership Program at the Healthy People 2020—a national initiative • Socio-economic status University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and launched by the U.S. Department of Health and • Employment Public Health (SMPH) is committed to making Human Services—defines health equity as the • Education and job training Wisconsin a healthier state and believes this “attainment of the highest level of health for all • Access to safe, healthy housing vision can be achieved only by addressing health people.” Because diverse social, physical and • Geographic location (urban, rural) equity and exploring how to further incorporate environmental factors where we live, work and • Reincarceration rate this important concept into its framework for play influence health, efforts to achieve health • Access to opportunities for physical activity future investments. The overarching goal is for equity must involve more than just preventing or In the months and years ahead, the Wisconsin all Wisconsin residents to have the opportunity treating illnesses. Partnership Program will continue to explore to attain their highest level of health, regardless Here is a sampling of factors that and support opportunities that address a wide of their ZIP code, socioeconomic status, race or influence health: variety of approaches to improving health equity other factors that influence health. • Access to healthy food throughout Wisconsin. • Race, ethnicity and gender

10 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 BY ANNE PANKRATZ

Advancing Health Equity SCHOOL AND STATEWIDE PARTNERS SHARE INSPIRATION AND DEDICATION

ow can we best advance health and journey to expand health equity as an “Your ZIP code,” he said, “may be a hasten health improvements for integral part of its vision and framework for stronger predictor of your health than your Hpeople who disproportionately suffer future investments. genetic code.” poor health outcomes? How can a lens of “This is the time to spark an inclusive Williams encouraged the audience to health equity influence decisions we make? effort to address the crucial imperative of break down silos and collaborate across all To explore these questions, better health equity head on,” Golden told the crowd sectors to improve health for everyone. understand how to address health disparities of SMPH faculty and staff, public health “We need political weight and a and boost health equity throughout the and health care professionals, nonprofit commitment to new strategies. No single Badger State, the Wisconsin Partnership organizers and community members. sector can do it alone,” he noted. Program at the University of Wisconsin ENCOURAGING COLLABORATION —Continued on next page School of Medicine and Public Health David Williams, PhD, MPH, outlined the (SMPH) hosted the “Advancing Health Equity” social determinants of health—including conference in fall 2016. race, socio-economic status and Featuring talks by nationally recognized environment—as well as the need to thought leaders and active panel discussions address large socio-economic gaps and among myriad stakeholders, the day-long policies that impact health. He is the Florence event drew nearly 500 participants who Sprague Norman and Laura Smart Norman attended in person at UW-Madison or Professor of Public Health, Harvard School of watched via livestream at UW-Extension Public Health, and professor of African and locations throughout the state. All were African American studies and of sociology, eager to learn how their voices and actions Harvard University. can make a difference in patient care and “All policy that affects health is health public health. policy,” he told the crowd. ADDRESSING HEALTH EQUITY Williams also discussed the importance of SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, improving neighborhoods and strengthening described the conference as a first step the communities’ capacity to improve health. At the conference, panelist Tracy M. Downs, MD, FACS, in the Wisconsin Partnership Program’s hugs Rick Strickland as Gina Green-Harris, MBA, looks on.

QUARTERLY 11 Other featured speakers included Susan A community engagement theme Skochelak, MD, MPH, group vice president echoed throughout all presentations, panel for medical education at the American discussions and audience comments. For Medical Association, on health equity and the instance, Ehlinger urged participants to use role of medical education; Edward Ehlinger, community organizing as a public health MD, MPH, Minnesota commissioner of tool and encouraged communities to build health, on partnerships and health equity; the capacity to address social determinants and Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, MD, PhD, of health. Conference participants listen to a keynote talk. director, University of California-Davis Center Aguilar-Gaxiola agreed and noted, for Reducing Health Disparities, on health “Communities and collaboration are critical if can develop a supportive network for equity and the role of research. we are going to advance health equity.” our students and other trainees.” A research panel encouraged participants The thrust of Downs’ role as an associate to examine asset-based community dean is to work with students and under- development, adding that it’s important to represented faculty members at the SMPH; Grant Support learn what others are bringing to the table. Downs plays an integral role in shaping the SMPH initiatives focusing on diversity The following three new five-year, Members of this panel were Gina Green- and inclusion. He uses his own experience $1 million Community Impact Grant Awards Harris, MBA, director, Milwaukee Outreach as an African-American male surgeon to from the Wisconsin Partnership Program and Program Services, Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, and director, Regional Program help prepare students for times when they will support and expand innovative projects Office, Lifecourse Initiative for Healthy may encounter a lack of cultural sensitivity that aim to improve health and health equity Families; Dorothy Farrar-Edwards, PhD, in clinical settings. He also works with in Wisconsin. director, Collaborative Center for Health them on future residency and fellowship • Improving Health Through Enhanced Equity, UW-Madison Institute for Clinical selection, making sure they are “on top of Work: The Community Advocates’ Public and Translational Research; and David Pate, their interview game” and choose to apply to Policy Institute and academic partners Jr., PhD, associate professor of social work, programs where they will succeed. at UW-Milwaukee will build upon the UW-Milwaukee School of Social Welfare. Another SMPH faculty member dedicated to teaching about diversity in health care, success of Wisconsin’s Transitional Jobs HARNESSING MEDICAL Program by facilitating access to primary EDUCATION Haq added, “We are ready to tackle health and trauma-informed health care for Cynthia Haq, MD, director, SMPH Training inequities. Our students are passionate about working with others, both within and job-seeking individuals to increase in Urban Medicine and Public Health outside the health system, to identify and their employability. Program, was excited to discuss how medical address social factors that influence health. • Health Policy for Wisconsin education and health care practice could move the needle on health equity. Skochelak When we support and direct our students’ Communities: This project will and panelists Haq, Tracy M. Downs, MD, energy and passion, they can become implement a Health in All Policies FACS, and John Meurer, MD, discussed how community-engaged physician leaders who (HiAP) approach, a proven framework medical students can be agents of change in are well-prepared to contribute to promoting for comprehensive and collaborative advancing health equity. health for all.” government action. UW academic “A culturally competent health care PLANNING THE NEXT STEPS partners, including UniverCity Alliance, system can help improve health outcomes “Our conference was intentional in will work with the Green Tier Legacy and quality of care, and can contribute its design,” said Eileen Smith, director, Communities network to help achieve to the elimination of health disparities,” Wisconsin Partnership Program. “We created gains in important health areas. said Skochelak. the conference with an emphasis on the • Race to Equity: Wisconsin: The Downs, the SMPH associate dean Wisconsin Partnership Program’s three focus Wisconsin Council on Children and for multicultural affairs and an associate areas: education, partnerships and research.” Families will broaden its efforts to reduce professor in the SMPH Department of Further, at the working lunch, table racial disparities across Wisconsin by Urology, noted, “When training our residents, facilitators captured individual health equity- cultural competency must be more than just supporting local community efforts to related perspectives and other feedback for a box that gets checked.” develop community-informed policy the Wisconsin Partnership Program. He continued, “How do we become agendas and structures that advance “Our staff is pouring over the input and experts? We reach out and collaborate will use that information as part of our racial equity. to bring in many talented people so we strategic actions going forward,” said Smith. There’s More Online! Visit med.wisc.edu/49757 —Continued on page 38

12 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Trigger Cases Help Students Learn about Health Equity

by Kris Whitman As a physician, how do you react when a patient does not trust you? Would you react differently if the patient said the distrust was based on your gender, and peppered the conversation with stereotypes? How have you developed skills to remain calm and professional while you share important medical advice with such a patient? This skill-building scenario was among several three-minute Trigger Cases third-year medical students faced during their required Health Disparities Core Day in October 2016. University of Wisconsin

School of Medicine and Public Health JOHN WINGREN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS (SMPH) curriculum planners designed the In a Trigger Case on Health Disparities Core Day, standardized patient John Jajewski (left) was cases to help students learn from their charged with acting like he did not trust the advice being given by Melissa Hoskins (foreground) reactions and emotions. because she is a woman. M3 students Preshita Date, Danielle Westenberg and Aman Prasad (background, left to right) observed. Health Disparities Core Day is aimed at building students’ awareness and knowledge of factors that contribute to patients (SP), also known as simulated “On Core Day, students are not aware disparities, including implicit and explicit patients, who work for the SMPH’s of the Trigger Case content or what role bias physicians and patients have, and well-equipped Wichman Clinical Teaching they will fulfill in the case until they enter then to teach students skills for working in and Assessment Center (CTAC) in the the CTAC clinic room,” explains Andrea clinical scenarios affected by these factors. Health Sciences Learning Center. The Maser, CTAC and M3 Core Day director and “The goal with each Trigger Case is CTAC’s rooms closely resemble a working Standardized Patient Program manager. to cause a reaction and help students clinic, however, they have video-capture “After each case, the students have a learn concrete techniques to deal with technology so students and faculty short debrief session before the next case that reaction,” explains Caroline Paul, MD, members can review activities. begins. And later, they participate in small- content director for the Health Disparities For the Core Day Trigger Case about group discussions with faculty facilitators.” Core Day and assistant professor, gender stereotyping, local actor and SP Further, students write post-Core Day Department of Pediatrics. “Everyone’s lens John Jajewski received a script to play the reflections, and faculty members provide has some level of bias, and it’s how we role of a male patient who has problems feedback on the ungraded reflections. handle it that matters.” dealing with women physicians. During the academic year, there are Noting that Core Days are timed “I use structured improv, and I have four Core Days, each related to subjects to occur when third-year students are some leeway in the things I say so the students likely will experience during increasing their clinical responsibilities, conversation flows with the students’ clinical training. Topics include palliative Paul continues, “We want them to reflect responses,” says Jajewski. “Sometimes my care, dealing with unanticipated medical upon the well-recognized tenets of health work is as simple as sitting for students to outcomes and—for fourth-year medical disparities and culturally effective health conduct physical exams, but I particularly students—planning for mass emergencies. care and remember these experiences like to act out interpersonal relationships. The days prepare students for upcoming when they see patients.” I love helping students learn.” rotations, residencies and beyond. Creating each Trigger Case calls Indeed, students gain a tremendous upon the acting skills of standardized amount through these interactive activities.

QUARTERLY 13 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

From Med Flight to Tailgate Gatherings FALL REUNION WEEKEND OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(10)

Clockwise from top left (left to right): Alumni learn about the Med Flight helicopter; WMAA Student Ambassadors M2 Johee Son, M2 Kevin Beene, M2 Abbey DeBruin and M2 Jenna Krueger pose; Debra Kemp, Allen Kemp, MD ’76, and Donn Fuhrmann, MD ’76, converse; M1 India Anderson-Carter and John McCullough, MD ’76, check out class photos; Wayne Foster and Jennifer Erickson Foster, MD ’04, brought their children to Fall Reunion Weekend festivities.

n terms of pride-invoking symbols of Participants learned that Med Flight, University of Wisconsin-Madison and established more than 25 years ago, IUW Health, Bucky Badger and the serves the public 24 hours a day, every Med Flight helicopter top the list for many. day, providing care and transport to Participants in the 2016 Fall Reunion critically ill or injured patients in a 250- Weekend enjoyed both—plus warmer- mile radius of Madison. Its two helicopters than-usual autumn weather—during their log more than 1,000 flights per year, and visit to campus. it’s one of a handful of U.S. air medical On Friday, September 16, the Wisconsin services with a physician on all flights. Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) Prior to that evening’s WMAA events, hosted tours of the Med Flight helicopter the UW School of Medicine and Public facilities, giving alumni a chance to see Health (SMPH) Office of Multicultural the dispatch center, visit the helipad atop Affairs hosted a Multicultural Reception for University Hospital, talk with flight crew alumni and students. Participants visited at and peek inside the ’copter. the Health Sciences Learning Center.

14 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 On Friday evening, the WMAA hosted a WMAA’s Stethoscope Program and thanked Clockwise from top left (left to right): reunion reception and dinner at Dejope Hall alumni who have sponsored stethoscopes. Cindy Rahn, MD ’86, Kika Dudiak, MD ’86, Mark Urban, MD ’86, Henry Pitot, MD ’86, and for the SMPH Classes of 1971, ’76, ’81, “We’ve had a fantastic response Susan Duthie, MD ’86, surround Bucky Badger; ’86, ’91, ’96, ’01, ’06 and ’11 (see photos from alumni to support the Stethoscope Jennifer Meyer-Carper, MD ’06, Amber Koch-Laking, on following pages). Two hundred guests Program. Every first-year medical MD ’06, Jacquelyn Busse, MD ’06, and Kelly shared memories about medical school student appreciated receiving a gift of a Peters, MD ’06, reunite; Jennifer Schreiber, MD, and Brian Schreiber, MD ’01, dine with their children; and updates on their activities since. stethoscope,” shared Isensee, adding that Ben Durkee, MD ’11, April Zehm, MD ’11, and SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, nearly 40 students attended the reception Brett Bostwick, MD ’11, pose; M1 Gande Li visits welcomed alumni and guests, stating, to meet their stethoscope donors. with his stethoscope donor, Jennifer Goedken, MD ’96 (both are from the Atlanta area). “You are all very important members of our On Saturday, alumni and their guests school’s family. We hope you’ll come back attended the WMAA Tailgate Party at Union to visit more than every five years. You are South before the victorious Badgers home welcome anytime!” football game against Georgia State. Susan Isensee, MD ’83, WMAA president, shared an update about the

QUARTERLY 15 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

Class Reunions

CLASS OF 1971

Front row (left to right): Bob Folsom, Loren Rosenthal, John Gwin. Back row: Doug Kramer, John Post, Bob Jaeger, Dan Cleary. TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(4); SUBMITTED (1)

CLASS OF 1976

Front row (left to right): Donn Fuhrmann, Steve Kagen (crouching), James Garnett, Barbara Olson, Dennis Henzig, Alan Jacobs, Timothy Shaw, Teresa Quinn, Allen Kemp, Cheryl Sampe Braun. Back row: John Schwartz, Curtis Hancock, Thomas Luetzow, John Larson, Mark Carpenter, Michael Sweeney, John McCullough, Sally Schlise, James Zach, Robert Miller, Dial Hewlett, Richard Heuser, William Gahl.

16 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 CLASS OF 1981 Left to right: Keith Meyer, Marc Williams, Steven “Steve” Nichols, Anthony “Tony” Richie, Jami Walloch.

CLASS OF 1986 Front row (left to right): Susan Duthie, Brenda Warren, Kika Dudiak, Cynthia Rahn, Mark Rahn, Ellen DeVries, Steve Fox, Mark Anders. Back row: Amanda Strosahl, John Warren, Dave Maruska, Mike Braun, Henry Pitot, Dave Yenerich, Steve Link, Dave Moen, Bob Whitcomb, Mark Urban.

CLASS OF Left to right: David Henningsen, Milka Mandich, 1991 Denise Prehn, Rob Prehn, Paul Ruh.

QUARTERLY 17 TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(4)

CLASS OF Front row (left to right): Gwen McIntosh, Jane Lykins, Jennifer Dodson, Elizabeth Nodine, Anne Champeaux, Amy Wermeling-Flores. 1996 Back row: Erica Meyer, Norbert Straub, Percy Lo, Kristine Spiewak, Don Selzer, John Penner.

CLASS OF 2001

Front row (left to right): Brian Schreiber, Wendy Molaska, Aimee Becker, Janis Tupesis. Back row: John David, Mike Sloan, Mike Zwank.

18 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 CLASS OF Front row (left to right): Danae Nakoneczny, Angela Gatzke-Plamann, Michelle Gerrard, Sarah Reck, Jennifer Meyer‑Carper, Caroline Schmitt, Karie Zach, Kathryn Farwell. Back row: Amber Koch-Laking, David Gazeley, Ryan Plamann, Kelly Peters, Lynn Malec, Timothy Kruser, Mathew Aschbrenner, Kathryn Nixdorf, 2006 Patrick Drayna, Neda Esmaili, Michael Stadler.

CLASS OF 2011

Left to right: Ben Durkee, April Zehm, Brett Bostwick.

QUARTERLY 19 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

“On Call” Three MD/PhD grads tell Quarterly what they’ve been up to

There’s More Online! Patrick Lee, MD ’16, PhD ’14, earned Visit med.wisc.edu/49771 his medical and doctoral degrees in the SMPH Medical Scientist Training Program. EVA BAKER, MD ’97, PHD ’95 He is completing a residency.

t the National and sometimes the rare stories. Our center is a favorite Institutes of Health Przewalski’s horse. Early on, for the Discovery Channel! Also A (NIH) Department I had to read online constantly memorable is the first Ebola of Radiology and Imaging about diseases I had never patient—all the planning, angst Sciences, part of the NIH heard of, but 12 years later, and media circus—followed Clinical Center—a hospital I occasionally need to look by two patients with Ebola who completely devoted to up the rarest conditions. My came and went without any research in Bethesda, team sees patients with brain spectacle. Maryland—I specialize tumors, von Hippel-Lindau I participate in the in neuroradiology. I also disease, neurofibromatosis and Undiagnosed Diseases working in the NIH Clinical research quantitative magnetic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Program, which investigates Center’s Nuclear Medicine resonance spectroscopy of We often are asked to rule out the most puzzling cases by Department. After medical the brain—a useful tool for metastases for cancer staging. calling upon NIH experts school, I completed a evaluating inborn errors of My most memorable in different fields. It is radiology residency at the metabolism that result in patients have been trailed incredibly satisfying to find University of Minnesota and a neurodegeneration. by a camera crew or Secret answers—and sometimes new neuroradiology fellowship at Remember the adage, Service detail. I’ve always diseases—for patients who Johns Hopkins University. “When you hear hoofbeats, been shy, yet somehow I’ve have searched far and wide. think ‘horse’ not ‘zebra’?” been involved in numerous TV I chose this field in college, We see mostly zebras shows that covered patient following my summer job

20 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 GARY L. BUCHSCHACHER, JR., MD ’94, PHD ’93

am a medical oncologist and is very active in oncology biology are becoming more at the Kaiser Permanente clinical trials. I also have served widespread throughout all ILos Angeles Medical as a consultant for various fields of medicine, they always Center, where I co-direct the research and study groups. have played important roles Cancer Clinical Trials Access I completed my internal in oncology. Given my interest Program of the Southern medicine residency and in molecular biology during California Permanente Medical medical oncology fellowship medical and graduate schools Group. Additionally, I am an at the University of California- and my subsequent training, assistant clinical professor for San Diego (UCSD) in the oncology seemed a natural fit the University of California- residency research track for my specialty. my undergraduate, medical Los Angeles. program. After holding As an undergraduate and graduate training. These In addition to the clinical positions on the UCSD faculty student, I was extremely experiences were important trials program, my work at the and as co-director of the fortunate to have had the in helping shape my interest medical center also involves Lentiviral Vector Research and opportunity to work at the in the development of gene caring for patients and teaching Production Core as part of the McArdle Laboratory, which therapy approaches to residents and oncology fellows. Gene Therapy Program there, exposed me to the high quality disease treatments and to my The region covered by the I relocated to Los Angeles. of research being done there current role. cancer clinical trials program Although clinical and allowed me to interact contains 4.3 million patients applications of molecular closely with the faculty during

JANEL HANMER, MD ’10, PHD ’07

am in general internal dehydration); undifferentiated involved in dramatic life- medicine at the University problems that need a general saving interventions. Iof Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) work-up (fever of unknown This type of work is Medical Center. I devote origin, abdominal pain); care interesting because I get nine weeks per year as the for patients transitioning out to know my patients well, attending hospitalist physician of the intensive care unit in including their living situations on the inpatient general preparation for discharge; and and goals, and help them medicine teams. For the rest subspecialty needs for which formulate big-picture plans for of the year, I conduct research the subspecialists do not admit consultations and treatments. on how we measure patient- their own patients. We give bad news and good reported outcomes, such as I’ve had many memorable news, we grieve and celebrate, Additionally, I am a member health-related quality of life. patient cases. For instance, and we advocate for people at of the Society for General Similar to hospitalists at last year I cared for patients times when they are vulnerable. Internal Medicine, the Society any large academic medical who had maple syrup urine I decided to be a generalist for Medical Decision Making center, I see an amazing disease and Creutzfeldt-Jakob because I love looking at the and the International Society of cross-section of patients. Most disease. I’ve seen many sad whole person. I completed my Quality of Life Research. of their conditions fall into four cases, such as a fatal drug- residency at the University of categories: basic medicine induced liver injury from an Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in (pneumonia, chest pain, antibiotic. I am occasionally Iowa City, Iowa.

QUARTERLY 21 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

CLASS NOTEScompiled by Jake Yarnold

We want to hear from you! developed expertise in quality improvement CLASS OF med.wisc.edu/shareyournews and health economics and co-authored a book, Economic Evaluation of Genomic 2001 Medicine (2015). CLASS OF Brian Schreiber practices anesthesiology at the Aurora Medical 1954 CLASS OF Group in Milwaukee. He is a member of Arthur S. Leon received the 2016- 1984 the Divisions Management Committee and 2017 Outstanding Physician in Academia director of ambulatory anesthesia services. Award from the International Association Gerard G. Adler was admitted to the His wife, Jennifer Schreiber, MD, works as of Top Professionals. Leon has published International Association of HealthCare a pediatrician with the Children’s Medical more than 200 articles and 126 abstracts Professionals. An orthopedic surgeon, he Group in Milwaukee. They have four children: in professional journals, written 50 book specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy Luke, Grace, George and Walter. chapters and serves as the co-author or and cartilage repair and transplantation. He Elizabeth Streby practices emergency editor of two books. He is the H.L. Taylor has practiced for more than 20 years and medicine and serves as the department chair Professor in Exercise Science and Health now serves patients at Aurora Medical Center for emergency medicine at the Cleveland Enhancement at the University of Minnesota. in Summit, Wisconsin. Clinic Avon Hospital. She was appointed the chief of staff of the new Cleveland Clinic Avon CLASS OF Hospital when it opened in November 2016. CLASS OF 1997 1981 CLASS OF Adil O. Katabay was admitted to the 2003 Marc Williams is the director of International Association of HeathCare the Genomic Medicine Institute (GMI) Professionals. A pain management physician Matthew Twohig specializes in at Geisinger Health System in Danville, for nearly 15 years, he has received many anatomic pathology at Rockford (Illinois) Pennsylvania. GMI is one of the leading awards, including the Patients’ Choice Award Memorial Hospital. He is a clinical associate health care systems exploring the use of and the Compassionate Doctor Recognition professor in the Department of Pathology at genomic sequencing information to improve Award. He has been named among the top the University of Illinois College of Medicine clinical outcomes. Williams became certified 10 pain doctors in Ohio, where he lives. He at Rockford. in clinical informatics to complement his works at BKC Pain Specialists and devotes certification in pediatrics and genetics. He his free time to soccer and traveling.

IN MEMORIAM Frederick J. Davis, MD ’46 Dean M. Connors, MD ’52 Donald C. Hampel, MD ’54 William M. Goodman, MD ’72 Middleton, Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin San Francisco, California Milwaukee, Wisconsin August 18, 2016 August 25, 2016 February 13, 2016 July 10, 2016

Harry E. Worley, MD ’48 Irving I. Moskowitz, MD ’52 Gerald C. Gant, MD ’55 Daryl Krueger, MD ’77 Mount Vernon, Washington Miami, Florida Moraga, California Cross Plains, Wisconsin June 24, 2016 June 16, 2016 October 6, 2016 June 30, 2016

Albert J. Molinaro, MD ’50 Donald E. Koepke, MD ’53 Stephen Aron, MD ’65 Schofield, Wisconsin Naples, Florida Watsonville, California August 3, 2016 August 25, 2016 April 2, 2016

22 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 CLASS OF International Society for Sports Psychiatry. CLASS OF In August 2015, she moved her psychiatric 2006 outpatient practice from the SMPH 2012 Department of Psychiatry to UW-Madison Claudia Reardon and her husband are Amy O’Neil completed a residency in University Health Services. She teaches in the busy raising a newborn and toddler. Reardon emergency medicine and a fellowship in SMPH Department of Psychiatry, directs its has been president of the Wisconsin Medical simulation and education. She is now in residency quality improvement curriculum, Society Foundation since June 2016. She a position that is 80 percent clinical and has a grant to develop advocacy curricula co-edited a book, Clinical Sports Psychiatry: 20 percent academic time at the University and is the faculty supervisor for the SMPH An International Perspective, in 2013 and of Minnesota Academic Health Center’s Psychiatry Student Interest Group. serves on the board of directors of the Simulation Center.

ALICE MCPHERSON, MD ’51, CONNECTS WITH STUDENTS FROM HER NAMESAKE LEARNING COMMUNITY

ach MD student at the University of and the Retina Research Foundation in Wisconsin School of Medicine and Houston. Her vision and support were EPublic Health (SMPH) is a member vital in establishment of the UW-Madison of a Learning Community, or “House.” McPherson Eye Research Institute, where Aiming to create a caring community, she serves on its advisory board. Houses foster leadership, professionalism, At the event, featuring music by the well-being and the sharing of knowledge student group Coda Blue, medical students to develop balanced, well-prepared described their enriching volunteer physicians. experiences in global health and at local These goals are dear to Alice student-run MEDiC Clinics that provide TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(2) McPherson, MD ’51, for whom one health care for medically underserved SMPH Learning Community is named. She patients. They also presented McPherson enjoys visiting with medical students when with a commemorative House t-shirt and she returns from Texas to her alma mater. a “McPherson Mug.” The mugs are central In fall 2016, she hosted a social event to a new weekly conversation time over to connect with McPherson House hot beverages at the House—another way members and share her enthusiasm for to build community. practicing medicine. Noting that students love meeting Following SMPH graduation, alumni who can offer various postgraduate training in several states perspectives about medicine, Jacquelynn and a faculty position as an SMPH Arbuckle, MD ’95—the McPherson ophthalmology instructor, she moved to House faculty mentor—told McPherson, Houston and became the world’s first “Thank you for all you do to support the Top photo (left to right): Alice McPherson, MD ’51, poses full-time woman vitreoretinal specialist. UW School of Medicine and Public Health with a fellow Texan, M1 Jennifer Tran, for whom she A pioneer in that field, McPherson founded and our students. We deeply appreciate sponsored a stethoscope through the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association. the retina service at Baylor College your generosity!” of Medicine, a private retina practice Bottom photo (left to right): SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, and M2 students Hailee Nelson, Brett Carr, Amanda Price and Sue Yi visit with Alice McPherson, MD ’51.

QUARTERLY 23 ALUMNI Q&A

A Hero Furthers Her Training and Skills ANGELA GIBSON, RN, PHD ’07, MD ’09

24 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Interview by Gian Galassi What do you recall about the night of How did your observations inspire you n Sunday, April 20, 1998, the April 20, 1998? to become a surgeon? lives of seven people and As I was arriving for my shift, the charge Dr. Richard Helgerson—the main burn Otheir families were irrevocably nurse told me we had seven major burn surgeon here at the time—was a master. changed when a mentally ill man patients on their way. The unit had only seven I watched him inspect patients and figure boarded a Madison, Wisconsin, city beds then, and for the next 36 hours, it was out how he could find enough skin to cover bus, poured a can of gasoline on chaos. We had every nurse who knew how their massive wounds. His amazing insight passengers and lit a match. This to take care of burns come to our unit, and in treating burn victims played a huge role in horrific event is etched in Madison’s we were all trying to get the patients through my decision to become a burn surgeon. collective memory. that difficult, initial resuscitation phase. Do you think about how this started? What was that experience like so I can’t believe that I am where I am. Remarkably, all seven burn victims early in your career? I can’t thank the people here enough, survived their injuries, largely due It was overwhelming and exhilarating. especially in the Department of Surgery. to the heroic efforts of nurses, It also was ethically difficult because I had They knew I wanted to work as a UW Health physicians, surgeons and staff at the to take care of the man who poured the surgeon, and everyone here supported me. UW Health Burn Unit. gasoline on the victims and started the fire. I also couldn’t have made it through all my Angela Gibson, RN, PhD ’07, MD ’09, But seeing that many patients go through training without the support of my husband is one of those heroes. She was just the major physiological change was the best and family, who took care of everything else 22 years old and four months into her education I could have received. while I pursued my dream. nursing career when she was thrust How did that experience change you? Did you have other advocates? into one of the most demanding, I realized I wanted a high-intensity career. I had many. Dr. Deane Mosher, the exhausting, exhilarating and life- I like thinking on my feet, working long hours director of the MSTP then, was the first changing events in her life. and having rewards in the end. to tell me he knew I could do it. Also, Dr. She’s the eighth person whose What kept this event from pushing you Mike Schurr, a burn and trauma surgeon, life was forever changed. But her away from the burn environment? encouraged me. transformation—from burn nurse to You get to see amazing healing. Every How does your early experience as a surgeon and researcher—is one of time you take dressings down, you get to see nurse help you as a surgeon? re-invention and redemption. the skin healing. The field is unique that way. It’s been incredible to work at the Gibson decided to pursue a combined When did you decide to become a different levels because I understand where MD/PhD degree at the University burn surgeon? everybody is coming from. I empathize with of Wisconsin School of Medicine Following a very busy year after the bus the challenges of caring for burn patients, and Public Health (SMPH). She fire, things slowed down, and I wanted to and I truly appreciate the team effort. I am now devotes her time to improving do more. As a nurse, I often got to watch lucky to work closely with Cindy Schmitz, patients’ lives—in the very place surgeries and was fascinated by the way the who was my nurse manager when I started where this journey began. OR is like a well-orchestrated play in which as a nurse. everyone knows their part. I also volunteered What is your main research focus? Why did you enter health care? on campus with Dr. Lynn Allen-Hoffmann, I’m looking at optimizing how we care for I’ve always been fascinated by how the who was developing a skin substitute, and burns so they can heal without skin grafts. human body works. That led me toward I learned about the SMPH Medical Scientist I’m finding there is a lot more healthy tissue the burn field, because there is no greater Training Program (MSTP), through which than our eyes can see. I think we can better physiological stress a body can go through. I could combine a clinical education with identify healthy versus dead tissue and Why choose burn/trauma, which can research and earn MD and PhD degrees. develop new therapeutics rather than create be so incredibly stressful? Did you ever doubt your decision? more wounds on patients’ bodies to harvest Health care professionals either love Many people told me I couldn’t do skin for grafts. I hope my research will one working with burn patients or hate it. Those it because the training was so long and day allow patients to heal with less pain. who love it do so because it requires many it would make it impossible to have a What’s it like being a researcher? people from different disciplines to help burn family. But I had a great job as a nurse, and I love having the ability to look at a patients recover. And you get to be there I knew if medical school didn’t work out, patient’s problem and think about it from a for patients and families during incredibly I would still enjoy my job. Fortunately, I now research standpoint then bring those ideas difficult times. Finally, it’s rewarding to realize am in the position I wanted all along. into the clinical realm, where they can help how grateful patients are to be alive. my patients. It’s the best of both worlds.

QUARTERLY 25 AWARDS

SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD (left), presents the Belzer Award to Jeffrey Grossman, MD (PG ’82), at the fall 2016 Middleton Society celebration.

PHYSICIAN LEADER EARNS Belzer Lifetime Achievement Award JEFFREY GROSSMAN, MD (PG ’82)

by Beth Fultz Golden’s predecessor as dean, Philip internal medicine residency at UW Hospital Farrell, MD, PhD, believes Grossman has had and Clinics. hen University of Wisconsin School a greater positive impact on UW-Madison’s He expected to complete his training of Medicine and Public Health clinical enterprise than anyone else, and return to New York, but four decades W(SMPH) Dean Robert Golden, MD, with the possible exception of William S. intervened. He stayed for a pulmonary and presented the school’s 2016 Folkert Belzer Middleton, MD, who served as the SMPH critical care medicine fellowship, and he Award for lifetime achievement, he noted dean from 1935 to 1955. joined the SMPH faculty. that Jeffrey Grossman, MD (PG ’82), was an Yet Grossman arrived in Madison almost As a young physician, he concentrated instant and unanimous choice. by chance. A native New Yorker, he spent his on becoming a first-class clinician, yet Indeed, the arc of Grossman’s career— undergraduate years at Cornell University, noticed that there were many opportunities as chair of the SMPH Department of studying to become a veterinarian. As was to improve how we cared for patients Medicine and the school’s senior associate common in the 1960s and early ’70s, and educated students and trainees. He dean for clinical affairs; vice president of his college years combined political and soon took on his first leadership roles, as UW Hospital and Clinics; president and educational experiences. Steeped in the medical director of the hospital’s Emergency CEO of UW Medical Foundation (UWMF); era’s idealism, he describes his lifelong Department (ED) and Trauma and Life and first CEO of the integrated UW Health— determination: “to do well by doing good.” Support Center (TLC). placed him at the center of virtually every Luckily for UW Health, his career path Farrell believes that stint in the ED and major milestone in the academic health shifted, leading him to medical school at TLC was foundational for Grossman’s career. system’s growth. the State University of New York-Upstate It required him to facilitate collaboration Medical University and, in 1975, to an among physicians from many disciplines

26 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 “Dr. Grossman has had new cadre of approximately 225 community- a greater positive impact based physicians fell to him. Then, around the time his role as chair was ending, he on UW-Madison’s clinical was named UW Hospital’s vice president for enterprise than anyone medical affairs. Holding dual roles at UWMF and UW Hospital afforded him a unique view else, with the possible of inefficiencies and potential synergies. exception of William S. With a foot in each organization, he became Bucky Badger embraces Jeffrey Grossman, MD (PG ’82), convinced the two should ultimately and his wife, Nadine Nehls, PhD, RN, associate dean for Middleton, MD, SMPH dean become one. academic programs, UW School of Nursing. from 1935 to 1955. Nevertheless, his next career milestone ” pulled him back to UWMF, when Rao becoming UW Health. Its board tapped and teamwork among all critical care stepped down and Grossman was named Grossman to serve as CEO while it searched professionals. In addition, the high-stress president. Convinced physicians needed for a permanent leader. Calling his selection environment fostered his calm approach and to be more engaged in governance and an honor and the capstone of his career, he ability to manage competing demands. decision making, he led the organization in served until May 2016, guiding the merger’s In 1993, an unexpected opportunity embracing continuous quality improvement critical first year. arose. The chair of medicine retired, and and population health, national efforts aimed Though known for his leadership and school leaders appointed Grossman—a at providing better care for individuals while clinical acumen, Grossman is proud of rising star—to the search committee for an reducing costs and improving the health other accomplishments, too. Through his interim replacement. His contributions so of communities. involvement with the Wisconsin Partnership impressed the group that they urged him With leaders of UW Hospital and Program, he wrote the grant to establish to recuse himself and become a candidate. Clinics and the SMPH, he hired physician the UW Health Innovation Program (HIP). In 1994, he assumed the lead role in the executives who were excellent clinicians He notes that HIP has become a significant school’s largest clinical department, which he and skilled administrators, and he helped force for change as it integrates health led for more than four years. marshal resources to create organizational services research with clinical practice and His timing as chair proved significant as infrastructure for performance improvement community programs. He also maintained it plunged him into negotiations among the and a population-based approach to care. inpatient and outpatient practices throughout 14 clinical departments forming UW Medical Simultaneously, he continued to press his his career, remarking that caring for critically Foundation. He worked closely with other view that the hospital and medical foundation ill patients helped him keep administrative chairs and Venkat Rao, MD, MBA, who led needed to become an integrated system with pressures in perspective. the effort to create the new organization and strong physician leadership. Presenting the Belzer award, Golden became its founding president. When UWMF In 2014, with support from both noted, “Dr. Grossman has been the gold was formed, Grossman took on an additional organizations’ boards and UW-Madison standard of outstanding professionalism role as its physician-in-chief. Less than two Chancellor Rebecca Blank, Golden worked and dedication to the highest values. He is years later, when the fledgling foundation with Grossman and others to draft a plan a ‘doctor’s doctor,’ an inspiring teacher, a merged with Physicians Plus Medical Group, aimed at making integration a reality, and in scholar focused on evolving models of care much of the responsibility of assimilating this July 2015, the two entities officially merged, for patients and populations, and a gifted, strong, wise leader.” “None of his roles were easy,” says Farrell, “But Dr. Grossman has an ability to take a wide range of complex information and synthesize it to make sound judgments. During challenging times, he stayed focused on values, and his style meshed with UW-Madison’s collaborative, consensus- oriented culture. He’s a modest person and modest leader who has always looked to make things better.”

Throughout his career, Jeffrey Grossman, MD (PG ’82), maintained inpatient and outpatient practices. Here, he interacts with nursing colleagues in the Trauma and Life Support Center. QUARTERLY 27 SPOTLIGHT

STEM CELL “HEART PATCH” MOVES CLOSER TO CLINIC

he promise of stem cells all-purpose human stem cells model,” says Kamp, a professor to treat cardiovascular were derived and cultured at in the UW School of Medicine Tdisease may soon be a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Public Health (SMPH) step closer to clinical application in 1998, explains Timothy J. Department of Medicine. as scientists from three Kamp, MD, PhD, co-director of The first challenge is to institutions seek to perfect and the UW-Madison Stem Cell and create the primary cell types that test three-dimensional “heart Regenerative Medicine Center. compose heart tissue. Another patches” in a large animal Working with teams from key obstacle, Kamp notes, is to model—the last big hurdle the University of Alabama at make cells that do not prompt an before human trials. Birmingham (UAB) and Duke immune response by a new host. In theory, patches of University in a seven-year, He and William Burlingham, PhD, engineered tissue composed of National Institutes of Health- professor, SMPH Department heart patch that can effectively the types of cells that make up funded $8.6 million consortium, of Surgery, will first transplant integrate into a patient’s heart. heart muscle would be implanted Kamp and colleagues will devise lab-made cells into mice “The proposed studies in to replace diseased or damaged and seed with the appropriate engineered to have a human animal models are essential to tissue and perform all functions mix of cells three-dimensional immune system. develop this novel therapy, but of healthy heart muscle. patches that will be used in a In addition, Kamp and his the gold standard is a human Implanting healthy, lab-grown pig model. colleagues must forge cells that patient,” notes Kamp. cells to replace damaged heart “We need to see how these beat in rhythm with the new tissue has been an aspiration patches of heart muscle do host. Finally, the UAB-Duke- of stem cell biologists since in a large animal heart attack Wisconsin group must devise a

NATION’S FIRST RURAL OB-GYN RESIDENCY

aced with a nationwide OB-GYN. “Residents who train in 8,800 fewer OB-GYNs than shortage of obstetricians certain settings are more likely needed in the United States by Fand gynecologists to practice in similar places. We 2020 and a shortage of possibly (OB-GYN), especially in want to give them experience in 22,000 by 2050. rural areas, the University of these underserved areas, with a John Street, PhD, educational Wisconsin School of Medicine goal of increasing the number of program manager, notes, “This and Public Health’s (SMPH) physicians who practice there.” is the perfect example of the Department of Obstetrics and She adds, “Since we started Wisconsin Idea: work being Gynecology recently started the the program, we’ve heard from done by UW-Madison benefiting nation’s first rural residency other medical schools around people beyond Dane County.” program to train and provide the country interested in starting The first rural resident will Wisconsin areas. One new rural OB-GYN care to women in similar programs, indicating begin training in July 2017; he resident will join the program rural Wisconsin. a need.” or she will spend the first year each year. “Some women need to According to the American in Madison. Starting in 2018, The Wisconsin Rural drive more than an hour to College of Nurse-Midwives, that resident will complete Physician Residency Assistance see an OB-GYN physician,” nearly half of U.S. counties hospital and clinic rotations in Program provided funding for explains Ellen Hartenbach, MD do not have an OB-GYN. Monroe, Portage, Ripon, Waupun this position. (pictured at right), director of the The American Congress of and Watertown. four-year residency program and Obstetricians and Gynecologists The program’s goal is to professor, SMPH Department of estimates there will be up to eventually expand to more rural

28 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 RESEARCH AIMS TO REVERSE BLINDNESS

University of Wisconsin- Sciences, UW School of Medicine study photoreceptor cells derived Madison research team and Public Health (SMPH). from human stem cells (using an A has been selected to Together, the projects will approach invented by the Gamm work on one of six projects receive $12.4 million over three lab) to determine what factors aimed at restoring vision by years as part of the National Eye help coax them into becoming regenerating lost retinal cells in Institute (NEI) Audacious Goals fully developed and connected the eye. Initiative, a targeted effort to photoreceptor cells. David Gamm, MD, restore vision by regenerating “This is essential to bringing PhD (PG ’02, ’03), and his neurons and their connections in photoreceptor replacement UW-Madison team will work the eye and visual systems. therapies to patients one day,” with a Johns Hopkins University A large percentage of shares Gamm. “The collaboration team on the National Institutes irreversible blindness results combines our retinal stem-cell science and art of vision and of Health-funded project to from damage or loss of technology with specialized apply it to the prevention or reverse blindness. Gamm is the photoreceptors in the retina. expertise at Johns Hopkins to reversal of blindness. Emmett A. Humble Distinguished Many well-known eye diseases keep the research moving.” The NEI leads the federal Director and Sandra Lemke put these cells at risk. Once the Gamm’s team includes government’s research on the Trout Chair in Eye Research, cells are gone, humans have no several members of visual system and eye diseases. McPherson Eye Research natural capacity to replace them. the McPherson ERI, a It supports research to develop Institute (McPherson ERI), and Gamm’s team will work with multidisciplinary community of sight-saving treatments and associate professor, Department Donald Zack, MD, PhD, and researchers working to gain address special needs of people of Ophthalmology and Visual colleagues at Johns Hopkins to critical knowledge about the with vision loss.

STUDY TO LOOK AT AFRICAN-AMERICANS’ RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

large study of Alzheimer’s modifiable risk factors—such Alzheimer’s projects, says disease in the African- as cardiovascular disease, Sanjay Asthana, MD, the SMPH A American community neighborhood distress and associate dean for geriatrics, is among the recently funded psychological factors—in setting adding that Alzheimer’s disease grants awarded to researchers the stage for dementia. She’ll research at the school has at the University of Wisconsin use biomarkers to track disease received $22.8 million in School of Medicine and Public development, looking for risk support, most of it federal, with Health (SMPH). factors people can modify. another $4.1 million in awards Carey Gleason, PhD “We need new strategies to expected in the near future. (pictured at right, facing camera), reduce the devastating human “This latest infusion of associate professor, Department and socio-economic toll of competitive, peer-reviewed of Medicine, will enroll 500 Alzheimer’s,” Gleason says. grants confirms the outstanding Asthana, director of the middle-aged African-Americans, “This is an urgent issue for the national reputation of our Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease who are twice as likely to African-American community, so Alzheimer’s research programs,” Research Center, holds a five- develop Alzheimer’s disease it’s imperative that we include says Robert Golden, MD, dean year center grant of $7.5 million as Caucasians. The project African-Americans in our long- of the SMPH. “Congratulations from the National Institutes of entails a partnership between term studies of people at risk of to Dr. Asthana and his team for Health for ongoing work. the Wisconsin Registry for developing Alzheimer’s.” compiling such a remarkable Alzheimer’s Prevention and Gleason’s study, funded by series of projects across the the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s the federal government with continuum of basic laboratory Disease Research Center $3.8 million over five years, research, clinical investigations and will evaluate the role of is one of 14 recently funded and population studies.”

QUARTERLY 29 LEADER Q&A

New UW Health CEO ALAN S. KAPLAN, MD, REFLECTS ON HIS NEW ROLE

Interview by Ian Clark UnityPoint Clinic, where he provided Carnegie Mellon University in alling upon his nationally leadership for 1,300 providers. Pittsburgh. He is a fellow of the renowned track record leading Kaplan also served as president/CEO American College of Healthcare Clarge-scale clinical and cultural of UnityPoint at Home, a provider of Executives and American Association transformations with a focus on home care, palliative, hospice and of Physician Leadership. health care coordination, Alan S. home infusion services. Kaplan joined UW Health at an Kaplan, MD, became UW Health’s Prior to joining UnityPoint Health exciting time. In 2015, UW Hospitals chief executive officer in May 2016. in 2009, he served as vice president and Clinics and UW Medical Kaplan previously served as and chief medical officer at Edward Foundation legally integrated, executive vice president and chief Health Services Corp., a health care providing the ability to operate as clinical transformation officer for system based in Naperville, Illinois. a single enterprise. With an agile UnityPoint Health, a multi-state, Board-certified in emergency approach in mind, UW Health is integrated health system based in medicine, Kaplan earned his medical crafting its first enterprisewide West Des Moines, Iowa. He was degree from Rush University in strategic plan—to take Wisconsin’s the founder and president/CEO of Chicago and master’s degree premiere health system to in medical management from new heights.

30 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 UW Health is a close-knit partner with It’s clear at all levels of the organization growth for growth’s sake, but it’s prudent, the University of Wisconsin School of that UW Health’s high-quality, patient- and smart, strategic growth that we define. Medicine and Public Health (SMPH), family-centered care is foundational to who Too often, local industry and even our and I know the school’s alumni, we are. In direct patient care, research and researchers become frustrated with applying faculty and friends are eager to learn education, it is clearly all about our patients their work to our clinical setting. It is not more about you. and the health of the populations we serve. unusual for them to go outside our system to Thanks for the opportunity. I’ve been here That dedication is really inspiring. move research forward. Not only do we need a little over six months, and I have already What do you envision on the horizon? to be more user friendly for this work, but UW developed a close partnership with SMPH People have been asking me lots of Health has an important role in fostering the Dean Robert Golden as we work to further questions. Among the multiple themes that translation of research from the lab to the serve our community and enhance our have surfaced, the most common is that bedside to benefit patients and communities. success in all three aspects of our mission— people want clarity. Who is responsible for We must and will get better at this work. direct patient care, research and education. what? What should we focus on? Where do When it comes to population health, I’m What should we know about you that I go with an idea? I joined UW Health at an talking about health care reform, but there’s we can’t find on your resume? exciting time shortly after our two legacy more to consider. We’re embedded in an For 25 years, I’ve served in various organizations legally integrated. Some innovative, research-based university. We clinical and executive roles. I’ve also been heavy lifting is underway, but we’re making have incredible population health work taking married to my wonderful wife and best friend, progress on an operational and cultural place at the SMPH. We need to knit together Patty, for 24 years, and we have two children. integration. I have organized my team of our capabilities and establish UW Health and Our daughter is attending the University of direct reports, and they are continuing this the SMPH as national leaders in this area. Iowa, where she is a senior business major work with their teams. I hope this begins to People come from all over the nation with an interest in human resources. Our son create the clarity our organization needs. and sometimes around the world for things graduated in May with a double degree in There are many opportunities we can we do here. We have world-class programs industrial engineering and computer science, pursue, but we need to proceed strategically and experts in areas like transplants, facial and happily found a job in IT. Patty and I with a strong, unified vision. To help us define reconstruction, women’s health, neonatal enjoy outdoor activities and have enjoyed our priorities and goals, we kicked off our specialties and many other specialized fields. getting acquainted with Madison as our new strategic planning process in September I believe we can be better positioned as a home (that includes attending a few Badger 2016. Dean Golden and I are co-executive destination center so patients with complex football games and enjoying the outdoors)! sponsors of the strategic planning process, conditions can dependably and efficiently As a registered nurse, Patty founded and we see UW Health and the SMPH receive exceptional, collaborative care here. Paws4Therapy, Inc., which implements working together, now and in the future, in With some 15,000 physicians and animal-assisted therapy programs for tight partnership. We intend to engage many employees, how will UW Health’s first the acute care hospital environment. stakeholders over the coming months and strategic plan be implemented? Paws4Therapy has recruited and trained wrap up the process by late spring 2017. This comes back to my point about hundreds of volunteer dog-handler teams What sort of goals or opportunities clarity. We need to create clarity in roles and that have made more than 150,000 bedside might we see developed? responsibilities as a single organization, and visits. It has been featured as a Joint I anticipate that at least some of the we need clarity in our operational day-to-day Commission best practice. areas of focus will include growth, innovation, work. I believe clear, aspirational goals are Since you joined UW Health, what population health and destination medicine. the best way to merge our cultures so we have you observed and experienced? When it comes to growth, UW Health all have something to work toward, together. The organization and community acquired SwedishAmerican Hospital in That’s why we’re including in this strategic welcomed my family and me with open arms. Rockford, Illinois; we’ve merged our health plan the high-priority work we’ll undertake I spent my first 90 days simply listening, and plan (Unity) with Gundersen Health Plan in in the next three to five years. We have an it became imminently clear that UW Health La Crosse, Wisconsin; and we’re talking opportunity to take this great organization to is a great organization with great people to Unity-Point Meriter. To be suited for the an even greater place. But none of it could doing amazing things! My orientation was future, we must be more than an academic happen without the amazing people we have a listening tour among physicians, staff, medical center, we have to be an academic at UW Health and the fantastic partners we UW-Madison deans and other leaders, health system, which means we need a have in Dean Golden, the SMPH, throughout community members, and government and larger patient base and community partners, UW-Madison and around the state. health care leaders from organizations across but this requires guidelines. It’s not just Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

QUARTERLY 31 CONNECTIONS The Ride to Support Cancer Research

by Rob Kelly and Public Health (SMPH). “But creativity is a says. “The barrier isn’t typically intellectual critical part of impactful scientific discovery. or lack of will. It’s frequently a challenge of dvances in cancer therapy begin You don’t have to look farther than our funding, and hopefully The Ride will help in in the laboratory, but tight budgets own successes at University of Wisconsin- that mission.” Aand scarce federal grants make Madison to find tremendous advances in On September 18, 2016, more than it increasingly difficult for researchers to research that came when scientists felt they 800 riders raised just over $150,000 in pursue innovative projects. had the freedom and latitude to explore new The Ride’s inaugural event. In addition Thirty years ago, a National Institutes of ideas and exercise creativity.” to enjoying a beautiful country ride on a Health (NIH) grant application had a one-in- Several years ago, Deric gorgeous, 70-degree fall day, participants four chance of getting funded. Today, just one Wheeler, PhD ’04, associate professor, heard inspiring stories of cancer patients in 10 applications makes the cut. This affects Department of Human Oncology, and and their loved ones and learned about the the types of cancer research projects that Harari conceptualized a major fundraiser university’s research efforts to advance move forward and, more importantly, impacts

FOCAL FLAME(3); TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS (1) FOCAL FLAME(3); to supplement the federal funding model. cancer care. the cancer patients who might benefit from Wheeler and Harari created “The Ride,” a “It was a remarkably well-organized those research advances. bicycle benefit for cancer research at the event and a lot of fun. At the same time, “When funding rates are so low, we UW Carbone Cancer Center. it managed to maintain a sharp focus on jeopardize the willingness of scientists to be “As I move through my career, working what it really was all about: finding new creative because it’s risky. They tend to stay closely with physicians and clinical scientists, hope for the elimination of cancer,” says in the mainstream in an effort to maintain I’m always thinking about how to translate Robert Golden, MD, dean of the SMPH. their funding,” says Paul Harari, MD, chair of our work from the laboratory to the clinic “I was especially moved by the energy and the Department of Human Oncology at the to help people who have cancer,” Wheeler enthusiasm of the participants and deeply University of Wisconsin School of Medicine

32 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 The Ride to Support Cancer Research

Both pages, clockwise from far left: John Marks, DVM, pedals to support cancer research and build bonds with his family; (left to right) SMPH Dean Robert Golden, MD, and UW Health CEO Alan Kaplan, MD, flash the “W” sign; Paul Harari, MD, and Deric Wheeler, PhD ’04, promote The Ride early on; Bucky Badger entertains event participants.

touched by the personal notes that were He continues, “We lost our father to $11 million grant—along with $3 million placed on the site—including the posters cancer more than 40 years ago. Now I am in institutional matching funds directed that we rode past as we approached the facing the same battle, so our concerns by Harari and a team of researchers—is finish—acknowledging loved ones who have run deep, not only in the immediate family funding collaborative, interdisciplinary, gallantly battled cancer.” but also for other families that have faced translational research aimed at finding new John Marks, DVM—a 54-year-old or are currently facing the same struggles. ways to prevent, detect, diagnose and treat veterinarian and 1989 alumnus of the UW The Ride helped make us stronger together cancers of the head and neck. School of Veterinary Medicine who now as a family. There were a lot of smiles and “I hope, and predict, that The Ride will works with the Wisconsin Department of laughs but also feelings of concern, sadness grow dramatically in size and scope over the Agriculture—was one of many UW Health and loss.” years and have a game-changing impact cancer patients who participated. Marks was All dollars raised by The Ride are awarded on our capacity to win the war on cancer,” diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer competitively to UW-Madison research Golden says. “I also hope it will counteract a in January 2016. He rode with his wife, two projects aimed at improving cancer care. This sense of isolation that some cancer patients brothers, two sisters, a sister-in-law, brother- seed money is likely to stimulate additional and their families may experience, as the in-law, two nieces, a nephew and a friend. funding over time. Perhaps funding from event makes it clear to them that they are “The Ride was a monumental event for The Ride will enable researchers to develop not alone.” me and my family because we all shared the types of innovative projects that helped Mark your calendars: The Ride Year 2 will common goals. Not only did it allow us to UW-Madison become the first institution take place on September 17, 2017. spend a day together, but we also were able in Wisconsin to be awarded a Specialized to enhance our support for one another as Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) There’s More Online! Visit www.theridewi.org we venture through our lives,” Marks says. grant from the National Cancer Institute. This

QUARTERLY 33 GIVING BACK

Trout Family Gives Back TO MCPHERSON EYE RESEARCH INSTITUTE

by Emily Kumlien “And the rest is history,” says Sandra family and called several states home over Trout, who earned her bachelor’s degree the years. t all started at Camp Randall Stadium. from the university two years later. Monroe Trout established an influential At a Wisconsin home football game in The Badgers football team beat the career in pharmaceutical discovery and INovember 1957, to be exact. Fighting Illini 24-13 the day the couple met, health care development. He served on the Monroe Trout, MD, JD—then a 26-year- but they don’t remember much about the boards and executive teams of various firms old physician on the staff of the Great Lakes game. Soon afterward, Monroe Trout was in that industry, and he became chairman Naval Hospital near Chicago—wanted to see posted to Okinawa as regimental surgeon and chief executive officer of American a Big Ten football game. of the 3rd Marine Division. Their courtship Heathcare Systems. “My friend said he could get tickets to a continued long-distance via letter and short- The couple’s generosity led to an Badgers football game and dates for three of wave radio, with the assistance of the ham unparalleled career in philanthropy and us,” he recalls. “I said ‘I get the tallest girl as radio operator. They wed on June 11, 1960. nearly five decades of giving back to my date.’” That was the beginning of a beautiful the community. That’s when and where 6'5" Monroe partnership that has lasted more than five Their renewed connection with Trout, from Pennsylvania, met 5'8" Sandra decades. Together, they’ve welcomed two UW-Madison began in 2012, when the Lemke, a journalism student at the University children and four grandchildren to their couple was living in Tennessee and of Wisconsin-Madison.

34 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Their positive experience in Madison our best and brightest researchers. We’re led them to create the Sandra Lemke Trout also continuously honored by the Trouts’ Chair in Eye Research at the McPherson Eye friendship and trust.” Research Institute in January 2013. Gamm “Monroe and Sandra are remarkable now holds that endowed position. individuals, and I am profoundly moved by More recently, following the death of their altruism and generosity,” says Robert the Trouts’ youngest son in May 2016, they Golden, MD, dean of the UW School of have established the Timothy William Trout Medicine and Public Health. “Their gift Professorship in Eye Research in his name. to the McPherson Eye Research Institute “We wanted to do something to honor will ultimately touch the lives of countless our son’s memory,” says Monroe Trout, who people through the advancement of our earned his medical degree at the University understanding of macular degeneration and of Pennsylvania Medical School and a the development of new treatments.” subsequent law degree from Dickinson Law Reflecting on his own vision, Monroe Above: Timothy William Trout, who passed away School at Pennsylvania State University. Trout says, “I have macular degeneration, in May 2016, and in whose honor his parents are “Education has been so important in my life. and I know I might not see the benefits of creating the Timothy William Trout Professorship I’ve had so much help from teachers along current research in my lifetime. But we hope in Eye Research. the way, and I wouldn’t be where I am today we can help researchers find ways to prevent Opposite page (left to right): David Gamm, MD, without my education.” and possibly someday cure a disease that PhD (PG ’02, ’03), who holds the Sandra Lemke Sandra Trout adds, “When I was young, impacts 25 million Americans.” Trout Chair in Eye Research position created by my parents always told me I would go to Wherever they happened to live, Monroe the Trout family at the McPherson Eye Research Institute; Sandra Trout; and Monroe Trout, MD, JD. college. While there were women in college and Sandra Trout have always kept a in the late 1950s, it was nowhere near as connection to Wisconsin; for several years, common as it is today.” they spent the month of August in her Elaborating on their gifts to UW-Madison, hometown of Appleton. There, in 2010, they Monroe Trout, then 81 years old, developed she continues, “Endowed professorships live endowed and established the Trout Museum TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS macular degeneration, impairing his central on forever. We wanted to honor education of Art, which features the private collection vision. Based on the recommendation of a and Timothy. And we believe strongly in of fine art acquired in their travels. In 2015, friend, Oscar Boldt, they traveled to Madison Dr. Gamm and his work. I am glad that we they settled in Appleton for good, and they so that Monroe Trout could see David Gamm, are able to support an excellent school with are active in the community. Earlier this MD, PhD (PG ’02, ’03)—an associate acclaimed researchers and give back to year, the Trouts endowed funding in Timothy professor in the UW School of Medicine and my university.” Trout’s honor for a children’s channel on Public Health’s Department of Ophthalmology Gamm shares, “Monroe and Sandy are Wisconsin Public Television. and Visual Sciences, the Emmett A. Humble exceptionally caring and wise people, and Together, they enjoy traveling, playing Distinguished Director of the McPherson they are determined to make the world a bridge and attending the symphony and Eye Research Institute at UW-Madison and better place in many different ways. Their operas. Monroe Trout enjoys oil painting, an ophthalmologist at UW Health—about interest in vision research is deep and which he describes as a great way to escape his eyesight. nuanced, and they really ‘get it’—they know any stress he may feel, and Sandra Trout In late summer 2012, after meeting that treatments for macular degeneration and enjoys playing the piano. Gamm, Sandra Trout had an idea and shared other blinding diseases are going to come “We are excited to be involved in the it with her husband. from collaborative research, something that McPherson Eye Research Institute and make “She said to me, ‘We should support the McPherson Eye Research Institute has trips to Madison periodically,” notes Monroe Dr. Gamm’s work,’” reflects Monroe Trout. emphasized since its inception.” Trout. “We also have been fortunate to attend Sandra Trout adds, “Dr. Gamm is an Noting that Monroe and Sandra Trout some Badgers football games in Chancellor international expert in macular degeneration are honorary members of the McPherson Blank’s box at Camp Randall.” and is very devoted to his patients. He is Eye Research Institute board of directors, Right back in the special place where also an extremely capable researcher who Gamm states, “We are honored to steward their relationship began so many years ago. is enthusiastic about sharing his ideas the Timothy William Trout Professorship with others.” in the institute and will bestow it upon

QUARTERLY 35 RESEARCH ADVANCES

Researchers Report Myeloma Advance

cells transform versican in the An assistant professor system and increasing those tumor to a daughter variety of medicine, UW School of that train immune cells to find called versikine, it helped train Medicine and Public Health, and destroy the cancer. the immune system’s T cells to Asimakopoulos has seen He says versikine could be recognize and kill cancer cells. a revolution in myeloma injected into patients before Asimakopoulos says treatment over the past immunotherapy, or included versikine could potentially 15 years because new when armored CAR-T cells are be used as part of a cancer treatments extend patients’ created, arming patients with vaccine to activate the immune lives substantially. proteins that recognize cancer system or be paired with novel “Immunotherapy is another targets. His lab is testing this in University of Wisconsin approaches, such as chimeric revolution,” he says. mice, and he expects to begin Carbone Cancer Center antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells Now, only a percentage of human trials within five years. A (UW CCC) research or checkpoint inhibitors, to patients respond dramatically This work came from a team learned how to make help the tumor fighters more to the newer class of collaboration between UW CCC multiple myeloma cancer effectively kill cancer cells. immunotherapy drugs or scientists and Cleveland Clinic. cells more vulnerable to This was published in Blood. manufactured CAR-T cells. The Trillium Fund for Myeloma immunotherapy. An accompanying editorial Asimakopoulos believes Research and American Cancer Led by senior author Fotis stated that this opens a new the odds can be shifted by Society funded the work in Asimakopoulos, PhD, and first avenue for immunotherapies reducing cells that allow cancer large part. author Chelsea Hope, the team for multiple myeloma. to hide from the immune showed that when immune

Biomarkers May Predict Early Alzheimer’s Disease

niversity of Wisconsin- develop dementia,’’ says Annie profiles of pathology in their Madison researchers Racine, PhD ’16, lead author brains. Researchers analyzed Uidentified a scientific of the study, which was part participants’ cognitive data to approach that may help predict of her doctoral work. “That investigate whether the groups which older adults are more translates into millions of lives differed on their cognitive likely to develop cognitive and billions of dollars saved.” abilities measured over as symptoms of Alzheimer’s Sterling Johnson, PhD, many as 10 years. disease well before the onset senior author and a professor Participants came from of dementia. in the Department of groups enrolled in the for Alzheimer’s, but more are Published in Brain, the study Medicine, says that while Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease aging normally, and some are analyzes a panel of biomarkers brain changes—such as Research Center study on track to have a different that could help identify people beta-amyloid plaque buildup and Wisconsin Registry for type of brain disease.” most likely to benefit from and tau tangles—are markers Alzheimer’s Prevention, in A comprehensive panel of disease-slowing interventions. of the disease, not everyone which about three-quarters of biomarkers, such as the one “The Alzheimer’s with these changes develops participants have a parent with evaluated in this study, could Association estimates that if we Alzheimer’s symptoms. the disease. help pave the way for early had a prevention that pushed The team used statistical “This study shows that just interventions to stop or slow back the clinical symptoms algorithms to categorize having a family history doesn’t the disease. of the disease by five years, 175 older adults at risk for mean you are going to get this it would almost cut in half the Alzheimer’s disease into four disease,” Johnson says. “Some number of people projected to clusters based on patterns and participants are on a trajectory

36 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 Late-Onset Asthma Linked to Cardiovascular Risks

lead author of the study and study, researchers tracked participants with early-onset assistant professor of medicine, cardiovascular events, asthma had no difference in University of Wisconsin School including heart attack, cardiovascular disease events of Medicine and Public Health stroke, heart failure, angina, compared to non-asthmatics. (SMPH), says late-onset asthma cardiac revascularization and Researchers speculated that also tends to be more severe death due to cardiovascular differences between early- and and difficult to control with problems. The study took late-onset asthma may help medicines than asthma that into account risk factors for explain findings. begins in childhood. cardiovascular disease that Tattersall believes the Researchers followed might bias results. results suggest health care eople who develop 1,269 adults—average age Researchers found that providers should pay particular asthma as adults (late- 47 without cardiovascular people with late-onset asthma attention to heart-disease risk Ponset asthma) may be at disease—over 14 years. were 57 percent more likely to factors in patients with late- greater risk of developing heart Average age of asthma suffer a cardiovascular event onset asthma. Patients with disease and having a stroke, diagnosis in the late-onset than those without asthma; late-onset asthma, he added, according to a study published group was 39.5 years vs. 8.9 those with late-onset asthma can increase their chances in the Journal of the American years in the early-onset group. compared to non-asthmatics of remaining heart-healthy Heart Association. At the beginning of the were more likely to be female and stroke-free by exercising, Matthew C. Tattersall, study, 166 participants (67 vs. 44 percent) and have a eating a healthy diet and DO, MS ’14 (PG ’10, ’14), had asthma. During the higher body-mass index; and maintaining a normal weight.

Team Identifies Leukemia Development Mechanism

n another step toward the experimental effort, and the development of these blood unraveling the causes of Irene Ong, PhD ’07, research disorders. They discovered Iserious blood disorders, scientist, UW Carbone Cancer an intricate mechanism that a University of Wisconsin- Center, spearheaded the sets up a growth circuit in Madison team identified informatics. AML cells. The circuit begins how a genetic network in The specific mechanisms when Ras produces signals certain blood cells can be that cause acute myeloid that stimulate phosphorylation disrupted and go on to promote leukemia (AML) are not fully in GATA-2. That increases the development of certain forms understood. While various ability of GATA-2 to control the

of leukemia. Findings were gene mutations are known activity of genes in AML cells, PHD/BRESNICK LAB KIRBY JOHNSON, published in Cell Reports. to be involved, Bresnick and and these genes generate to AML cell growth in mouse Emery H. Bresnick, PhD, colleagues looked at the cell-signaling proteins that models and human leukemia, Kellett Professor of Cell role of GATA-2, a “master control the cell proliferation. as a prelude to forging and Regenerative Biology, regulator” of the blood cell The discovery of the strategies to improve much- UW School of Medicine and production process. GATA-2 growth-promoting circuit might needed therapeutic options Public Health (SMPH), and mutations cause a primary point toward better treatments for AML. director, UW-Madison Blood immunodeficiency syndrome for AML and other pathologies The research was supported Research Program, led the that can progress to AML. in which GATA-2 is implicated. by the National Institutes team. First author Koichi R. In this study, scientists were Bresnick says the next of Health, Midwest Athletes Katsumura, MD, PhD, assistant trying to determine how the step includes analyzing the Against Childhood Cancer and scientist, Bresnick group, led GATA-2 network is related to contribution of the new circuit UW Carbone Cancer Center.

QUARTERLY 37 IMMUNOTHERAPY Continued from page 7

Southampton, United Kingdom; and a novel cellular immunotherapy using donor Whether it’s for cancer treatment, organ Greifswald, Germany. stem cells. transplants or cardiac tissue repair, cellular In separate work that lays the “We take stem cells from a kidney donor immunotherapy is exploding. foundation for simpler, more cost-effective and do a stem cell transplant after the “Today, immunotherapy is approved as immunotherapy, Douglas McNeel, MD, kidney transplant,” says Hematti, adding that a first-line treatment for adult patients with PhD, professor, Department of Medicine, findings could lead toward eliminating the widespread melanoma, lung cancer and and director, Solid Tumor Immunology, patients’ need for immunosuppression drugs several other forms of high-risk cancers in UW Carbone Cancer Center, has been after solid organ transplantation. adults and children,” says Sondel. investigating T cell-activating therapies, or The research is rapidly moving from He predicts that within the next 10 years, vaccines, as treatments for prostate cancer. animal models toward human clinical trials, treatment of nearly all cancers that are not The concept with this approach is generating both supported by grants from the National being cured by surgery alone will integrate tumor-fighting immune cells directly, without Institutes of Health. Hematti and Kaufman immunotherapy. having to prepare them in the laboratory are collaborating with scientists at Stanford Sondel knows that concept will take and infuse them back into patients. Over the University to make this treatment a reality for intense teamwork over time but states past 15 years, McNeel and his team have patients at UW Health. that the SMPH and UW Carbone Cancer conducted several clinical trials with two Through the UW-Madison Stem Center have world-class reputations for vaccines that are currently in testing at the Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, research being done by outstanding faculty Carbone Cancer Center and elsewhere in the Hematti also has worked for more than a who collaborate internally and throughout United States. decade with Amish Raval, MD, associate the nation—and they are making great Cellular immunotherapy has been professor, Department of Medicine, on strides in the fight against deadly diseases. remarkable for cancer treatment, and SMPH cardioimmunotherapy. Recently, the duo has experts are taking it far beyond cancer. focused on using immune cells, specifically For instance, Hematti is working macrophages, to repair cardiac damage in with Dixon Kaufman, MD, PhD, the animal models, and they hope to move their Ray D. Owen Professor and chief, Division of research into human clinical trials soon. Transplantation, Department of Surgery, on

ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY Continued from page 12

In his closing remarks, Golden reminded To the many participants from different importantly, have resilience for the participants that the conference was just the sectors, different interests, different struggles ahead.” beginning, the foundation from which the communities—rural and urban, Golden Golden concluded, “We know there will Wisconsin Partnership Program will build its challenged, “Today, I’m making a request be challenges, but we are committed to the health equity initiatives. of myself and all of you—let this be our long-game and to the ambitious, audacious launching pad going forward.” goals we will set.” “Take your individual passions and follow To view the conference video, review them,” he advised. “Build partnerships resources or learn more about the to help achieve your goals. And most Wisconsin Partnership Program, visit med.wisc.edu/partnership-health equity.

One panel featured (left to right) David Kindig, MD, PhD, emeritus professor of population health sciences, SMPH, emeritus vice-chancellor for health sciences, UW-Madison, co-chair, Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Population Health Improvement; Jacquelynn Arbuckle, MD ’95, director, UW-Madison Native American Center for Health Professions, associate professor of surgery, SMPH; Ricardo Diaz, executive director, United Community Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and David Williams, PhD, MPH, Florence Sprague Norman and Laura Smart Norman Professor of Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health, and professor, African and African American studies and of sociology, Harvard.

38 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 MILESTONES

MEDiC 25th Anniversary CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS WHO HELP THOSE IN NEED

Clockwise from top left (left to right): Aref Senno, Maria Rozo and Michelle Watkinson talk with Ronald Diamond, MD; Elizabeth Petty, MD ’86, Christina Jones, Laura McClung, Watkinson, Meghan Hughes, Bethany Howlett, MD, Rozo, Douglas Dulli, MD (PG ’89), Dan Berry, MD, Mary Lou Goodfriend, Theodore Goodfriend, MD, Shilpa Kallru, Nick Thompson, Rebecca Veele, Maggie Smith, Danny Jones and Cassidy Bohner. Hughes presents awards to Diamond and Howlett. T. Goodfriend listens. Dulli thanks volunteers.

t MEDiC’s 25th anniversary celebration pharmacology, recalled MEDiC’s origin: time. Hughes announced a new award in in fall 2016, University of Wisconsin “Grace Episcopal Church had a mens’ honor of Katcher, SMPH emeritus professor A School of Medicine and Public homeless shelter where law students and of pediatrics, and Don Schalch, MD, SMPH Health (SMPH) Associate Dean for Education faculty were providing legal help. I asked the emeritus professor of medicine. Elizabeth Petty, MD ’86, applauded the organizers if we could establish a medical “Drs. Katcher and Schalch have been student-led program for providing free health clinic there, and they welcomed the idea.” longtime pillars of MEDiC who share an care for medically underserved individuals Through Mary Lou Goodfriend, a school enduring passion for teaching students and and fostering an environment where students counselor who knew many homeless caring for medically underserved patients.

TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS(5) from various health professions can hone students, Murray Katcher, MD ’75, PhD, The Katcher-Schalch Award will be given leadership and clinical skills. learned about MEDiC and started its second annually to MEDiC volunteer faculty members MEDiC relies on volunteer faculty; clinic at the Salvation Army. Today, MEDiC who embody their level of compassion,” said volunteer medical, physician assistant, provides more than 1,700 patient visits per Hughes, as she presented the first awards physical therapy, nursing and pharmacy year at seven clinics around Madison. to Ronald Diamond, MD, SMPH professor students; and many community partners. MEDiC’s president, Meghan Hughes, and of psychiatry, and Bethany Howlett, MD, Founder Theodore Goodfriend, MD, an faculty director, Douglas Dulli, MD (PG ’89)— SMPH clinical associate professor of family SMPH professor emeritus of medicine and SMPH professor of neurology and a 19-year medicine and community health. volunteer—thanked those who donate their There’s More Online! Visit med.wisc.edu/medic QUARTERLY 39 PERSPECTIVES

Deeply Rooted, Moving Freely PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM ENJOYS BOTH FACTORS

ne of my favorite quotes—“To move In addition to the UW-Madison-based cohort having patients share their stories directly freely, you must be deeply rooted,” of 30 students, our Distance Education (DE) with students. We also have expanded our Oby Bella Lewitzky—speaks to option allows 10 students per year to receive program’s opportunities for interprofessional, the essence of the Physician Assistant the majority of their education in their home global, service-learning trips that broaden (PA) Program at the University of communities. Since the 2001 inception of students’ awareness about vulnerable Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public this part-time, three-year curriculum that populations and social determinants of health Health (SMPH). parallels the requirements of the on-campus in resource-poor settings. This knowledge As our PA Program prepares to graduate version, 70 students have graduated as will serve them well throughout their careers. its 40th class in May 2017, it is an excellent DE students, and 70 percent of these SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES time to reflect on our history and look graduates work within 25 miles of their home While our program is deeply rooted, it toward our future. communities in designated rural or health also evolves as society’s needs change. DEEPLY ROOTED GOALS professional shortage areas. Through the innovative changes of recent The PA Program started as a bachelor Another cutting-edge innovation is our years, we have stayed true to our mission to of science degree and became a Master of Wisconsin Physician Assistant Community- produce excellent clinicians who can serve Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree based Track (wisPACT). Through partnerships Wisconsin’s people. It is a privilege to work in 2010. For this shift, we redesigned the with UW-Marathon County and northern with the inspirational team of creative faculty curriculum to include longitudinal, integrated regional health care systems, this track and staff members whose contributions coursework that is rich in basic and applied addresses the growing shortage of health make the UW-Madison PA Program a clinical sciences, evidence-based and care providers in northern Wisconsin. nationally recognized program. preventive medicine, and public health. Our program aims to place 75 percent of I extend my deep thanks to all of you Our program takes great pride in how wisPACT graduates in northern Wisconsin within the SMPH community—including we prepare students, starting with our primary care practices—a goal we achieved our statewide partners—for your generous competitive admissions process. In 2016, for with our first graduating cohort in 2016. support and for providing rich learning the program’s 52 seats, 1,590 individuals The two-year curriculum, which accepts experiences for our students. Together, we applied. The number of applicants has shown 12 students per class, is synchronized with are ensuring their future success. consistent growth. We work hard to select the campus-based program. top students who demonstrate academic PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS excellence as well as qualities of leadership In 2012, our program launched a Path and service. of Distinction in Public Health to promote Our mission—to educate practitioners enhanced training in rural, global and to serve Wisconsin, particularly its medically population health. Three years later, we underserved communities and populations— created a dual MPAS and Master of Public is deeply rooted, as well. Through increased Health (MPH) degree—one of 10 MPAS-MPH student enrollment and the addition of dual‑degree programs in the nation. talented faculty and staff in recent years, the The PA Program also has created PA Program is well-positioned to become a dynamic curriculum that challenges Virginia L. Snyder, PhD, PA-C ’01 a visionary leader in pursuit of innovative students to develop excellent clinical skills Director, Physician Assistant Program approaches to serve that mission. and become empathetic, patient-centered University of Wisconsin School of Medicine STATEWIDE OPPORTUNITIES providers with strong communication and and Public Health One of the ways our program strives to interpersonal skills. A novel part of this meet Wisconsin’s growing health care needs curriculum, Cases of Patients, emphasizes is through an innovative curriculum that psychosocial and cultural understanding of students throughout the state can access. patient, family and provider experiences by

40 VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 4 ... OR DO I? If you think you can identify the person in the photograph at left, send your guess to [email protected]. We’ll draw one of the correct responses and announce the winner in the next issue of Quarterly.

For the last issue (see below), Joe Bellissimo, MD ’89, won the prize drawing and will receive a gift from the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association!

HINT: If you look closely, you’ll find a current photo of this physician in this issue of Quarterly. i know

you For the last issue of Quarterly, 24 people correctly guessed the identity of Robert Bush, MD, emeritus professor of medicine (CHS with faculty status) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Taken on the Clinical Science Center roof, the photo shows Bush collecting pollen and fungal spore air samples. “UW-Madison is an American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology-certified counting station for pollen and fungal spores,” notes Bush, who was the station’s medical director while he was on the faculty from 1998 until his 2008 retirement. “Through the years, Rose Vrtis has collected samples and done the counts.” The data were essential in evaluating the effectiveness of new treatments for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma in clinical trials conducted by the allergy research team. Jason Bellak, MD (PG ’12), called Bush “a true giant in the field of allergy and immunology and one of the kindest persons I have ever met.” Having recognized Bush’s face immediately, Cynthia Mehta, MD (PG ’97), wrote, “His name came to me after I read a journal because he would run to clinic, and we’d quickly do a journal then see patients!” Jason Knuffman, MD (PG ’04, ’07), wrote, “Few have taken the field of allergy and immunology from bench to bedside better than Dr. Bush.” Recalling another of Bush’s talents, Kari Zahorik, MD ’97, wrote, “I did an Irish jig with Dr. Bush at an asthma and allergy conference. He’s an excellent Irish dancer, outstanding MD and all-around terrific person!” We Want to University of Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Nonprofit Org. Health Sciences Learning Center U.S. Postage Hear From You 750 Highland Ave. PAID Madison, WI 53705 Madison, WI Please send us information about your honors, Permit No. 2117 appointments, career advancements, publications, volunteer work and other activities of interest. We’ll include your news in the Alumni Notebook section of the Quarterly as space allows. Please include names, dates and locations. Photographs are encouraged. Have you moved? Please send us your new address.

CONTACT INFORMATION: Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Health Sciences Learning Center 750 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53705 OR online at med.wisc.edu/874 OR e-mail [email protected] MS-46871-16

WISCONSIN MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEDICAL ALUMNI weekend

SAVE THE DATE CLASS REUNIONS FOR CLASSES ’52, ’57, ’62 AND ’67 June 1-2, 2017 MADISON, WI And the annual reunion for the HALF-CENTURY SOCIETY