VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 • 2018 FOR ALUMNI, FRIENDS, FACULTY AND STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

Epilepsy Research Lily’s Fund Helps Assure Future Support

IDENTITY AND RESILIENCY: THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN ACADEMIC MEDICINE p. 8

PRECISION MEDICINE AND HUMAN GENOMICS p. 12

HEARTFELT GRATITUDE p. 27

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

QUARTERLY The Magazine for Alumni, Friends, APRIL 2018 Faculty and Students of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Friday, April 27 Spring WMAA Board Meeting WMAA Scholarship Reception MANAGING EDITOR WMAA Awards Banquet Kris Whitman ART DIRECTOR Christine Klann PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER MAY-JUNE 2018 John Maniaci Thursday, May 10 SMPH Honors and Awards Ceremony PRODUCTION Michael Lemberger Friday, May 11 UW-Madison Commencement WISCONSIN MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (WMAA) Monday, May 14 La Crosse Outreach Event EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Karen S. Peterson Thursday, May 31, Spring Alumni Weekend and Friday, June 1 Class Reunions for the Classes of ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, EDITORIAL BOARD Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75, chair and the Half-Century Society for all alumni who Jacquelynn Arbuckle, MD ’95 graduated before 1968 Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 Robert Lemanske, Jr., MD ’75 Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96, MPH AUGUST 2018

Patrick Remington, MD ’81, MPH CALENDAR Joslyn Strebe, medical student Friday, August 24 White Coat Ceremony EX OFFICIO MEMBERS Robert N. Golden, MD, Andrea Larson, Karen S. Peterson, Jill Watson, Kris Whitman 2017–2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS OCTOBER 2018 Susan Isensee, MD ’83, president Daniel Jackson, MD ’03, president-elect Friday, October 19, and Fall WMAA Board Meeting Ann Ruscher, MD ’91, treasurer Saturday, October 20 Homecoming Weekend John Kryger, MD ’92, past president Class Reunions for Classes of Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH, past president ’73, ’78, ’83, ’88, ’93, ’98, ’03, ’08 and ’13 Steve Merkow, MD ’80, past president BOARD MEMBERS Homecoming Football Game, UW vs. Illinois Karen Adler-Fischer, MD ’80 Mathew Aschbrenner, MD ’06 Mark Fenlon, MD ’84, MBA Jennifer Foster, MD ’04 NOVEMBER 2018 Tito Izard, MD ’96 Christopher L. Larson, MD ’75 Friday, November 9 Middleton Society Dinner at Kyla Lee, MD ’98 Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery Meghan Lubner, MD ’03 John McDermott, MD ’79 Discovery Building Gwen McIntosh, MD ’96, MPH Kathryn E. Nixdorf, MD ’06 (national) Thomas Puetz, MD ’90 Leon E. Rosenberg, MD ’57 (national) Lisa Shen, MD ’10 (national) Abigail Taub, MD ’12 Alex Tucker, MD ’75 Maria Weber, MD ’88 Steven Wiesner, MD ’85 (national) Michael Witcik, MD ’07 Ryan Wubben, MD ’99 Robert Zemple, MD ’12 BOARD ADVISORY COUNCIL Kathryn S. Budzak, MD ’69 Philip Farrell, MD, PhD Dirk Fisher, MD ’79 is published four times a year by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) Donn Fuhrmann, MD ’76 QUARTERLY and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Kay Gruling, MD ’88 Charles V. Ihle, MD ’65 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 E-mail us at [email protected] Anne Schierl, MD ’57 Visit us on the web at med.wisc.edu/quarterly CONTENTS QUARTERLY • VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1

EPILEPSY IDENTITY AND 16 Alumni Notebook RESEARCH RESILIENCY 4 8 24 Goodbye Dear Friends Lily’s Fund and a decade The inaugural Diversity of luaus have provided Summit explores the black Student Life money to jump start experience in academic 27 research and sustain it medicine. Spotlight into the future. 28 30 Giving Back 34 Faculty Profile PRECISION Campus Scene (above) 38 Research Advances MEDICINE Perched in Alumni Park, “Well Red”—a nearly eight- Perspectives 12 AND HUMAN foot-tall bronze and glass sculpture of the beloved 40 Bucky Badger, created by artists Douwe Blumberg GENOMICS and Dan Neil Barnes—has a great view of the Lake New center focuses on Mendota shoreline, including its many passersby. research and patient care tailored to individuals. On the Cover Trina Basu (left) and Avtar Roopra, PhD, look at an electrophysiology rig to record electrical activity of neurons. Roopra has received Lily’s Fund grants for epilepsy research, and work conducted through those grants has helped him secure additional federal funding.

QUARTERLY 1 MESSAGES

ROBERT N. GOLDEN, MD Similarly, we celebrate another important population of donors—the SMPH’s faculty and staff. Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Judy Harms join a growing cadre of SMPH leaders who are giving back to insure that future generations of medical professionals can continue our school’s proud traditions. Our medical students—at the second- annual Thank-a-Thon event—recently expressed their gratitude by writing notes to donors thanking them for the many ways they support the students’ journeys at our school. Finally, in bittersweet reflections, we honor a diverse group of recently departed friends and supporters who played critically important roles in advancing the missions of our academic health system and our school. Dr. Gloria Johnson-Powell, a former associate dean at the SMPH, was passionate about inclusivity in our community and the nation. iversity is a vitally important as the SMPH partners with UW Health to Dr. Rudolph Hecht, the first director of our feature in the life and scope of create the UW Center for Human Genomics Northeast Family Medical Center, translated Dour institution. Whether it is the and Precision Medicine. This new program the best traditions of academic medicine into diversity of our missions, the diversity of the will address genetics, biology and various meaningful care for patients and populations. clinical workforce, or—for that matter— environmental factors as we design individual And Dr. Jeffrey Davis, a four-decade leader the diversity of the investment portfolio of diagnostic and treatment approaches and in communicable diseases and epidemiology the school’s endowment, heterogenous health promotion strategies to meet the for the State of Wisconsin, “walked the walk” components create synergies and allow us needs of an increasingly diverse population of public health and served as a role model to be more complete in all that we do. This in Wisconsin. for our medical students and other trainees issue of Quarterly focuses on several aspects Also in this issue, we share the long before we became a school of medicine of our diversity. The University of Wisconsin perspective of Catherine Reiser, who has and public health. We will dearly miss these School of Medicine and Public Health provided outstanding leadership to our pioneers, and their traditions will continue (SMPH) is deeply committed to increasing school’s Master of Genetic Counselor to grow. the inclusivity of our students, faculty and Studies Program for more than 20 years. The As the trees begin to bud, the flowering staff so that we can best meet the needs of program’s highly sought-after graduates play plants begin to flower, and the birds begin to the diverse populations, communities and a critical role in health care and public health, nest outside our windows, we look forward patients we serve. and their careers will evolve in exciting ways to the true blossoming of spring—complete We recently held a successful kick-off as personalized medicine becomes more with our annual graduation and recognition of what will become an annual Diversity prominent here and across the nation. ceremonies and festive alumni events. We Summit, as described in our feature article. We are excited to recognize another wish you and yours a glorious spring season! Speakers and participants shared many remarkably diverse group of friends—the innovative ideas that will guide our steps organizers and supporters of Lily’s Fund and Robert N. Golden, MD in our ongoing journey toward inclusive Lily’s Luau—who have contributed to our Dean, University of Wisconsin welcoming and support for all. school’s future. Initiated by two dedicated School of Medicine and Public Health Diversity in humans offers a challenge in families whose daughters battle epilepsy, Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, the delivery of health care to individuals and Lily’s Fund provides a crucial source of UW-Madison populations. We are delighted to welcome support for epilepsy research at the SMPH. Dr. Stephen Meyn, an internationally renowned leader in human genomics,

2 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 KAREN S. PETERSON reetings medical alumni and messages to donors to share gratitude friends! We are having an exciting about the many ways these amazing people Gacademic year at the University help our association and school. This event of Wisconsin School of Medicine and exemplifies the culture of philanthropy Public Health (SMPH), with many events among medical students. Each class has sponsored by the Wisconsin Medical Alumni established a fund, to which they contribute Association (WMAA). annually, as a way to support scholarships One such event was a gathering of for the next generation of medical students. alumni who live in the Boston area. This WMAA staff and members hope graduates coincided with the Association of American continue to give back, as they are able, Medical Colleges (AAMC) meeting, which throughout their careers. Jill Watson and I attended. We thank our The SMPH’s biggest supporters— reception co-hosts—Drs. Connie Barr, its Middleton Society members—recently Dolph Hutter and Sari Rotter, who practice received a letter from Dean Robert Golden, in that region—for encouraging attendance in which he explained upcoming changes by other Badgers. We were thrilled to meet to that organization. As explained on many friendly, successful individuals who page 32, effective January 1, 2019, the have moved east, and I look forward to more minimum cumulative household gift for opportunities like this in places where my Middleton Society membership will be role on the AAMC Group for Institutional $25,000 (compared to the $10,000 current Advancement will take me. level). At the same time, we will introduce Back in Madison, we’re busy making new levels within the society. If you have plans for the Spring WMAA Board Meeting, questions about the Middleton Society or are Scholarship Reception and Awards Banquet, considering making a gift or pledge to join, scheduled throughout the day and evening please contact Jill Watson, senior director of on Friday, April 27, 2018. As the WMAA development, at [email protected] Awards Committee reviewed the annual or (608) 262-4632. award nominations, we were struck by the We extend a huge thank you to Middleton number of alumni who have made significant Society members and many other alumni accomplishments at all ages and stages and donors who have shared gifts to support of their careers. Given that, the committee the SMPH, the WMAA and our combined established the WMAA Early-Career missions. These generous people are the Achievement Award. We will honor its first lifeblood of our school and association. recipient at this year’s banquet. Watch the If you have questions or suggestions, next issue of Quarterly for an article about please feel free to contact me by e-mail the award recipients. at [email protected] or telephone at Another annual tradition—spring class (608) 263-4913. I look forward to hearing reunions—will be here before we know it. from you! Representatives of the Classes of ’53, ’58, ’63 and ’68 and the Half-Century Society Karen S. Peterson (alumni who graduated before 1968) are Executive Director, busy working with our staff to plan festive Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association events for Thursday and Friday, May 31 and June 1, 2018. See profiles of class representatives on pages 16 and 17. Also in this issue, you can read about the Thank-a-Thon event, sponsored by the WMAA. In the days surrounding Valentine’s Day, SMPH medical students wrote heartfelt

QUARTERLY 3 FEATURE STORY

Eli Wallace (left) and Sruthi Konduru, MD, analyze a solution. They conduct epilepsy research in the laboratories of Rama Maganti, MD, and Mathew Jones, PhD, who received a collaborative grant from Lily’s Fund.

4 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 BY SUSAN LAMPERT SMITH

Epilepsy Research LILY'S FUND HELPS ASSURE FUTURE SUPPORT

ike many parents of children with intractable health issues, Dave LGiroux routinely scanned the news with the hope of finding a new discovery to help his daughter, Lily, and others who are affected by epileptic seizures. One day in 2006, he read a report about research into a substance that showed promise for quelling seizures. Further, he learned that the investigation was being done by University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) scientists—right in Madison, where the Giroux family lives. “Dave soon realized he could look out the window of his office in Van Hise Hall and see

our laboratory,’’ says Avtar Roopra, PhD, an JAMES GILL associate professor in the SMPH Department With record attendance at the 2018 Lily’s Luau, all signs point to success for the event of Neuroscience, who was collaborating with founders’ goals: to put the “fun” into “fundraising” as they raise money for epilepsy research. Thomas Sutula, MD, PhD, a professor in the Department of Neurology and the department that meeting, the couple began making The family’s vision—to put the “fun” chair at the time. plans to create Lily’s Fund for Epilepsy into “fundraising”—led them to encourage Dave Giroux and Anne Morgan Giroux Research, an effort to support scientists their grassroots supporters to dress in grass trekked across Linden Drive to visit and studies at UW-Madison. The Giroux skirts and Hawaiian shirts for the inaugural Roopra and Sutula’s lab in the Medical family’s initial Lily’s Fund donation has Lily’s Luau in 2009, at which they netted Sciences Center (MSC) to discuss blossomed into an endowment that already about $16,000. After raising $225,000 at what the couple could do to support has awarded $450,000 in grants to its tenth and final luau at Union South in epilepsy-related investigations. Following UW-Madison researchers. January 2018, Lily’s Fund has amassed a

QUARTERLY 5 federal government. And as a parent of a shining to honor donors’ loved ones with child with epilepsy: Mahalo. Thank you!” epilepsy. Adorning the ceiling of the fifth-floor Looking back, the 2009 Lily’s Luau walkway between the towers of Wisconsin came at a crucial time for epilepsy research. Institutes for Medical Research (WIMR) I and With the nation in the depths of a deep WIMR II—home to the neuroscience labs— recession and federal funding being slashed this captivating display greets researchers due to budget woes, the boost by Lily’s daily as they come and go, and it provides Fund has been critical in allowing several a friendly purple beacon that can be seen UW-Madison labs to maintain their focus on from Highland Avenue even in the wee hours, epilepsy research. while some scientists are still hard at work in “Support of epilepsy research through their laboratories. Lily’s Fund has led to significant advances in Throughout the past decade, Lily’s Fund

CRAIG SCHREINER knowledge and a greater understanding of took over the town with events large and Left to right: Dave Giroux, David Penwell, Colleen the disease. Just as important, new findings small. Supporters held Lily’s Lemonade Penwell and Anne Giroux, who dedicated countless are helping to frame the research questions Stands on street corners and purple-cupcake hours to create and sustain Lily’s Fund and host that must be answered in order to explain fundraisers each year on March 26, Epilepsy 10 Lily’s Luaus to support epilepsy research. variability in the symptoms and severity of Awareness Day. Lily’s Fund even made a big the disease and to develop more effective splash in Camp Randall Stadium during the total endowment of more than $1 million to treatments,” says Richard L. Moss, PhD, 2014 Wisconsin-Minnesota football game, support epilepsy research at UW-Madison for senior associate dean for basic research, which was re-branded as “Badgers Axe years to come. biotechnology and graduate studies at the Epilepsy.” Students waved purple Lily’s Fund Equally important, the 10 years of Lily’s SMPH. “The Giroux family’s vision and hope bandanas during “Jump Around,” and players Luaus brought together a community of in establishing Lily’s Fund and enlisting wore purple stickers on their helmets to people united by a disease that affects one partners in this cause are remarkable, as honor former Minnesota coach Jerry Kill and in 26 people. Over coconut shrimp at the Tiki is their continuing dedication to increasing the “One in 26” people who have epilepsy. Bar, revelers at the final luau bid on donated public awareness about the many Along the way, quarters from lemonade items and bonded over their desire to help dimensions of epilepsy.” stands, checks from The Neuron Project find a cure for this life-threatening disease. The first luau was a modest affair, with and donations from other fundraising efforts At the “Science Shack,” luau participants also many of the Giroux family’s relatives and added up. This enabled Lily’s Fund to begin chatted with several epilepsy researchers, neighborhood friends making up the crowd making a series of awards to fund three including Melanie Boly, MD, PhD, a clinical of about 200. Lily’s fellowships that have allowed young neurophysiology fellow in the Department of “We were thrilled with the support,’’ Anne SMPH scientists—Beth Hutchinson, PhD, Neurology, who modeled a stylish electrode Giroux remembers of the event, held on a in 2011; Brandon Wright, PhD, in 2013; cap used to study the brain’s electrical frosty January night in the Memorial Union’s and Antoine Madar in 2015—to focus on activity (see photo and details later in article). Great Hall. epilepsy research. Among the more than 800 guests Among the participants was a swaying to ukulele tunes at the final luau couple—David and Colleen Penwell—who were Robert N. Golden, MD, dean of the Dave and Anne Giroux had not met, but SMPH, and his wife, Shannon Kenney, MD, with whom they soon became fast friends professor, SMPH Departments of Oncology and enthusiastic partners in this effort. The and Medicine, and Wattawa Bascom Penwells’ daughter, Grace, has a severe form Professor in Cancer Research and leader of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. of the Virology Program at the UW Carbone The tireless work of Colleen Penwell and Cancer Center. Anne Giroux—who have called each other Addressing the jovial crowd, Golden co-pilots since they joined forces—helped said, “With federal support for research grow the annual luau into its final glory. They diminishing and becoming unpredictable, also greatly raised the visibility of epilepsy on

your support is more important than ever. But the UW-Madison campus and beyond. For JAMES GILL the inspiration you provide for our graduate instance, they created The Neuron Project, At the “Science Shack” at Lily’s Luau, Melanie Boly, students, post-docs and scientists is even a lighted piece of public art that started as MD, PhD, models an electrode cap used to study more meaningful than a check from the a fundraiser for Lily’s Fund and continues the brain's electrical activity (see details in article).

6 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 seizures, and that seizures also induce One of them acts as a brake, protecting long-term changes in brain activity. the brain from the damage of epilepsy. The “We found that patients with epilepsy other is an accelerator, driving pathological show a deeper sleep than healthy controls, changes in the brain. and that the depth of sleep is proportional Meanwhile, Maganti received a second to the amount of seizure activity during Grace Grant, along with Mathew Jones, PhD, wakefulness preceding sleep—as if it were an associate professor in the Department compensating for it,’’ says Maganti, who of Neuroscience, to look at how sleep directs the UW Comprehensive Epilepsy deprivation triggers seizures. They also have Program and Electroencephalography applied for further NIH grants based on their Laboratory. “In contrast, epileptic spikes Lily’s Fund work. Maganti’s recent research during sleep seem to decrease the showed that epileptic mice in his lab efficiency of sleep.” suddenly die at a certain age, and he found JAMES GILL Boly, Tononi and Maganti published their in a study with his collaborator that rest Dave Giroux (left) and Grace Penwell choose a findings in the journalBrain in April 2017. periods (sleep periods) progressively decline lucky winner in the Lily’s Luau raffle. In 2015, Roopra received a Grace Grant, prior to death in these mice, suggesting that which was a game-changer for the way sleep disruptions contribute to a dreaded As Lily’s Fund grew, a series of $100,000 investigators in his laboratory study epilepsy. complication of epilepsy known as “sudden Grace Grants, named for Grace Penwell, Using methods pioneered in cancer research, unexplained death in epilepsy” (SUDEP). also helped fuel epilepsy research at Roopra and his team—whose lab is now in Maganti and Jones’ Grace Grant-related UW-Madison. WIMR II—took a deep dive into genomic data work also showed that sleep deprivation in The first Grace Grant, in 2014, gleaned from 11 epilepsy laboratories around epileptic mice markedly worsens seizures or brought the expertise of world-renowned the world, sifting through 20,000 genes increases spikes on electroencephalograms consciousness researcher Giulio Tononi, and looking for proteins that orchestrate the (a signature of epilepsy), and their findings MD, PhD, director of the Wisconsin Institute long-term changes in the epileptic brain, led to another NIH grant to study the basic for Sleep and Consciousness, to focus on he explains. mechanisms underlying sleep deprivation- epilepsy. Tononi and his research colleagues That initial survey, funded with a induced seizures and how best these can use high-density electroencephalography $100,000 Lily’s Fund grant, generated data be treated. They anticipate that this work to track and analyze the brains’ electrical that allowed researchers in the Roopra lab activity gathered when a subject sleeps —Continued on page 37 to apply for and win two National Institutes while wearing a specialized cap with of Health (NIH) R21 grants worth $275,000 256 electrodes. Most previous epilepsy each and a prestigious $250,000 Challenge studies have been done with far fewer Award from Citizens United for Research electrodes, and thus they resulted in less in Epilepsy. complete data. Noting that data gleaned through At the UW Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, research supported by Lily’s Fund helped the research by Boly, Tononi, a professor in lab attain additional grants, Roopra says, “It the Department really leap-frogged our research. A $100,000 of Psychiatry, and grant is enough to prime the pump, and then Rama Maganti, everything else flows from it. The Lily’s Fund MD, a professor in award came at the right time and allowed us the Department of to test our predictions.” Neurology, indicates At the final Lily’s Luau, Roopra received a that the electrical second $100,000 award, which is letting him patterns in patients’ further explore two master regulators of gene brains are altered in changes in epilepsy found in his research. the days following Rama Maganti, MD

Lily Giroux rallies support among luau-goers as the UW Marching Band plays a “challenge song” with a goal to raise $25,000 during the four-minute musical piece.

QUARTERLY JAMES GILL 7 FEATURE STORY Identity and Resiliency SUMMIT EXPLORES THE BLACK EXPERIENCE IN ACADEMIC MEDICINE

by Robyn Perrin, PhD, and Kris Whitman devoted to multicultural affairs, equity and including our associate dean for multicultural inclusion. For example: affairs and diversity and our associate dean o encourage dialogue about race in for human resources, equity and inclusion— health care systems, the University • The school’s Collaborative Center for Drs. Tracy Downs and Brian Gittens, of Wisconsin School of Medicine Health Equity engages partners throughout respectively,” noted Golden. “Together T the state in collaborative teaching, and Public Health (SMPH) offered an with seven additional staff members, inaugural Diversity Summit in early 2018. The research and service initiatives to improve they are creating novel approaches for central topic surrounded concerns among health equity in Wisconsin. the diversification of our students, faculty academic medical centers nationwide, • The Native American Center for Health and staff, and new processes designed to including the SMPH and UW Health, which Professions connects the school with promote a fair and equitable environment. are grappling with recruiting and retaining a the 12 tribes in Wisconsin with the goal We thank them for organizing this summit.” diverse workforce. of improving the health and wellness He added, "We should be proud of what In his opening remarks, SMPH Dean of Native American people through we’ve accomplished, but at the same time Robert N. Golden, MD, said, “One of the community projects and the expansion of we need to be honest: Clearly we are not yet school’s core values is to foster a culture of the pathway for Native American clinicians. where we want to be." inclusion and respect among our patients, • The Wisconsin Partnership Program Next, Tracy Downs, MD, professor, SMPH learners, staff, faculty and the communities develops community partnerships, Department of Urology, presented statistics we serve as we work to advance health including community grants that respond from the Association of American Medical equity via our missions of teaching, research to needs—as identified by community Colleges (AAMC) News entitled, “Report and service.” groups—and offers resources and Shows Decline of Black Males in Medicine” He described some of the school’s efforts guidance aimed at reducing disparities (September 27, 2016). Specifically, the focused on advancing diversity—including and advancing population health. number of African American males applying establishing new processes, procedures, and “We have outstanding and dedicated to U.S. medical schools has remained leadership and professional staff positions talent in our new leadership positions, stagnant for nearly 40 years, declining

8 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 PHOTOS BY TODD BROWN

Background: The Health Sciences Learning Center (site of the summit) and the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research grace the west end of the UW-Madison campus. Left (left to right): Feranmi Okanlami, MD, converses with a participant at the summit. Right: Angela Byars-Winston, PhD (center, holding microphone), shares a moment of levity with co-panelists Jason Stephenson, MD (left), and Tracy Downs, MD (right).

from 542 African American male medical University of California, San Francisco black physicians vs. white physicians in student matriculants in 1978 to 515 in Medical Center—cited other states that the academic medical center workforce, 2014. He noted that the number of black have a similar imbalance, including his home we comprise 3 percent compared to 63 women entering the medical profession and state of California (3 percent of physicians percent. It’s typical to see higher numbers being promoted is outpacing the number of who are African American to serve a state at the assistant professor rank, but then you black men. population of 5.7 percent African Americans) see a drop in numbers when the rank goes While the frequently touted goal is to and Georgia (12 percent of physicians up in terms of those who have persisted in have the same percent of minorities in who are African American compared to 30 academic medicine and been promoted. the physician workforce as in an area’s percent of its population). We see very different numbers for our population, Downs noted, “The regional Further, Downs said, “I’m in that 1.5 white colleagues.” percentages do not reflect reality. For percent of full professors who are of African Reflecting on why the journey into instance, in Wisconsin, where we have American descent.” medical school can be so arduous for African a population that represents 6.3 percent Putting this in the context of AAMC American men, Downs noted that persistent African Americans, 1.6 percent of our statistics, he stated, “When you look at economic inequalities between African physicians are African American.” Americans and other groups can lead to Downs—who earned his medical “I’m in that 1.5 percent of full unintended academic challenges in terms degree from the University of California, professors who are of African of “where you start, your schooling and the San Diego, and completed a residency at expectations people have for you, be they Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston American descent.” high or low.” and a urologic oncology fellowship at the —Tracy Downs, MD —Continued on next page

QUARTERLY 9 Left to right: Brian Gittens, EdD, welcomes audience members to the Diversity Summit. Kenneth Mount, MBA, Terri Young, MD, MBA, Richard Moss, PhD, and Laurel Rice, MD, present a panel discussion.

He said, “African Americans may face Due to his determination, Okanlami is Following medical school, he matched to an a greater likelihood of missing out on test looking toward a bright future—with an orthopedic surgical residency at Yale. Early in preparation and other things that can energetic 6-year-old son and an accepted his third year of that residency, his accident increase their ACT scores and high-quality faculty position in family medicine and changed his life and medical career. advising that could help steer them toward physical medicine and rehabilitation at Adopting a philosophy of “disabuse medicine as a career.” Michigan Medicine. There, he also will be the disability”—modeling that “disability” doesn’t Sharing these concerns, keynote speaker faculty lead for medical student success in necessarily mean “inability”—he pursued Feranmi Okanlami, MD, offered observations the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion. rehabilitation with tenacity. along with a personal message of resiliency. Okanlami went on to earn a master’s After earning his undergraduate degree “On a tilted playing field, any degree in engineering, science and at Stanford University and his medical degree minority has to outperform technology entrepreneurship at the University from the University of Michigan, Okanlami is of Notre Dame. His capstone thesis, in by orders of magnitude to be completing a family medicine residency in partnership with Cleveland Clinic and Custom the face of difficult circumstances: partway considered equal.” Orthopaedic Solutions, involved a patient- through his medical training, he survived —Feranmi Okanlami, MD specific medical device intended to make a diving accident that paralyzed him from pedicle screw placement in spinal surgeries the chest down. After two surgeries at Yale During his talk, Okanlami described his faster and more accurate—equipment that and several months of intense inpatient experiences as an African American man in could have enhanced his own surgeries. rehabilitation in Chicago, he was blessed with academic medicine. Immigrating from Nigeria Two years after Okanlami’s diving some return of motor function and moved when he was a child, and as the son of two accident, his life held another profound back to his parents’ home in Indiana to physicians who strongly encouraged him to tragedy: He lost his father, a neonatologist, continue outpatient rehabilitation. enter medicine, he was a star athlete on the to suicide. track team during his undergraduate years.

10 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Left to right: Jennifer Edgoose, MD, MPH, listens to the presenters. Augustine Duru, MDiv, visits with Sanjay Asthana, MD, at the post-summit reception. Audience members take in the speakers’ messages.

“While my own physical struggles are “Injustice anywhere is a threat Urging the academic medical community easy for others to see visibly, this highlighted to consider inclusion as a moral imperative, the fact, to me, that not everyone’s struggles to justice everywhere.” Okanlami stated that diversity of experience are visible,” said Okanlami. “I have since —Martin Luther King, Jr., PhD cannot be defined by race alone, noting considered myself a voice for those who that all people want to be able to connect don’t have much of one, and an advocate “I’ve experienced disparities in the health with their physician, but that can include for people with disabilities—visible care system as an African American and as other elements. or otherwise.” a person with a disability, and as a patient “It is not that every black patient needs He adds, “My father was an excellent and provider. Like all disparities in society a black doctor, nor that every patient with a clinician and a compassionate care-giver and life, they result from an imbalance disability needs a physician with a disability. who left a positive impression on every single in representation.” Every patient deserves an empathetic doctor, patient and family member with whom he The day-to-day pressure of often being but that empathy does not require the same interacted, even when—despite his best the only African American in the room is lived experience,” he said, adding that efforts—the patient didn’t survive. He was a perceptible, he explained, adding, “On a tilted “empathy can be taught and can be caught. trustworthy, reliable and dedicated coworker, playing field, any minority has to outperform My classmates in residency told me that husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and by orders of magnitude to be considered they interacted differently with their African son. My father was an example of what one equal. And while that is a glaring injustice, American patients and their patients with should aspire to be in medicine—man or it is an unfortunate reality. Recognizing this spinal cord injuries simply because of my woman, black or white.” drove me to excellence in the highest ways presence in the program.” Sharing anecdotes, Okanlami discussed that I could: in the classroom, in the social Another take-home message focused the influence of race on a personal level and and cultural life of my schools, and on the on the way each person is a composite of in the context of society. athletic teams for which I played.” multiple communities.

—Continued on page 37

QUARTERLY 11 FEATURE STORY

The work of Stephen Meyn, MD, PhD, relates closely to this art display of DNA, which spans multiple floors of the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, located next to the future home of the UW Center for Human Genomics and Precision Medicine.

12 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 BY ANDREW HELLPAP

Precision Medicine NEW CENTER TAKING HUMAN GENOMICS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

he University of Wisconsin School of programs in precision medicine. He enjoys facilities that will support the entire academic Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) an international reputation as a genetics medical center campus. Twent north of the border to recruit researcher whose work has spanned Meyn received his undergraduate degree its first director for its new precision medicine the continuum of basic, clinical and from Princeton University and his medical and human genomics initiative. translational science.” degree and PhD from New York University. Stephen Meyn, MD, PhD, joined Precision medicine is an emerging After completing his pediatrics residency at the SMPH in January 2018 to lead the approach for disease treatment and the University of California, San Francisco, UW Center for Human Genomics and prevention that takes into account individual he undertook fellowship training in medical Precision Medicine. Prior to his move variability in genes, environment and lifestyle genetics at the NIH. to Wisconsin, Meyn was a professor of for each person, according to the National He served on the faculty of the molecular genetics and pediatrics at the Institutes of Health (NIH). Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics University of Toronto and a member of its Construction of the new center is at the Yale School of Medicine for more Institute for Medical Sciences. scheduled to start in summer 2018 and than a decade prior to his recruitment to In addition to hiring initial faculty and be completed by 2020. Located next the University of Toronto. While in Toronto, staff—which is underway—Meyn is to the Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Meyn served as head of the Hospital for Sick developing a strategic vision for the center, Research (WIMR) on the SMPH and UW Children’s Program in Genetics and Genome guiding the formation of its clinical and Health campus, the center will employ Biology, and he co-led the hospital’s Cancer academic programs, and crafting its long- more than 100 people, including more than Genetics Program and Genome Clinic Project, term mission to become an innovative global 10 faculty members. which has pioneered the use of diagnostic leader in genome-based precision medicine. The UW Center for Human Genomics and predictive whole genome sequencing SMPH Dean Robert N. Golden, MD, and Precision Medicine will comprise two in children. shares excitement about this venture sections. One will be a new building that Quarterly spoke with Meyn about the field and notes, “Dr. Meyn will lead our school will house its research component, and of precision medicine and human genomics, and academic health system forward in the other—a remodeled area of University life in Wisconsin and his vision for the creating platforms for advancing this new Hospital—will house advanced diagnostic new center. initiative in clinical, research and training —Continued on next page

QUARTERLY 13 of the few medical schools that has made Research Laboratories NEW – $21 million human genomics and precision medicine 30,000-square-foot a major strategic priority. This unusual West Wedge location

combination of ability and desire gives us WIMR II WIMR the opportunity to play a leading role in the WIMR I development and implementation of precision genomic medicine. Connector Corridor How would you explain precision NEW – $3 million passageway medicine and human genomics in connecting spaces basic terms? The word genome refers to the entirety of H H

your genetic information, which includes $4 million more than 20,000 genes and consists of renovation to Why did you want to be the one to University Hospital about 3 billion “letters” of DNA. Importantly, section K4/3 start this initiative at the SMPH? Human Genomics Core Facility At this stage in my career, I want to leverage each of us has several million genomic my ability, as a clinician-scientist, to span the variants—alternative spellings of the genome clinical and basic science worlds and lead that are usually, but not always, harmless. are differences. The first two that come to a major initiative to develop and implement Human genomics can be considered to mind are size and complexity. Because the precision genomic medicine. Because be the study the human genome and its United States has 10 times the population precision medicine is interdisciplinary variants. Precision genomic medicine of Canada, we can work at a much larger by its very nature, the SMPH program focuses on those few but important genomic scale here. At the same time, carrying out was particularly attractive to me, as it is variants that affect health. It involves using clinical research and implementing genomic designed to reach across departmental and the informational content of your genome medicine broadly and equitably is more school boundaries. to diagnose and treat diseases you have, as challenging in the United States because of well as predict which diseases you are at risk What makes this school primed the health care system’s unique features. of developing in the future. for this type of research? How do you define the Center for The SMPH is part of a world-class research How does your research in Canada Precision Medicine and Human university that has deep expertise in the translate to working in the U.S.? Genomics’ mission? science and technology that form the Much of what we have done in Toronto I define the mission as threefold: to catalyze can be transplanted to Madison, but there

RENDERINGS (3) BY FLAD ARCHITECTS; PHOTO BY SAM FENTRESS RENDERINGS (3) BY FLAD foundation of human genomics. It also is one research, clinical and educational activities in

14 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 human genomics and precision medicine; to How will your research at the What is the long-term vision grow and nurture the UW human genomics center translate to clinical care? for the UW Center for Human and precision medicine community; and to My research has the potential to directly Genomics and Precision Medicine? bring the benefits of precision medicine to impact clinical care, as it focuses on two of We are still working on an official vision all Wisconsinites. the major challenges in genomic medicine: statement, but a good candidate might be, finding new disease genes and improving “Improving health by leading the integration Are there any common of genomic knowledge into the practice misperceptions in this field? our ability to rapidly and accurately identify Yes. The most important misconception to genomic variants that cause disease. of medicine.” dispel is the idea of genetic determinism— What are you doing to get this What are your first impressions of that your genomic variants predict everything center off the ground while the UW-Madison and the capital city? that will happen in your life and that there physical structure is being built? Madison and the campus are bigger is nothing you can do to change the future While it will be great to have a physical and hillier than I thought they would foretold in your genes. This fatalistic view home of one’s own, the heart of the UW be. Also, people in Madison really are simply is not true. We know that genomic Center for Human Genomics and Precision “Wisconsin Nice.” Medicine will be its people and their ideas. variants are only a few of many factors I’m a bit of an architecture buff, so it was So, I’ve spent much of my first few months that can affect your health. Once you know great to discover that one of Frank Lloyd in Madison meeting with faculty throughout what your own genetic risks are, you often Wright’s well-known buildings, the Unitarian campus to learn about their interests and can take steps to minimize their impact on Meeting House, is literally across the street discuss how we can work together to develop your health. from the health sciences campus. collaborative clinical and basic science projects in genomics and precision medicine. Do you miss anything about Canada? Both pages: A photograph and artists' renditions At the same time, I’ve been working with Three everyday things that I miss from of the Center for Human Genomics and several SMPH departments about recruiting Toronto are streetcars, the metric system Precision Medicine provide an idea of what’s new faculty for the center and planning for and Gryfe’s bagels. to come. The image above shows the Wisconsin the center’s educational activities. Institutes for Medical Research (left), the new center and University Hospital (upper right), which are connected to the Health Sciences Learning Center (not shown).

QUARTERLY 15 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

Know Your Class Representatives Each University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) graduating class has one or more class representatives who play an integral role in working with the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) to plan class reunions. Those featured here hope classmates will join them at their reunions in spring 2018.

John B. (Bry) classmates about our practices, families and with whom I have stayed in touch ever since; Wyman, MD ’58 various experiences we’ve had. they include Drs. Adolph (Dolph) Hutter, Richard Albertini, Louis (Lou) Bernhardt, What type of Message to your classmates? Donald Reigel, Tim Donavon and practice are you in Please plan to attend our reunion in Madison Ralph Froelich. I spent two sessions in now, and where? this spring; it may be our last class reunion! La Crosse, Wisconsin, which was a good After medical school learning experience. graduation, I worked for two years at the Conrad (Connie) What are your hobbies/interests? Medical College of Andringa, MD ’63 I am grateful to have been married to my Virginia, then served in the U.S. Army for wife, Phyllis, for nearly 60 years. In my life, more than two years in Germany. Next, after What type of my family is number 1 and my career is working for more than four years at Mayo practice are you in number 2. I often have been able to combine Clinic, I moved my career to Marshfield now, and where? these priorities because our four sons and Clinic, and I had sabbaticals in England Following medical our grandchildren have been into athletics. and Australia. In 1991, I joined the SMPH school, I completed my Many of my hobbies surround sports faculty. I retired in 2013 from my role as a pediatrics residency at medicine, in which I have had a great career. professor of medicine at the SMPH and from the American Family my clinical practice in gastroenterology at Children’s Hospital (then called UW Children’s What SMPH faculty do you remember the most, and why? UW Health. Hospital) under Drs. Nate Smith and Charles Lobeck. I then served in the U.S. Air Force I will always remember Drs. Charles Lobeck What’s your fondest memory of for two years before beginning my pediatrics and Nate Smith in pediatrics; Otto Mortenson medical school? practice at Dean Clinic, where I stayed from in anatomy; Frank Larson in medicine, My association with my classmates is my 1968 until I retired in 2015. I also served pathology and laboratory medicine; and favorite memory. as the team physician for the 1976 U.S. Helen Dickie (MD ’37) in medicine. They Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, coached by were very encouraging to me. What are your hobbies/interests? Bob Johnson, during the competition in I like to travel and read, and I enjoy spending What are your plans for your reunion? Innsbruck, Austria. time with my family at our cottage up north, We would like to get as many classmates as well as maintaining the family cottage. What’s your fondest memory of as possible to come back to Madison and medical school? attend the reunion. It will be nice to relive What SMPH faculty do you Becoming a physician was my dream starting the memories of our four years together and remember the most, and why? in middle school, and my wife and I always to learn what everyone has done in their I’ll always remember how Dr. Edward Albright thought that was a special goal. Some of careers and retirement. regarded students as individuals. my favorite memories are the knowledge I obtained and people I met in medical Message to your classmates? What are your plans for your reunion? Please plan to attend our reunion, as we may school. Among them are many classmates I look forward to sharing information with not get another chance to all get together.

16 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Louis (Lou) What are your plans for your reunion? Half-Century Society— Bernhardt, MD ’63 Ninety percent of life is showing up! John McKenna, MD ’57 Please show up for our reunion. What type of What type of Know Your Class Representatives practice are you in Message to your classmates? practice are you in now, and where? Please plan to come back to Madison, where now, and where? Following medical you can enjoy the changes in the city, on I’ve retired from my school, I did an the UW-Madison campus, and at University family practice, with my internship at Mt. Sinai Hospital and the SMPH. Mostly, you can enjoy classmate Dr. Ted Fox, Medical Center in spending time with your classmates! in Antigo, Wisconsin. Milwaukee and a general surgery residency I am an associate professor in the UW Family and cardiovascular (CV) surgery fellowship at Practice Residency Program in Wausau. University Hospital in Madison; Dr. Anthony George Kindschi, MD ’68 Curreri appointed me to the faculty, and What’s your fondest memory of the SMPH administration named me the What type of medical school? I’ll always remember the camaraderie assistant dean for clinical affairs before practice are you in now, and where? of classmates, which resulted in close I went into private practice. I practiced CV, I retired in 2004 from friendships for a lifetime. thoracic, vascular and general surgery from my career 1970 to 2004 at Dean Clinic in Madison. In as a pathologist at What are your hobbies/interests? 2004, I retired from my practice and returned Monroe Clinic in I enjoy traveling to visit family members in to teach, mentor and volunteer at the SMPH, Monroe, Wisconsin. China, Hungary and Ireland; biking in New where I am an adjunct clinical professor Zealand (my new Copenhagen Wheel gives of surgery. What’s your fondest memory of me a boost); and raising Christmas trees. medical school? What’s your fondest memory of I treasure my memories of going on rounds What SMPH faculty do you medical school? with Dr. William Middleton. My class was remember the most, and why? The influence of the faculty and the close blessed to have him as a teacher. He had a Dr. Robert Schilling had such a genteel relationships with many medical school nickname for each student, and he called bedside manner. classmates are my fondest memories. My me “Young Les,” because he had taught my clinical preceptorship at the Marshfield Clinic What are your plans for your reunion? father, Dr. Leslie Kindschi. My mother was with Drs. Ben Lawton and George Magnin I cannot attend because I’ll be attending Dr. Middleton’s charge nurse. had a significant impact on my career. my granddaughter’s college graduation. What are your hobbies/interests? I hope many participants are able to renew What are your hobbies/interests? My wife, Beth, and I enjoy traveling to spend friendships. We received a first-rate medical I am a big Badger backer. I serve on the time with our four grown children and their education at a highly respected university. board of Agrace Hospice and am very families, including our seven grandchildren. involved in that organization. I also volunteer Also, I have been a coin collector since at the Benevolent Specialist Project Free I was 8 years old. Clinic, founded by Dr. Ernie Pellegrino CLASS REPRESENTATIVES (MD ’64) in Middleton, Wisconsin. What SMPH faculty do you remember the most, and why? WHO ARE PLANNING REUNIONS What SMPH faculty do you Dr. Stanley Inhorn convinced me that These classes will hold reunions on Thursday remember the most, and why? I wanted to be a pathologist simply through and Friday, May 31 and June 1, 2018. The faculty I most remember include our conversations about his work. We had so Drs. Otto Mortenson in anatomy; George 1953: Class representative needed many other good teachers. Rowe (MD ’45, PG ’52) and Charles 1958: John Wyman, MD Crumpton in cardiology; and Anthony What are your plans for your reunion? 1963: Conrad Andringa, MD, Curreri, Sanford Mackman (MD ’59, PG ’64), When our group gets together, it will be great and Louis Bernhardt, MD John Pellett and William Kisken in surgery. to talk about what we’ve done, what we are doing now and where we are going. 1968: George Kindschi, MD Half-Century Society: John McKenna, MD ’57 Welcoming any alumni who graduated 50 or more years ago

QUARTERLY 17 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

ON CALL

“On Call”

Emergency Medicine

Physicians What Tell Quarterly They’ve Been Up To

UW Med Flight helicopter—landing at University Hospital in Madison—logs more than 1,000 flights per year for its two aircraft, with a physician on every flight.

FELIX K. ANKEL, MD ’89 s an emergency than 1.4 million medical and One specific shift stands medicine physician, dental members. out in my memory. I was the A I practice at I see the full gamut of emergency physician on duty Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, emergency medicine. Because at University of Wisconsin Minnesota. I also am the Regions Hospital is a Level 1 Hospital (now called University executive director of health Trauma Center, Burn Center Hospital) on October 30, 1993, professional education for and Comprehensive Stroke when a stampede, or “crush,” HealthPartners Institute. Center, we see cases from of fans occurred at Camp HealthPartners is the largest western Wisconsin and Randall Stadium. I will always Over the years, I have been U.S. consumer-governed, non- throughout Minnesota. remember the cooperation involved in several specialty profit health care organization During medical school, amongst the medical staff— societies, including serving on and includes five hospitals, I felt energized by using both many of whom had attended the board of directors for the a comprehensive system of my mind and hands to help the football game between Society of Academic Emergency clinics and a 1,700-physician people in distress. For me, the Wisconsin Badgers and Medicine and the Council of multispecialty group practice. emergency medicine is one of Michigan Wolverines—to help Emergency Medicine Residency This system is integrated the most authentic specialties manage the incredible influx Directors. I recently have been with the HealthPartners in medicine. We see people of of severely injured patients. elected to serve on the board health plan and serves more all ages and backgrounds. Nobody died. of directors for the American Board of Emergency Medicine.

18 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 CHRISTOPHER EBERLEIN, MD ’01

am a practicing physician diverse population of patients. I love never knowing what at Gundersen Health In addition, through my I am going to see behind the ISystem in La Crosse, emergency medical services next patient’s door. This is Wisconsin, as well as the (EMS) work, I am privileged the primary reason I chose medical director for Tri- to be able to help make emergency medicine. During State Ambulance, 50 first thousands of patients’ lives my training, all fields interested responder agencies and two better, throughout the tri-state me, and emergency medicine tactical emergency medical region. I also enjoy instructing is an umbrella field that support teams. In addition, students, residents, first requires knowledge of every It requires quick thinking along I am a medical advisor for responders and paramedics. system of the body. It affords with a calm, focused approach the Wisconsin Department I did my post-graduate an opportunity for continual to manage the team and handle of Health Emergency training in emergency medicine learning and constant growth the wide variety of ailments Preparedness Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, on both the professional encountered in this setting. and chair of the La Crosse Minnesota, and obtained and personal levels, as It requires a sense of humility County Heroin and Illicit Drug my EMS certification. I am well as collaboration with and compassion to care Task Force. a member of the National other specialties to improve completely for each patient and Throughout these roles Association of EMS Physicians patient care. his or her loved ones. and particularly in my clinical and American Association of Emergency medicine is a practice, I provide care for a Emergency Medicine. challenging but gratifying field.

SHERRIE BENCIK, MD ’09

fter I finished my technicians reported a possible ultimately had to have a residency at Michigan small explosion with soot on fasciotomy on his hand and leg. A State University- the patient. His right hand was Working in the emergency Kalamazoo, I started working extremely edematous, but it room is a lot of fun. I like the at Bronson Methodist Hospital, did not look like a burn. He pace of emergency medicine a Level 1 Trauma Center, in could not recall details of the and the variety of acuity among Kalamazoo. My patients range night except that he had been patients. Every day is different. from those with high-acuity smoking crack cocaine. My You never know if you will be conditions, such as sepsis and exam indicated an edematous, busy working at a crazy pace or traumas, and patients with pulseless right hand. His if you will spend the day seeing abdominal pain and chest pain. thigh was tight and extremely low-acuity patients. Most We also have a fast-track area tender to the touch. Initial patients appreciate that you are for low-acuity patients. labs indicated an elevated trying to help them, but there is A stand-out case for me lactate level and significantly a small subset of people who was when a patient with a decreased renal function. This will not be happy regardless of drug overdose came in via patient also had significantly what you do. This field requires ambulance complaining that elevated creatine kinase due a broad knowledge of many he couldn’t move his hand to rhabdomyolysis. This was areas of medicine and strong or leg and was in severe most likely caused by him problem-solving skills. pain. The emergency medical being down for a long time. He

QUARTERLY 19 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

New WMAA Board Members ASSOCIATION AND SCHOOL APPRECIATE THEIR SERVICE

s of July 1, 2017, eight John McDermott, MD ’79 Your hobbies and interests? University of Wisconsin (PG ’84) I enjoy bicycling during the spring, summer and fall seasons, as well as reading world School of Medicine and A and U.S. history. Public Health (SMPH) alumni joined the Goals for the WMAA? Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association I would like to reinvigorate the spirit of the (WMAA) Board of Directors for their initial Class of 1979 as we approach our three-year terms. In the last issue of 40-year anniversary. Quarterly (Vol. 19, No. 4), we featured profiles of the following new members: Thomas Puetz, MD ’90 Abigail Taub, MD ’12; Lisa Shen, MD ’10; (PG ’97) Ryan Wubben, MD ’97; Tito Izard, MD ’96; and Maria Weber, MD ’88. Your current practice? Following are profiles of these new Following medical school, I completed WMAA board members: John McDermott, an internship at Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, California, and a diagnostic MD ’79 (PG ’84); Thomas Puetz, MD ’90 radiology residency at UW Health, Madison. (PG ’97); and Bob Zemple, MD ’12, MBA. I also completed an interventional radiology Karen Peterson, WMAA executive fellowship at UW Health, where I have director, shares that all the board practiced in that field since the end of my fellowship in 1984. members make a difference through their dedicated service to the association and Your fondest memory of the SMPH? Your current practice? My fondest memories from my medical After I completed my internal medicine their support of the SMPH’s missions. school days include learning neuroanatomy and gastroenterology training at the from Dr. John Harting; taking the senior UW-Milwaukee Clinical Campus, I joined anatomy elective with Dr. James Pettersen; the SMPH faculty as an assistant professor running and jogging with a classmate, Jim in the Department of Medicine. I taught Kannenbergh; and going to the Brat and Brau gastroenterology fellows, internal medicine on Wednesday nights with him, as well as residents and medical students at Aurora other fellow classmates John Huxsahl, Mark Health Care from 1997 to 2002. I am now Froemming, James Klamek and Joe Layde. employed by Aurora Health Care in Mequon, Finally, I will always remember playing Wisconsin, and continue to teach fourth-year sheepshead with the guys listed above. SMPH medical students.

SMPH faculty member you most Your fondest memory of the SMPH? remember and why? I remember our class mentor, Dr. Robert See above for my memories about Schilling, easing some fears during our faculty members. first semester of medical school. Many of us were apprehensive about the daunting workload that was outlined for the upcoming year. Dr. Schilling told us, “You may feel

20 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 you have as much control in your life as a Goals for the WMAA? SMPH faculty member you most twig floating down a rapidly flowing river, My goals for the WMAA include reigniting remember and why? but don’t despair—remember you are the enthusiasm we had as first-year medical Dr. Pat McBride, with whom I spent the most headed for something big.” At the time, I felt students. There are so many wonderful time of any faculty member, was an advocate we might be headed toward a waterfall. I things happening at the SMPH, and I know for our class and was always personable in now realize that the “something big” was my classmates would be interested in tough times and when we had concerns. becoming a physician and having the knowing about them. I look forward to He always was smiling and willing to lend an unique privilege of caring for those in need. reconnecting with friends. attentive ear, and he was a fantastic lecturer I cannot thank Dr. Schilling enough for the on the cardiovascular system. support he provided to our entire class throughout our four years of training. He was Your hobbies and interests? Bob Zemple, MD ’12, MBA My hobbies include running, flying as a a natural mentor. private pilot, hunting and spending time in SMPH faculty member you most any activity with my beautiful wife, Sarah, remember and why? and our four wonderful children: Bobby, As a professor in our Introduction to Clinical age 5; Heidi, age 4; and twins Brent and Medicine class, Dr. Pat McBride doubled as Chad, age 2. a fortune teller. That class, which we took during our second year of training, provided Goals for the WMAA? us with skills in interviewing and examining I plan to help create a class listserv that is patients. Dr. McBride had an uncanny ability as inclusive as possible, continue to break to predict our future career paths. He told attendance records with the class of 2012, my roommate, Dr. Mike Milz, “You like things increase overall awareness about the SMPH’s clean and organized. I predict you will be a missions, and support integration of the SMPH’s new ForWard Curriculum. gas man.” And he said to me, “Puetz, you’re Your current practice? a blue-collar guy—a plumber—and I predict I completed my emergency medicine gastroenterology or urology for you.” Thirty residency and a fellowship in emergency years later, Mike Milz and I are thoroughly medicine services at Virginia Tech Carilion enjoying our careers in—believe it or in Roanoke, Virginia, followed by a master’s not—anesthesia and gastroenterology. of business administration degree at Virginia Tech. In July 2017, I began working as Your hobbies and interests? an emergency room physician at Aurora My hobbies include activities that allow me BayCare in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and to spend as much time as possible with my emergency medical services physician with family. We enjoy waterskiing, wakeboarding, local agencies in nearby Hobart. snow skiing, snowboarding and traveling abroad. In the fall, I enjoy attending Badger Your fondest memory of the SMPH? football games with my parents. This is a difficult decision, as there are several that I remember. For instance, our Family update? class banded together to support each My wife, Dr. Melinda Bonilla-Puetz, is an other when there was an apartment fire that internist in Grafton, Wisconsin. Her family affected many fellow classmates; we had the resides in Hawaii, and we all enjoy visiting opportunity to bond with each other during them whenever we get the chance. Our older anatomy lab in the dungeon; we stomped the son, Andrew, is a freshman at Santa Clara UW Law School in the Dean’s Cup; and we University in California, and our younger son, all had a sense of pride and happiness on Jordan, is a sophomore in high school. Match Day.

QUARTERLY 21 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

Class Notes compiled by Andrea Larson

We want to hear from you! Rosenbloom and his wife, Edith, reside in provide a preschool and some later grades med.wisc.edu/shareyournews Gainesville, Florida. in an academy for strength-based learning for all children, including some with special Class of Darold A. Treffert, needs. Research at the center now includes a psychiatrist, has congenital and acquired savant syndrome, 1958 dedicated his career hyperplexia, gifted and talented and other Arlan Rosenbloom to the understanding forms of exceptional brain performance. received the University of autism, savant Treffert has retired from his appointment of Florida College syndrome and as a clinical professor of psychiatry at the of Medicine’s 2017 related conditions. UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Lifetime Achievement Agnesian HealthCare but he continues his research and teaching Award, as well as the in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, established opportunities at the Treffert Center. In 2010, Pediatric Endocrine the Treffert Center to preserve, maintain he published the book, Islands of Genius: The Society’s highest and advance Treffert’s work with savant Bountiful Mind of the Autistic, Acquired and award, the VanWyk Prize, in 2017. syndrome; to provide comprehensive, Sudden Savant, which is his second book on He was named emeritus professor by multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment this subject. Universidad San Francisco de Quito in 2015. for autism and related disorders; and to

IN MEMORIAM

Herman P. Gladstone, MD ’46 Richard Wallrich, MD ’56 George P. Bogumill, MD ’59 Matthew D. “Dinny” Tucson, Arizona Santa Rosa, California Bristol, Wisconsin Davis, MD (PG ’55) March 24, 2017 October 9, 2017 November 14, 2017 Madison, Wisconsin March 5, 2018 Frank A. Springer, MD ’46 Freeman W. Born, MD ’57 Earl A. Kendall, MD ’60 Madison, Wisconsin Santa Rosa, California Largo, Florida Rudolph C. Hecht, MD December 22, 2017 January 14, 2018 December 24, 2017 Madison, Wisconsin January 23, 2018 Robert A. Starr, MD ’50 Nicholas R. Wagener, MD ’57 Steven F. Wolfe, MD ’67 Viroqua, Wisconsin Appleton, Wisconsin Lafayette, California Gloria Johnson-Powell, MD March 16, 2018 September 24, 2017 November 16, 2017 Hamburg, Germany October 11, 2017 Herb Sandmire, MD ’53 Marvin G. Jumes, MD ’58 James S. Najarian, MD ’72 Green Bay, Wisconsin Sheboygan, Wisconsin Randolph, New Jersey William P. Weidanz, PhD February 24, 2018 January 18, 2018 November 5, 2017 Roseville, California November 21, 2017 Rudolf W. Matzke, MD ’54 Henry C. Rahr, MD ’58 FORMER FACULTY MEMBERS: Spooner, Wisconsin Green Bay, Wisconsin Jeffrey P. Davis, MD PRECEPTOR: November 17, 2017 December 26, 2017 Madison, Wisconsin Alfred John “A.J.” Capelli, MD January 16, 2018 Kenosha, Wisconsin Robert J. Goldberger, MD ’56 Joseph D. Stein, MD ’58 December 31, 2017 Mequon, Wisconsin Duluth, Georgia September 22, 2017 February 24, 2018

22 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Class of NOMINATE ALUMNI FOR 1976 ANNUAL AWARDS! Bill Charboneau The Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA) invites alumni received the Radiological to nominate their fellow alumni—and in some cases, faculty and staff Society of North America’s of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health or UW Health—to be highest honor, the considered for WMAA awards. Categories are: Gold Medal for lifetime achievement. Charboneau • Medical Alumni Citation— • Ralph Hawley Distinguished is an emeritus professor of Distinguished Alumni Award Service Award radiology at Mayo Clinic in • Resident Citation— • WMAA Early-Career Rochester, Minnesota. Distinguished Resident Award Achievement Award • Sigurd Sivertson Medical • WMAA Service Award Class of Education Award • Honorary Life Membership • Basic Sciences Emeritus in the WMAA 1996 Faculty Award Charles Ryan will join • Clinical Sciences Emeritus the University of Minnesota Faculty Award Medical School as the director Please visit med.wisc.edu/alumni/awards to view descriptions of the IN MEMORIAM of the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, award categories. Department of Medicine, in The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2018. (Nominations April 2018. He also will serve for the Citation Award would be for the 2020 award. All other 2018 as the associate director for nominations are for 2019 awards.) clinical research at the Masonic Cancer Center and For more information, please contact Andrea Larson at will hold the B.J. Kennedy Chair in Clinical Medical [email protected]. Oncology. Ryan most recently served as the Thomas Perkins Distinguished Professor in Cancer Research at the University of California, San Francisco, and as the associate director for clinical science at the Do you get our e-mails? Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center. He If you do not receive invitations to reunions and information about other special recently published a book, The Virility Paradox: The events via e-mail from the Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association (WMAA), please Vast Influence of Testosterone on our Bodies, Brains add “[email protected]” to your address book. This will keep our messages and the World We Live In, with Benbella Books. from landing in your spam folder! Please also visit www.med.wisc.edu/alumni to update your contact information. We want to be able to stay in touch! Class of 2013 Senait Tesfai-Barker has been named to Milwaukee Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for 2018. Tesfai-Barker provides primary care services— including women’s health, preventive medicine and treatment of chronic adult diseases—mainly at Aurora Health Care’s Good Hope Road Clinic on Milwaukee’s north side.

QUARTERLY 23 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

Goodbye Dear Friends JEFFREY P. DAVIS, MD

effrey Paul Davis, MD, the University of Chicago vision,” says SMPH Dean died on January 16, Pritzker School of Medicine. Robert N. Golden, MD. J2018, in Madison, He began a pediatric residency Davis served in the Centers Wisconsin. Remembered for his at University of Florida and for Disease Control and keen intellect, friendliness and completed his pediatric Prevention’s Epidemiologic humor, Davis served for four residency and a pediatric Intelligence Service (EIS). decades as the chief medical infectious disease fellowship at His passion for mentoring officer for communicable Duke University Medical Center. EIS fellows has ensured Davis’ wife, Roseanne Clark, diseases and the state “Dr. Davis was one of the a worldwide network of PhD (PG ’87), professor, SMPH epidemiologist for the State giants of infectious disease epidemiologists. He made Department of Psychiatry, and of Wisconsin. and epidemiology of the 20th the connection between toxic some of Davis’ colleagues An adjunct professor in century,” shares Dennis Maki, shock syndrome and tampons, started the Jeffrey P. Davis, the University of Wisconsin MD ’67, Ovid O. Meyer Professor, helped identify the tick-borne MD, Scholarship, to support School of Medicine and Public SMPH Department of Medicine. agent that causes Lyme medical students dedicated Health (SMPH) Departments “Long before we became a Disease and led investigations to public health. To donate of Pediatrics and Population school of medicine and public of significant public health to the scholarship at the Health Sciences, the Milwaukee, health, Dr. Davis was building outbreaks, including the UW Foundation, please Wisconsin, native earned bridges across the two worlds, cryptosporidium outbreak in visit supportuw.org/giveto/ his bachelor’s degree at encouraging and mentoring Milwaukee’s water supply. He davisscholarship or call Jill UW-Madison (Phi Beta Kappa) physicians who shared his authored or co-authored more Watson at (608) 262‑4632. and his medical degree from than 250 publications.

GLORIA JOHNSON-POWELL, MD hild psychiatrist economics and sociology. She Johnson-Powell also wrote Gloria Johnson- earned her medical degree several books, including, CPowell, MD—who from Meharry Medical College Black Monday’s Children: served as the associate dean in Nashville, Tennessee, A Study of the Effects of School for faculty and director of the and eventually became a Desegregation on Self- Center for the Study of Cultural national leader in the civil Concepts of Southern Children. Diversity in Healthcare at the rights movement. In 2000, Johnson-Powell University of Wisconsin School Following medical school, joined the faculty of the SMPH CHRIS FRAZEE/MEDIA SOLUTIONS of Medicine and Public Health Johnson-Powell completed her as a professor of psychiatry rights struggles of the 1960s. (SMPH)—died on October 11, residency at the University of and pediatrics. At the SMPH, She created a foundation for 2017, in Hamburg, Germany. California, Los Angeles, where she spearheaded activities and the enhancement of diversity She was 81 years old. she served on the faculty for programs aimed at addressing at the UW School of Medicine Johnson-Powell graduated 15 years. She next moved health disparities and and Public Health, which is an from Mount Holyoke College in her career to Harvard Medical promoting health equity until enduring legacy on which we South Hadley, Massachusetts, School, where she was a her retirement in 2007. continue to build,” says SMPH where she majored in professor of child psychiatry. “Dr. Johnson-Powell was Dean Robert N. Golden, MD. a national leader in the civil

24 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 RUDOLPH C. HECHT, MD

udolph C. (Rudy) He also completed a residency office … and every rural Hecht, MD—an at Denver General Hospital. rotation family practice resident R original teaching In 1958, Hecht began as in Richland Center is introduced faculty member of the a general practitioner and to my clinic director.” University of Wisconsin School surgeon in a small town in Another former resident, of Medicine and Public Health’s Texas. In 1973, his family Calvin Bruce, MD (PG ’78), (SMPH) Department of Family moved to Madison, and he says, “I always said that if I Medicine and Community started teaching residents found myself on a desert island Health (DFMCH) and the and caring for patients with a lot of sick people to care first medical director of the at the Northeast Family for, Rudy Hecht would be the Hecht donated his body to Northeast Family Medical Medical Center. guy I would want by my side!” the SMPH Body Donor Program Center—died on January 23, Neil Bard, MD (PG ’80), In addition to his work at to further the education of 2018, in Madison, Wisconsin. who practices and precepts UW-Madison, from 1973 to future doctors. Contributions Born in Hamburg, Germany, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, 2016, Hecht was the honorary can be made to the DFMCH Hecht left that country at age 6 reflects, “I am the type of consul for Mexico to Madison Visionaries Fund—fammed. with his family to escape family physician I am today and Dane County. He made wisc.edu/donate/opportunities/ the Nazis. They ended up in because of my training under many volunteer medical visionaries-fund/—in his honor. Mexico City, where he earned Rudy Hecht at the Northeast trips, including one to donate his medical degree from the Family Medical Center. His supplies to the Children’s National University of Mexico. picture has been in my Hospital in Baghdad, Iraq.

MATTHEW DINSDALE (DINNY) DAVIS, MD (PG ’55) atthew Dinsdale His father—Frederick A. faculty members. He formed (Dinny) Davis Davis, MD—and Peter Duehr, the Fundus Photograph Mdied on March 5, MD, were partners in a Reading Center (FPRC). (See 2018. He leaves a 60-year Madison-based practice and article in Quarterly, Vol. 19, legacy of accomplishment as a consecutive leaders of the Eye, No. 4, about the FPRC and clinician, educator, leader and Ear, Nose and Throat Division Davis’ involvement with researcher at the University of of the SMPH’s Department groundbreaking studies with Wisconsin School of Medicine of Surgery. Matthew Davis the National Eye Institute of the and Public Health (SMPH). He joined their practice and the National Institutes of Health.) is recognized worldwide as a SMPH faculty, where he rose Davis received multiple notes Terri L. Young, MD, pioneering retina specialist who to the rank of professor and honors. He was named the MBA, chair, Department of helped establish standards for head of the division. He helped 2016 Laureate by the American Ophthalmology and Visual analyzing diabetic retinopathy elevate the division into the Academy of Ophthalmology for Sciences. “He has had and other eye diseases. Department of Ophthalmology his pioneering contributions a profound influence on Born in Madison, Wisconsin, and Visual Sciences and served to the field. He also authored many of us. His exemplary in 1926, Davis earned his as its first chair from 1970 or coauthored more than 270 integrity, humility, humor medical degree from the to 1986. papers and book chapters. and compassion will be University of Pennsylvania and Matthew Davis gave up his “The impact that Dr. Davis indelibly imprinted.” completed an ophthalmology private practice to oversee the has had on patients and residency at University Hospital expansion of the department’s the field of ophthalmology in Madison. ophthalmology residency and throughout his tenure at the recruitment of several UW-Madison is immeasurable,”

QUARTERLY 25 ALUMNI NOTEBOOK

The Boston Connection RECEPTION DREW ALUMNI FROM THROUGHOUT THE REGION

he city that is home to more than “It was exciting to meet so many SMPH He was the founding director of MGH’s 30 hospitals also has become graduates who have moved to the East Cardiac Performance Program, which offers Thome to about 300 medical Coast and gone on to do fabulous work,” research and evaluation, risk assessment school graduates of the University of says Peterson, who enjoyed her first visit to and management to address the needs Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Beantown. of competitive athletes and highly active Health (SMPH). Because the reception coincided with people who may be at increased risk for With the goals of fostering connections the Association of American Medical cardiovascular events. among alumni, sharing an update about Colleges (AAMC) meeting, several SMPH “Boston is a wonderful place to their medical school alma mater and faculty members and students were on work and live. My colleagues are truly celebrating the many accomplishments hand to meet the Bostonians, who ranged outstanding and caring,” says Hutter. of these Badgers, the Wisconsin Medical from early-career alumni to those with “It is a family environment here at Alumni Association (WMAA) hosted a decades of experience. Massachusetts General Hospital, and it is reception in the heart of downtown Boston Among the latter, Hutter moved to a pleasure to work with these excellent in November 2017. Boston 50 years ago to begin a two-year people in such a stimulating environment.” Karen Peterson, WMAA executive cardiac fellowship at Massachusetts Hutter, who plans to return to Madison director, says she and Jill Watson, senior General Hospital (MGH). Upon completing for his 55-year medical school reunion director of development for the SMPH, are the fellowship, he joined the MGH staff in 2018, also was the cardiologist for the grateful to their event co-hosts—Connie as a cardiologist and the Harvard Medical Boston Bruins from 1972 to 2015 and the Barr, MD ’75, Adolph (Dolph) Hutter, Jr., School as a faculty member in the New England Patriots from 1982 to 2015. MD ’63, and Sari Rotter, MD ’80, who Department of Medicine. Now a professor He, Rotter and Barr agree that it was practice in the Boston metropolitan area— at Harvard Medical School, he is involved in great to connect with many SMPH alumni for encouraging other alumni to attend. patient care, teaching and clinical research. who practice throughout their region.

26 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 STUDENT LIFE

Heartfelt Gratitude STUDENTS THANK DONORS, KICK OFF HOUSE CUP COMPETITION

Clockwise from left (left to right): Bottom row: Elena Kurudza, Stephen Chen; top row: Chiadika Nwanze, Ellie Sato, Jayne-Norah Ntambi, Jenna Hatab, John Kopriva and Vimal Konduri share gratitude. Sample note. Hatab (left) pens a message.

n the days leading up to Valentine’s Learning Communities: Bamforth, Bardeen, Adding another angle, Peterson says, Day 2018, the Wisconsin Medical Gundersen, Middleton or McPherson. “The Thank-a-Thon is one of many ways IAlumni Association (WMAA) staff hosted Stefanie Christopher, a learning specialist we help students realize how much donor a gratitude-filled event, drawing medical in Student Services, worked with students in support enhances their experiences in students into the Budzak Alumni Suite to the InterHouse Council to coordinate events medical school. For instance, private write thank-you notes. Enthusiastic students throughout the House Cup Competition from contributions are the only way the WMAA gathered to share words of praise with the February through April. Activities included a can host luncheons for student interest many donors who support the missions of the March Madness (basketball) bracket, Cycle groups, support monthly meetings of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine for Sight fundraiser for McPherson Eye Gold Humanism Honor Society, or provide and Public Health (SMPH) and WMAA. Research Institute, food drive and Money funding for the Medical Student Association By having the Thank-a-Thon kick off the Wars, in which coin donations add points to hire guest speakers in fields of interest to spring semester’s House Cup Competition— to a House’s total, paper bills count against student participants.” and adding a few energizing incentives, such the total, and teams can try to sabotage Noting that, starting in fall orientation, as fruit and heart-shaped cookies—the each other. WMAA staff point out to students the turnout was “wildly successful for the second “The winning House gets to donate all of many alumni-funded features in the Health year in a row,” according to Karen Peterson, the money to its chosen charitable cause,” Sciences Learning Center, Peterson exclaims, WMAA executive director. says Christopher. “We hope the activity builds “This building would not exist if not for the Each note a student wrote earned one camaraderie among students and helps them support of donors, including many alumni!” point for his or her “house”—one of five focus on giving back to the community.”

QUARTERLY 27 SPOTLIGHT

Durkin Named Chair Johnson Named Abel Receives of Population Health Director of Population Gold Cystoscope Sciences Health Institute Award

Maureen Sheri E. Jason Durkin, PhD, Johnson, PhD, is Abel, MD, FACS, MPH, DrPH, is the new director received the 2018 the new chair of of the University Gold Cystoscope the Department of Wisconsin Award from of Population School of the American Health Sciences, Medicine Urological and the Evan and and Public Association. Marion Helfaer Health’s (SMPH) The award is Professor of Public Health at the University Population Health Institute (PHI). presented annually to one urologist who is of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public A leading advocate for health equity, distinguished by outstanding contributions Health (SMPH). Johnson formerly was an associate to the profession within 10 years of She is one of the nation’s leading experts professor of pediatrics at the Medical completing residency. in the epidemiology of developmental College of Wisconsin and associate director Abel is an associate professor in the disorders. Her work focuses on prevention, of that school’s Center for the Advancement Department of Urology at the University antecedents and consequences of of Underserved Children. of Wisconsin School of Medicine and neurodevelopmental syndromes and “Dr. Johnson is a passionate leader with Public Health (SMPH). Since he joined the childhood injuries. She was a professor of an incredible track record of addressing SMPH faculty in 2010, he has built an population health sciences at the SMPH equity and obstacles to health, especially outstanding clinical and academic program and served as the department’s graduate for under-resourced populations in in kidney cancer. program director, vice chair and, for the past Wisconsin,” says Robert N. Golden, MD, Abel’s laboratory research focuses year, interim chair. dean of the SMPH. “We are delighted that on cell signaling in renal cell cancer and Durkin has served in many national and she has joined us to advance the wonderful is funded through the National Cancer international leadership capacities, including work of our school’s Population Health Institute. He also is a leader in clinical and assignments to task forces for the World Institute, which is a shining example of the translational research, with a passion to Health Organization, National Institutes of Wisconsin Idea in action.” improve treatment outcomes for kidney Health, Institute of Medicine, and Centers for Johnson received her PhD in clinical cancer patients. Disease Control and Prevention. psychology from Boston University. Through his clinical efforts, Abel has “Dr. Durkin’s extensive national and She completed an internship in clinical developed a high volume center for the international expertise, coupled with her psychology at Children’s Hospital of Boston/ treatment of complex renal cancers at deep and profound institutional loyalty, make Judge Baker Children’s Center; she also UW Health. her exceptionally well suited for advancing was a clinical fellow in psychology at “This recognition of one of our own is the missions of this vitally important Harvard Medical School. substantial in the field, and we are extremely department, which remains a cornerstone In Wisconsin, Johnson has worked in proud and happy for Dr. Abel,” says in our transformation into the nation’s first a number of important roles, including Stephen Y. Nakada, MD, FACS, chair of the school of medicine and public health,” notes positions at Milwaukee Health Services, Department of Urology. Robert N. Golden, MD, dean of the SMPH. Inc., and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Nakada won this award in 2004, making Durkin completed her undergraduate From 2005 to 2008, she was an the SMPH Department of Urology one of degree and a PhD in anthropology at administrator and state health officer in the only three departments in the United States UW-Madison. She then earned master’s of Wisconsin Department of Health. with two clinically active winners of the Gold public health and doctorate in public health Focusing on health disparities, the PHI Cystoscope Award. degrees from Columbia University, where develops and evaluates interventions and she was an associate professor of clinical promotes evidence-based approaches to epidemiology prior to her recruitment to policies and practices throughout the nation UW-Madison in 2003. to advance health and well-being.

28 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Cox Awarded Innovative Neuman Aims to Help Moreno Addresses Sun Translational Science Women Make Better Addiction and Other Skin Award Cancer Surgery Decisions Cancer Issues

Elizabeth Cox, Women face A group of MD (PG ’94), big decisions 19 experts from PhD ’06, was soon after various fields awarded a three- being hit with a said tanning year Innovative breast cancer addiction is Translational diagnosis, among the sun Science Award including safety-related from the American whether to have themes that must Diabetes a lumpectomy or be addressed Association mastectomy. to lower rates of skin cancer in the United for her project, “Identifying Actionable With a five-year, $1.2 million States. Five million adults were diagnosed Self-Management Barriers for Adults with grant from the Agency for Healthcare with skin cancer from 2007 to 2011. Type 1 Diabetes.” Research and Quality (AHRQ), University Megan Moreno, MD (PG ’03), associate Building upon her prior work developing of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center professor, Department of Pediatrics, a 10-minute survey called Problem (UWCCC) breast surgeon Heather Neuman, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine Recognition in Illness Self-Management MD, MS, FACS, will study ways to and Public Health, is a member of the (PRISM) aimed at identifying diabetes improve the decision process for patients, panel organized by the National Academy self-management barriers among youth, particularly those from socioeconomically of Sciences. The panel shared with the the newly funded research will develop disadvantaged rural and urban areas. National Cancer Institute thoughts on sun and validate a version of PRISM to assess “I wanted to see how we could exposure, knowledge gaps, implications for diabetes self-management barriers help patients come to surgical consult skin cancer risk and other health outcomes, among adults. appointments well prepared to be involved and new directions for research and This survey tool for adults is expected to in decisions,” says Neuman, an associate prevention. It published a paper in JAMA positively impact diabetes care by aligning professor in the UW School of Medicine Dermatology. self-management resources with the actual and Public Health Department of Surgery. “Tanning addiction has similar behavior needs of people who have Type 1 diabetes. With UWCCC funding, she conducted a parallels and biological and genetic features According to Cox, an associate pilot study in which patients were given an as other addictions and can be treated like professor in the Department of Pediatrics online “decision aid” after breast cancer other addictions,” shares Moreno, adding at the University of Wisconsin School diagnosis but before their appointment that primary care physicians and other of Medicine and Public Health, “While with a surgeon. It presents information health care professionals are in a position science has offered insights into how about surgical options at a middle-school to recognize excessive tanning and refer to reduce or delay the effects of Type 1 reading level, shows data side-by-side patients for screening. diabetes, most people with this disease for comparisons, and includes videos of Other identified themes include: find its management challenging. Our patients discussing their decisions. • People with both light and dark skin are work aims to make management easier by “Patients with the decision aids were at risk and need protection. personalizing recommended resources to more engaged in the decision process and • Risk reduction for one disease individual’s specific needs. Once our survey seemed more willing to ask for clarification should not increase risk for another. is developed, we will test whether using the compared to those without it,” she says. For instance, melanoma has been surveyed information to choose resources The AHRQ-funded study will include associated with outdoor activities, but will provide better blood sugar control or 10 clinics nationwide that primarily serve physical activity could reduce the risk of quality of life. Ultimately, if effective, the tool low-income patients, including Marshfield other cancers. Social media platforms could be used in clinical practice to tailor Clinic, which serves rural patients. Visits may provide targeted messaging to the diabetes care to patients’ specific needs. will be recorded to accurately assess diverse U.S. population about this. The PRISM tool for youth is available at patients’ engagement before and after use • Successful interventions will need to be https://www.hipxchange.org/PRISM. of the decision aid. scalable to have long-lasting effects.

QUARTERLY 29 GIVING BACK

Professorship Bolsters the Next Generation of Surgeons BRUCE HARMS, MD (PG ’83), MBA, AND JUDITH HARMS, BSN, LOOK TO THE FUTURE

30 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 by Molly Wesling microscope and treat diseases in fish starting for 10 years, and under his direction, in my teen years.” UW Hospital attained its first Level 1 Trauma omeday, these young surgeons This upbringing instilled in him a love for Center designation. Bruce Harms also was may be taking care of us, biological sciences and fostered his knack for the founding faculty member in the Division and we all want great people “S “fixing things.” of Colorectal Surgery, of which he is a taking care of us,” says Bruce A. Harms, MD Bruce Harms studied biology at the member today. That division has grown to (PG ’83), MBA, about the need to support University of Nebraska in Lincoln, and by include seven faculty members. excellence in research, education and patient the time he entered medical school at the On the home front, the couple added a care in the field of surgery, and particularly University of Nebraska Medical Center, daughter and another son to their family. colorectal surgery. Omaha, he loved everything about the field When the children were young, Judith Harms In 2015, Bruce Harms, a professor in the of medicine. He met his own match in Judith, founded a nursery school and served on its University of Wisconsin School of Medicine a critical care and burn unit nurse who grew leadership team; she also has dedicated time and Public Health’s (SMPH) Department of up in western Nebraska, in the comparatively to the Friends of UW Health, including as Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery, and bustling town of Sidney (pop. 6,757). its president. his wife, Judith Harms, decided to establish a The couple moved to Madison in 1977, In 2016, Bruce Harms helped launch the Professorship in Colorectal Surgery, utilizing and Bruce Harms became the first research Layton Rikkers Surgical Society, named in matching funds through the Morgridge Match resident in the SMPH Department of Surgery. honor of the chair of the SMPH Department created by UW-Madison alumni John and He remembers Folkert Belzer, MD, the of Surgery from 1996 to 2008. As an alumni Tashia Morgridge. Bruce Harms and Judith department chair at the time, as an inspiring organization, the society’s main purposes are Harms, BSN, are quick to point out that mentor who helped solidify his decision to to foster relationships and develop programs they could not have accomplished this goal pursue a career in surgery. that improve surgical education. without additional generous contributions Judith and Bruce Harms welcomed Bruce Harms shares that he is happy he from Bruce Harms’ colleagues in the Division their first child, a son, while in Wisconsin. and his wife put down roots and raised three of Colorectal Surgery. Soon after, they moved to California, where children in Madison, a city he calls “plenty The Dr. Bruce and Judith Harms Bruce Harms took a one-year break from his big.” The couple still has family ties and owns Professorship will be given to an SMPH training to complete a research fellowship at farmland in Nebraska. surgeon, with preference to faculty in the University of California, Davis. Judith Harms notes that while they’ve colorectal surgery. Nobody currently holds In 1983, the Harms family spent a year in enjoyed the places they’ve lived and traveled, this professorship, but it may be a useful tool Gloucester, England, where Bruce Harms was they hold UW-Madison in high esteem, in recruiting a future colorectal surgeon. a registrar in surgery for the National Health calling the campus a “phenomenal place that “The philanthropy of the Morgridges Service and learned about a pioneering goes above and beyond other universities.” has had a ripple effect—their gift inspired procedure in reconstructive surgery—ileal The couple say they would not be us to give. I see it as an excellent return on pouch reconstruction—for ulcerative colitis where they are today without Bruce Harms’ investment,” says Bruce Harms, who earned and pre-malignant colorectal diseases. opportunities to join the SMPH faculty and his MBA from UW-Madison in 2010. “As While in England, Bruce Harms worked practice at UW Health. doctors, and especially surgeons, we tend to long hours, but on his days off, the family Convinced that giving back to the medical think we will live and practice forever. If we traveled as much as possible. profession is the right thing to do, Bruce wait too long to do estate planning, we might The following year, he became a full-time Harms shares, “If you’re really dedicated to miss opportunities to give something back faculty member in the SMPH Department of what you’re doing, you’re also training the to UW-Madison. The Morgridges made it Surgery, specializing in colorectal surgery next generation of surgeons. My younger possible for other donors to think bigger than and trauma and critical care surgery. Soon colleagues in the department are engaged they might have otherwise.” after their return to Wisconsin, Bruce Harms in amazing research. We can all play a part Bruce Harms grew up in rural Deshler, performed the state’s first ileal pouch in making sure these talented surgeon- Nebraska (pop. 747), where he attended a operation, at UW Hospital (now called scientists have the funding they need to one-room elementary school and worked University Hospital, part of UW Health). discover the next big thing.” on the family farm. The family grew corn During the 1980s, he and his colleague He adds, “It’s easy to walk away and say, and soybeans, kept a herd of cattle and established UW Hospital’s reputation for ‘That was my job. I gave my heart and soul, I maintained a fish hatchery. excellence in reconstructive colorectal got a lot back, and that’s the end.’ But if you “We raised fish by the hundreds of surgery. He also led the academic look at the big picture, a gift helps plant the thousands,” he recalls. “I ate a lot of catfish medical center’s Trauma Surgery Program seed for the next generation to succeed.” and Nebraska beef, and I learned to use a

QUARTERLY 31 GIVING BACK Middleton Society NEW GIVING LEVELS NAMED AFTER SCHOOL LUMINARIES

WILLIAM S. CHARLES R. JAMES F. BETTY J. HOWARD M. MIDDLETON, MD BARDEEN, MD CROW, PHD BAMFORTH, MD TEMIN, PHD (1890-1975) (1871-1935) (1916-2012) (1923-2001) (1934-1994) The vigor, zeal and forthright Founding dean of the school, With a scientific career that A woman who achieved several Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1975 optimism with which Middleton Bardeen established the two-year, stretched 70 years, Crow firsts in her career—including with David Baltimore, PhD, and approached every problem made then four-year, UW School of was highly honored for his service as the first woman Renato Dulbecco, MD, Temin him one of the most popular and Medicine and Public Health (then groundbreaking research in chair of the Department of discovered reverse transcriptase venerated deans of the University called UW Medical School) and its population genetics, which touched Anesthesiology—Bamforth was (independently discovered by of Wisconsin School of Medicine nationally respected Preceptorship nearly every aspect of the field. known internationally for her Baltimore at the Massachusetts and Public Health. Program during his 28-year tenure. writing and lecturing about the Institute of Technology) and its role history of anesthesiology. in the life cycle of retroviruses.

eaders of the University of Wisconsin school will make the following changes to the “By expanding the tiers, we hope to School of Medicine and Public Middleton Society: encourage giving at whatever level works Health (SMPH) are deeply grateful best for an individual or family, rather than L • Effective January 1, 2019, recognition at to members of the school’s philanthropic having significant leaps from one level of the Middleton Fellow level will be closed society—the Middleton Society—for their recognition to another,” says Golden. to new members. The new minimum superb dedication. He adds, “We are making these changes

UW-MADISON ARCHIVES UW-MADISON (7) cumulative household commitment for “Because of the generous support to ensure that the Middleton Society reflects Middleton Society membership will be of Middleton Society members, we are today’s economic realities. This also will $25,000 (compared to the $10,000 accelerating our progress in our mission create consistency with other practices at our current level) and recognized at the of improving health without compromise UW-Madison campus.” Bardeen Fellow level. through service, science, scholarship and Like the society’s namesake, Dean • New levels within the Middleton Society, social responsibility,” says SMPH Dean William S. Middleton, MD, donors make a also effective January 1, 2019, will Robert N. Golden, MD. lasting impact on the future of this institution. increase the recognition of those who Looking ahead to ensure the school’s And during this era of declining state support have had a significant influence on the future ability to keep pace with demands, the school. (See the new levels on next page.)

32 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 NEW LEVELS OF THE MIDDLETON SOCIETY effective January 1, 2019

Middleton Fellow $10,000-$24,999 (Open only to new members through December 31, 2018)

Bardeen Fellow $25,000-$49,999

Crow Fellow $50,000-$99,999

Bamforth Fellow $100,000-$499,999

HOWARD M. PHILIP M. ROBERT Temin Fellow TEMIN, PHD FARRELL, MD, SCHILLING, MD ’43 $500,000-$999,999 (1934-1994) PHD (PG ’72) (PG ’48) (1919-2014) Awarded the Nobel Prize in 1975 Known as an organizer, Best known for his research on Farrell Fellow $1 million-$2.49 million with David Baltimore, PhD, and communicator, motivator and vitamin B12, he developed the Renato Dulbecco, MD, Temin builder, Farrell brought energy and “Schilling Test” for pernicious Schilling Fellow discovered reverse transcriptase a collaborative spirit to his decade anemia and was recognized for his $2.5 million and above (independently discovered by as dean. His goal to promote health longitudinal studies of families with Baltimore at the Massachusetts in Wisconsin communities inspired hereditary spherocytosis. Institute of Technology) and its role the school’s change in mission in the life cycle of retroviruses. and name to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health.

and volatility in health care markets, the school must rely more and more on its friends to provide A SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN the resources that are so important in attracting the best and brightest faculty and students. Jill Watson, senior director of development, notes that—when she meets Golden notes that permanent membership is with supporters of the UW School of Medicine and Public Health around the guaranteed to current members of the Middleton country—people often say, “I’ve been meaning to join the Middleton Society.” Society based on their previous gifts, pledges and She notes that 2018 presents a special opportunity to join at any of the planned gift commitments, as well as to people levels listed above. who join before the changes take place. All gifts “If you’ve been thinking about becoming a new member of the Middleton made to any UW School of Medicine and Public Society or have questions about your current membership, I’d be honored to Health fund count toward cumulative household work with you in fulfilling your philanthropic goals related to our school and its giving totals. missions,” says Watson, adding “On, Wisconsin!” She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected] or phone at (608) 262‑4632.

QUARTERLY 33 FACULTY PROFILE

Clockwise from bottom left: Mikayla Gallenberger, Kyla Lee, MD ’98, FACP, Echko K. Holman, Patrick O'Donnell, Kimberly Lansing, MD, PhD, Jeremiah Kakes.

34 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Gundersen Physicians Train, Mentor SMPH Medical Students KIMBERLY LANSING, MD, PHD, AND KYLA LEE, MD ’98, FACP, SHARE INSIGHTS

by Beth Fultz, PhD pend a few minutes talking with physician educators Kyla Lee, SMD ’98, FACP, and Kimberly Lansing, MD, PhD, and one thing becomes abundantly clear: There is a great deal more to teaching medical students than meets the eye. Lee and Lansing are clinical adjunct faculty members of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH). Based at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, they have close ties to the SMPH campus in Madison and have been intimately involved in the development and implementation of the school’s new ForWard Curriculum, now in its second year. The women play complementary roles at the SMPH’s Western Academic Campus. Left to right: Echko K. Holman, Jeremiah Kakes, Kyla Lee, MD ’98, FACP, Courtney K. Lee is site coordinator for traditional SMPH Pfeuti, Kimberly Lansing, MD, PhD, and Mikayla Gallenberger work on a simulator. students, while Lansing holds the counterpart role for students in the Wisconsin Academy Lansing, on the other hand, grew up clerkship approach that they—and SMPH for Rural Medicine (WARM). Both have a in Rochester, New York, and earned her administration—realized had many “silos.” passion for education that’s rivaled only by undergraduate degree at Princeton University. Both were eager to help forge a new path. a commitment to excellence in patient care. Although she remembers, as a child, wanting Development of the new curriculum was And each has a background that uniquely to become a doctor, she discovered research a multi-year process that involved hundreds prepared her for her current role. while at Princeton and went on from there of SMPH faculty and staff members. Lansing Although Lee completed an to earn a master’s degree in physiology at joined the teams that developed the Care undergraduate premedical curriculum, Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate Across the Lifecycle Block and the Chronic she went on to earn a master’s degree in in anatomy and reproductive biology from and Preventive Care Block, which fit well psychology at Harvard University rather the University of Hawaii. She remained in with her family medicine training and her than attend medical school at that stage. Hawaii to obtain her medical degree, and basic science background. In the legacy She taught middle school students in then she moved to Iowa to complete a family curriculum, basic science had consumed only rural Vermont before the pull of medicine medicine residency. the first two years of medical education. reasserted itself. She earned her medical When Lansing joined Gundersen, she “In Phase I of the ForWard Curriculum, degree at the SMPH and completed an too began teaching in required clerkships this stage is condensed to a year and a internal medicine residency at Gundersen. and eventually served as the Primary Care half, which means some basic science is As a new physician with a love of Clerkship’s La Crosse site director until the purposefully woven into Phase 2,” Lansing teaching, Lee soon joined the teaching SMPH launched its ForWard Curriculum says. “I found that my experience as a basic faculty of the Internal Medicine Clerkship in 2016. science researcher and teacher was helpful and spent 17 years, eventually becoming By the time the SMPH curriculum in that integration.” the La Crosse site director for the clerkship, transformation effort came along, Lee and Describing curriculum design as her providing hands-on clinical training for third- Lansing were deeply committed to teaching “hobby,” Lansing came well prepared to and fourth-year medical students. yet keenly aware of the limitations of the the task. She recalls writing her first course KRISTIN ROYALTY (3) KRISTIN ROYALTY

QUARTERLY 35 in 1992, then years later being in on the chest pain. That was followed by a radiology ground floor of the SMPH’s innovative session involving scans of patients with chest WARM program. pain and simulations of chest-pain cases in When the SMPH created WARM and the simulation lab in Gundersen’s Integrated selected La Crosse as one of its training sites Center for Education. in 2007, program planners asked Lansing Shortly thereafter, during clinical time to help develop the curriculum. In addition in internal medicine, the students were to the more traditional components, she presented with two real-time cases of introduced disaster training, which became patients who had arrived in the emergency a case-based, simulation-driven, hands-on room with chest pain. When the supervising activity of the kind that animates much of physician asked students to prepare a Phase 2 of the ForWard Curriculum. She care plan based on the history and clinical and other staff involve students in planning findings of the patients, he was impressed Left to right: Courtney K. Pfeuti, Patrick disaster drills with local firefighters and with the appropriateness and completeness O'Donnell, Mikayla Gallenberger, Kimberly paramedics. For the exercises, they’re of the plan one of the students produced. Lansing, MD, PhD, and Jeremiah Kakes in the broken into rescue squads and role-play “How did you come up with this plan?” simulation laboratory. the experience of responding in the field to he inquired, to which the student replied, rural scenarios such as a tractor rollover or “I based it on the clinical case presentations if they are opening a patient’s chart. There city events such as an active shooter at an and simulations we did last week.” the students might watch a video of an initial airport. The students gain a realistic sense Lee notes, “That’s exactly what we’re patient interview, then be asked to enter of how disasters are managed in the field trying to achieve. The goal is to expose orders and notes into the simulated chart. and how patients are assessed, treated and students to material in case-based If they enter a lab or medication order, a prepped for transport. The airport shooter learning situations, and weave together lab technician could pop up on the video to scenario was so successful that it was multidisciplinary medical facts and concepts discuss the test, or a pharmacist could chime filmed, and portions of the video have been in the context of care delivery so they can in to discuss the drug choice. Opportunities used in training for Transportation Security immediately begin to apply that knowledge in for innovation seem limitless. Administration workers in Washington, DC. real patient care situations.” Lee and Lansing quickly credit the For her part, Lee worked for years on Certified in palliative care as well as strength of Gundersen’s leadership team, the Curriculum Transformation Steering general internal medicine, Lee believes which supported their efforts. They add that Committee led by Christine Seibert, MD, strongly in the importance of bringing Greg Thompson, MD, director of medical associate dean for medical student education empathy not only to patient care, but also to education at Gundersen and the associate and services, and Shobhina Chheda, MD, the student experience. dean for the SMPH’s Western Academic MPH, associate dean for education. Now “Learning has to be a safe space that’s Campus, is unrelenting in the pursuit of a implementing the Acute Care Block, designed inclusive of different learning styles,” respectful, compassionate learning culture. by Laura Zakowski, MD ’90, professor of she says. “Studies show those who learn “Our students also have tremendous medicine, and other SMPH faculty partners, empathy as students keep it as doctors. energy and care from our program Lee describes the kick off of the block I like to get to know them and figure out coordinators Allyson Servais and Pam experience with enthusiasm. what makes them tick, just as we do Schneider,” shares Lee. “The transformation afforded an with patients.” Not surprisingly, she and Lansing were opportunity to create a whole new Lee and Lansing’s attitudes are among tasked with ensuring a smooth rollout of curriculum. I had always attempted to the reasons they received the SMPH Phase 2 at Gundersen. That process is well achieve integrated learning in my own way as Dean’s Teaching Award in 2014 and 2009, underway, but they are not resting on their a preceptor—but now we have an exciting, respectively. Lansing also was named a laurels. They seem to embody Aristotle’s cohesive approach to medical training that fellow in the UW-Madison Teaching Academy. oft-quoted observation: “Those who know, teaches medical facts and concepts within Both Lee and Lansing are relishing do. Those who understand, teach.” the context of patient-centered care delivery the opportunity to incorporate innovative “ForWard is more than a curriculum and collaborative professional teamwork.” educational technologies into the ForWard of facts,” says Lee. “It has all the science, Although this part of the curriculum “went Curriculum. Working with medical media presented in a way that prioritizes the health live” only on January 8, 2018, Lee already is experts at Gundersen, they’ve created videos of patients and communities.” seeing encouraging signs. In the early weeks, that some students are asked to watch in Lansing adds, “The new curriculum students in the acute care block participated preparation for class. They’re working on stresses the interdisciplinary nature of care. in preceptor sessions that exposed them electronic cases, modeled after the electronic The whole ForWard Curriculum emphasizes to cases requiring differential diagnosis of health record. Students may enter a case as how we all work together for patients.”

36 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Epilepsy Research continued from page 7

will bring data from bench science to the Forever is a long time, but for years to epilepsy clinic. come, Lily’s Fund certainly has elevated “Seizures disrupt sleep, and disrupted the profile of epilepsy research in sleep makes seizures worse,” Maganti told SMPH laboratories. the Wisconsin State Journal in December “To go from a few hundred dollars to 2017. “It can be sort of a vicious cycle.” fellowships, to grants of $100,000 and on to Maganti is hoping to study whether a research fund worth more than $1 million? the use of medication to restore sleep can I have never heard of this kind of success! prevent SUDEP. These sudden deaths are It’s really a force of nature with these likely triggered by seizures during sleep. dedicated people,’’ exclaims Roopra. Illustrating such a loss, a slide during the “Lily’s Fund made people aware final Lily’s Luau paid homage to a young man that epilepsy is a major condition that is with epilepsy, Jared Kimball, of McFarland, underfunded. I would have not pursued Wisconsin, who died in his sleep in 2017, this line of research without Lily’s Fund. Adorning the ceiling of the fifth-floor walkway just weeks after raising money at his They were able to keep UW-Madison between Towers I and II of the Wisconsin Institutes workplace, Findorff Construction in Madison, researchers on track and keep them in for Medical Research, The Neuron Project honors to give to Lily’s Fund. As Kimball’s photo lit up epilepsy research,” Roopra shares. “Lily’s donor’s loved ones who have epilepsy. Created the big screen, the words of Irish musician Fund deflected the trajectory of labs through Lily’s Fund, the project raised money for Glen Hansard reminded luau-goers that the toward the study of epilepsy. That’s a major epilepsy research. fight continues: achievement!” “This gift will last forever, KEEP THE HULA GOING! this gift will never let you down … Through the Lily’s Fund Hula Club, if you’re strong enough, supporters can make one-time or recurring and you don’t give up.” gifts. Learn more at lilysfund.org/give

Identity and Resiliency continued from page 11

“I represent Africans, I represent recognize inequality. No one is superior professor, Department of Medicine; Jason Nigerians, I represent African Americans, to lift up one who is inferior. We are equal Stephenson, MD, assistant professor (CHS), I represent men, I represent people with human beings who benefit from each other’s Department of Radiology; and Tracy Downs, spinal cord injuries, I represent people of success, and who deserve the tools to MD, professor (CHS), Department of Urology; color, I represent physicians,” said Okanlami. achieve our own,” Okanlami stated. “That moderated by Beverly Hutcherson, SMPH “Every time you leave a good impression approach preserves each person’s full dignity diversity outreach and communications on someone, it impacts others in ways you and worth, whether their issue is race, ability, manager and UW Health Career will never know. Someone will mention that some other issue or a combination.” Pathways coordinator. wonderful woman physician or that amazing He concluded: “As an African American The second panel discussion was Hispanic EMT, and suddenly someone else’s man with a disability, I am committed to entitled, “Negotiation: Salary, Title and prejudices will weaken. When you represent advancing the quest for equality, not just Promotion,” by panelists Terri Young, MD, those multiple demographics just by being under the law but in society and in the hearts MBA, chair, Department of Ophthalmology yourself, you shed light that changes and minds of my fellow citizens, and in the and Visual Sciences; Laurel Rice, MD, chair, the world.” medical profession that I love.” Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Okanlami also quoted Martin Luther King, Richard Moss, PhD, senior associate dean The summit’s general session was Jr., PhD: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to for basic research, biotechnology and followed by two concurrent panel discussions justice everywhere.” graduate studies; and Kenneth Mount, MBA, by SMPH faculty and staff: “Dr. King did not call the nation to do senior associate dean for finance; moderated The first was entitled, “Identity Crisis: something for African Americans, he called by Brian Gittens, EdD, associate dean for Living Bi-Culturally in the Workplace,” by the nation to abandon its oppression and human resources, equity and inclusion. panelists Angela Byars-Winston, PhD,

QUARTERLY 37 RESEARCH ADVANCES

New Tool Identifies Patients Likely to Have Seizures new scoring system study was published in JAMA types of discharges and brain developed at Neurology. activity, and seizure history. A the University of Critically ill patients “This tool helps doctors Wisconsin School of Medicine frequently have seizures, figure out who is at greatest and Public Health (SMPH) may but 75 percent of the time, risk of having seizures help physicians identify which doctors cannot detect to decide on appropriate critically ill patients are likely to them through observation, work-ups and treatments, and have seizures. so brain monitoring with ultimately to improve patients’ Aaron Struck, MD ’09, electroencephalography (EEG) cognitive outcomes,” he says. assistant professor, SMPH is necessary, explains Struck. The researchers used a new Department of Neurology, He and his co-authors machine-learning method that at Emory University Hospital, identified patterns of electrical created the “2HELPS2B score” produces accurate, risk- Brigham and Women’s behavior that predict which that predicts which patients calibrated scoring systems with Hospital, and Yale University patients are more likely to have are likely to have seizures a limited number of variables Hospital. The 2HELPS2B score seizures by reviewing data and may need monitoring and small integer weights. is being used at UW Health, from more than 5,400 patients and medication. The name Patient data came from the where Struck directs the hospitalized for conditions other represents a combination of Critical Care EEG Research neurophysiology fellowship than epilepsy at three large factors, including frequency, Consortium and used data and oversees inpatient EEG academic medical centers. The collected over three years monitoring.

Potential Strategy May Target Aggressive Lymphoma esearchers at the The STAT3 gene controls to the study’s principal Further, Fen Zhu, a graduate University of the rate of transcription from investigator, Lixin Rui, PhD, student, tested a hypothesis R Wisconsin School DNA to messenger RNA and assistant professor, SMPH that inhibition of STAT3 by RNA of Medicine and Public is switched on in a subtype of Department of Medicine. interference enhances anti- Health (SMPH) have found diffuse large B cell lymphoma. “STAT3 regulates gene tumor efficacy of lenalidomide, a molecular regulator that Activation of STAT3, and expression necessary for which can trigger interferon controls cell life in diffuse large its kinase JAK1, is caused normal immune response, but production. Zhu’s research B cell lymphoma—the most by cytokines produced by it is deregulated in cancer,” showed that a greater toxicity common, aggressive form of cancer cells. The study was says Rui. of lenalidomide was observed lymphoma with a low cure rate. published in the Proceedings Li Lu, PhD, a postdoctoral in cancer cells when STAT3 of the National Academy of fellow, integrated cancer was genetically inhibited. the Sciences. genomic assays and identified Rui shares, “We hope the In activated B cell-like several survival pathways that study provides a mechanistic diffuse large B cell lymphoma, STAT3 promotes. The most rationale for clinical trials to STAT3 expression and function surprising finding was that evaluate ruxolitinib or a specific are required for cancer cell STAT3 can dampen a “death” JAK1 inhibitor combined with survival and proliferation, but pathway that is driven by the lenalidomide in the disease.” the underlying mechanisms are same genetic cause for STAT3 not fully understood, according activation in cancer cells.

38 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 Leading Cause of Vision Loss Shows Decline ith 10,000 Wisconsin School of Medicine The authors write that factors prompted concern Baby Boomers and Public Health. It showed during the 20th century, several that the gains made in some Wturning 65 each that the risk of AMD decreased significant changes took place health conditions in previous day, eye specialists worried by 60 percent for each that may have contributed generations may be slowing. that cases of age-related generation since the “Greatest to the improvements in the Data came from the Beaver macular degeneration (AMD) Generation” (born between risk of non-communicable Dam Eye Study (population- would skyrocket. But the 1901 and 1924). disease. Sanitation; housing; based study in Beaver Dam, risk of developing AMD—the “The five-year risk of air and water quality and other Wisconsin) and Beaver Dam leading cause of vision loss in developing AMD was environmental exposures; and Offspring Study (participants’ older adults—has decreased dramatically lower for people some lifestyle and behavioral adult children). significantly for that generation. born later in the 20th century factors saw improvement, in The research, based on than those born earlier. We’ve addition to advances in the two observational studies extended the findings to Baby treatment and prevention of and published in JAMA Boomers,” says Cruickshanks. medical conditions. Ophthalmology, was led by “Although we were unable to At the same time, however, Karen Cruickshanks, PhD, identify factors that explained obesity and sedentary lifestyles professor, Department of the change, this study suggests increased and economic Ophthalmology and Visual that modifiable factors conditions occasionally Sciences, University of contribute to AMD’s cause.” grew challenging. These

Figure 11 Study Aims to Combat Metabolic Syndrome niversity of possible that such diets, or Wisconsin School of EE EE drugs that mimic the effect of a food intake food intake Medicine and Public FGF21 FGF21 low-BCAA diet, would be easier U Western Health (SMPH) researchers, in a to follow and more effective Diet Lean study published in The Journal Low BCAA than calorie-counting diets. acute phase chronic phase Glucose tolerant of Physiology, found lowering Obese Low AA rapid weight loss stable weight Insulin sensitive Importantly, mice in this Impaired consumption of branched-chain glycemic study were free to eat as much control EE EE amino acids (BCAAs) improved food intake food intake of the low-BCAA food as they metabolic health, even when FGF21 FGF21 wanted. Despite increasing

calories were not reduced. 0 2 4 6 12 their calorie intake of an Led by Dudley Time Post-Intervention (weeks) otherwise unhealthy, high-fat Lamming, PhD, associate and high-sugar diet, these mice high blood sugar and excess BCAAs promotes leanness and professor in the Division of experienced an improvement in abdominal fat, which in good blood sugar control,” Endocrinology, Diabetes and metabolic health. humans would increase the notes Lamming. “Our results Metabolism of the SMPH Researchers are now risk of diabetes, heart disease also suggest that the specific Department of Medicine, the investigating whether reducing and stroke. amino-acid composition of mouse study indicates that dietary BCAAs can improve the “We’ve identified an dietary protein—not just reducing the intake of specific metabolic health of humans, unanticipated role for dietary how much protein we eat— building blocks of proteins and how the amino-acid BCAAs in the regulation of regulates metabolic health.” improved the symptoms of composition of dietary protein energy balance, and we show If these results can be metabolic syndrome, including regulates metabolic health. that a diet with low levels of translated to humans, it is

QUARTERLY 39 PERSPECTIVES

Milestones in Genetic Counseling percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than General Hospital (now called UnityPoint the average for all occupations (7 percent).” Health-Meriter) in the 1980s, health MGCS employment statistics provide care professionals could offer expectant further evidence of the fast-paced growth parents low-resolution ultrasounds and of this profession, including 100 percent job amniocentesis, the latter having a low risk placement within two months of graduation. of miscarriage. Colleagues and I are now About half of the MGCS Class of 2018 able to offer a personalized risk analysis by had been offered positions for full-time using only a maternal blood sample. These employment by February of their final advances, however, come with a cost. It is semester. More than 80 percent of the Class imperative that knowledgeable health care of 2018 already had accepted a job offer professionals, including GCs, thoughtfully three full months before graduation! consider the complex ethical, legal and social Increased employment opportunities implications that accompany these changes. coincide with diversification. While our Today’s bright outlook for GC also has

SKOT WEIDEMANN graduates are prepared for clinical practice, a flip side: A recent study by the National ou’ve come a long way, baby! their skills are transferrable to other settings, Society of Genetic Counselors indicates a In May 2018, the University of including teaching, public health, research, shortage of U.S.-based genetic counselors in Wisconsin School of Medicine and and industry- and laboratory-related roles. patient care. Equilibrium is estimated to be Y The most recent professional status survey reached between 2023 and 2030. Public Health’s (SMPH) Master of Genetic Counselor Studies (MGCS) will graduate (2016) of the National Society of Genetic To help address this shortage, the its 40th class. It’s a major milestone by Counselors showed that about 23 percent of MGCS has a strategic plan for growth, any standards, even if you consider that respondents indicated they do not counsel which includes expanding our class size, UW-Madison’s program was the first in the patients, and only 58 percent considered collaborating with statewide partners for Midwest and the eighth in the United States their work to be “clinical.” In contrast, surveys additional clinical training sites, using (only five of which remain open). I’ve had the before 2002 did not include non-clinical distance education, piloting a telehealth privilege to be part of this program for most activities as answer options. rotation for clinical experiences and using of those 40 years, first as a student, then as GC practice has changed in other ways, an academic electronic medical record a clinical genetic counselor and now as its too. Enhanced understanding of genetic experience to enhance training without program director. mechanisms has led directly to molecularly additional burden on clinical supervisors. I have had a front-row seat to watch this based testing and gene-based therapies. For In this issue of Quarterly, Dr. Stephen profession begin, grow and flourish! You example, consider advances in the diagnosis Meyn describes his vision for the new could say, I’ve grown up with the profession. and care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). UW Center for Human Genomics and Sheldon Reed, PhD—who is credited with As a new GC in 1980, about all I could offer Precision Medicine; he is the inaugural coining the phrase “genetic counseling” was an explanation of autosomal recessive director. I find it gratifying that leaders of (GC)—published the book, Counseling in inheritance, provide a recurrence risk of the SMPH, UW Health, Waisman Center and Medical Genetics, in 1955, the year I was 25 percent to parents who had a previously other related entities recognize that genetic born. Sarah Lawrence College opened the affected child, and discuss the relatively poor counselors are integral to this vision. nation’s first genetic counseling training prognosis. Discovery of the CF gene and It has been a privilege and honor to be program in 1969, the year I began high the ability to determine the variant status of part of the history that has led up to creation school, where I wrote a paper on genetic patients has made it possible to do much of the Center for Human Genomics and counseling. When I earned my MS in medical more. I saw this firsthand after CF testing Precision Medicine. It is even more exciting to genetics degree from the SMPH in 1980, was added to Wisconsin’s newborn screening help lay the groundwork for what’s to come. I found only two jobs to which I could apply, panel, and I was assigned, in 1991, to and none at UW-Madison. counsel parents whose babies screened Catherine (Casey) Reiser, MS, CGC positive for CF. New treatment options have The scenario has changed. In the past Associate professor (CHS) and director, 12 months, the Madison area has seven new greatly improved patients’ quality of life Genetic Counselor Studies, genetic counselors. Nationally, according to and longevity. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment Similar examples exist in other practice and Public Health of genetic counselors is projected to grow 28 areas. As a prenatal counselor at Madison

40 VOLUME 20 • NUMBER 1 I Know YOU

... OR DO I? If you think you can identify the person in the photograph at right, send your guess to quarterly@ med.wisc.edu. We’ll draw one of the correct responses and announce the winner in the next issue of Quarterly.

For the last issue (see below), Thomas Kloosterboer, MD ’82, won the prize drawing and will receive a gift from the Wisconsin Medical HINT: SHE JOINED THE SMPH IN 1949. Alumni Association!

ABOUT LAST ISSUE’S PHOTO: In the past issue of Quarterly, four people correctly guessed the identity of Arnold Lanehart “Bud” Brown, Jr., MD. Brown died in October 2015 in Rochester, Minnesota, at age 89. Respondents Patrick McBride, MD ’80, MPH, and Mary McGrath, MD ’86, recalled Brown as an overall great person. Louis C. Bernhardt, MD ’63, noted, “The mystery picture is of Dr. Arnold ‘Bud’ Brown, dean of the UW Medical School (before the school changed its name to the UW School of Medicine and Public Health) and a professor in the Department of Pathology.” He added, “Dean Brown was a friendly, gentle man with an optimistic outlook. He was a great listener, who gathered information before acting.” Known for his kindness and wry sense of humor, Brown was born in Wooster, Ohio, grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan, and graduated from high school in Elkhart, Indiana. The arc of his career took him to some of the nation’s most prestigious medical institutions. He earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia and completed an internship and residency at Rush Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, following which he accepted a faculty position in pathology at Rush. In 1959, he joined Mayo Clinic, where he became chair of the Department of Pathology and Anatomy and helped form the Mayo Medical School. There, he was active in cancer research and earned a national reputation, serving on and chairing councils and committees at the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute. Brown moved from Mayo to the SMPH in 1978 and served as dean until 1991. In that role, Brown established strong working relationships with many medical school and campus departments, and he built connections throughout the community. We Want to University of Wisconsin Medical Alumni Association Nonprofit Org. Health Sciences Learning Center U.S. Postage 750 Highland Ave. PAID Hear From You Madison, WI Madison, WI 53705 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 750 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53705 OR online at med.wisc.edu/874

OR e-mail [email protected] MS-152308-18 OR via phone at (608) 263-4915

WISCONSIN MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MEDICAL ALUMNI WEEKEND TODD BROWN/MEDIA SOLUTIONS MAY 31-JUNE 1 2018 CLASS REUNIONS FOR MADISON, WISCONSIN ’53, ’58, ’63 & ’68

And the annual reunion for the HALF-CENTURY SOCIETY Visit www.med.wisc.edu/alumni to learn more