"Clearly, Paul Werner and all of those who worked with him during his tenure as chair, can take justifiable professional satisfaction in the achievement of his considerable contributions to the department and the School of Medicine" said Richard Gallagher, PhD, professor of family medicine. "Equal justifiable pride can be taken in the legacy that he leaves in our trust."

Dr. Werner joined Wayne State in 1983 as a clinical faculty member in family medicine. In 1986, he accepted a full-time role as associate chair and director of predoctoral education in the department. In 1990, he was appointed chairman and later became director of geriatrics and medical director of the DMC West and Northwest Nursing Centers.

With a deep commitment to his students and patients, Dr. Werner has served as: director of the family practice residency program at Pontiac General Hospital, executive director of Hospice of Southeast Michigan, medical director of the Father Murray Nursing Center, and medical advisor for the Jesuit Health Care Community for retired priests.

In 1975, Dr. Werner was appointed to the MSU faculty and served as director of undergraduate medical education at MSU’s Upper Peninsula Medical Education Program at Escanaba from 1975 to 1981. He then served two years as assistant dean of undergraduate medical education at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia, before joining WSU.

"It has been our great fortune to have Paul at WSU," said Robert Sokol, MD, dean of the School of Medicine. "His record of service throughout his career has been no less than astounding. His service as chairman of family medicine has been beyond exemplary; it’s been extraordinary. He is someone who emulates the discipline at its best."