Pathfinders in Medicine are honored

On May 11, 2000, the Wayne State University School of Medicine hosted its inaugural Pathfinders in Medicine Awards at Comerica Park. Charles Whitten, MD, Marjorie Peebles-Meyers, MD, Charles Wright, MD, and Arthur Porter, MD, were honored for their contributions to equality and diversity in the medical community (see bios below).

This was one of the first events to be held in the glass-enclosed private dining area in the new Comerica Park. Proceeds from the event will benefit two programs that exemplify Wayne State University School of Medicine's commitment to providing opportunity: the Charles F. Whitten, MD Post Baccalaureate Endowment Fund and the Black Medical Association of Wayne State University Endowed Grant Fund.

Pathfinders in Medicine Awards will be presented annually to recognize the leadership and vision of distinguished physicians, researchers, other healthcare professionals, and community leaders who have advanced the quality and availability of medicine. Each year the awards will focus on a different theme or field, and the proceeds will be designated to support related programs.

Sponsors for the 2000 Pathfinders in Medicine Awards included the Detroit Medical Center, Pfizer, Dykema Gossett, the Ford Motor Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Wayne State University Medical Alumni Association and CAPE Home Health Care. Taylor Lewis, MD, ’78, chairs the 2000 Pathfinders in Medicine Awards Committee.

For more information, please call the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at (313) 577-1495.

Pathfinder bios

Marjorie Peebles-Meyers, MD, was the first black woman graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine, and the first black woman intern and resident at Detroit Receiving Hospital.  In 1947, she entered what was considered to be the first interracial private practice in Detroit.

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Medical Center, Arthur T. Porter, MD, is committed to full participation and involvement by minorities and women.  One example is the Supplier Diversity Program designed to identify and introduce minority and woman-owned businesses to the DMC.

In 1969, Charles F. Whitten, MD, developed the post baccalaureate program to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the medical profession.  The Wayne State University School of Medicine post baccalaureate program serves as a national model for success.  Dr. Whitten formed the Sickle Cell Detection and Information Center, the most comprehensive community program in the country, and facilitated the creation of the National Association for Sickle Cell Disease.  As chief of pediatrics at Detroit Receiving Hospital, he was the first black to head a department in a Detroit hospital.

Charles H. Wright, MD, has a long history of involvement in the social and political aspects of medicine.  He was an early advocate of integration at Detroit area hospitals as well as spearheading the African Medical Education Fund through the Detroit Medical Society.  Dr. Wright is the founder of the Museum of African American History in Detroit.