December 2003

Vol. I, Issue 1

• DEAN'S MESSAGE
• NEW CHAIRS ANNOUNCED
• WSU DOCS IN THE NEWS
• IN MEMORIAM
• CALLING ALL ALUMNI
• MEET US OUT WEST
• ENDOWMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• CHECK OUT THESE CME EVENTS
  
  

DEAN'S MESSAGE
Dr. John D. Crissman, Dean of WSU School of Medicine

Hello and welcome to the first edition of the Wayne State University School of Medicine e-Update. With this monthly newsletter, we will provide valuable and useful information in a timely fashion to our alumni and friends. It will serve as a bridge between the School of Medicine and our public that, I hope, will strengthen our link.

I feel that it is important to maintain an open line of communication with our alumni and friends. We want you to know what is happening at the School of Medicine. This e-newsletter will be a regular source for your news about upcoming events at the School and Alumni Association activities throughout the country, including future Continuing Medical Education credit possibilities and much more.

Various departments and physicians will be featured in the e-Update. We will showcase people who are making headlines and important discoveries of which the School is most proud. I hope you enjoy this newsletter and the new channels of communication it will open between the School and alumni. I look forward to bringing you the news about your school that you want to read and providing a link to strengthen our connection.

NEW CHAIRS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations go out to two new department chairs at the WSU School of Medicine. Dr. Manuel Tancer is leading the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, while Dr. Andrew Turrisi is now overseeing the Department of Radiation Oncology and serving as chief of radiation oncology at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and Detroit Medical Center. Dr. Tancer is also psychiatrist-in-chief for the Detroit Medical Center. Both doctors have earned distinction for research in their respective fields.

WSU DOCS IN THE NEWS

Crain’s Detroit Business honored three Wayne State faculty members in its "Health Care Heroes" edition. Dr. Isaac Powell, professor of urology, was recognized for his efforts to reduce the incidence of prostate cancer in African-American men by establishing a program called Detroit Education and Early Detection (DEED). Dr Robert Frank, associate dean for academic and student programs, was honored for 30 years of training medical students in areas such as patient care, social responsibility and dealing with economic pressures. And Dr. Eli Goldberg, assistant professor of pediatrics, was commended for his Kids Kicking Cancer program that teaches martial arts to pediatric cancer and sickle cell anemia patients to strengthen them physically and emotionally.

The Houston Chronicle recently profiled Wayne State School of Medicine graduate Dr. Peter Traber who was named president and CEO of Baylor College of Medicine earlier this year. The story looks at how Dr. Traber’s leadership style and an unprecedented proposal have "shaken things up" at Baylor. Click here to read the Houston Chronicle article.

IN MEMORIAM

Dr. Elston Robert "E.R." Huffman, a WSU School of Medicine graduate, died October 13th at Marquette General Hospital in Michigan. The 87-year-old Dr. Huffman was former assistant professor of medicine at the University of Colorado. He had a private practice in internal medicine and was a founding physician for the present Marquette Medical Center. Dr. Huffman is survived by his wife, Dorothy, six children, four stepchildren and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

CALLING ALL ALUMNI

As of December 1, more than $371,000 has been raised so far in the 31st Annual Alumni Telefund for the School of Medicine. Student and alumni volunteers called medical alumni to ask for contributions to support a variety of programs including scholarships, loans, community outreach activities, summer research fellowships, student research projects and much more. This year's goal is $565,000. Click here to find out how you can make a donation.

MEET US OUT WEST

The new year will bring new opportunities to meet and greet alumni and friends of the School of Medicine. Dean John Crissman is hosting a series of receptions and dinners in Arizona and California on the following dates:

• Scottsdale, AZ - January 16 - 7 p.m. - Private Home
• San Diego, CA - January 17 - 7 p.m. - University Club at Symphony Towers
• Los Angeles, CA - January 18 - 4 p.m. - L.A. Athletic Club

For more information on these events, contact Lori Robitaille, Alumni Affairs Manager, at (313) 993-4070 or lrobitai@med.wayne.edu. We hope to see you there!

ENDOWMENT OPPORTUNITIES
David R. Lepper, Exec. Director, WSU Development & Alumni Affairs

Your continued support plays a valuable and essential role in the success of the School of Medicine. Your generous contributions have helped ensure that it remains a leading medical institution in our community and in the country. I would like to personally thank you for this support and take this time to invite you to take advantage of a special opportunity.

In January 2004, the University will revise the funding level at which an endowed fund can be created. The minimum contribution necessary to establish an endowed account will rise from $10,000 to $25,000. If you have ever desired to contribute to the School in this manner, to create an endowment with the hopes of honoring a loved one or a respected colleague, now may be the time to begin the process. Continued...

CHECK OUT THESE CME EVENTS

Mark your calendar for three upcoming conferences organized by WSU's Division of Continuing Medical Education:

• Second Annual Asian American International Medical Conference:
  " Emerging Health Issues - A Global Perspective"
  January 2-4 • Marco Island, FL
• "Congestive Heart Failure for the 21st Century"
  February 7 • Troy, MI
• "Medicolegal Investigation of Death"
  April 21-23 • Dearborn, MI

Call (313) 577-1180 for more information or to register for these important CME activities.

Wayne State University publishes this e-newsletter to convey general information about the School of Medicine and its alumni.

The links to other publicly available web sites are provided as a convenience. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information at those sites.

For coverage comments or news tips, e-mail Mike Gentile at mgentile@med.wayne.edu.

© 2003 Copyright Wayne State University Board of Governors