Release of:
The University of Maryland School of Medicine:
The First Two Centuries
A Historic Labor of Love
by Morton M. Krieger, ’52
Chair, Ad-Hoc Bicentennial Book Committee

One of the Medical Alumni Association’s contributions to the medical school’s bicentennial celebration is a handsome publication entitled The University of Maryland School of Medicine: The First Two Centuries. It is now being distributed to all alumni, faculty, and students as an anniversary gift from the MAA.

 Could you think of a better way to celebrate our 200th birthday? The idea of a publication highlighting our accomplishments was first conceived in 1999 by Selvin Passen, ’60, who at the time was serving as our alumni president. As a past president and current medical editor for the alumni Bulletin magazine, I was intrigued with the idea and volunteered to lead the project in early 2003.

 

Morton M. Krieger, '52

We recruited a well-balanced committee. Alumni members included Milford M. “Mickey” Foxwell Jr., ’80; Sylvan Frieman, ’53; Morton D. Kramer, ’55; Jonas Rappeport, ’52; and Jean Silver-Isenstadt, ’02. Our group also included Richard Behles, the historical librarian for the university’s health sciences library, and Jennifer Litchman, the medical school’s assistant dean for public affairs. And I don’t think I need to tell you, but I will, that Larry Pitrof, our executive director, also played quite a large part in this project.

Our committee had its first organizational meeting in September 2003. After reviewing a number of different book designs, we opted for a coffee-table-type publication that would be easy rea
ding and full of visuals. It was decided that we would present a time line featuring the evolution of our medical school. And along the way we would present faculty accomplishments as well as alumni contributions. To paint an accurate portrait of our school, we felt it was important to present both the good and the not-so-good developments, and we did just that.

I’m truly grateful to Drs. Frieman and Rappeport who spent hours delving into past Bulletin magazines and yearbooks to uncover significant events and accomplishments of our predecessors. Dr. Foxwell, whom most of us know as our associate dean for admissions, was a treasure trove in furnishing historical information relating to our first hundred years. Dr. Kramer was eager to help in this area as well. Our committee reviewed submissions from a number of different sources including alumni and faculty.

We have a true scholar in Dr. Silver-Isenstadt. Herself a published author, she provided invaluable advice to us on a number of stylistic and content issues. Both she and Jennifer Litchman did a superb job critiquing the manuscript written by Larry Pitrof. Finally, I wish to express my appreciation to Rich Behles, who in my opinion is one of the university’s best-kept secrets. His repository of historical information helped us verify significant events, and he also provided incredible visuals to support the copy.

Once we had all the material gathered, edited, and re-edited, we turned to our friends at Brushwood Graphics. This is the company that designs the Bulletin magazine. As always, Stephen Johnston quietly guided us along, and his wife Nancy’s artistic ability again proved to be second to none.

Our publication was on time and under budget. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Patti LaBelle

Dr. Richard Bliss

Dr. James Shapiro

Bicentennial Lecture Series Part I: Diabetes
7:00–9:00 pm
Hippodrome Theatre
12 N. Eutaw Street
This program highlights the science behind the history and future of diabetes treatment and ends with insights into living with the disease from singer Patti LaBelle. Representing the School of Medicine are the dean, Dr. E. Albert Reece, Dr. Alan Shuldiner, professor of medicine and physiology, and Dr. Stephen T. Bartlett, professor and chair of surgery. Guest speakers are Dr. Richard Bliss, medical historian at the University of Toronto, and Dr. James Shapiro, director of the islet transplantation program at the University of Alberta and a former Maryland fellow under Dr. Bartlett. This lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are required by visiting the bicentennial website at http://sombicentennial.umaryland.edu or by calling 410.706.2007.

Bicentennial Lecture Series Part II: The Enduring Power of Leadership
7:00–9:00 pm
Hippodrome Theatre
12 N. Eutaw Street

This special evening promotes community service and sets the tone for a medical student service project the following day. Speakers are respected individuals who have retired from the positions that made them famous, yet continue to provide leadership in unexpected areas. Included is Baltimore Oriole Cal Ripken, Jr., a future Hall of Fame inductee who now spends time promoting children’s reading and supporting youth athletic programs. This lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are required by visiting the bicentennial website at http://sombicentennial.umaryland.edu or by calling 410.706.2007.
Then, on April 27, medical students will spend the day with Maryland school children to excite them, their teachers, and their guidance counselors in scientific endeavors as well as in careers in medicine and allied health.

Robert O. Hickman, '57

Philip A. Mackowiak, '70

Medical Alumni Recognition Luncheon
11:15 am–1:15 pm
Holiday Inn Inner Harbor
301 W. Lombard Street
Robert O. Hickman, ’57, Philip A. Mackowiak, ’70, and members of the Golden Anniversary Class of 1957 are the honored guests at this year’s event.

The MAA honors Hickman as recipient of its Honor Award & Gold Key. A faculty member at the University of Washington since 1962, Hickman is a pioneer in central venous access who in 1973 invented the Hickman catheter. Mackowiak is recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. A Maryland professor of medicine and vice chair of the department, Mackowiak developed the medical school’s Historical Clinicopathological Conference in 1995. The event, devoted to the modern medical diagnosis of disorders that affected prominent historical figures, has brought national and international recognition to Maryland. Tickets are $35 and can be reserved on the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

Gabor S. Boritt, PhD

Dr. Thomas M. Scalea

13th Annual Historical Clinicopathological Conference Saving President Lincoln

1:30–3:00 pm
Davidge Hall
This year’s program examines the treatment U.S. president Abraham Lincoln received after being hit by an assassin’s bullet in 1865. We’ll attempt to determine if the world’s first center for trauma victims could have improved the outcome had Lincoln’s assassination occurred in 2007, and how extending his life may have altered history. Participants include Dr. Thomas M. Scalea, physician-in-chief for the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Gabor S. Boritt, director of the Civil War Institute and Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies at Gettysburg College. This conference is free, but reservations are required by visiting the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

Dennis Miller

Stephen A. Valenti, '78

Bicentennial Gala
6:30 pm to Midnight
Baltimore Convention Center
1 West Pratt Street
The Baltimore Convention Center is the site of the medical school’s largest celebration in 100 years. Our black tie event includes a cocktail reception at 6:30 pm and dinner at 8:00. Following our medical school program we’ll be treated to entertainment by Emmy award winning comedian Dennis Miller. Then, it’s dancing until midnight to music by Stevie V and The Heart Attackers. Stevie V is Stephen A. Valenti, a cardiologist and 1978 Maryland alumnus, and his band—consisting of several Maryland alumni and employees of our medical center—play a mix of swing, big band, and contemporary hits. Tickets are $200 and can be reserved on the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

 

Trip to the World War II Memorial
Washington, DC
9:00 am–1:00 pm
Departing from Davidge Hall
The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people. Tickets are $25 and can be reserved on the MAA’s reunion registration site http:// medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

Restoring Davidge Hall: An Update
Larry Pitrof, MAA Executive Director
11:30 am–12:30 pm
Davidge Hall

Larry Pitrof

The Medical Alumni Association and University of Maryland have spent $4 million over the past eight years restoring the exterior of Davidge Hall. MAA executive director Larry Pitrof details the work already completed and offers insight into the planning underway for conservation of the building’s interior. His 30-minute presentation in Chemical Hall will be followed by a walking tour of the building. This presentation is free, but reservations are required by visiting the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

 

Milford M. Foxwell, Jr. '80

200 Years of Medicine at Maryland: A Historical Perspective
Milford M. Foxwell Jr., Class of 1980
1:30–2:30 pm
Davidge Hall

In addition to serving as associate dean for admissions at the medical school, Milford M. Foxwell, ’80, is our resident historian. His engaging presentation will focus on the school’s first 100 years, highlighting the struggles and accomplishments of these early medical pioneers. This presentation is free, but reservations are required by visiting the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

MAA/Preakness Crab Feast
4:30–7:30 pm
Baltimore Museum of Industry Pavilion
1415 Key Highway - Inner Harbor South
The Baltimore Museum of Industry offers a unique backdrop for our all-you-can-eat crab feast. Our event is being held in the copper-roofed Pavilion, offering a spectacular view of Baltimore’s picturesque inner harbor. Music is provided, and we’re planning to have a monitor to watch the running of the Preakness Stakes from Pimlico. A note to non-crab lovers: we have alternatives for you. Tickets are $50 and can be reserved on the MAA’s reunion registration site http://medicalalumni.org or by calling 410.706.7454.

Baltimore Orioles vs Boston Red Sox
School of Medicine Bicentennial Night at Camden Yards
7:05 pm
Join alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends for an evening of excitement and enjoyment at Camden Yards as the O’s take on their division rivals from Beantown. Event details, including ticket prices, will be announced in spring.

Bicentennial Lecture Series Part III: The Central Nervous System
7:00–9:00 pm
Hippodrome Theatre
12 N. Eutaw Street

Dr. Nancy Wexler

The central nervous system is a complex and fascinating topic. Representing the school are the dean, Dr. E. Albert Reece and Dr. William Weiner, professor and chair of the department of neurology. They will be joined by Dr. Nancy Wexler, professor and neuropsychologist at Columbia University who will explore the science and impact of Huntington’s disease. Also scheduled to speak on the topic of Parkinsons disease is former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. This lecture is free and open to the public, but tickets are required by visiting the bicentennial website at http://sombicentennial.umaryland.edu or by calling 410.706.2007.

U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno

National Broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion
Hippodrome Theatre
12 N. Eutaw Street
This live, international broadcast on public radio features Garrison Keillor and the gang from Lake Woebegone. The medical school is the co-sponsor in collaboration with WYPR-FM. Event details, including ticket prices, will be announced in spring.

2007 Reunion Schedule