March 2023 | Issue No. 68 |
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As co-chairs of the Women in Medicine (WIM) committee of the Northwestern Medical Alumni Association Board, we want to celebrate Women’s History Month with you. We also want to highlight some of the excellent achievements that the women of our alma mater accomplished throughout the years.
An example of one of the earliest groundbreaking women in Feinberg’s history is Mary Harris Thompson, 1870 MD. She was the first woman to earn her medical degree from the Chicago Medical College (Northwestern University) and the first woman surgeon in Chicago. We invite you to learn more about her and the many successful women who walked through the doors of Northwestern University here. These women are extraordinary examples of what makes Feinberg the successful medical school that it is today.
Today and every day, we recognize the importance of women in medicine and honor the exceptional work that women do in the medical field. Connect with us on Instagram, the WIM Facebook group, and the Medical Alumni Association Facebook page to stay current on upcoming events and updates. Be well, and we look forward to connecting with you all! |
Shelly Vaziri Flais ’95, ’99 MD, ’02 GMER
MAA Board Women in Medicine Co-Chair |
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Kavitha Gandhi ’94, ’98 MD, ’99 GMER
MAA Board Women in Medicine Co-Chair |
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Dear Alumni, We hope that you are having a great spring. Just a reminder, our Alumni Weekend has moved to fall! Alumni Weekend 2023 will be held October 13–14 on campus. Please be on the lookout for more messaging in the upcoming months, with registration opening in June. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus with a host of activities including CME forums, campus and city tours, Celebrate in Chicago, an all-class celebration, and class dinners! Please reach out with any questions, or if you would like to get more involved with your reunion class planning.
Thank you,
Babette
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The Joy and Power of Our Community
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On March 24, women across the Northwestern Medicine community gathered both in-person and virtually for the 5th annual Northwestern Women in Medicine conference. Of the 300 registrants, 200 gathered together in person and nearly 100 joined the conversation remotely! This year’s theme, “The Joy and Power of Our Community,” explored how women in medicine face unique challenges and barriers throughout their professional paths. These obstacles may impact leadership opportunities and career advancement, resulting in a gender gap in the governance of academic medical centers. The conference sought to identify the factors that contribute to gender inequity and shed light on such disparities, as well as offer a space to share experiences and tools to overcome them so as to empower the next generation of female physicians and foster a network of support.
The Women in Medicine committee of your Northwestern Medical Alumni Association Board was pleased to co-host the event, and welcome alumni and friends at the evening’s cocktail reception. For photos from the event, view our online album.
Thank you to all who attended!
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Northwestern Intersections Podcast
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What Does It Mean to Be a Woman in Medicine? |
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On the Northwestern Intersections podcast, alumni share stories about how key experiences have propelled them in their life’s work. Alumni guests share what they’ve done right and wrong and what they’ve learned at each intersection along the way. What Does It Mean to Be a Woman in Medicine? Part 1 Episode 135 features WIM Committee co-chairs Shelly Vaziri Flais ’95, ’99 MD, ’02 GMER, and Kavitha Gandhi |
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’94, ’98 MD, ’99 GMER, as well as MAA Board president-designate Nupur Ghoshal, ’01 PhD, ’03 MD. “It started with the first Women in Medicine Tea hosted at The Drake Hotel in Chicago in 2017. It was a chance for Feinberg alumnae across generations to come together in one place to freely share their stories, their challenges, and their victories. Dr. Ghoshal recalls asking, ‘How do we bottle this moment?’ The mission of the Women in Medicine (WIM) subcommittee of the Medical Alumni Association Board is to elevate and amplify the voices of fellow women in medicine. In part 1 of this episode, Drs. Flais, Gandhi, and Ghoshal share how they all came to be involved with WIM and highlight the subcommittee’s mentorship and philanthropic initiatives. They’ll also explain how the most important instigator of progress is showing up and being intentional about change.” To listen to the episode, visit the Northwestern Intersections website. Stay tuned for Episode 135: Part 2 coming out on March 30. Northwestern Intersections is available to listen and subscribe to on most podcast streaming apps. |
Your Medical Alumni Association hosted a jam-packed schedule of events for alumni and friends of the medical school this winter. From California to Arizona and New York, we were thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with so many of you at our recent events in February and March. Read on to learn more about these exciting coast-to-coast get-togethers. Interested in hosting an alumni gathering in your area? Contact us at medalum@northwestern.edu. |
The MAA had a great time hosting events in Arizona on February 23, 24, and 25. On February 23, we hosted a terrific alumni gathering in Phoenix where many of our alumni were able to meet and connect with fellow local alumni and friends of the medical school. The next day, on February 24, we welcomed alumni and friends for a fantastic Feinberg gathering in Scottsdale. Last but not least, on February 25, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, over 125 alumni and guests from all over the country joined us once again in Mesa at Sloan Park to watch the Chicago Cubs take on the San Francisco Giants in a spring training game. The Cubbies took home a win, defeating the Giants 10-8. Thank you to everyone who joined us from near and far! |
March San Diego Alumni Get-Together |
Your MAA had a blast in San Diego hosting a gathering for our physical therapy alumni as well as local medical alumni on February 23. Our PT alums joined us from all over the country for a get-together held in conjunction with the 2023 American Physical Therapy Association Combined Sections Meeting. This special event gave us an opportunity to celebrate this vital alumni group and the contributions they make to their community, profession, patients, and Northwestern. Thank you to all of our PT and MD alumni who joined us! |
A Night With Northwestern in New York |
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On March 9, in collaboration with the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA), Feinberg hosted a dynamic presentation as part of the NAA’s “A Night With Northwestern” series. Faculty panelists Clyde W. Yancy, MD, MSc; Emily J. Rogalski, ’07 PhD; Francesca Elizabeth Duncan, PhD; and Douglas E. Vaughan, MD (pictured above, left to right), tackled fascinating questions such as why do some people age faster than others? And since tests can now pinpoint how long an individual will live, do you want to know and what’s next? The presentation touched on how industry focus has shifted from prolonging lifespan to extending “healthspan” and what that might mean for your future healthcare.
Thank you to all of our New York alumni who joined us and to our panelists for an outstanding event!
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MAA Digital Series:Hosted by Joseph Gugenheim, ’72 MD
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“Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD” |
We’re thrilled to bring you the newest installment of our MAA Digital Series, from our fantastic host and historian, alum Joseph Gugenheim, ’72 MD!
In celebration of Women’s History Month, this month’s episode shines a light on the life and career of Rebecca Crumpler, MD. Dr. Crumpler was a pioneer in the field and the first Black woman physician in the United States to earn a medical degree. Join Dr. Gugenheim as he expounds upon Dr. Crumpler’s remarkable achievements in this month’s episode.
Dr. Gugenheim presents “Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD.” Thank you, Dr. Gugenheim! |
Join us next month as we take you out to the ball game! In April’s MAA Digital Series episode, Dr. Gugenheim will mark Opening Day by exploring the history of how America’s favorite pastime came to Chicago. |
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This one’s a grand slam. You won’t want to miss it! |
March Celebrations: Alumni Spotlight
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March 6 is Dentists’ Day! In celebration of Dentists’ Day, we are thrilled to honor our Northwestern University Dental School (NUDS) graduates. With 107 years in existence, the Dental School produced some of the top dentists in the country. A great source of pride for the MAA, our NUDS alumni have made and continue to make transformative contributions to the field. Thank you for all that you do! |
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March 30 is Doctors’ Day! We are grateful for this annual opportunity to celebrate our MD and GME alumni. Alumni of our medical school, residency, and fellowship programs are dedicated leaders in their field. Your work and commitment have inspired so many others, many of whom are now following in your footsteps. Your impact continues to elevate the legacy of your alma mater. Thank you for all that you do! |
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Winter APFs: An Impressive Lineup
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The Medical Alumni Association’s mentoring series Alumni Physicians of Feinberg (APF) finished strong this winter with three more of our distinguished alumni sharing their time, journey, and insights with our students. During these fantastic APFs, students had the opportunity to hear from Michael J. Vasconcelles ’85, ’89 MD, and Kenneth Beck, MD, ’96 GMER. Northwestern University Physical Therapy Alumni Association Vice President Aben Cooper ’95 MPT, MBA, also spoke to our PT students as part of an exclusive Alumni Physical Therapists of Feinberg special event. |
Michael J. Vasconcelles ’85, ’89 MD |
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On February 24, Michael J. Vasconcelles ’85, ’89 MD (pictured left and above), executive vice president of Research, Development, and Medical Affairs at ImmunoGen, Inc. spoke with our students who had excellent questions about his day-to-day life at a biotech company. A trained oncologist, he shared how he enjoys working for companies who are changing the way cancer is treated. He encouraged our students to work with and lean on mentors throughout their time in medical school and beyond. Dr. Vasconcelles also is senior adviser to the Life Sciences team at Frazier Healthcare Partners, non-executive director of Molecular Partners AG and Magenta Therapeutics, Inc., a member of the board of the Personalized Medicine Coalition, and a member of the Eastern New England Board of the American Cancer Society. Thank you, Dr. Vasconcelles! |
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Kenneth Beck, MD, ’96 GMER |
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On March 8, Kenneth Beck, MD, ’96 GMER (pictured left), pathologist and laboratory director at UroPartners Laboratory, spoke with our APF students. UroPartners is a large single-specialty practice in the Chicagoland area and Southern Wisconsin. Dr. Beck has been in practice since 1995 and has worked at NorthShore Highland Park Hospital and Lake Forest Hospital prior to UroPartners. His residency training was at the Evanston Hospital in anatomic and clinical pathology, and he received his MD at Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine. Dr. Beck shared his thoughts, experiences, and insights, offering advice for our medical students as they enter the field professionally. Thank you to Dr. Beck for leading this popular and engaging session for our students! |
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On March 8, Northwestern University Physical Therapy Alumni Association Vice President Aben Cooper ’95 MPT, MBA (pictured left), spoke to our PT students as part of an exclusive Alumni Physical Therapists of Feinberg special event. Mr. Cooper encouraged the students to use their Northwestern network when they graduate and shared stories of why he joined the Physical Therapy Alumni Association Board. He also encouraged the students to try different types of PT—inpatient, home health, travel, athletics, outpatient, etc. He assured the students that PT’s will always be in demand, and that there are plenty of opportunities available. The students asked lots of specific questions and greatly enjoyed this special session. Thank you, Mr. Cooper! |
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Reliving the Magic of Match Day 2023 |
Congratulations to all of our M4s who celebrated Match Day on Friday, March 17!
The students collectively opened their envelopes to see where their medical careers would take them next. We invite you to watch the video and relive the magic with our students and their families at this exciting, momentous event.
Future alumni—we can’t wait to watch your journeys unfold! 💜 Learn more about Match Day 2023 in the Feinberg News Center and view the full list of match results on our website. |
AΩA 2023 Induction Ceremony |
On March 15, the Alpha Omega Alpha (AΩA) medical honor society welcomed 42 new members comprised of students, trainees, alumni, and faculty into the Feinberg chapter on the basis of outstanding scholastic achievement and significant contributions made to the field of medicine. |
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AΩA alumni inductee Daniel Borja-Cacho, MD, ’22 MSc, joined Feinberg’s 120th class. Dr. Borja-Cacho is assistant professor of Surgery in the Division of Organ Transplantation at Feinberg. Read more about the ceremony in the Feinberg News Center. Congratulations to Dr. Borja-Cacho and all the AΩA inductees! |
Wonder what life is like for a med student today? Join M3 Evan Edwards as he shares an inside look at a typical day at Feinberg.
Follow Evan throughout the day during his surgery clerkship to learn more about what he’s doing during this phase of medical school via our interactive timeline and videos. |
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Newly-Updated Feinberg App! |
A new version of the Feinberg app is here! Now available to download, the app was designed especially for you—our on-campus visitors. It features campus maps, the school directory, news sources, nearby lodging and dining options, and more. |
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Planning a campus visit soon? Request your personalized Medical Alumni Association ID Card today to ensure that you can access Northwestern buildings and start exploring campus faster. |
We honor the late Howard S. Traisman ’43, ’46, ’47 MD, former professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Traisman would have celebrated his 100th birthday on March 18, 2023. Both he and his wife Reggie were beloved members of the Northwestern medical community who were deeply committed to the University and its students. The Traisman legacy lives on today through their endowed Scholarship. For more information on the Traisman Scholarship, please contact medalum@northwestern.edu. Congratulations to the Traisman family on this incredible, enduring legacy! |
Lucy A. Godley, ’97 MD, PhD, has been named the inaugural director of the Jeff and Marianne Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, effective April 1. She also will serve as clinical director of Cancer Genetics. Made possible by a philanthropic investment from the Jeffrey and Marianne Silver Family Foundation, the Silver Family Blood Cancer Institute of the Lurie Cancer Center was established to strengthen and expand emerging research and clinical trials in the Lurie Cancer Center Center’s Hematologic Malignancies Program. A nationally recognized expert in the treatment of patients with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes, Dr. Godley is currently professor of Medicine in the Section of Hematology and Oncology and professor of Human Genetics at the University of Chicago. Congratulations, Dr. Godley! |
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Steven R. Deitcher ’86, ’88 MD, will be featured in the Top 100 Innovators & Entrepreneurs magazine. As founder, chief executive officer, and chair of Bespoke Biotherapeutics, a B-cell bioengineering company, Dr. Deitcher’s work in finding solutions for solid-tumor cancers are supported by fourteen granted and several pending patents. “Our goal is to dramatically improve patient outcomes and reduce the side-effects of anti-cancer therapies,” he shared. By using advanced genome engineering technology to reprogram B-cells with the ability to make and locally deliver multiple anticancer treatments directly to tumor cells, immune system cells are now becoming capable of actively locating and destroying cancer cells within the body. Congratulations, Dr. Deitcher! |
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Anita K. Lane ’87, MD, ’94 GMER, has been announced as an alumni recipient of the Joliet Catholic Academy’s 2023 Hall of Champions: Business and Industry. The mission of the Hall of Champions: Business and Industry is to honor graduates for their accomplishments throughout their professional careers ranging from medicine, law, education, entertainment, business, technology, and more. Dr. Lane is the owner and co-founder of Touchstone Internal Medicine in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Congratulations, Dr. Lane! |
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Leo Gordon, ’73 MD, gave an animated reading at the inaugural meeting of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Center for Humanities in Medicine. His essay, “Out of Touch,” is a bittersweet assessment of progress in surgery as human disease has moved further and further from his hands by way of laparoscopy and robotics. To read “Out of Touch,” visit the General Surgery News publication website. Congratulations, Dr. Gordon! |
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Do you have news to share with us or know of an alumnus/a we should recognize in the newsletter? Post it on our Facebook page or email us at medalum@northwestern.edu. |
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Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!
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Did you know that the MAA has its very own Plan It Purple calendar? With the Plan It Purple calendar, you’ll never miss a Medical Alumni Association event! You can register for events, download a save-the-date reminder to your calendar, and learn more about all the other University-wide events and offerings. Bookmark the MAA calendar or visit the MAA home page to keep tabs on all of our upcoming events. |
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Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. CDT (with a reception following) |
Arun D. Singh, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic, will give a lecture on ocular (adnexal) lymphoma.
Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Potocsnak Family Atrium and Simpson Querrey Auditorium
303 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611
To RSVP, please email Andrew Christopherson at andrew.christopherson@northwestern.edu or call 312-503-3080. |
2023 Grace Giving Trivia Night | Chicago, IL
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Saturday, April 15, 2023 | 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. CDT |
Teams of ten will compete in Grace Giving’s 6th Annual Trivia Night, enjoying beer, wine, appetizers, and raffles, all while benefiting Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. The creation of Grace Giving is inspired by Grace Oliver-Daday's passing from a glioblastoma brain tumor in 2015, and Grace Giving is committed to continuing her fight for scientific breakthroughs. Irish American Heritage Center
4626 North Knox Avenue
Chicago, IL 60630 For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit gracegiving23.eventbrite.com or allevents.in/chicago. For questions, please contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu. |
Portrait Unveiling and Reception Honoring the Memory of John Csernansky, MD, Former Chair of the Department of Psychiatry | Chicago, IL
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Thursday, May 4, 2023 | 4:30 p.m. CDT (with a reception following) |
Memorial and Portrait Unveiling for John Csernansky, MD, former chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center
Hughes Auditorium
303 East Superior Street
Chicago, IL 60611 If you have any questions, please email Andrew Christopherson at andrew.christopherson@northwestern.edu or call 312-503-3080. |
Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Minds Matter Benefit | Chicago, IL
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Benefitting the Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute (MBTI) |
Friday, May 5, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception, 7:00 p.m. Dinner |
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
160 East Pearson Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Proceeds from this signature event will support the life changing work done at Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, one of the world’s leading centers for brain tumor research. Minds Matter is Malnati Brain Tumor Institute’s largest annual fundraiser, with Emmy award-winning journalist and anchor of WGN Evening News Micah Materre serving as Master of Ceremonies. This year, we will commemorate fifteen years of a formalized brain tumor institute at Northwestern University.
For more information, please contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu. |
Spring Music and Art Gala Charity Event to Benefit Brain Cancer Research | Decatur, IL
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Saturday, May 6, 2023 |12:00 – 6:00 p.m. CDT |
The Carol Lynn Fuller Foundation Ltd. is dedicated to brain cancer research and is holding this inaugural event in memory of Carol L. Fuller. Join local artists and artisans in sharing live music and local brews at this outdoor celebration of life to benefit Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Golden Fox Brewing
2874 North Dinneen Street
Decatur, IL 62526
For more information, please visit clfullerfoundation.org or contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu. |
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NU Day @ Wrigley | Chicago, IL
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Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | 6:40 p.m. CDT |
The annual tradition returns! Join the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) and thousands of alumni, students, faculty, and staff at Wrigley Field as the Chicago Cubs face the St. Louis Cardinals. Purchase your special-offer ticket through the Chicago Cubs to receive a limited-edition Cubs hat in Northwestern colors. The Cubs will make a donation from each ticket sale to Northwestern’s Student Activity Assistance Fund, which helps students participate in programs and events at the University. A variety of seating and pricing options are available. For groups of fifteen or more, contact Esmeralda Natividad at 773-404-4121 or enatividad@cubs.com. Tickets for the game will be delivered exclusively as mobile tickets via the MLB Ballpark app. You can pick up your hat at Gallagher Way outside the third-base gate before or during the game. Register with the NAA on their FAQ page to let them know you’ve purchased tickets, and you’ll receive information on Northwestern-related activities at the game and photos from the event afterwards. |
SAVE THE DATE: 29th Annual Alzheimer’s Day | Chicago, IL
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Thursday, May 11, 2023 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CDT |
Showcase on Alzheimer’s-related dementia and aging research conducted at Northwestern to bring awareness to the community. Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center
251 East Huron Street, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60611 |
Concerts for Concern Benefiting Lurie Cancer Center | Chicago, IL
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Friday, May 19, 2023 | Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago |
Concerts for Concern, an organization founded by violinist, Michelle Wynton, collaborates with local musical talent to increase awareness and to encourage support of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. These free concerts are typically held during lunch hours and are approximately 50 minutes long.
For more information, please contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu. |
30th Annual Lurie Cancer Center Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K | Chicago, IL
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Sunday, June 4, 2023 | Grant Park |
Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer of Northwestern University is hosting the 30th Annual Cancer Survivors’ Celebration Walk & 5K, a one-of-kind opportunity for people who have faced or are facing cancer to connect as a community and celebrate milestones with the families, friends, physicians, scientists, and care providers who support them every step of the way.
For more information, please contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu. |
Benefitting Lurie Cancer Center’s Survivorship Program |
Saturday, June 10, 2023 | Wilmette Harbor Club |
Founded by Emmy Award-winning journalist and cancer survivor Dina Bair, Day 1 Survivors’ mission is to help anyone facing a cancer diagnosis become a survivor from Day 1. This event is held to raise funds and awareness about the value of patient and family-centered care. Have fun while supporting the Survivorship Institute at Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit A Grand Garden Party & Bocce Ball Tournament. For questions, please contact Ashley May Coussens at 312-503-0759 or ashleymay@northwestern.edu.
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Saturday, July 22, 2023 | 5:00 p.m to Midnight CDT | Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier |
Join us at the 21st Annual Goombay Bash, a Caribbean-themed festival to find a cure for cancer. The Goombay Bash is one of Chicago's largest and liveliest cancer research fundraising events! All proceeds benefit basic science cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. For more information, please visit goombaybash.com/goombay-bash. |
Stay in tune with Feinberg faculty through candid interviews in the Breakthroughs podcast archives. Listen to their insights, explore recent episodes, claim continuing medical education credit, and subscribe to the show so that you can stay up-to-date with the latest discoveries.
Claim CME Credit—At the bottom of every podcast story page, you’ll find the eligible credit amount and a “claim your credit” button, which will take you to Feinberg’s CME website. Just sign in and fill out the form. Feinberg School of Medicine podcasts are available on: iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Stitcher. |
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Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine | Medical Alumni Association
420 East Superior Street, Rubloff Building, 9th Floor
Chicago, Illinois 60611
medalum@northwestern.edu
312-503-8012
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