January 2024 | Issue No. 77 |
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Alumni Weekend 2024:
April 18–20 in Chicago |
Registration Opens February 1 |
Get ready to spring forward! Preparations for Alumni Weekend 2024 are well under way. Join us April 18–20 as we welcome hundreds of alumni back to campus, including our 2024 reunion classes—all classes whose graduation years end in 4 or 9—as well as all members of our Half Century Club (alumni past their 50-year reunion).
Registration for Alumni Weekend will officially open on Thursday, February 1. Be sure to take advantage of our early-bird registration discount! We have a fun-filled weekend planned with a wide selection of talks, forums, Chicago sightseeing opportunities, class dinners, an all-alumni celebration, and more! If you’d like a sneak peek of the weekend’s events, please visit our Alumni Weekend website.
Not your reunion year? Not a problem! This is truly an all-alumni weekend. All alumni, guests, and family members are welcome to attend.
If this is your reunion year and you are interested in becoming more involved with your class committee, please reach out to Katie Ferris at katie.ferris@northwestern.edu. Reunion weekend would not be possible without our incredible alumni volunteers.
Lastly, please take a minute to book your hotel now! Hotel rooms have been arranged at various local hotels at discounted rates. Visit the “2024 Travel and Accommodations” portion of our Alumni Weekend website for more information. Rates are guaranteed until March 18, 2024, or until the room blocks sell out.
Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us! |
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Dear Alumni,
We hope that you had a great holiday season and a Happy New Year! We are excited to share that Alumni Weekend registration opens February 1. Please visit our Alumni Weekend website to book your hotels, as our special rates are posted and ready to book. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus April 18-20, 2024. Alumni Weekend is for all alumni, not just for those celebrating their reunion year. We have a robust schedule of events for our Half Century Club members as well (alumni who are past their 50-year reunion).
Please reach out to us with any questions.
Thank you,
Babette
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Feinberg experienced a year of outstanding growth, scientific achievement, and collaboration in 2023, from honors and awards to unprecedented research discoveries. Explore a selection of the most impactful and groundbreaking stories from last year.
Read more in the Feinberg News Center. |
We’re thrilled that the M’Cats had a such strong showing in Vegas to cheer on the Northwestern Wildcats in the SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl on December 23, 2023. The ’Cats secured a strong 14-7 victory over the Utah Utes and brought the Bowl trophy back home to Northwestern. From the N Zone Pep Rally to our Medical Alumni Association brunch, alumni from across the country showed up in Vegas to cheer on the team. A staggering 3.09 million viewers tuned in to watch the game live, making it the highest-rated Week 2 Bowl game of the season.
A special thank you to Stephen M. Stahl ’73, ’75 MD, all of our medical alumni and friends who traveled from near and far, and everyone who cheered the ’Cats on from home! Relive the excitement by viewing our Las Vegas Bowl photo album. |
Conversations and Connections in the Coachella Valley
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On January 20, alumni and friends of the medical school joined us for brunch and conversation at the beautiful home of Steven T. Rosen ’72, ’76 MD, ’79 GMER, ’81 GMER (’01, ’05 P), in La Quinta, California. Our host Dr. Rosen led the group in a lively discussion, providing an opportunity for attendees to share their story and hear from fellow alumni and friends of the medical school.
Against the beautiful backdrop of the Coachella Valley, attendees spent the afternoon catching up with old friends and make new connections among this “One Northwestern Family”—the theme of the event.
Thank you to Dr. Rosen for graciously hosting the event and to all the wonderful guests who joined us!
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MAA Digital Series:
Hosted by Joseph Gugenheim, ’72 MD
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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.
An iconic landmark, Chicago’s Navy Pier has undergone a number of remarkable transformations since it opened in 1916. Though it’s now the site for some of Feinberg’s annual graduation ceremonies, how much do you really know about the origins of the world’s longest public pier? In this month’s episode, Dr. Gugenheim explores the history and possible future of this famous Windy City location.
Dr. Gugenheim presents “Navy Pier.”
Thank you, Dr. Gugenheim! |
In observance of Black History Month, the February topic for our MAA Digital Series is Bronzeville. For over a century, Bronzeville has been a center of African-American business and cultural life on Chicago’s South Side. Home to many writers, artists, musicians, and athletes, the neighborhood has undergone a revival and continues to be a business and cultural center to this day. |
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Diversity & Inclusion Matters Newsletter |
We invite you to check out the newest issue of Diversity & Inclusion Matters, a newsletter from the medical school’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)! In it, you’ll hear from our vice dean of Diversity and Inclusion, celebrate ODI’s 20th Anniversary, learn how men in medicine are offering critical mentorship to the next generation of physicians and scientists, and more! |
Making Meaningful Music: The NMO |
The Northwestern Medical Orchestra (NMO) was formed in 2018 by first-year medical students to spread the joy and therapeutic benefits of music to the entire Northwestern medical community. In a few short years, the orchestra has grown from 45 initial members to over 110 alumni, student, faculty, and staff musicians in its most recent season. In fall 2023, the NMO collaborated with Northwestern’s Bienen School of Music and performed Dream Elegy composed by Bienen’s new dean, Dr. Jonathan Bailey Holland. Today, the NMO continues its mission to promote well-being, advocate diverse programming, and provide equitable access to music.
The NMO’s concerts are free to all. Please keep your eye out for registration announcements as these upcoming performances approach:
• NMO Chamber Music Concert — February 23 (7:00 p.m. CST)
• NMO Spring 2024 Concert — May 3 (7:00 p.m. CDT)
Learn more from Feinberg alumni who participate in the NMO in these testimonials: |
“I first joined the Northwestern Medical Orchestra four years ago, before the COVID-19 disruption. I started playing the cello 30 years ago, and joining the orchestra was a dream come true. Playing with so many young, dedicated, and talented musicians brings so much joy. The organizers have done a wonderful job. The conductors, choice of music, and concerts have all been at a high level.”
Leeber S. Cohen, ’80 MD, ’84 GMER
Professor, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine |
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“I am a proud and grateful member of the NMO since its inception in 2018. Having been a dedicated clarinetist from 4th to 12th grades, I had put my instrument aside through college, medical school, residency training, and the first 16 years of parenthood. Just as I had time to rekindle hobbies, an invitation to join the NMO arrived in my inbox. It has been a fantastic experience making music with this community of people, while the dedication and force of will of the student leaders are an inspiration.”
Sarah Stein, MD, ’00 GMER
Professor, The University of Chicago Medicine |
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For more information on how to get involved or support the Northwestern Medical Orchestra, please visit the NMO’s website. You can also enjoy the NMO’s Fall concert recording here!
Please share your stories with us about how music is meaningful to you at medalum@northwestern.edu. Do you have a memorable experience from performing in a musical group as a Northwestern medical student? We would love to hear from you.
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Senda Ajroud-Driss, MD, ’01 GMER, ’05 GMEF, has been named as one of the 2023 Women in Tech by the France-based Tunisian association, RECONNECTT. Winners were chosen on the basis of their professional careers, scientific publications, and commitment to Tunisia. Dr. Ajroud-Driss is professor of Neurology (Neuromuscular Disease) at Feinberg. Congratulations, Dr. Ajroud-Driss! |
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Lily Jung Henson ’82, ’86 MD, ’87 GMER, has been named to the board of trustees of Augusta Technical College in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Henson is chief executive officer for Piedmont Augusta Clinical Hub. She previously served as chief executive officer and chief medical officer at Piedmont Henry Hospital, chief of Neurology at Piedmont Healthcare, president of Medical Affairs at Swedish Ballard Hospital, and chief of staff at Swedish Issaquah Hospital. Dr. Henson is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a former Thomas E. Dolan Scholar. She most recently served as stroke clinic director and neurohospitalist at Swedish Health Services and was clinical associate professor of Neurology at the University of Washington. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Neurology and on the Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce. Congratulations, Dr. Henson! |
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James Mangerson, PA-C, ’12 MMS, was recently featured in the cover story, “The STS National Database: Harnessing Long-Term Data to Advance Patient Care,” of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons’ STS News Fall 2023 issue, sporting his Northwestern Medicine alumni pin! The article can be found here. Mangerson is a physician assistant at ProHealth Heart and Vascular Care in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and is part of the featured multidisciplinary team working to improve patient care and reduce ventilation times for isolated coronary artery bypass grafting patients. Mangerson has been in cardiothoracic surgery since 2012 and at ProHealth Care since 2014. Congratulations to James Mangerson! |
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Samara Taher, ’06 MD (pictured right), has been named a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The degree was conferred during a convocation on Saturday, October 28, as part of the AAFP's annual meeting in Chicago. Established in 1971, the AAFP Degree of Fellow recognizes family physicians who have distinguished themselves through service to family medicine and ongoing professional development including a minimum of six years of membership in the organization, extensive continuing medical education, participation in public service programs outside medical practice, conducting original research, and serving as a teacher in family medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Taher! |
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Jonathan Venn, ’77 PhD, recently published a book entitled Crime and Psychology: Foundations of Forensic Practice. More information on Dr. Venn’s book can be found online here. Dr. Venn is a diplomate in forensic psychology and clinical psychology, as well as a licensed psychologist in Gold River, California. Congratulations, Dr. Venn! |
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Charles F. von Gunten, MD, PhD, ’91 GMER, ’93 GMEF, has been named chief medical officer for The Elizabeth Hospice and will oversee all medical aspects of the organization’s hospice and palliative care and services. A pioneer in hospice and palliative medicine, Dr. von Gunten was the founding chair of the test committee for Hospice and Palliative Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine on behalf of nine American Board of Medical Specialties member boards. He is the 2011 recipient of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as a prior recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Pathfinder in Palliative Care Award. He previously served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Palliative Medicine, as well as medical director of OhioHealth Hospice and vice president of medical affairs, Hospice & Palliative Medicine at OhioHealth. Congratulations, Dr. von Gunten! |
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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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Tuesday, January 30, 2024 | 5:30 p.m. CST |
The Northwestern Tucson Club, in collaboration with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, invites you to an upcoming presentation: “Is Aging Inevitable or Preventable?”
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
5:30 p.m. Check-in, Reception
6:45 p.m. Presentation, Q&A
8:00 p.m. Event Concludes
Featuring:
Douglas E. Vaughan, MD
Director, Potocsnak Longevity Institute
Irving S. Cutter Professor of Medicine Emeritus
Professor of Medicine (Cardiology)
Why do some people age faster than others? Tests can now pinpoint how long an individual will live. Do you want to know? Once you know, what’s next? Come learn how industry focus has shifted from prolonging lifespan to extending “healthspan” and what that might mean for your future healthcare.
The Graduate | Tucson, Arizona
Reception includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres.
Now in its ninth year, Northwestern Connects is an annual networking event held on the same night in dozens of cities across the globe. Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your personal and professional networks while celebrating your Purple Pride. |
Sunday, February 4, 2024 | 10:00 a.m.–Noon EST |
The Northwestern Alumni Association in collaboration with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine invites you to “Frontiers of the Brain.”
The brain is the most complex organ, but our knowledge has expanded exponentially in the last decade due to various technologies. The brain may be the next major frontier in medicine. Come learn from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine faculty about recent advances in neuroscience and what lies ahead for research on brain health.
Featuring:
Tamar D. Gefen ’12 MS, ’15 PhD
Phyllis C. Zee, MD, PhD, ’87 GMER, ’89 GMEF
Jim Surmeier, PhD
Panel Moderator: Stuart Isaacson ’86, ’88 MD
Stuart H. Isaacson, MD, FAAN, is director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center of Boca Raton in Florida and an alum of Northwestern's Honors Program in Medical Education.
City Fish Market | Boca Raton, Florida
Business casual. Reception includes a breakfast buffet.
Space is limited; register by January 31. Please email alumnieducation@northwestern.edu with any questions. |
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 | 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. EST |
The NU Club of Greater Naples and the Half Century Club of Northwestern University’s Medical Alumni Association invite you to join us for a discussion featuring faculty members Douglas E. Vaughan, MD; Francesca E. Duncan, PhD; and Rod S. Passman, MD, MSCE: “Is Aging Inevitable or Preventable?”
Why do some people age faster than others? Tests can now pinpoint how long an individual will live. Do you want to know? Once you know, what’s next? Come learn how industry focus has shifted from prolonging lifespan to extending “healthspan” and what that might mean for your future healthcare.
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón | Grand Lawn Pavilion
Advance registration is required. |
Friday, February 23, 2024 | 5:30–9:00 p.m. CST |
You are cordially invited to the Northwestern University Dental School (NUDS) Alumni Midwinter Reception.
Cost: $20 per person in advance; $25 at the door. Hors d’oeuvres, pasta bar, and dessert will be served. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are included.
Please note that online and phone registration closes Monday, February 19, 2024. To purchase your ticket via phone, please call the Northwestern Alumni Association (NAA) at 847-491-7988. |
Saturday, March 2, 2024 | 5:00–8:00 p.m. MST
Musical Instrument Museum |
Please join the Northwestern Alumni Association in partnership with Bienen School of Music and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for A Night with Northwestern: Music and Medicine.
Learn about the effect that music has on your health throughout your life from panelists Sarah J. Bartolome ’02 MMus, PhD, associate professor, Bienen School of Music; Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, associate professor of Neurology (Behavorial Neurology), Feinberg; and Bharath Chandrasekaran, PhD, department chair, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Communication.
Moderated by Dean Jonathan Bailey Holland, Bienen School of Music.
Event Schedule
Reception: 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. (with access to two exhibit halls)
Panel Discussion: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Tickets
$15: Recent Graduates (graduation years 2014-2024)
$20: General Admission
Please reserve your travel and hotel accommodations now as this is expected to be a very busy weekend in Arizona. |
Sunday, March 3, 2023 | 1:05 p.m. MST
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians |
The Medical Alumni Association is proud to once again host alumni and friends for a spring training game at Sloan Park in Arizona.
Your $35 purchase includes one game ticket, food, soda, and two adult beverage tickets. Exclusively for members of The Founders Society and Half Century Club, and Northwestern alumni.
Limited tickets are available, so get yours today!
Sorry, no refunds and no exchanges.
All ticket sales are final. Tickets are transferable but not refundable.
Please reserve your travel and hotel accommodations now as this is expected to be a very busy weekend in Arizona. |
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 | 4:00–5:00 p.m. CST |
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health invites you to join us for an upcoming virtual event: “Bringing Primary Care to the Global Stage: Why Now and What Will it Take?”
Join us for a webinar on the state of primary care around the world and how the Havey Institute for Global Health is working to bring quality care to all.
Featuring:
Lisa Hirschhorn, MD, MPH
Director of the Ryan Family Center for Global Primary Care
with Q&A moderated by Robert J. Havey, ’80 MD, ’83 GMER, ’84 GMEF
Advance registration required. |
Thursday, April 18–Saturday, April 20, 2024 |
We’re Springing Forward—Come Celebrate in Chicago!
Alumni Weekend is the cornerstone event for the Medical Alumni Association. Spend the weekend reconnecting with friends and classmates as you explore campus, participate in lectures and tours, and celebrate at class dinners. We are thrilled to welcome back our 2024 reunion classes, as well as all members of our Half Century Club. Not your reunion year? Not a problem! There’s so much to see and do. Plan to spend a spring weekend with us. See you in Chicago!
Advance registration is required. There is no on-site registration for Alumni Weekend.
Registration opens February 1. |
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 (CME) 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.
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine podcasts are available on iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify, and Pandora. |
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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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