Cell biologist awarded top science prize

Advances

Out & About

• April 15  During their annual visit to the medical school’s Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research (CNRR), members of the PARALYZED VETERANS OF AMERICA (PVA) had dinner with CNRR scientists in Branford College’s Common Room and received scientific updates at CNRR labs the following day. From left: Yale University President Richard C. Levin accepts a PVA donation of $300,000 from Gene A. Crayton, national president of PVA, joined by Stephen G. Waxman, M.D., Ph.D., CNRR director and Bridget Marie Flaherty Professor of Neurology, Neurobiology, and Pharmacology. PVA has been a steadfast supporter of the CNRR for over 20 years, and has made donations totaling millions of dollars to fund the center’s research.
• May 11  At the School of Medicine’s annual STUDENT RESEARCH DAY, held in the atrium of the Anlyan Center, M.D./Ph.D. student Daniel Balkin, one of 71 students who presented original research, discussed his work with Associate Research Scientist Zhi-Jia Ye, Ph.D., and Associate Professor of Medicine Arya Mani, M.D. The Farr Lecture, the culminating event of Student Research Day, was delivered by Lewis Landsberg, M.D., Irving S. Cutter Professor of Medicine and dean emeritus of Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
• May 24  The members of the Class of 2010 launched their careers as physicians at this year’s COMMENCEMENT ceremonies. Graduate David Myles ’10, who will join the Pediatric Residency Program at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, celebrated with his family. This year’s Commencement address was given by Donald M. Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., professor at the Harvard School of Public Health, newly appointed by President Obama to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Many students graduated with joint degrees at this year’s Commencement: 15 received M.D./Ph.D. degrees; 22 received M.D./M.H.S. degrees; one received an M.D./M.B.A.; and one received an M.D./M.P.H.
• June 3–6  Medical school alumni turned out in droves for ALUMNI WEEKEND, which featured symposia on “Doctor as Patient” and “When Illness Strikes the Leader”; an academic review of the legacy of pioneering neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing, M.D.; and guided tours of the Medical Library, campus improvements, the new Smilow Cancer Hospital, and the 136-acre West Campus. Saturday marked the dedication of the new Harvey Cushing Center, which includes a dramatic display of Cushing’s whole-brain specimens, clinical drawings and photographs, and memorabilia. Class Dinners, including one in honor of the Class of 1960’s 50th reunion, took place at New Haven–area restaurants. Members of the Class of 2000, including (from left) Carl J. Seashore, M.D., Daniel Jacoby, M.D., Linda Maxwell, M.D., John D. Mahoney, M.D., Darren L. Lish, M.D., and Felix Adler, M.D., celebrated their 10th reunion.