SPRING 2021MCWm - Voices of Hope - Medical College of Wisconsin
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MCW
SPRING 2021
Voices of Hope magazine
MCW.EDU 1
SPRING 2021
LEADERSHIP MESSAGE
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
John R. Raymond, Sr., MD –
President and Chief Executive Officer
Together, We are Transforming
Hope into Health for All
Joseph E. Kerschner, MD ’90, FEL ’98 –
Provost and Executive Vice President; The Julia A. Uihlein, MA,
Dean of the School of Medicine
Ravi P. Misra, PhD –
A
Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
George E. MacKinnon III, PhD, MS, RPh – year ago last month, the World Health Organization
Founding Dean, School of Pharmacy declared COVID-19 a pandemic. MCW responded
Christopher P. Kops, CPA, MBA – swiftly, pledging our commitment to protect the
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration;
Chief Operating Officer health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff
MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN BOARD OF TRUSTEES and visitors while ensuring that our patients, students and
“MCW’s culture of
Jay B. Williams – Chair Jon D. Hammes community continued to receive outstanding care.
Cory L. Nettles –
Immediate Past Chair
Ted D. Kellner
Joseph E. Kerschner, MD ’90,
We moved rapidly to online/virtual learning; hibernated/ philanthropy reflects
reopened our research laboratories; shifted to virtual work
Philip B. Flynn – Vice Chair
Mary Ellen Stanek –
FEL ’98
John R. Kirby for faculty and staff; protected our core business, clinical deep engagement
Secretary David Lubar
Thomas J. Spero – Treasurer Chris Miskel
and academic functions; ramped up telehealth/virtual visits
with donors in support
Elizabeth (Betsy) Brenner Justin Mortara by our clinical providers; and became the trusted source of
Christy L. Brown Marie L. Nakata, MD’ 89, accurate scientific and medical information throughout the of the institution’s
John Donofrio GME ‘93 region and state.
Jacqueline D. Herd-Barber
David Gay
Wayne Oldenburg
Janis M. Orlowski, MD ’82 The advent of the COVID-19 vaccine doses in late 2020 issues, ideas, impact
Linda Gorens-Levey Rebecca J. Pirozzolo-Mellowes offered a ray of hope and created a universal desire to put
and values...”
Paul W. Griepentrog John R. Raymond, Sr. an end to the pandemic. In response, MCW opened a vaccine
John M. Grogan Kristina M. Ropella
clinic on site, and our School of Pharmacy, Office of Research,
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MCW staff and pharmacy and medical students mobilized to
Matthew I. Goldblatt, MD ’97, GME ’04 – President
administer more than 17,000 vaccines to our own healthcare
Barbara B. Calkins, MD ’96
Bruce H. Campbell, MD, GME ’85 personnel and other eligible populations (see page 10).
Beth B. Krippendorf, PhD ’93 During times of crisis, philanthropy can help fortify and
George M. Lange, MD ’75
rebuild communities. Philanthropy invests in the power of human
Jessica M. Olson, PhD ’15, MPH ’17
ingenuity and the ability to bring about meaningful transforma-
Executive Director of Alumni Relations
Angela K. Nelson tion. MCW’s culture of philanthropy reflects deep engagement
alumni@mcw.edu / (414) 955-4780 with donors in support of the institution’s issues, ideas, impact
MCW MAGAZINE STAFF and values – leading to transformational gifts that are true
Sara L. Wilkins, MA, MPA – Executive Editor investments in our future. In 2015, Cathy Jacobson, president
Greg Calhoun – Senior Editor
and CEO of Froedtert Health, and I launched Hope to Health: The
Kristina Awadallah – Graphic Designer
Marina Thao – Graphics Assistant Campaign for the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital
Lyniece Rzepka – Web Production Consultant to elevate access to research-based healthcare across the region,
Contributing Writers: boost education programs for medical professionals, address the
Holly Botsford, Anthony Braza, John Burlingham, devastating burden of cancer and support partnerships with the
Greg Calhoun, Alex Krouse, Emily Marquardt,
Michael Mathias, Anthony Perez, Maureen Remmel, community to reduce healthcare disparities.
Sai-Suma K. Samudrala, Karri Stock, Sara L. Wilkins The campaign concluded December 31, 2020 – achieving a
record amount of philanthropic support and engagement from
Senior Vice President for University Engagement and
Strategic Planning: Mara Lord, MBA the community and raising more than $300.4 million for the
Vice President and Chief Development Officer: campaign’s strategic priorities. The cover story in this issue
Mitchell R. Beckman (pages 14-17) and the accompanying Impact Report highlight
Associate Vice President for Marketing, Brand Strategy how philanthropic investments help us to accelerate discovery,
and University Engagement:
advance patient care, transform healthcare education, continue
Mary M. Reinke, MBA, MS
to lead the way in cancer research and care, and ensure that our
CONTACT US
Phone: (414) 955-8016 communities and region have every opportunity for health.
E-mail: MCWmagazine@mcw.edu We remain grateful for our countless alumni around the
Medical College of Wisconsin globe who have stood on the front lines of combating COVID-19
8701 Watertown Plank Rd. – whether through direct patient care, as scientists or other
Milwaukee, WI 53226 healthcare providers to protect the health and safety of our
CONNECT WITH US communities. Together, we are powering the future and trans-
forming hope into health for our region, our state and beyond. ■
TO DONATE A GIFT OR PLEDGE John R. Raymond, Sr., MD
Phone (414) 955-4700 | www.mcw.edu/giving President and CEO
CONTENTS
g PLEASE NOTE: PHOTOGRAPHS BELOW IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT WEARING
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WERE TAKEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.
COVER STORY
14 / S UCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE HOPE TO HEALTH
CAMPAIGN FOR THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN
AND FROEDTERT HOSPITAL
8 / NEWS FOR ALUMNI
10 / MCW VACCINE CLINIC HIGHLIGHTS THE EXPANDED
ROLE OF THE PHARMACIST
11 / MCW WELCOMES NEW FACULTY AND
12 ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERS
12 / TAKING A STAND FOR EQUITY
18 / VOICE OF THE STUDENT – SAI-SUMA SAMUDRALA
19 / VOICE OF THE STUDENT – OLIVIA DAVIES
20 / WHEN A HEART STOPS
22 / COMMITTED TO CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR
BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL
24 / A MATCH MADE IN MEDICAL HEAVEN
20 25 / INFECTIOUS DISEASE PHYSICIAN AT THE
FOREFRONT OF COVID-19 CARE
INSIDE EVERY ISSUE
4-7 / STAT REPORT 28-30 / I N MEMORIAM
26-27 / ALUMNI NOTES 31 / C HANGE AGENT
PLEASE NOTE: ALL PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS ISSUE IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT
WEARING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT WERE TAKEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.
MCW IS COMMITTED TO EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION INCLUDING
COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE IX. PLEASE SEE MCW.EDU/TITLEIX FOR MORE INFORMATION.
22 FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS: A lex Boyes; Greg Calhoun; Gary Porter; Michelle Schaefer
ON THE COVER: Hope to Health, the Campaign for the Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital, concluded December 31, 2020 – achieving a record
amount of philanthropic support and engagement from the community and raising more than $300.4 million for the campaign’s strategic priorities. Voices of
Hope (Daisy Sahoo, PhD; Bill Listwan, MD ’68, GME ’74; Miracle Powell, former pipeline program participant; Rob Gouthro, MD ’07) reflect the shared priorities
of the campaign.
MCW.EDU 3
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
STAT REPORT
(l-r) Artjola Prifti, MCW School of Pharmacy Class of 2023, and Daniel Obidare-Kolade, also Class of 2023, complete a hands-on assignment in the Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery course.
School of Pharmacy Granted Full Accreditation
M
CW’s School of Pharmacy’s has graduated its first class of students teams that leverage the role of the
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in May 2020. Graduates of the program pharmacist to deliver patient-centered
program has been granted full are eligible to sit for pharmacist licensure care with improved health outcomes –
accreditation by the Accreditation examinations upon successful completion benefiting patients, providers and payers.
Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). of the PharmD program. The MCW School of Pharmacy is
The ACPE is the national agency for The MCW School of Pharmacy prepares the only three-year PharmD program
accreditation of professional degree the next generation of pharmacists to be in the Midwest that is located at an
programs in pharmacy and providers of fully equipped for the new demands and academic medical center, providing
continuing pharmacy education. Upon opportunities of this rapidly evolving access to world-renowned resources
receiving full accreditation status, profession. at Froedtert Hospital and Children’s
MCW’s School of Pharmacy has demon- The School not only educates the Wisconsin and partnerships with the
strated, to the satisfaction of ACPE, pharmacists of the future, but it also Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center
that its PharmD program complies with creates new and innovative practice for students and faculty alike. ■
stringent accreditation standards and models and interprofessional healthcare
4 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MCW, Partners Launch Green Bay’s First Family
Medicine Physician Residency Program
M
CW, in partnership with
Prevea Health and HSHS St. Mary’s
Hospital Medical Center, recently
launched a family medicine physician
residency program in Green Bay, Wis.
The MCW-Prevea Family Medicine
Residency Program is fully accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Graduate
Medical Education (ACGME) and is the
first residency program of its kind to be
offered in the Green Bay area. The residency
program will commence on July 1, 2021, and Hospital, HSHS St. Vincent Children’s sicians choose to practice medicine in the
will train four family medicine residents per Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital communities in which they attended their
year during a three-year period – resulting Medical Center in Green Bay. The pro- residency programs.
in a total of 12 residents by 2023. gram not only will provide physicians the Prevea Health, HSHS St. Vincent Hospital
Residents of the MCW-Prevea Family advanced training they need, but also will and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Medical
Medicine Residency Program will train at help address physician and primary care Center also assist in the education of
Prevea health centers across northeast shortages in the region, particularly in rural medical students at MCW-Green Bay. ■
Wisconsin, and at HSHS St. Vincent areas – as research shows that many phy-
Precision Medicine Master of Science Degree
and Certificate Program Launched
M
CW’s Institute for Health & Equity, specialized areas of research and
in partnership with the clinical expertise within precision
Genomic Sciences and Precision medicine.
Medicine Center, has launched the new Learners will be able to custom-
Precision Medicine Master of Science ize their educational experience by
degree and certificate programs (PM Ed), choosing elective courses to best
with classes beginning in fall 2021. meet their needs and work with
The PM Ed program will provide innova- faculty who share similar research
tive training to clinicians to better diagnose, interests.
treat and prevent disease by accounting for Additionally, the PM Ed program
individual variation in genes, environment offers a flexible schedule for busy
and lifestyle to meet the upsurge in preci- clinicians, meeting for eight in-
sion medicine patient care needs. person class sessions every other
The program aims to impact physician week over a 16-week course period. interdisciplinary program. Further,
and other clinician practices and their By 2023, all courses will be converted students have the option to complete
access to and use of PM services. to an all-online format, allowing their MS degree or certificate as a full
More than 18 course directors, including physicians, pharmacists, genetic or part-time student with the expectation
11 physicians, will lead the courses in the counselors and other clinicians across that many learners will be working
PM Ed program relating to their respective the US the opportunity to enroll in this professionals. ■
MCW.EDU 5
3/22/2021 1:52:25 PM
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
MCW is Helping to Build the Community’s
COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Quotient
M
CW, along with its clinical high-level material regarding what to what is in the vaccines, how the three
partners, continues to answer expect when receiving the vaccine, approved brands differ, what you can
questions about the current Pfizer, vaccine safety and what it means to expect to feel in the day or two after
Moderna and Johnson & Johnson/ reach community protection. The page receiving a dose of the vaccine, and the
Janssen COVID-19 vaccines, including also features an expansive list of FAQs recommended safety precautions to
safety, efficacy, effects, general distribu- that continues to grow weekly. continue even after getting vaccinated.
tion and internal distribution – and has The infographic on COVID-19 People continuously ask what it will
developed a variety of resources for the Vaccines: What Experts Say About take for life to “get back to normal.”
Milwaukee community to help individuals Safety has information on the clinical The infographic on COVID-19 Vaccines:
better understand and feel comfortable trial process and safety reviews, how Community Protection explains the
with the vaccines and their rollout. scientists were able to develop these concept of community protection and
MCW’s dedicated vaccine page on vaccines so quickly, the minimal risks what it will take to get there as well
its COVID-19 Resource Center is the associated with the vaccine and why the as the importance of continuing other
primary location for community members public should get the vaccine. safety measures to fight the virus.
to find helpful information regarding the The infographic on COVID-19 Vaccines: For up-to-date information on
vaccines. It is home to three downloadable What to Expect covers the dosing require- COVID-19, see MCW’s Coronavirus
infographics (shown above) that provide ments of each US-approved vaccine, Resources Center at covid19.mcw.edu. ■
6 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
MCWmagazineSpring2021_031021.indd 6-7
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Webinar Series Wins
Coveted National Award
T
he Daily Briefing: MKE Health and the MCW’s entry
Economy – a partnership among was exceptional
MCW, the Metropolitan Milwaukee and warranted
Association of Commerce, Aurora WDC national recogni-
and Milwaukee County – has received a tion. In particular,
Silver Award for Excellence in the category they cited
of Special Events, Projects, Programs MCW’s strategy
or Campaigns from the Association of “to meet people
American Medical Colleges’ (AAMC) where they
Group on Institutional Advancement. are” as a way
The Daily Briefing webinar series ran to rebuild trust (top to bottom) Tim Sheehy, president of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of
for 43 days beginning in March 2020 and in science and Commerce; Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett; and Dr. John R. Raymond, Sr. partnered for a
series of COVID-19-related webinars for city businesses that won a coveted national award.
provided the community and area business medicine through
leaders with a new channel for trusted civic and civil dialogue in small groups; the a topic that has become highly politicized;
science-based information on COVID-19 timely delivery of relevant content during and MCW’s well thought-out plan and
and candid conversation on the intersec- a public health crisis; the creation of a execution that should serve as model for
tion of health and the economy in south- community partnership and environment institutions nationwide. ■
east Wisconsin. The judges believed that of trust and fact-based information around
Dr. Michael McCrea and consider such issues as improving TBI systems of clinical
Appointed to NASEM care from acute care through rehabilitation. The report will
provide a road map for advancing both research and clinical
Committee
care over the next decade. ■
MCW Receives Campus
M
ichael McCrea, PhD, MCW
professor, Eminent Scholar
and co-director of the
Center for Neurotrauma Research in the
Compact Award
M
department of neurosurgery, has been CW is the recipient of the 2020 Richard Guarasci Award
appointed to the National Academies for Institutional Transformation by Campus Compact, a
of Science, Engineering and Medicine national coalition of colleges and universities committed
(NASEM) Committee on Accelerating to the public purposes of higher education. The award recognizes
Progress in Traumatic Brain Injury four-year or graduate education institutions that have success-
Research and Care. fully implemented institution-wide efforts to address issues of
Dr. McCrea is recognized as an international expert for public concern by aligning teaching, research, practice and values
many years of study about how to most effectively detect, in service of the common good.
treat and reduce traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and sports- MCW was recognized as a national leader in community
related concussions. engagement through its integration of engagement into research,
TBI is an alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain education and clinical care with the goal of advancing health
pathology, caused by an external force, and is a major concern policy and advocacy and addressing the social determinants
in both civilian and military health. The NASEM committee of of health. Campus Compact noted that MCW demonstrates a
experts will gather input from public and private experts and deep strategic commitment to community and is embracing its
stakeholders; explore and assess the public and military health responsibility as a place-based institution to address diverse
burden of TBI; examine the current landscape of TBI research; health needs throughout Wisconsin. ■
MCW.EDU 7
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MATTHEW I. GOLDBLATT, MD ’97, GME ’04, PRESIDENT
NEWS FOR ALUMNI
The Alumni Association is Dedicated to
Facilitating the Lifetime Connection of
Alumni and Students
R
eflections on the past year highlight the
importance of healthcare leaders and illustrate the “As alumni, the need for our
enormity of our pledge to dedicate ourselves to the continued commitment to our
service of humanity through the art and science of students cannot be understated.”
medicine. Each day we move forward with a greater sense
– Dr. Matthew Goldblatt
of our role to care for our communities and educate the
next generation of physicians, scientists and pharmacists.
We continue to focus on MCW alumni around the globe participation in the 3rd Annual MCW Student Health
who stand on the front lines combating COVID-19. Sciences Conference, and were thrilled to have alumni
As our MCW students moved forward through 2020 – from seven different states represented in the virtual
with persistence, determination and resilience – we format. We also brought many MCW classmates together
wanted them to feel embraced. The Alumni Association as we hosted virtual reunion meetings for numerous
started the Masks4Students initiative, in which we classes that would have celebrated in-person reunions in
presented each student with an Alumni Association mask 2020. Our ability to connect is vital, so if you are not
with our tagline, “We’ve got you covered” – not just with receiving the Alumni E-Newsletter or invitations to the
this gift, but always. The Alumni Association is dedicated virtual meetings, please share your contact information at
to facilitating the lifetime connection of alumni and alumni@mcw.edu.
students with MCW and each other. We want to hear from you! Please complete the MCW
As alumni, the need for our continued commitment to Magazine Survey at mcw.edu/readersurvey. Your feed-
our students cannot be understated. We recently launched back on this quick survey is essential to ensure that we
the Mentor Connections for Wisdom and Wellness pro- are keeping up with the communication needs and pref-
gram, which provides an opportunity for our students erences of our alumni.
and alumni to engage on academic and professional goals. Finally, we are so grateful for how our alumni commu-
Please join me at mcwengage.com and reach out to a nity contributes to the vibrancy of the MCW learning
student today. As you know, many of our students are not environment. Your partnership in the Hope to Health
from Wisconsin, so connecting to alumni from around the Campaign will sustain the advances we’ve already made
country and internationally is very important. and will help to meet every challenge the future will
The monthly Alumni E-Newsletter is a valuable bring. Thank you for your support and your continued
resource for alumni communications. We thank those engagement! ■
who responded to our “Alumni Opportunities” with
8 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
MCWmagazineSpring2021_031021.indd 8-9
MCW/MARQUETTE MEDICAL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Knowledge
2020 Walter Zeit Changing Life
Leadership Awardee Available for
T Purchase
he 2020 Walter Zeit Leadership Award was presented
to Mario Castellanos, a fourth-year medical student
at MCW-Milwaukee.
As an M1, Castellanos served as the class representative
to Student Assembly and as an M2, served on the Student Knowledge Changing Life: A History of the Medical
Curriculum Evaluation Committee. In his senior years, College of Wisconsin, 1893-2019, written by MCW Chief
Castellanos served as a near-peer coach in the 4C Program Historian Richard N. Katschke, MA, was published
and was co-president of Student Assembly’s Organizations recently. The 720-page book explores MCW’s 125+ years
Committee. In addition, he has been a Student Interviewer of accomplishments, challenges and controversies, and
for both the Admissions Committee and the pipeline serves as a comprehensive history not only of MCW, but
programs. He is an active member of the Latino Medical
also of Marquette University, Milwaukee County and
Student Association as community outreach chair, and has
Milwaukee’s hospitals and healthcare facilities. It is
worked to increase access to healthcare for the Hispanic
available for purchase through the MCW online retail
community in Milwaukee.
store at mcw.edu/historybook for $35.00 plus tax and
As a student tutor, Castellanos has conducted individual
and group sessions, providing condensed and effective shipping. Questions? Contact MCWmagazine@mcw.edu .
reviews of M1-2 classes with a focus on physiology.
Additionally, he assisted underclassmen in their prepara-
Show Us Your Alumni
tion for USMLE 1. As an M2, he was runner-up for the
Excellence in Tutoring Award – and won the award as
an M3.
Walter Zeit, PhD ’39, left a far-reaching legacy during
his career at MCW that spanned almost 60 years and
Association Mask!
included the teaching of more than 4,500 medical students.
Dr. Zeit matriculated at the Marquette University School of
Medicine (MCW’s predecessor) in 1920 and joined the anat-
omy department as a student assistant in 1921. After Dr.
Zeit retired, the late Derward Lepley, Jr., MD ’49, formed
the Walter Zeit Fellowship in 1980 to honor Dr. Zeit for his
contributions to MCW. ■
Top: James Wu, MCW-Milwaukee Class of ’21
Mario Castellanos is the 2020 Walter Zeit Leadership Award recipient. Bottom (l-r): Briana Meyer, PhD student in biophysics
Danica Vendiola, MCW-Milwaukee Class of ’24
MCW.EDU 9
CLINICAL | SCHOLARSHIP
MCW Vaccine Clinic Highlights the
Expanded Role of the Pharmacist
T
he advent of the COVID-19 vaccine
doses in late 2020 offered a ray of
hope after a difficult year and
created a universal desire to put an end
to the pandemic. In response, the Office
of Research at MCW stood up a vaccine
clinic on site and School of Pharma-
cy faculty, staff and students were the
first to respond to the call to administer
more than 17,000 vaccines to healthcare
personnel and other eligible populations.
MCW’s School of Pharmacy prepares
students to fulfill the expanded role
of the pharmacist, which includes ad-
ministering vaccinations. And because MCW School of Pharmacy faculty and students assisted in providing more than 17,000 vaccines to healthcare
students participate in an accelerated personnel and other eligible populations on the first floor of MCW’s Hub for Collaborative Medicine.
three-year pharmacy degree (PharmD)
program with early exposure to clin- bridge between the Office of Research
ical settings, second- and third-year and the School of Pharmacy to stand New Pharmacy Residencies
students can administer vaccinations up the vaccine clinic. “The rollout of
while first-year students can facilitate the clinic was truly a team effort. Our The MCW School of Pharmacy
clinical work including compounding amazing group of faculty, students and has developed a Community-based
medications. staff supported each other with grace Pharmacy Residency Program in
“Not only do students study and magnanimity during a critical and partnership with three local
immunizations and how they work, monumental time,” says Dr. Busse. pharmacies: Evergreen Pharmacy,
they learn the skills necessary to Asia Mian, PharmD candidate, Class of Good Value Pharmacy and Well-
administer them appropriately,” ’21, took time out from his holiday break topia Pharmacy. The residency
explains Karen J. MacKinnon, BPharm, to administer vaccines at the clinic. “I program, beginning in July 2021,
RPh, assistant professor, School of was there the very first morning, and it will offer intensive patient care
Pharmacy. “The vaccine clinic allowed was surreal. So many healthcare work- and faculty development experi-
them to practice these skills at a very ers wanted to mark the occasion with ences that will prepare residents
important time in our history.” pictures. It was emotional for so many as community-based primary care
Carol Eling, nurse practitioner, was to receive the vaccine, and I felt grateful pharmacists and academic leaders
the first person to receive a vaccine at that I could be the one administering it who ensure access to high-quality,
the MCW clinic. “I was so excited, and to them,” Mian shares. innovative primary care services,
for me, the decision was easy. I didn’t Many of those who received their reduce health disparities and
want to be scared anymore about getting vaccination at the MCW clinic were promote community wellness.
COVID-19. I wanted to see and hug my motivated by the positive energy of the
children, grandchildren, siblings and clinic team and joined in on the effort.
friends, as well as attend church. The “From sanitizing patient sitting areas
MCW clinic gave me that opportunity.” and drawing up syringes to administrat-
Kristin Busse, PharmD, BCPS, assis- ing the vaccine – everyone involved felt
tant professor, School of Pharmacy, and they had a purpose and were making a
Research Oversight Program director, valuable contribution,” says professor
Office of Research, served as a natural MacKinnon. ■ – MAUREEN REMMEL
10 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINECLINICAL | DISCOVERY | SCHOLARSHIP
MCW Welcomes New Faculty and
Administrative Leaders
Terri A. deRoon-Cassini, PhD, MS John R. Mantsch, PhD Adrienne Mitchell, MBA
Associate Professor of Surgery (Trauma and Acute Chair and Florence Williams Professor, Department Vice President and Chief People Officer
A
Care Surgery), Director of the Comprehensive of Pharmacology and Toxicology
drienne Mitchell, MBA, joined MCW
J
Injury Center
ohn R. Mantsch, PhD, joined MCW on as vice president and chief people
T
erri A. deRoon-Cassini, PhD, MS, January 1, 2021, as professor and chair officer on January 1, 2021. She previ-
associate professor of surgery (trauma of the department of pharmacology and ously served as vice president, chief human
and acute care surgery) at MCW, was toxicology. He also was awarded the Florence resources officer and chief information
named director of the Comprehensive Injury Williams Professor of Pharmacology and officer at Wayne Health in Detroit. In her
Center (CIC), effective August 1, 2020. She Toxicology by MCW’s board of trustees. new role, she oversees and directs the
received her master’s and doctoral degrees From 2012-2020, Dr. Mantsch served as strategy and operations of MCW’s human
in clinical psychology from Marquette professor and chair of biomedical sciences resources office and office of faculty affairs,
University in Milwaukee and completed her at Marquette University in Milwaukee. He as well as oversee the development, well-
internship at the Clement J. Zablocki VA also was a faculty member in Marquette’s being and advancement of faculty and staff.
Medical Center with an emphasis on health Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Graduate During her more than 25-year career in
psychology and post-traumatic stress Program and an adjunct faculty member human resources, Mitchell has held posi-
disorder (PTSD) after combat trauma. in MCW’s Institute for Health & Equity. tions of increasing responsibility. In her prior
Dr. deRoon-Cassini completed her Dr. Mantsch’s research involves the role, she reported to the CEO and president
postdoctoral clinical and research training preclinical study of neuropsychiatric disease and was the senior executive responsible for
at MCW, with an emphasis in trauma and with a focus on understanding the neuro- the human resources, payroll, credentialing,
health psychology and a research agenda biological underpinnings of addiction. He marketing and communications, information
related to the quality of life of trauma has earned funding for his current research technology and decision support functions.
patients. projects from the National Institute on Drug A few of Mitchell’s many leadership
She also is the director of the Froedtert & Abuse and has been a principal investigator accomplishments at Wayne Health
MCW trauma psychology program that pro- on seven National Institutes of Health grants included overseeing the modernization of
vides psychological assessment and inter- totaling more than $10 million. HR processes; advancing the employee
vention to survivors of traumatic experiences Dr. Mantsch also is involved in central compensation program; implementing
likely to suffer such diagnoses as PTSD. Dr. nervous system medication development annual employee evaluation and merit
deRoon-Cassini co-founded and co-directs and is a co-founder of startup Promen- review processes; and developing a clinical
the Milwaukee Trauma Outcomes Project, tis Pharmaceuticals. The company’s drug staffing model with benchmarks. ■
a city-wide research collaborative of basic, development efforts are focused on the
translational and clinical scientists related neurotransmitter glutamate and its critical – GREG CALHOUN
to outcomes and health disparities regarding role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia
individuals who have experienced trauma. ■ and other diseases. ■
MCW.EDU 11DISCOVERY | SCHOLARSHIP
Taking a Stand for Equity
MCW Graduate Student Helps Launch “Black in Neuro,” a Celebration of
Black Excellence in Neuroscience-related Fields
W
hen calls for racial equity “Three weeks later, we had $100,000 in of racism experienced by neuroscientists
reverberated across the US in donations.” from different parts of the world, including
2020, inspiring people across the Financial and other support came from the US, England and Canada.
nation, fourth-year MCW student Thiago organizations and schools across the coun- Since the Black in Neuro Mini-
Arzua took action. Arzua, a native of Brazil try and the globe, including from MCW. Conference, the group also has partnered
and advocate for social justice across racial/ Arzua acknowledged that most grassroots with the Neuromatch Conference, a three-
ethnic, gender and LGBTQ platforms, efforts don’t gain this type of traction so week intensive course/conference that
helped launch a new movement, sparked quickly. But, he notes, with George Floyd in features competitions among scientists.
by a well-publicized confrontation in New everyone’s hearts and on their minds, and Though things have slowed down recently,
York’s Central Park in May 2020 involving Black in Neuro is still in motion – as the
a woman who was walking her dog and group hopes to create an endowment that
unnecessarily called police on a Black
“At the institutional level, it can be a would fund scholarships and launch the
birdwatcher. challenge or take time to react...I hope organization as an official nonprofit.
That incident, which went viral, sparked a that ‘Black in Neuro’ serves as a model Arzua’s current role with Black in Neuro
chain of events that led to the creation of for how to respond.” is to support community engagement and
“Black in Neuro,” a celebration of Black – Thiago Arzua, MCW graduate student help the group further expand its scope. He
excellence in neuroscience-related fields. is hopeful that the movement serves as a
Arzua, who doesn’t identify as Black but model for how organizations – some of
considers himself an ally, is one of the so much pent-up energy from the pandemic which are limited or delayed in their
organizers and leaders of Black in Neuro. shutdowns, a wave of momentum was response to real-life issues of concern in the
Arzua says the incident also inspired a created that continues to this day. The communities they serve – can become more
series of awareness campaigns on the social group’s first event, a “Black in Neuro Mini- reactive, ramp up their diversity and inclu-
media platform Twitter to inspire Black Conference,” ran from late October to early sion efforts, and increase awareness about
youth both to see themselves in STEM November 2020 and was a huge success. the racism faced by Black neuroscientists
fields and to highlight the experiences of The conference featured five days of and others.
underrepresented Black students. These prominent and diverse speakers (all paid for “At the institutional level, it can be a
campaigns use custom hashtags, such as with donated funds) and an entire day dedi- challenge or take time to react,” Arzua says.
#BlackInChem and #BlackInCardio, to cated to discussions about how racism has “I hope that Black in Neuro serves as a
enable and encourage users across the historically been present in neuroscience model for how to respond.”
globe to engage in conversations on their research. Other discussions focused on Arzua recently was accepted into a com-
respective topics. mental health and additional timely issues. petitive Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
Arzua’s colleague in California used this “All of those discussions were in the context “Early Career Policy Ambassadors” program
tactic and tweeted a post using the hashtag of neuroscience,” Arzua shares. in which he meets with lawmakers and
#BlackInNeuro. Arzua tagged some friends, In addition, 500 students, postdoctoral other leaders to advocate for policy and
retweeted the post, which then went viral – fellows and faculty members of color in the increased science funding. He is continuing
launching an effort to shine a light on Black neuroscience field were profiled on the his work on MCW’s Diversity and Inclusion
neuroscientists that quickly grew from a group’s website. “Now we have a nice Action Committee while also looking
snowball to an avalanche. resource where people can go to and find forward to graduation and starting his
“By the following Saturday we had held a more diverse speakers,” Azura remarks. postdoctoral career, where he hopes to
meeting during which 20 people expressed Another highlight of the conference was continue his research on brain modeling
an interested in helping,” Arzua says. the ability to learn about the different types and examination of certain diseases.
12 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINETop to bottom:
Thiago Arzua is an MCW graduate student in cell and
developmental biology.
Arzua (top row center) attends a virtual meeting with
other Black in Neuro organizers.
Arzua poses in front of US Senator Tammy Baldwin’s
office while participating in the “Early Career Policy
Ambassadors” program.
PHOTOGRAPHS IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE NOT
WEARING MASKS WERE TAKEN DURING A VIRTUAL
MEETING OR BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.
Wherever he ends up and whatever he
does, Arzua knows he will continue to
advocate for social justice.
“I will continue to study and have these
important conversations about race,” Arzua
confirms. ■
– MCW MAGAZINE STAFF
New Graduate School
Programs
MCW continues to expand its
educational offerings as it becomes
a comprehensive health sciences
university.
Starting in the fall 2021 term,
MCW’s Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences will enroll students in five
new degree and graduate certificate
programs:
• Biostatistics & Data
Science (MA)
• Genetic Counseling (MS)
• Neuroethics (Certificate)
• Precision Medicine (MS) (see page 5)
• Public Health (DrPH)
The aim of these programs is to
expand the knowledge, skills and
attributes needed for various
health-focused professionals to
better understand ways of improving
health.
More information about these and
other MCW graduate-admitting
programs is available at
mcw.edu/gradprograms. ■
– ANTHONY J. PEREZ
MCW.EDU 13ALUMNI | CLINICAL | COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | DISCOVERY | SCHOLARSHIP
Hope to Health
Historic Philanthropic Campaign for MCW and Froedtert Hospital Sets Records
By Michael J. Mathias
H
ope to Health, the Campaign for the “As the only academic health system in work to deliver innovative care to those
Medical College of Wisconsin and eastern Wisconsin,” adds Jacobson, “we who need it the most.
Froedtert Hospital, concluded already have been taking on the toughest “An enduring impact of this campaign
December 31, 2020 – achieving a record problems in medicine and delivering care should be the emphasis it places on our
amount of philanthropic support and for patients and families not available work to build trust in our communities,”
engagement from the community and anywhere else in the region. Philanthropy says Eric Conley, president of Froedtert
raising more than $300.4 million for the sustains these efforts and demonstrates Hospital. “It is this trust that we need
campaign’s strategic priorities. this community’s strong endorsement as we continue to respond to the
“This campaign was about securing that our work is critical to our future.” COVID-19 crisis and as we rise to meet
the future of healthcare for us all,” The campaign was successful despite the challenges of the future.”
says Linda Mellowes, MCW trustee its final year taking place against the “Our community and our state deserve
emerita, community leader and a key backdrop of three interrelated crises: the very best care that academic medicine
advisor for the campaign. “I am the COVID-19 pandemic; a sharp eco- can offer,” notes Joseph E. Kerschner,
immensely proud of what we have nomic downturn comparable to the Great MD ’90, FEL ’98, the Julia A. Uihlein, MA,
accomplished to build safer, healthier Depression; and the ongoing crisis of Dean of the School of Medicine, provost
and more equitable communities.” racism and its impact on communities of and executive vice president of MCW.
“With the momentum from this cam- color, especially in healthcare. “The events of the past year demonstrate
paign, we are extremely well-positioned For many, these issues underscored the that this care is enhanced by working with
to have an impact on some of the most urgent need for strong, community- our partners to understand the real needs
pressing needs facing our community,” supported academic health systems that of the patients and families we serve.”
adds Cory Nettles, former chair of
the MCW board of trustees, business
leader and a member of the Hope to
Health Cabinet.
In 2015, John R. Raymond, Sr., MD,
MCW president and CEO, launched the
campaign with Cathy Jacobson, president
and CEO of Froedtert Health, to elevate
access to research-based healthcare
across the region, boost education pro-
grams for medical professionals, address
the devastating burden of cancer and
support partnerships with the community
to reduce healthcare disparities.
“The leadership and generosity of our During the Hope to Health Campaign, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, MCW and Royal Capital Group launched
donors will benefit this community for the ThriveOn Collaboration, a historic community-based investment to realize a vision for Milwaukee that is
generations,” says Dr. Raymond. “These equitable, healthy and thriving for all. The ThriveOn Collaboration will be housed in an iconic building in the Historic
philanthropic investments bolster all of King Drive district at the nexus of three vital north side neighborhoods – Halyard Park, Harambee and Brewers Hill
– with faculty and staff of MCW’s community engagement programs and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation as
our work, from new medical discover-
anchor tenants. Guided by community priorities and data, the ThriveOn Collaboration will be a catalyst for additional
ies that cure diseases and treat injuries
investment and community impact to support five priority areas: housing, early childhood education, health and
to addressing the health disparities that
wellness, social cohesion and economic opportunity. The ThriveOn Collaboration was supported by a Hope to
have disadvantaged our community, both Health initiative led by African American philanthropists in the Milwaukee community, as well as a gift from Herb
economically and socially – especially Kohl Philanthropies, and led to the endowment of a chair in health equity research held by Leonard E. Egede, MD,
racial inequities that require our urgent MS, director of MCW’s Center for Advancing Population Science, professor of medicine and associate director of
attention.” diversity in the Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine Center.
14 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
MCWmagazineSpring2021_031021.indd 14-15$ 300 MILLION +
RAISED THROUGH 12.31.20
... A 50% INCREASE OVER OUR
ORIGINAL $200 MILLION GOAL
“The Kerns’ vision was to encourage
an approach that starts before medical
school and continues well beyond so
that physicians deliver compassionate
care marked by character and caring,”
Dr. Maurana remarks.
The Hope to Health Campaign
also saw the establishment of 14 new
chairs and professorships, as well as
two new deanships – one each for
the MCW School of Medicine and
MCW-Central Wisconsin. These positions
MCW president and CEO Dr. John R. Raymond, Sr. (at right) chats with Kern National Network for are critical to faculty recruitment and
Caring & Character in Medicine (KNN) partners (from l-r) Dr. Stephanie Starr, Dr. Bonnie Miller and retention efforts and provide support for
Dr. Bill Cutrer at the June 8, 2017, Kern Institute and KNN launch event at MCW. a wide variety of academic priorities in-
cluding student scholarships, seed grants
Historic Firsts for Caring & Character in Medicine (KNN),
for research and training programs for
The Hope to Health Campaign saw sev- a collaboration of seven medical schools:
residents and fellows. The two deanships
eral historic firsts for MCW and Froedtert Dell Medical School; Geisel School of
were the first in MCW’s history.
Hospital, including MCW’s largest one- Medicine; Mayo Clinic Alix School of
time gift to support innovation in medical Medicine; MCW; University of Continued on page 16
education, an unprecedented investment California San Francisco School of
to further pediatric cancer research, con- Medicine; University of Wiscon-
tributions elevating the Genomic Sciences sin School of Medicine and Public
and Precision Medicine Center, and an ex- Health; and Vanderbilt University
pansion of clinical trials and patient care School of Medicine.
technologies at Froedtert Hospital. The contribution represented
“By almost any measure, this cam- the largest individual noncorporate
paign was an amazing success,” says gift to MCW and made headlines
Jay B. Williams, president of the Medical as MCW and partners assumed
College of Wisconsin board of trustees. a leadership role in reimagining
“The engagement from MCW alumni, healthcare education and practice.
the range of giving and the new and In addition, former MCW trustee
reinvigorated collaborations with chair Stephen Roell and his wife,
community partners to improve health- Shelagh Roell, PhD, provided a
care education and increase access to substantial gift to establish the
patient care has brought us to new Stephen and Shelagh Roell
heights,” Williams adds. Endowed Chair of the Kern
In 2017, the Kern family and the Kern Institute. The inaugural chair
Family Foundation announced a $37.9 holder was Cheryl Maurana, PhD,
million contribution to establish the professor and senior vice president
Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Institute for for strategic academic partnerships Pete McPartland, chair of the board, president and CEO of Sentry
the Transformation of Medical Education and founding director of the Kern Insurance, congratulates Lisa Grill Dodson, MD, Sentry Dean and
founding dean of MCW-Central Wisconsin. (photo taken December 2019)
at MCW and the Kern National Network Institute and KNN.
MCW.EDU 15Continued from page 15
CAMPAIGN
ADVISORS
JON HAMMES (MCW BOARD OF
TRUSTEES)
TED KELLNER (MCW BOARD OF
TRUSTEES)
DAVID LUBAR (FROEDTERT
HEALTH BOARD & MCW BOARD
Dr. Joseph E. Kerschner received the inaugural endowed deanship for the School of Medicine established OF TRUSTEES)
with a Hope to Health campaign gift from Julia A. Uihlein, MA ’99. For more than three decades, Ms. Uihlein
has served as a leader, educator and prominent advisor to MCW, Children’s Wisconsin and Froedtert Hospital. LINDA MELLOWES (MCW
In her roles as an MCW trustee and work in the fields of ethics and medical humanities, she has left an TRUSTEE EMERITA) “
indelible mark across the academic medical center. By establishing a deanship for the MCW School of
Medicine, she is a leaving a legacy that will help MCW retain the best and brightest faculty, and accelerate
efforts that support learners across the spectrum and reduce healthcare inequities. p
p
Other campaign gifts reflected the optimize the quality of life for patients Kurtis R. Froedtert, the business leader
significant role that MCW has in advanc- after their treatments. whose vision for improved healthcare
ing new medical discovery that led to Gifts to the campaign from the delivery for southeastern Wisconsin led to
innovative patient care. Kurtis R. Froedtert Memorial Lutheran the founding of Froedtert Hospital.
The MACC Fund, MCW’s largest donor Hospital Trust addressed multiple “Clinical trials are the culmination
with gifts dating back to 1976, announced priorities in the hospital, including of medical discovery and give us the
in 2019 an unprecedented investment in clinical trials that discover new treat- opportunity to provide new treatments
new pediatric cancer and blood disorders ments, technologies that improve safety for patients before they are available at
research in the region by pledging and reduce recovery times, and invest- other healthcare systems,” says Curtis.
$25 million. The MACC Fund contribu- ments in the training and development of “Investments from the trust are saving
tion supports the researchers, physicians staff to improve patient care. the lives of patients today and give us
and scientific infrastructure needed to Tina Curtis, vice president of the the opportunity to discover the next
advance high-impact discovery science, hospital’s cancer service line, stressed generation of cancer therapies right
accelerates new therapies for children the importance of contributions from here in Milwaukee.” ■
with cancer and supports programs that the trust, which come from the estate of
$45
GIFTS FROM
MILLION
ALUMNI
At the October 2019 announcement of
the MACC Fund’s $25 million pledge,
Jon McGlocklin, co-founder, reiterated
the shared goal of a world free of pediatric
cancer spurred by cutting-edge medical
discovery and clinical care advancements
that will improve survival rates and quality
of life for kids diagnosed with cancer or a
blood disorder. Becky Pinter, president and
16 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
CEO of the MACC Fund (at right), also spoke
at the event.Voices of Hope Reflect the Shared Priorities of the Campaign
“I’m hopeful for expanded “Since I graduated, I’ve “I hope to pursue a career in “My hope is that all patients
research and education seen huge advances, and I hope science and medicine. Working in in need of behavioral
programs, where healthcare we see continued improvement laboratories at MCW opened up a healthcare have access when
professionals come together in all areas – patient care, whole new world for me.” and where they need it.”
to solve the toughest research and education.” Miracle Powell Rob Gouthro, MD ’07
problems in medicine.” Bill Listwan, MD ’68, GME ’74 former MCW pipeline
Daisy Sahoo, PhD program participant
Campaign
Priorities
Accelerating Research and
Advancing Patient Care
Transforming Healthcare
(photo taken at the Heart of the Matter event in July 2019)
Education
Leading the Way in Cancer
“We started this campaign with a vision to redefine health beyond Research and Care
healthcare and to work closely with our many partners to ensure
that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. With your support, we Driving Health and Vitality with
will continue to drive innovations in education, research and patient Our Community
care that make our communities healthier and more secure.”
– Cathy Jacobson, president and CEO, Froedtert Health
– John R. Raymond, Sr., MD, president and CEO, Medical College of Wisconsin MCW.EDU 17VOICE OF THE STUDENT
Refocusing My Time & Efforts in Research
W
hen the COVID-19 pandemic began in earnest in March
2020, life changed drastically for everyone – and in
academia, bench science research took a back seat.
Personally, I had to wind down my daily cell culture experiments
and halt all in-person research on campus. I also received several
conference and seminar cancellations, resulting, sadly, in unused
or scrapped oral and poster presentations. I presume that every
graduate student like me was filled with uncertainty and may
have wondered how this would affect their thesis work and
future careers. I realize now that this abrupt pause, during
which all I could do was wait for better science and further
direction, actually gave me a chance to reorganize my work
and life.
“Today, as I plate my cells under the
cell culture hood, I am reminded of the
decades of research that enabled the rapid
development of the vaccines approved by the
FDA for emergency use.”
– Sai-Suma K. Samudrala, MCW MD/PhD student
As we shifted to a virtual work environment, I refocused my
time and efforts in research. I improved my grant-writing skills
through mentor-guided coaching and critically reviewed my
preliminary data, research significance and experimental design.
Like others, I learned to use Webex, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
While I embraced the virtual reality that had crept in, I also
was starved for social interactions, especially as most everyone
(including me) chose to turn off their video screens; thus, people
I had seen in person became only “voices” during virtual chats.
Due to social distancing, Sai-Suma Samudrala and her fiancé needed to reallocate
In May, I watched my medical student class peers – with whom I the time that they usually had set aside for dining out and going to the movies –
had matriculated in 2016 – graduate in a virtual Commencement so they decided to learn how to cook.
ceremony. And although I rejoiced in their success, I lamented
their loss of a grand celebration, which likely would have included
a momentous gathering of family and friends. Educated. While these pursuits kept me preoccupied during a
Due to social distancing, my fiancé and I needed to reallocate time that could have been incredibly isolating, I was grateful to
the time that we usually had set aside for dining out and going to resume on-campus research. Our lab soon fell into the rhythm of
the movies – so we decided to learn how to cook. We purchased a staggered schedule.
an Instant Pot and learned to make recipes like butternut squash Today, as I plate my cells under the cell culture hood, I am
soup, potato curry and miso ramen. I lost several pounds by reminded of the decades of research that enabled the rapid
tracking calories on MyFitnessPal. By joining the Graduate School development of the vaccines approved by the FDA for emergency
Book Club, I ventured into new genres and had stimulating dis- use. In early February, I received the second dose of the Pfizer
cussions with peers on topics such as the predisposition to believe vaccine, and I felt something that that I hadn’t in quite some
strangers are telling the truth in Talking to Strangers, the racial time – relief. Now, as I traverse past eerily quiet hallways on the
and cultural divide in two countries in Born a Crime and know- way to lab, I am reassured knowing that there will be a future
ledge as an essential ingredient to construct self-truth in when normalcy returns. ■
– SAI-SUMA K. SAMUDRALA
18 MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN MAGAZINE
MCWmagazineSpring2021_031021.indd 18-19VOICE OF THE STUDENT
From March 2020 to Match 2021:
Finishing Medical School During COVID-19
I
remember the moment the email arrived in March 2020:
“Students: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we
regrettably are suspending all patient care during clinical
rotations starting tonight, Tuesday, March 17, at 5 pm through
at least March 31.”
The email went on, sharing logistics and apologies, but
I kept coming back to the first line. I don’t know how long
I would have sat there if not for the stream of incoming texts
from friends similarly stunned by the news: “Did you see?”
and “What does this mean?” At the time, it felt like an
unsettling mix between a childhood snow day and the start
of an apocalyptic movie.
“It seemed as though my ability to continue
to learn and contribute was indefinitely
on hold. Yet I discovered that with the
chaos came unexpected opportunities
for growth and innovation.”
– Olivia Davies, MCW-Milwaukee Class of 2021
March 31, 2020, came and went without a return to campus.
Away rotations for fourth-year medical students were called off,
Step2 Board exams postponed, academic conferences hectically
canceled – all while our hospital case numbers were exponentially
rising. It seemed as though my ability to continue to learn and
contribute was indefinitely on hold.
Yet I discovered that with the chaos came unexpected opportu-
nities for growth and innovation. One of the first moments during
which I recall regaining my footing was when I excitedly boxed
Olivia Davies received her Match Day results on March 19, 2021.
up 700 home-assembled masks for the #MaskUpMKE campaign.
My apartment was a flurry of circular hole-punch remnants, each
a reminder that our remote learning status did not have to mean
that we were relegated to the sidelines. was the closest we got to airline travel; “You are now free to move
During April 2020, I worked closely with my preceptors to about the cabin,” I would text, jokingly. And he would, frantically
fine-tune a triage plan for telemedicine outreach to elderly at-risk grabbing snacks and coffee during my five-minute breaks, before
populations, and in May, I finally returned to the wards. Carrying throwing me a thumbs-up and ducking back into the other room.
a quart-size container in which to store my N95 mask, a stetho- Looking back through this past year, I can’t help but appreciate
scope and plastic goggles, I felt a palpable change. Jokes fell flat the gained insight: stark inequities no longer allowed to be
and the ability to mouth words of encouragement during quizzing ignored, cherished slow moments at home with my fiancé,
on hospital rounds was lost. But we adapted. Thumbs-up signs chances to step up and reach out to the Milwaukee community,
and crinkled eye lines became social currency, and we traded quiet nights reading books and early mornings doing the cross-
knowing looks as we began to shake off the cobwebs and word. Here’s to a brighter 2021 and continuing to seek oppor-
remember the way it had been. tunity in the face of challenge. ■ – OLIVIA DAVIES
Summer 2020 brought applications to residency and tips on
how to set up the optimal home interview space. And soon, our On March 19, Davies learned she had matched at Massachusetts
makeshift kitchen table became a sprawl of keyboards, chargers, General Hospital for her Internal Medicine preliminary year and
ethernet cables and lamps. Pre-interview plotting with my fiancé Harvard-Combined Dermatology for her Advanced Residency.
MCW.EDU 19You can also read
