Philanthropic Support Sets New Record

Thanks to the generosity of many benefactors, 2008 was a record year for philanthropy in the Department of Internal Medicine. The year ended with $6.18 million in new gifts committed in 2008 (outright cash gifts and new pledges). This represents a 25.4 percent increase over 2007's record amount. Additionally, a number of new benefactors were acquired through the department's first "Doctor's Day Appeal". There were 605 donors to this new effort who gave more than $57,000 in support of various patient-care and research initiatives. Their gifts honored 222 Internal Medicine physicians for their exemplary work. A number of these donors are now engaged in discussions to provide major gifts in support of research, education or patient care initiatives led by the faculty members they've honored. The development staff continued its focus on endowed professorships and research funds, launching six new professorship initiatives in 2008. Toward the end of the year, the economic downturn became apparent. The department is very thankful to the benefactors who provided this vital support during these difficult times. While some of their stories are highlighted here, each and every donor is appreciated for helping to support the vital medical mission of the University of Michigan Department of Internal Medicine.

To learn more about ways to support the department's mission of medical education, research and patient care, contact Development Director John Perry at 866-860-0026 or go to www.med.umich.edu/intmed and click on "giving opportunities".

The Michael H. and Marcia S. Klein Professorship in Rheumatic Diseases

Seven years ago, a diagnosis of both rheumatoid arthritis and lupus in the family of Michael and Marcy Klein led them to the University of Michigan and the work of  W. Joseph McCune, MD.

As the Kleins (right) learned about Dr. McCune's research-and about the 3.6 million Americans affected by the pain, inflammation and debilitation of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus-they decided to establish a research fund in their names to advance the work being done at U-M. The Klein Research Fund is also supporting a long-term study to determine the causes and treatment of premature heart disease in women with lupus. As they saw an increased need for lupus and other rheumatic disease research, Mr. and Mrs. Klein decided to make a new, significant gift from their family foundation and transform the research fund into a professorship that bears their name.

The significant philanthropic commitment by the Kleins is a testament to their resolve to make a strong impact on the diagnosis, treatment and eventual cures for rheumatic diseases, especially lupus. Their gifts will make a difference for a great many patients not only in Michigan, but around the world. Most of these patients will never know the names of Michael and Marcia Klein, but their suffering will be mitigated by the medical breakthroughs made possible by their generosity.

A Joint Recognition in Gastroenterology

Keith S. Henley, MD (professor emeritus of Internal Medicine) is widely admired throughout the world for his achievements and commitment to education and research, as well as for his clinical contributions to more effective treatments of liver disease. To honor Dr. Henley's legacy, and in recognition of a generous gift from Dr. and Mrs. Henley, the Medical School established the Keith S. Henley, MD Collegiate Professorship in Gastroenterology.

Dr. Henley joined the U-M faculty in 1954 and advanced to achieve the title of professor of internal medicine in 1968. He was appointed division chief of Gastroenterology after Dr. H. Marvin Pollard retired, and served in this role until his retirement in 1981. Since that time, he has remained involved in the support and training of international clinicians in the field of hepatology.

In early 2009, Jorge A. Marrero, MD, was installed as the first Keith S. Henley, MD Collegiate Professor in Gastroenterology. Dr. Marrero, a hepatologist internationally known for his work in hepatocellular carcinoma, serves as an associate professor of Internal Medicine and director of the Multidisciplinary Liver Tumor Clinic, a clinic recently chosen to be one of U-M's destination programs. Dr. Marrero's work pays tribute to Dr. Henley's legacy as a pioneer in the field of hepatology.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mrs. Henley, Dr. John Del Valle, Dr. Keith Henley, Dr. Jorge Marrero, and Dr. Chung Owyang.

The Melvyn Rubenfire Professorship in Preventive Cardiology

On November 17, 2008, family, friends and patients of  Melvyn Rubenfire, MD, gathered in the home of Phillip and Lauren Fisher to hear campaign plans for a new professorship: The Melvyn Rubenfire Professorship in Preventive Cardiology. A named professorship is the highest honor the University bestows upon a faculty member. In addition to honoring Dr. Rubenfire's legacy, the professorship will provide ongoing financial support that will allow a U-M faculty member to focus on the development of preventative cardiology programs, clinical care, research and education. This new professorship will also bolster U-M's continued fight against the nation's number one killer: cardiovascular disease.

The University owes a debt to Dr. Rubenfire for his many advances in the field, including the establishment of a world-class preventive cardiology service; comprehensive patient support and education programs; and the inauguration of a pulmonary hypertension program. One of his special contributions has been to recognize the mind-body interface as a contributor to cardiovascular disease. With his collaboration among many departments including members of the Department of Psychiatry, he has established the first cardiology-psychiatry program at U-M.

The University of Michigan continues the campaign to raise funds for this endowed chair and is grateful to those who have already supported this effort.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Melvyn & Diane Rubenfire and Lauren & Phillip Fisher

A Lost Friend

In early January 2009, the University of Michigan lost a superb clinician and a dear friend, F. Robert Fekety, Jr, MD, (right) professor emeritus of internal medicine in the Medical School, and professor emeritus of epidemiology in the School of Public Health.

Dr. Fekety was recruited to Michigan from Johns Hopkins in 1967. He founded the Infectious Diseases Division at Michigan and was its chief until his retirement in 1994. Under his leadership, the division became renowned in clinical care, research and teaching. He was recognized as a compassionate physician and master clinician by his peers in infectious diseases throughout the country. His excellence as a teacher was acknowledged by both students and residents at Michigan, who awarded him prominent teaching awards.

Dr. Fekety will be missed by all of us, both as a wonderful person and an exceptional colleague. It is because of his work and being an exceptional physician, the Department of Internal Medicine wishes to recognize the work of Dr. Fekety in the F. Robert Fekety, Jr, MD, Professorship in Infectious Diseases; the first professorship in infectious diseases.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

The Bernard Osher Foundation has made a generous contribution to the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center to endow a community program for older adults. This contribution will sustain the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, formerly known as the Learning in Retirement Program, which offers a variety of educational opportunities for area residents in or near retirement.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute was established in 1987 by a small group of Geriatric Center social workers and volunteers. Today, this program has over 1,000 volunteers who work closely with the Geriatrics Center staff. Offerings include more than 100 mini-courses, study groups and lectures, including the popular "Distinguished Lecture Series." Also offered in this program is an expanding midwest travel program and occasional special events.

Created in 1977 by businessman Bernard Osher, the Bernard Osher Foundation sponsors lifelong learning institutes throughout the United States seeking to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. Director of the U-M Geriatrics Center Jeffrey B. Halter, MD, (right) noted, "The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U-M exemplifies the type of quality programming that can be accomplished with a dedicated group of community volunteers working with the support of the university. This gift helps to ensure that educational offerings for retirement age adults will continue well into the future."