The Celebration of Excellence Symposium . . .

. . . took place on November 5, 2004, in recognition of Dr. Roger Wiggins' tenure as Division Chief of Nephrology from 1988 to 2004. This event included presentations from former and current faculty highlighting their accomplishments in basic and clinical research, and clinical service. Invited speakers included Dr. Josie Briggs, Director, KUH Division, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; Dr. Richard Tannen, Professor of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania; and Dr. Laurence Turka, Professor of Medicine and Division Chief, Renal Division, University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Wiggins' reflections on this event:

"When you look at the remarkable things that have been achieved by our faculty, some of which have literally changed the way we practice nephrology on a world-wide basis, and the wonderful basic science that will come to impact nephrology practice in multiple ways in the future, you realize what a great place the University of Michigan is and what great opportunities there are here."

"When I began as Division Chief in 1988 I set out to try to build on the excellent faculty that were already here and who had been recruited by my predecessors Jack Weller (1964-1977) and Dick Tannen (1977-1988). I tried to use the breadth and depth of the environment at UM to build a diverse kidney research group based not only in Internal Medicine but also in Pediatrics, Pathology, the School of Public Health, Engineering and other areas to develop new knowledge and apply new approaches to better serve our patients. I tried to support, recruit to UM, and inspire as many outstanding people as possible and I did my best to encourage them to ask important questions. It is remarkable that almost everyone was very successful including some of our faculty who went on to Nationally important positions. Together with the guidance of our faculty, staff and patients I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am confident that under Chip Brosius' leadership we can do even greater things in the future."