What does it take to be a medical hero? Some medical heroes make unique scientific discoveries. Some develop innovative strategies to treat our most vexing clinical problems. Some change health policy forever. Some become role models for generations of students and colleagues. Some make lifelong commitments to caring for the underserved. All have a passion for excellence.
This course will present UCSF faculty who represent the very best in American medicine. In each of six evenings, faculty will describe their unique path to discovery and commitment. How did they develop an interest in their specialty? Who were their key mentors? What was the state of the field before they made their contribution? How has their work made important contributions to human health? What can you learn about each of their areas of expertise and how they affect your life?
Course Chairs: Robert B. Baron, MD, MS, professor of medicine and associate dean, UCSF School of Medicine; director, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UCSF.
February 22
Lung Surfactant: The Discovery of a Life-Saving Therapy
Samuel Hawgood, MBBS, professor and chair, Department of Pediatrics; physician in chief, UCSF Children’s Hospital
March 1
The UCSF Fetal Treatment Center: A Personal Perspective
Michael R. Harrison, MD, professor of pediatric surgery and co-founder, Fetal Treatment Center at UCSF Children’s Hospital
March 8
Brain Tumors – Current State of Scientific Knowledge
Susan Chang , MD, professor and vice chair, Department of Neurological Surgery
March 15
Happy Birthday, Transplantation: The UCSF Organ Transplant Experience
Nancy Ascher, MD, PhD, professor and chair, Department of Surgery, UCSF School of Medicine
March 22
Calisthenics for the Older Brain
Michael Merzenich, PhD, Francis Sooy Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Keck Foundation Center for Integrative Neuroscience
March 29
Rhythms of the Heart
Melvin Scheinman, MD, professor of medicine, Walter H. Shorenstein Endowed Chair in Cardiology; founder, UCSF Electrophysiology Section
