JAMA honors 'U' Med. School with feature issue

By Shabnam Daneshvar

Daily Staff Reporter

The Journal of the American Medical Association, the largest circulating English medical journal and one of the most respected in the world, is devoting this week's issue to the University's Medical School.

In honor of the school's 150th anniversary, the issue, which is available today, will highlight past and present research as well as patient care.

Throughout the Journal's 116-year history, JAMA has recognized only seven other universities in the nation for their medical education, research and contributions to the field of medicine and patient care.

Being the eighth school to be recognized by the Journal has caused a rush of excitement within the medical and University communities.

"This is not just an honor of the year kind of thing. The reason is that the University is one of the four most important medical schools in the nation including Penn, Harvard and Johns Hopkins," Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs Gilbert Omenn said.

Helene Cole, contributing editor for JAMA's University Medical School edition, said the Journal received more than 30 submissions from the University for the issue.

The editors chose those which they thought were the "best papers submitted in terms of readers interest and interest in the medical communities," she said.

Allen Lichter, dean of the University Medical School and an University alum for both undergraduate and medical studies, said that the recognition is "just extra special" for him.

"Obviously, other faculty members who have joined us from other schools are proud of us, but there is nothing like the Maize n' Blue pride," he said.

"It's thrilling to be recognized like this in the country and world."

Howard Markel, Director of the Medical School's Historical Center who also served as and an editor for one of the JAMA jour

nals, presented the idea for a commemoration of the University's sesquicentennial to the editors of JAMA.

From there, the University submitted nearly 50 different scientific papers to the Journal for publication. Only six of the 50 made the cut and are published in the issue.

"We have been working on this (issue dedicated to the University) for months, upwards of a year," said Scot Roskelley, assistant director of science news at JAMA. "Michigan generates top quality research. They fit our appropriate scientific protocol and passed peer reviews of other researchers around the country ... we turn down nine of 10 research ideas to be published."

Omenn said not only does the attention confirm the University's high standards and status within the country; it could also produce even more medical students and respect.

"It may bring us students who are deciding between Michigan and other places. The issue may help with philanthropy in that it gives to the very best and makes every single person in the whole health system ... and the students of the University feel good about themselves," Omenn said.

The cover of the issue has a portrait of Victor Vaughan, who served as the Dean of the Medical School from 1891-1921. He is remembered for introducing innovative scientific approaches to medical research.

The edition includes scientific articles from University researchers, a historical essay by Markel, reviews on books all authored or co-authored by University faculty members, and an editorial on the future of medicine in the University by Omenn, Lichter, University President Lee Bollinger and Health Centers Executive Director Larry Warren.

Although the issue highlights the University's past and present endeavors, Lichter said with projects like the Life Sciences Initiative on the horizon there is much to look forward to in the University's medical future.

"The future of medicine in this University is extraordinary ... and we're looking ahead to our 200th anniversary of this school," Lichter said.

SAM HOLLENSHEAD/Daily

University Hospital resident nurse Marsha Bembenech attends to her 5-month-old patient Alaysha Victorian. Victorian is connected to a machine that allows her heart and lungs to function normally.