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was, of course, the dean, but at least for me, he was also the father figure, the mentor. He was always available. He shared with us his meals, his family, his great stories about his years teaching biochemistry (“I thought Jimmy did not have it”), and his vision of what he thought the medical school should be and where we should follow up our studies. Naturally, in the two years dedicated to the basic sciences, the emphasis was on the nonclinical aspects of medicine, and, although not enforced, it was clearly the expectation that at least some of
us would eventually pursue a career in academic medicine. Dr. Cross (“Shorty”) introduced us to actual patients in hospital settings and successfully provided the bridge from basic science to clinical medicine. The student environment was very pleasant. As could be expected from a bunch of high achievers, there was some degree of competition, particularly when, even though we were assured of a successful transfer to a four-year school, it was not clear initially where we would eventually go and how the selection of students would take place.
There was mutual respect and acceptance of the inevitable peculiarities that became evident in such a small group of students: yes, liberals, progressives, Vietnam controversies, hard-liners. . . . I wonder how the others have changed. We were all close, not only with one another but also with the faculty. There were frequent social events in which we mingled freely with the professors. I fondly remember the prediction of the faculty that I would become a gynecologist. Well, that prediction was erroneous! I became a board-certified pathologist, a board-certified internist, and a board-certified hematologist and oncologist. I practiced both pathology and oncology/hematology until three years ago, at which time I decided to eliminate pathology and proceed with my hematology/oncology practice. At age 70, I still do that full time, while dedicating every Wednesday to charity care. I am forever grateful for the great education and happy, fulfilling years that I spent at Rutgers. My only regret is that with the passage of time, I have lost contact with most of my classmates and mentors. I thank you for the opportunity to briefly revisit those wonderful years. M
Robert Wood Johnson I MEDICINE 39
COURTESY OF LUIS VILLA, JR, MD
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