Letters to the Editor

Hello, 

I really enjoyed the summer 2017 issue of Medicine at Michigan, but after reading the delightful article by Katie Goldrath about her extended medical family, I was disappointed to find no mention of my M.D. 1978 classmate, Frederick Novy III, a California dermatologist, in the article about Frederick Novy. Every time I have come across a culture showing clostridium novyi in my pediatric or dermatology careers, I remember "my" Fred, whose grandfather provided the eponym. 

I have purchased the book mentioned in the article, Frederick Novy and the Development of Bacteriology in Medicine, by Dr. Powel H. Kazanjian, and plan to donate it to the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, where I am a faculty member, after I have enjoyed it. 

Susan Boiko (M.D. 1978) 
Associate Professor of Dermatology, UC San Diego


Greetings, 

Thank you to Medicine at Michigan for highlighting Doctors of Tomorrow, a medical pipeline program committed to inspiring and preparing high school students from underrepresented communities to successfully pursue careers in health care, and increase diversity among medical professionals. Through a longitudinal program of clinical immersion, academic preparation, and leadership development, coupled with continued engagement and mentorship throughout high school and beyond, we strive to develop the necessary foundation for students to succeed academically and professionally. The program creates an educational experience in which all participants are actively engaged in developing and promoting cultural awareness as we strive to reduce bias in the medical field and foster our students as agents of change in their communities. 

Doctors of Tomorrow would not be possible without the support of the Cass Technical High School faculty and staff. The administration, including Ms. Phillips and Ms. Snow, along with the staff, including Ms. Chillis and Mr. Ross, have committed countless hours to ensure that every student finds success. On more than one occasion, Ms. Chillis has personally picked up a Doctors of Tomorrow student from their house when they could not find transportation to an event. Every day, the faculty of Cass Technical High School go above and beyond their necessary duties as educators. We are very thankful for their support and dedication. We look forward to many more years of collaboration between the University of Michigan Medical School and Cass Technical High School. 

Sincerely, 
Jonathan F. Finks, M.D. 
Associate Professor of Surgery 
Co-Director, Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative 
Founder, Doctors of Tomorrow 

Kylie Steenbergh (M.D. 2018) 
Former Mentor, Doctors of Tomorrow 


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