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In Vivo - The Newsletter of Columbia University Medical Center
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In Vivo
memoriam
HARVEY R. COLTEN, M.D., professor of pediatrics and vice president and a senior associate dean from 2002 to 2005, died on May 24. He was 68. During his time at Columbia, Dr. Colten had a tremendous impact on research, education, and academic affairs. His leadership improved key areas of our research infrastructure, helped refine criteria for faculty appointments, promotions, and searches, and led to the creation of the Glenda Garvey Teaching Academy. As a clinical scientist, Dr. Colten improved the understanding of the immune system and advanced the treatment of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory diseases in children. He authored more than 270 papers and book chapters. Before Dr. Colten came to Columbia in 2002 he was a clinical professor of pediatrics at UCSF. From 1997 to 1999 he served as dean of Northwestern University Medical School and vice president for medical affairs at Northwestern University. A memorial service will be held Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. in the Pauline A. Hartford Memorial Chapel.

DONALD H. GEMSON, M.D., M.P.H., associate clinical professor of sociomedical sciences and former co-director of the Harlem Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Mailman, died May 31 at age 55. Dr. Gemson was a nationally known expert in preventive medicine and a major advocate for tobacco control and cessation. His expert testimony at public hearings helped secure passage of New York City’s 2002 Smoke-Free Air Act that banned smoking in most workplaces. To ensure his legacy as a master teacher, close friends of Dr. Gemson have created the Donald H. Gemson Scholarship Fund, which will provide support to doctoral students in health promotion and disease prevention.

JOHN K. LATTIMER, M.D., chairman of the Department of Urology from 1955 to 1980 and professor emeritus of urology, died May 10 at age 92. Dr. Lattimer was one of the founders of the field of pediatric urology and made Columbia the world’s destination for children with urinary abnormalities. His contributions to the treatment of renal tuberculosis, which previously led to kidney failure and death, saved the lives of numerous children and adults worldwide. Dr. Lattimer, a 1938 P&S graduate, served in the Army between 1944 and 1946, treating casualties of the Normandy invasion and serving as a medical officer during the Nuremberg trials.

RALPH SCHLAEGER, M.D., professor emeritus of clinical radiology, died March 13. He was 86. Dr. Schlaeger joined the P&S faculty in 1954 and served the Columbia and NYP communities for 51 years. After retiring from the outpatient radiology service in 1994, Dr. Schlaeger continued to work part-time for the department until 2005.

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