Quiet Advocate: Edward J. Van Liere's Influence on Medical Education in West Virginia - Softcover

Neal, William A.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0998882011 ISBN 13: 9780998882017

Publisher: West Virginia University Libraries, West Virginia & Regional History Center; West Virginia Universit, 2017

Synopsis

For nearly half of the last century, West Virginia could not fully train its own doctors. Many saw this predicament as unacceptable, including Dr. Edward J. Van Liere, who took it upon himself to become an agent of change. The purpose of this book is multifaceted. Clearly, it is meant to be a tribute to Edward Van Liere. And, certainly, the story is a celebration of WVU Medicine and the progression leading up to its present-day distinction. The origin of the WVU Medical School—including its transformation to an expanded, full medical curriculum—is covered, as is creation of University Hospital. Recounting the unique history of the School of Medicine appropriately recognizes the contributions of so many West Virginia politicians who were willing to lay aside differences to make decisions for the greater good. Key players Governor Okey Patteson, WVU President Irvin Stewart, and Dean Van Liere worked together using their strong leadership and vision to establish the four-year Medical School, unquestionably a necessary step forward in the school’s evolution and toward inception of the Medical Center. The book also honors other members of the WVU family: biographical sketches describe WVU administrators, faculty, clinicians, and alumni. We also hear first-hand accounts about the experience of two- and four-year medical students, including participation in research projects, learning from the best, and even carrying cadavers to dissection tables in the school’s earliest years. Inspiring human interest stories and events relevant to the society and culture of the times are included, as are some of Van Liere’s involvements beyond administration. This scholar was consulted during WWII for his expertise on physiological effects of being in high altitude, low oxygen environments. Also described is his, perhaps surprising, avocation as a Sherlockian enthusiast and writer of essays on a variety of topics. —from the book Contents: The Unique Endeavor of Educating Doctors in a Rural State; Arrival of Edward J. Van Liere; Academic Career Development; Accreditation Crisis for the School of Medicine; The Perilous State of Two-Year Schools of Medicine; Meeting the Challenge of World War II; The Governor, the WV Legislature, and the WVSMA; At Long Last, the New Medical Center; The Medical Student Experience; “A Doctor Enjoys Sherlock Holmes”; Towards Retirement; Epilogue. Includes extensive endnotes, index, and 30 photographs.

About this title

About the Author

William A. Neal is a native of Huntington, WV. He earned a BS degree in chemistry from Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, in 1962, and his MD degree from West Virginia University (WVU) in 1966, where he was the first recipient of the Edward J. Van Liere Award for medical student research. He completed a rotating internship at the Milwaukee County General Hospital (Marquette University) in 1966–67. After training in aviation medicine at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, FL, he was assigned as a flight surgeon and made two deployments to Vietnam aboard the USS Constellation. Following his military service, he completed residency in pediatrics and a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at the University of Minnesota in 1970–74. Dr. Neal returned to WVU as an assistant professor in 1974 and later, in 1985, was named chair of the Dept. of Pediatrics, a position he held for thirteen years. He served as the first medical director of WVU Children’s Hospital; during his tenure, newborn intensive care was established, and a statewide system of high-risk newborn and obstetrical care was implemented. In 1998, Neal founded the Coronary Artery Risk Detection In Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project; the school-based risk-factor surveillance, intervention, and research program became the largest cohort of its kind in the nation and influenced the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend, in 2012, universal cholesterol screening for all children to diagnose familial hypercholesterolemia. Collaboration with faculty from the WVU College of Physical Activity and Sports Science led to population-based interventional strategies. Neal retired to emeritus status in 2014, and an endowment was established in his name. Two years later, he was selected for the WVU Academy of Distinguished Alumni. Dr. Neal has served as president of the National Perinatal Association from 1982 to 1984. In 1988, he was appointed to the Naval Research Advisory Committee as an advisor to naval service. During 1998–2000, he was national chair of the Children’s Miracle Network. Currently, he serves as chairman of the board of the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation based in Pasadena, CA. Although Dr. Neal has enjoyed a number of prestigious awards over the course of his career, being named Distinguished Alumnus of the WVU School of Medicine in 2006 was dear to his heart. Dr. Neal is married to Martha D. Mullett, MD. They have six children and fourteen grandchildren.

Edition details

• Publisher: West Virginia University Libraries, West Virginia & Regional History Center; West Virginia Universit
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0998882011
• ISBN 13: 9780998882017
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 278