Alumni Alumni

Alumni

Journal

Alumni Association • School of Medicine of Loma Linda University

ONLINE

www.llusmaa.org

Volume 2, Number 2

April • 2011 • June





Out and About









San Timoteo Canyon



Editorial _________________________________________________________2 Alumni Activities ________________________________________________19

Proton ___________________________________________________________4 In Memoriam ___________________________________________________22

Year in Review __________________________________________________12

AJ Online www.llusmaa.org

Richard Wayne Weismeyer Born:10-15-43, Loma Linda, California Died: 1-12-11, Loma Linda, California



Richard Weismeyer and I produced our first issue of the LLUSM Alumni JOURNAL (Vol. 71, No. 4) for October/December,

2000. Our final collaboration was Vol. 81, No. 1 for January/March, 2011.

He had been recruited by Alumni Association Executive Director Dennis E. Park, who has always had an eye out for

value to the Association. We needed someone skilled in computer technology so that production of the JOURNAL

would be compatible with current publishing procedures. The days of the cut-and-paste process (with which I was most

familiar) were long gone. The scissors and glue were lost.

Material pertinent to the JOURNAL would be submitted to the alumni office. Feature articles and interviews would be

done and written up, and photographs and illustrations sorted out and selected. Richard always helped me by writing

the “Alumni Activities” and “In Memoriam” columns. And then it was time to sit with him at his desk (not during his or my

regular office work hours) and assemble the JOURNAL.

I continue to marvel at the memory of his fleet fingers selecting command buttons from what looked like an infinite

array of options, always getting the pictures to the right size, cropping out the distractions, correcting lighting intensities, and getting the last

word of any article to the bottom right hand corner of the page (unless there was an unavoidable “jump”).

Whenever someone would compliment us on the finish and look of the JOURNAL, he always gave me a boost by saying that all he did was

to follow my instructions and enter the material I gave him, when the truth was that I frequently and unhesitatingly consulted him and profited

from his extensive experience in writing and publishing.

Working as closely as we did for this extended period of time qualifies me to make some intimate observations.

Richard was not one to hew to that fashionable but laughable administrative admonition, “Work smart, not hard”. During his long years as

head of Loma Linda University Relations and in his other activities, he always worked very smart and hard, never failing to give his best in what-

ever there was to do. He graciously put up with my (occasional) tardiness. He was selfless and always led by example.

Interestingly, the few differences we had mostly had to do with my occasional remarks that Penang, Malaysia, where I grew up, was the best

place in the whole world (I can still hear my globe-trotting friend groan), and that the absolutely best institution in the denomination was my

alma mater, Walla Walla College/University (that groan, plus eye-rolling, here, since he graduated from La Sierra College/University). The rest of

the time was spent on the jig-saw puzzle of meshing words and pictures. When the design looked right, we would both relish the pleasure of a

job well-done and call it a night.

Our collaboration was truly a special time. I will not forget his gentle, loyal ways. They were what made him indispensable and loved as an

administrator, co-worker, and friend.

Henry K. Yeo, ’68









2 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

Celebrating 20 Years of

Proton Radiation Therapy at

Loma Linda University Medical Center









Celebrants at the re-naming of the LLUMC proton facility, December 2007. Left to right: Jerry D. Slater, M.D., chair of the department of radiation medicine; Ken Venturi, former U.S. Open champion and chair

of the annual Proton Charity Invitational; Ruthita Fike, M.A., CEO of LLUMC; Lowell C. Cooper, M.Div., M.P.H., chair of the Board of Trustees and Advisors, LLUAHSC; James M. Slater, M.D.,

F.A.C.R.; H Roger Hadley, M.D., dean of Loma Linda University School of Medicine; and B. Lyn Behrens, M.B., B.S., CEO of LLUAHSC.









4 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

The Background of Proton Therapy 2) computer-assisted treatment planning did not exist, so physicians could not visualize the

Proton therapy originated with the discovery of protons in 1919 by Ernest Rutherford, radiation distribution on patients’ anatomy and thereby develop optimal treatment plans;

a physicist from Cambridge University, England, who became known as the father of and 3) existing computing technology was inadequate to control a complex heavy-charged-

nuclear physics. In the early 1930s, Ernest O. Lawrence, at the University of California, particle treatment facility for human use, thus restricting heavy-charged-particle treatment

Berkeley, developed the first technique of energizing protons using an accelerator he to the investigational phase throughout this early period.

built and named the cyclotron. In 1946, Robert R. Wilson, who had been a student of The LLU treatment planning system won many local and international awards and rec-

Lawrence’s and was designing a cyclotron for Harvard University, proposed the thera- ognition. For example, its developers were awarded a Certificate of Merit Citation from

peutic use of proton beams. In the mid-1950s, scientists at Berkeley and other high-en- the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) for their scientific exhibit in 1973. Dr.

ergy research physics facilities began experimental proton radiation with small numbers Slater was selected by the United States Atomic Energy Commission to present his “Inte-

of patients. In the early 1960s, using the research cyclotron facility designed by Wilson, grated Ultrasound-Computer Dosimetry System for Radiation Therapy” at the International

Harvard neurosurgeons and other physicians began experimenting with treating vascular Atomic Energy Agency Symposium on Advances in Biomedical Dosimetry, Vienna, Austria,

lesions of the brain and eyes with protons. In the early 1970s, Herman D. Suit, Chair- in March of 1975. This was followed in June of 1975 by a First Place Award for a Division of

man of Radiation Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, began experimental pro- Radiation Oncology Exhibit on the LLU “Computerized Radiotherapy Planning System” at

ton treatments of malignant lesions of the brain, eyes, head and neck, and prostate, at

Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory (HCL).



The Origin of Proton Therapy at LLUMC

Pioneering Proton Facilities

In 1970 James M. Slater ’63 was recruited to LLU by then-dean, David B. Hinshaw,

Sr. ’47, to develop an academic radiation oncology program at LLUMC. His first goal Facility Treatment Begins

was to develop a computer-assisted radiation treatment planning system for the purpose

Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, USA 1954

of visualizing the invisible radiation beam on patients’ anatomy while visualizing that

anatomy using ultrasound and/or X-ray images. Such a system would provide a much Uppsala, Sweden 1957

more precise means of delivering any type of radiation to diseased tissues, thereby mini- Harvard Cyclotron Laboratory, USA 1961

mizing damage to the normal surrounding tissues and thus reducing undesirable effects Dubna, Russia 1964

of radiation. His second goal was to search for the optimal controllable particle to use

for treating patients with radiation. Dr. Slater realized that X-rays were not sufficiently

Moscow, Russia 1969

controllable to seriously reduce the normal-tissue damage they caused without increas- St. Petersburg, Russia 1975

ing the volume of normal-tissue injury, thus reducing acute clinically detectable injury Chiba, Japan 1979

only. He believed, therefore, that the best means of accomplishing the second goal was

to develop a treatment delivery system based on heavy charged particles. At the time,

Tsukuba, Japan 1983

protons had been used experimentally at some high-energy-physics laboratories around Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland 1984

the world, but so too had other particles such as negative pi mesons (pions), helium Clatterbridge, UK 1989

ions, and heavier ions. Dr. Slater began visiting all the heavy-charged-particle centers Loma Linda University Medical Center 1990

around the globe to learn and plan for developing a facility at LLUMC. A 1970 feasibil-

ity study, however, conducted by a review group recommended to LLU by the National Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium 1991

Cancer Institute (NCI), revealed that designing a patient-dedicated facility at that time Nice, France 1991

was premature because of three major deficiencies: 1) imaging modalities could not Orsay, France 1991

visualize the true extent of tumor, so accurate target volumes could not be identified;









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 5

the Scientific Exhibition of the Third Congress of the European Association of Radiology, symposium to discuss hospital-based proton therapy systems. This was held at Fermi Na-

Edinburgh, Scotland. In November of 1978, after the LLU system had been upgraded to a tional Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), the eventual designers and builders of the LLUMC

CT-based system that allowed for measuring electron density variations in tissue, Dr. Slater proton system, in January 1985. FNAL sent invitations to physicists around the world at

and his colleagues received the First Place Award in Scientific Exhibit Achievement for their each of the high-energy physics facilities to join in developing the conceptual design re-

exhibit on “Computerized Tomography Scanning in Radiation Planning” at the annual quirements for hospital-based proton therapy facilities. Ninety-three physicists from most

meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists (ASTRO), in Los Angeles, of the world’s laboratories responded, all coming at their own expense to discuss this excit-

California. At the subsequent annual meeting of ASTRO, held in New Orleans, Louisiana, ing new venture. This group became known as the Proton (now Particle) Therapy Co-op-

in October of 1979, some in the audience hailed the LLU system as the “missing link” in erative Group (PTCOG). Throughout the conceptual design period, the group met twice

radiation therapy. per year; PTCOG still meets to this day, in this country and in countries within Europe and

Computer-assisted radiotherapy planning, employing digital imaging data taken di- Asia. Dr. Slater was highly active in the group and at one time was its chair.

rectly from patients’ CT scans, rapidly became useful in industry as well as in radiation That first meeting at FNAL began with a plan to develop a conceptual design of an ac-

medicine clinics globally. Today, this technology for radiotherapy planning is the standard celerator and building layout for a hospital-based proton therapy and research center. Prior

throughout the world. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, when the applications of this tech- to this meeting, Dr. Slater had previously inquired of private industry whether it would

nology were becoming increasingly evident, Dr. Slater was invited to present the new LLU be interested in partnering with LLUMC in developing the world’s first hospital-based

radiation treatment planning system at multiple meetings and universities world-wide, as center; industry declined the task because of the complexity, their lack of experience, and

well as at international meetings of organizations such as the United Nations International the potential cost and overall enormity of the task. FNAL’s (Fermilab’s) Deputy Director,

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Philip Livdahl, accepted the challenge and felt it could best be done there at Fermilab.

and the American Physical Society. A thorough review of the project immediately began. Livdahl soon responded that the

Through this period, Dr. Slater and his colleagues continued to develop plans for build- Laboratory, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s “work for others” provision, designed

ing the first hospital-based, heavy-charged-particle radiotherapy facility. Dr. Slater visited to encourage technology transfer, would be willing to partner with LLUMC. This began a

all available high-energy physics laboratories around the world and joined the faculty at Los priceless review process for designing the LLUMC accelerator that, to Dr. Slater’s mind, was

Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where pion trials were underway. He was invited one of many major factors in the success of the LLU proton therapy system. In addition to

to join the external advisory committee at the Lawrence Berkeley Heavy Ion Laboratory the review by Livdahl and Fermilab faculty, favorable reviews were given by Leon Leder-

(LBL). He was involved in both site visits that eventually led to the unfortunate closings man, Ph.D., Nobel Laureate in Physics and Director of Fermilab; the Universities Research

of the Berkeley and the Los Alamos clinical radiation programs. Eventually, he selected the Association, the academic guidance group for Fermilab; the U.S. Department of Energy,

proton as the fundamental particle of choice for human use and began developing the ac- owners and federal funding agency for Fermilab; and by members of the U.S. Congress

celerator and facility design requirements that would not only satisfy the above noted site and their agencies. Congressman Jerry Lewis, of Redlands, provided immense help in this

visit teams but would surpass their expectations. Safety, efficiency, reliability, upgradability, effort.

precision delivery, and research were all crucial issues that were addressed in the LLU design In early 1986, LLUMC administration, through extensive planning and the use of

effort and made it possible for treatment of all diseases treatable by photon beams and many reviews, decided to proceed with the proton treatment center. LLUMC entered into agree-

additional diseases not treatable by X-rays. ments with Fermilab to perform conceptual and engineering design studies and to fabricate

By the early 1980s, the deficiencies identified in the 1970 LLU feasibility study had the LLUMC proton synchrotron. This collaboration was announced at the next meeting of

largely been rectified. Dr. Slater began to recruit faculty and staff who shared his interest PTCOG, after which the LLUMC project became a focus for the group.

in developing a hospital-based proton treatment system. Some faculty and staff became Dr. Slater has always maintained that the success of the LLU proton treatment and

discouraged with the enormous changes about to occur, and left the program; others, fasci- research facility owes much to the work of many notable scientists who contributed their

nated by these challenges, rapidly joined the LLU faculty. talents to helping the undertaking in its early days, and to the courage of several in LLU

By 1984, Dr. Slater was working actively to realize a hospital-based proton treatment and LLUMC administration who supported the project and committed internal funding

center at Loma Linda. He was instrumental in helping to organize the first international for what was, after all, a pioneering venture. Valuable consultations and assistance were









6 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

received from many in PTCOG, representing institutions such as LANL, LBL, HCL, and the

Swiss Institute for Nuclear Research (later the Paul Scherrer Institute). Philip Livdahl and Leon

Lederman, and later, Lederman’s successor at Fermilab, John Peoples, Ph.D., assembled a team

of physicists and engineers to design and build the proton synchrotron, among them Lee Teng,

Ph.D., of Argonne National Laboratory, who was the primary designer. Among those in LLU and

LLUMC administration who lent critical and courageous support to the project when it was being

considered in the mid-1980s were LLU’s vice-president for medical affairs, Harrison Evans ’36;

the president and chief operating officer of LLUMC, John Ruffcorn; and the dean of the School of

Medicine, Gordon Hadley ’44-B. Elder Neal C. Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist

Church, made it clear from the outset that he favored the project; his support helped immensely

in winning support among LLU and LLUMC board members who had to approve commitment

of funds. Commendation is also owed to Dr. David B. Hinshaw, Sr., who superbly supported the

concept of proton therapy from the early 1970s, when he was dean of the School of Medicine, and

continued to support it in the late 1980s, when he returned to LLU as Vice President for Medical

Affairs.

By 1986, then, when the commitment was made, the total process of planning and reviews had

required more than fifteen years. At that point, however, the effort to build the synchrotron and

facility began.

Dr. Slater orchestrated that effort; to make sure his design requirements were included through-

out. He oversaw the work of the architectural firm, NBBJ; the McCarthy firm of general contrac-

tors, which built the structure housing the treatment facility; Scientific Applications International

Corporation (SAIC), which helped transfer the technology from Fermilab to LLUMC; and Mar-

tinez and Turek, a Riverside firm that built the gantries used to rotate the proton beam around the

patient. Jon Slater and David Leysena, who led the engineering team that formed Optivus Proton James Munro Slater ’63, born: 1929, Salt Lake City, Utah. Besides attacking dis-

Therapy, Inc., played the leading role in developing the control systems for the accelerator and eased tissues, Dr. Slater’s primary concern was the need to reduce or eliminate the

treatment rooms and initiating the start-up of the accelerator. Faculty and staff of the LLUMC side effects of irradiation treatments. He pioneered computer-assisted radiotherapy

department of radiation medicine (LLURM), led by Jerry D. Slater ’82 and David Bush ’92, planning, introducing the first such system in 1971. This earned him a first-place

developed the clinical protocols, the guidelines and specifications for employing the synchrotron award from the European Association of Radiology in 1975 and an invitation to

and facility to benefit patient care. speak at the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Austria. In 1978,

he won the first place award from the American Society of Therapeutic Radiologists.

Dr. James Slater’s original design requirements for this entire effort included: 1) safety; 2) effi-

He began investigating proton radiation therapy in 1970 with the same goal of better

ciency; 3) reliability; 4) upgradability; 5) precision delivery capabilities; and 6) research capabilities

targeting malignancies. By 1984, imaging and computing technology had advanced

that would support the most advanced proton treatment at LLUMC for generations. Together, to the point that a hospital-based treatment system was a possibility. With input from

these requirements would assure LLUMC and its patients that continual and meaningful successes renowned physicists around the world, he worked tirelessly to design, develop, and

would result from delivering the highly controllable particle, the proton, using new developments construct the Loma Linda Proton Treatment Center. The first of its kind, it opened

through the years as they became available. in 1990. In 2007, it was renamed the James M. Slater, MD, Proton Treatment and

The facility opened in October of 1990 as the LLUMC Proton Treatment and Research Center. Research Center. LLUSM radiation research laboratories presently explore radiation

It houses the advanced development of the proton synchrotron built at Fermilab that has fulfilled physics, engineering, chemistry, biology, and physiology, and are engaged in joint pro-

and even surpassed expectations throughout this first twenty years. grams with NASA, the Departments of Energy and Defense, and other universities.









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 7

Cutaway model of the proton treatment floor. The stationary-beam room has two beam lines, for eye and for head-and-neck treatments. The calibration/research room has three beam lines. The unlabelled rooms at top

include dressing rooms for patients, control rooms for the gantries and the stationary-beam room, and rooms for physicians and technologists to evaluate plans and consult on individual cases.









8 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

Jerry D. Slater ’82

Professor & Chair of the Department of Radiation Medicine



Residencies and fellowships

1986 Residency, radiation oncology, University of Texas

M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute



1987 Fellowship, radiation oncology, Harvard Medical

School & Massachusetts General Hospital—Harvard

Cyclotron Laboratory



Board certifications

• American Board of Radiology



Appointments

• Professor, Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Department of Radiation Medicine

• Chair, Loma Linda University Medical Center Department Total number of patients treated, 1990-2010.

of Radiation Medicine

• Hospital staff, Loma Linda University Medical Center









Percentages of patients treated since 1990, by anatomic site and tumor type. Patients treated since 1990, by place of origin







Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 9

The Research Foundation undergoing long-duration space missions; LLUMC, to bet- therapy depends on accurate knowledge of the penetration

When Dr. James M. Slater and his colleagues designed ter understand radiation effects in normal tissue. Both are depth of the beam and the actual electron density or relative

the LLUMC proton facility, they added a research room, interested in ways to minimize those risks; the proton beam proton stopping power distribution of materials and tissues

containing three dedicated research beam lines, to the four affords a useful tool for studying them, given the prevalence in the proton path, proton computed tomography (pCT) is

treatment rooms. Further, they established a program of ba- of protons in intergalactic radiation (greater than 90%) and being investigated as a means to more accurately determine

sic physics, engineering, and radiobiological studies to lay the increasing use of different proton dose schedules such as penetration depth and then proceed with the most appropri-

foundations for treatment programs later developed for pro- hypofractionation. ate solution.

ton therapy of various anatomic sites. Needs for a separate Various basic and translational studies have been per- Proton therapy is being evaluated for neuroscience ap-

and comprehensive suite of laboratories and laboratory per- formed over the last two decades. Some investigators are plications. Long-term goals are to develop new techniques

sonnel were foreseen; plans to develop the laboratory com- studying fundamental issues involving radiation and its in- of proton radiosurgery for lesions of the brain and spinal

plex were made before the hospital-based treatment facility teraction in cells and subcellular components, and the poten- cord. This effort will provide a means for treating with pro-

opened. The laboratory complex opened in the mid-1990s. tial synergistic effects of radiation in association with other tons functional neurologic disorders of the central nervous

Proton research requires using the proton beam for ba- factors, such as drugs or the rigors of space travel. Low-dose/ system such as intractable epilepsy and pathologic pain dis-

sic and translational studies, as well as for clinical research low-dose-rate gamma and proton irradiation is being stud- orders. Technical preparations are being made for this use.

and non-protocol treatments. LLURM remains dedicated to ied in terms of background radiation in space and possible

providing protons to as many patients as possible, however; synergistic effects when used prior to high-dose therapeutic Looking Ahead

accordingly, it is not uncommon for treatment operations irradiation. Radiation protection is the focus of another line Numbers of hospital-based proton centers continue to

to begin at 5:00 a.m. and run through to midnight on any of investigation; some antioxidants have been studied to de- increase worldwide. The existence of more large clinical fa-

given weekday. With a facility that runs 24/7 it is vitally termine whether normal cells can be protected without also cilities, and the large numbers of patients they will serve,

important that beam time be effectively managed to ensure protecting tumor cells against radiation. The effects of space will permit multi-institutional cooperative clinical trials that

that routine quality assurance, maintenance, and research flight on biological responses are being studied, as are the lead to valuable clinical data about employing proton beam

are provided with the time needed to complete these vital biological effects of scanned vs. passive proton radiation and therapy. This amplifies a process that Dr. Slater began at

tasks while maintaining the priority of patient treatments. radiation effects on CNS-immune interactions. Other stud-

Research beam time must be further allocated to the ies are ongoing regarding the effects of protons and heavier

various researchers needing access to the beam. The facility ions on CNS functions.

operates throughout the night to accommodate researchers’ The preclinical research program includes several trans-

needs as fully as possible. lational studies. One outcome of the translational research

Research begins with patients’ needs. That was the origi- program, alluded to above, is the Precision Patient Align-

nal impetus for the studies Dr. Slater undertook during his ment System, now operational in one of the gantry rooms.

residency years in the 1960s, and the same remains true to- Work also continues on active beam scanning; a system is

day. The department of radiation medicine has a compre- operational in the research room. A scanned proton beam

hensive research program that includes basic, translational, will be an important tool to treat a greater variety of patients

and clinical studies, all of which lead to clinical modifica- with larger and more irregular tumors.

tions or innovations. Often, these lead to new research ques- Translational studies are also proceeding on proton

tions. track structure: investigators have developed and tested the

An important part of the research program is collabo- concept of a compact ion detector that allows imaging the

ration with the National Aeronautics and Space Admin- ionizations of individual particle tracks with nanometer

istration (NASA). Both NASA and LLUMC have similar resolution. The project aims to better understand the ef-

needs to understand the outcomes of radiation in animals fects of protons on DNA, chromosomes, tissues, cells, and The research process. The overall process is cyclical, but nonetheless

and humans: NASA, for understanding risks to astronauts organelles. In related work, because the accuracy of proton rests on the foundation of patients’ needs.









10 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

LLUMC: one reason that the facility has several treatment disorders.

rooms and is located on the hospital campus is to offer a Proton therapy is still a relatively young discipline. Its

full spectrum of evaluation and necessary treatment services. optimal applications are yet to come, even granting the re-

This is important to patients and is also important to re- markable results in disease control and reduced side effects

searchers for developing meaningful clinical data. that have already been achieved. The ability to spare normal

Further advances in technology, and radiobiological tissues opens up opportunities for uses and strategies that

investigations, will facilitate the ability to exploit capabili- are difficult, if not impossible, to undertake with photon

ties even more in the future. One example, noted above, regimens because photons are not controllable in three di-

is the use of robotic patient positioning devices and real- mension and cannot be stopped within the targeted tissues.

time monitoring of patient and tumor during treatment. An Research and clinical studies to realize this potential—in

active beam delivery system is another. Such developments therapeutic efficacy, new applications, and reduced costs of

will increase precision and repeatability. treatment—will go on at LLUMC.

Proton imaging is being evaluated for its use in improved

accuracy of treatment planning. Because conformal proton The James M. Slater, M.D., Proton Treatment & Research Center

radiation therapy requires accurate prediction of the Bragg In December 2007, in recognition of his leading role

peak position, studies using proton imaging will continue in developing the LLUMC facility and hospital-based pro-

to determine whether a system such as proton CT in small ton therapy in general, the LLUMC Proton Treatment Cen-

animals can provide more accurate data than conventional ter was formally re-named in Dr. James M. Slater’s honor.

X-rays for this task. Once the data are established, decisions In addition to honoring Dr. Slater, the facility’s name high-

as to how best to use the data for improving precision of lights the fundamental role of research that Dr. Slater has Allocation of beam time (in hours) for various tasks during 2010.

treatment planning will be carried out. always emphasized.

Hypofractionation studies also will continue. In addi- To paraphrase Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg, it was

tion to the benefits already mentioned, such as the potential “altogether fitting and proper” that the LLUMC proton

to reduce costs by reducing such factors as beam time and facility recall Dr. Slater’s pioneering role in the hospital-

therapists’ time for each patient, these studies hold promise based application of the modality. Many speakers that day

for increasing patient throughput. praised Dr. Slater’s work over the years, but perhaps none

As Dr. Slater did from the 1960s forward, the depart- came so close to the central idea of the occasion—and of

ment of radiation medicine will continue to concentrate on Dr. Slater—as did Ruthita Fike, M.A., CEO of LLUMC.

advancing technology for proton therapy. Clinicians and re- Recalling Dr. Slater’s passion to spare patients the side ef-

searchers are working toward several outcomes, including: fects that they did not have to suffer, Mrs. Fike said that this

concern was something that Dr. Slater feels “right down to

1. fully computer-assisted treatment rooms, featuring auto- his fingernails.” That is indeed true, as many who have had

mated patient alignment systems and a scanning beam; the opportunity to work and collaborate with Dr. Slater over

2. continued investigation of alternate fractionation sched- the past 40 years have discovered. As the LLUMC proton

ules; facility enters its third decade, faculty and staff of LLURM

3. adjunctive radioprotection of crucial anatomic sites to remain dedicated to that passion.

enhance treatments and protect crucial sensitive tissues inti-

mate to radiation fields;

4. studies to enhance tumor radiosensitivity; and Breakdown of research beam time (in hours of accelerator time) for

5. proton treatment of benign diseases and neurological 2010









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 11

The Year in Review—2010

for an upcoming ACGME procedural dermatology site emy of Dermatology, and will start serving as a director

visit. in March, 2012. He also continues to serve as a member

Department of We have recruited two new faculty to join the De- of the board of directors of the American Society for

partment as of September, 2011. One of the new faculty Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), is involved in numerous

Dermatology members is Dr. Janiene Luke. Dr. Luke grew up in the committees, and chairs the ASDS Public Recognition &

Inland Empire, graduated from UCLA School of Medi- Strategic Planning Task Force.

cine, and will graduate in June, 2011, from the St. Luke’s Fred Soeprono ’73-B continues to serve as our di-

During 2010-2011, the Department of Dermatology Hospital Department of Dermatology residency training rector of dermatopathology, providing both dermatopa-

consolidated its clinical and academic activities (cosmet- program in New York. Our other new incoming faculty thology service to the department and teaching for the

ic, surgical and medical dermatology) with new clinical member is Shawna McCarty ’07 who is a graduate of residents.

facilities and new academic of- the Loma Linda University School of Medicine and will Publications and presentations by department faculty

fices at the Loma Linda University be graduating in June from our dermatology residency and residents for the 2010-2011 academic year include:

Faculty Medical Offices. We have program. Both Drs. Luke and McCarty are extremely Reyter, I., Nino, T., Torres, A. Medicolegal Aspects,

continued our partnership with bright and excellent physicians who should continue to In Dermatology Surgery, Step By Step, Nouri, K., editor.

the Beaver Medical Group Clinic improve the quality of our services and academic pro- Invited to contribute, 2010, submitted for publication

division of dermatology and it has grams. 2011.

been fruitful for both of us. The Our faculty continue to make their impact on the Reyter, I., Nino, T., Torres, A.. Ethical Aspects, In

residency program in dermatology community and national scene. Nancy Anderson ’76-A Dermatology Surgery, Step By Step, Nouri, K., editor.

continues to offer two positions is continuing her research in a multi-center, open registry Invited to contribute, 2010, submitted for publication

a year and has now graduated 29 of patients with psoriasis who are candidates for systemic 2011.

Abel Torres ’82-res

dermatologists to date. The most Chair therapy, including biologics. Dr. Anderson also serves as Reyter, I., Mehr, N., Torres, A. Information for Pa-

recent graduates are Vanessa Hol- the president of the Inland County Dermatology Soci- tients and Safety Considerations, In Mohs Micrographic

land, who has accepted a faculty position at the UCLA ety and program director for the Loma Linda University Surgery, Nouri, K., editor. Invited to contribute, 2010,

Department of Dermatology; and Chad Tingey, who is dermatology residency program. submitted for publication 2011.

completing a Mohs fellowship at the Scripps Depart- Dr. Linda Golkar continues her active teaching for Reyter, I., Nino, T., Torres, A. Medicolegal Issues

ment of Dermatology in San Diego, California. In ad- our residents and students in her pediatric dermatology regarding Mohs Surgery, In Mohs Micrographic Surgery,

dition, the Department ACGME-accredited Procedural clinics, and is an active journal reviewer for pediatric der- Nouri, K., editor. Invited to contribute, 2010, submit-

Dermatology (Mohs surgery and cosmetic surgical der- matology articles for such journals as the Journal of the ted for publication 2011.

matology) fellowship program, which accepts one fellow American Academy of Dermatology. Torres, A., Strahan, J., Nino, T. Medical and Legal

per year, has now graduated 16 fellows. The most re- Abel Torres ’82-res is continuing his research in tar- Aspects of Skin Cancer Patients, In: Rigel, D., editor, Can-

cent graduate was Jamie Strahan, from the University of geting anti-angiogenesis in the treatment of actinic kera- cer of the Skin, Elsevier Saunders. Invited to contribute,

Colorado Dermatology residency program, who is now tosis and use of non-invasive imaging with reflectance 2010, submitted for publication 2011.

practicing as a Mohs surgeon near the Washington, D.C. confocal microscopy. Dr. Torres has again been recog- Our physician assistants, Justin Love ’06-MPA, PA-

area. The dermatology residency program underwent its nized by his dermatology peers nationally by his recent C, and Kristen Carter ’05-MPA, PA-C continue to be

periodic ACGME site visit and we are now preparing election to the board of directors of the American Acad- enthusiastically greeted by our patients and staff and









12 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

have made an enormous contribution to the success of No – it’s your and yours alone….. memory disorders. The director of the Memory Center,

our department. Your very own – INTEGUMENT ! Dr. Dean Sherzai, has enhanced patient and commu-

Clinically the department continues to offer special nity education and created a myriad of clinical research

expertise in the areas of general adult dermatology, pedi- The Department continues to grow despite these tur- projects with the School of Public Health. In 2011, we

atric dermatology, psoriasis and phototherapy, procedur- bulent economic times and it can only be because it is are targeting an expansion of our Palm Springs office to

al dermatology (Mohs skin cancer surgery), procedural God’s will. We are embarking on the development of a provide clinical evaluations to patients with memory dis-

cosmetic dermatology and laser treatments and dermato- teledermatology initiative that we hope will allow us to orders.

pathology. Residents rotate through the dermatology extend our reach beyond California, and consistent with Final plans for a dedicated adult epilepsy monitoring

clinics of the Department of Internal Medicine at the the mission of Loma Linda University, provide mission unit, the only one of its kind in the Inland Empire, have

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Administration Medi- service to places such as Guam in the coming years. Tune been completed and we look forward to the expansion of

cal Center, Chairman, Phillip Roos ’75, and gratefully in next year for an update. this unique service that provides video electroencephalo-

acknowledge the support of Jane Hirokane ’90, current gram monitoring in a specialized setting for patients who

VA residency program director, K. Dale Macknet, Jr. may be candidates for epilepsy surgery or other forms of

’96, Cathy Macknet ’03, and Desmond Gibson ’78- epilepsy treatment. Our director of neurophysiology and

A. Department of epilepsy, Travis Losey ’02, heads this effort.

We have many interesting people that we work with Our multidisciplinary Headache and Orofacial Pain

in dermatology, and each person contributes their own neurology Clinic, directed by Ali Makki, DMD, continues to grow

unique characteristics to the Department. Residents and provide relief for those suffering from a variety of

continue to rotate at Riverside County Regional Medical primary and secondary headache, facial and oral pain,

Center under the steadfast tutelage of Hubert C. Wat- The year 2010 saw major advances in our collabora- and temporal mandibular joint conditions. Having ex-

kins ’62. Dr. Watkins has numerous poetical stylings, tive efforts to form a regional stroke program, starting perts in neurological and dental medicine work together

and the following example was published in The Sun on with the LLUMC Joint Commission Certificate of Dis- allows for a greater diversity of treatment options for our

June 9, 2005. The title of the poem is “Integument,” tinction as a Primary Stroke Cen- patients.

which is the technical and medical term for “skin.” ter. This certification recognizes In the summer of 2010 our outpatient clinics relo-

that LLUMC provides expert and cated within the FMO to a larger renovated space (suite

It isn’t just a bag we’re in, comprehensive care in the treat- B100). We also took this opportunity to combine our

It’s sometimes thick and sometimes thin. ment of acute stroke. As a next outpatient electrodiagnostic laboratory within our clini-

In summertime it keeps us cool, step, we created a program that cal space to allow for greater patient convenience. Local

In cooler times, more heat’s the rule. integrates acute stroke with stroke physicians and the surrounding community alike have

It comes in every size and color, rehabilitation on our East Cam- heralded the recent opening of the LLUMC/Murrieta

From huge to small, from dark to pallor. pus as well as with surrounding Hospital and we plan to open a neurology office in the

It has oil and sweat and hair to coif, community-based rehabilitation Bryan Taso ’96

LLUMC/Murrieta medical building by mid-2011.

And sex appeal when clothes are off! and skilled nursing facilities. An Chair Several new faculty joined our department in 2010,

It tells us lots about our past, emphasis on greater community including Dr. Madhavi Lekkala and Ruby Koshy. We an-

And of our genes that always last. awareness of stroke prevention and recognition is im- ticipate bringing in additional faculty in 2011 to join a

What is this wonder here described? perative as we look to complete the entire spectrum of neurology department that currently has 40 appointed

That says so much about our tribe? stroke care in the Inland Empire. Finally, a joint effort by clinical faculty, 17 active clinicians, 13 part-time, ad-

That’s so important to us as sinners, LLU and LLUMC for advanced planning of a regional junct, or voluntary faculty, and 10 secondary faculty ap-

Because it keeps inside our innards? stroke telemedicine program is underway. pointments.

Well, it’s not Gore-Tex or a space suit, Our Memory Center continues to serve a grow- On an academic note, our department continues to

Not a wet-suit or a tent – ing population of patients with Alzheimer’s and related enroll subjects in a large number of clinical trials and









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 13

ensure a seamless transition with the newly developed the church’s sister facility in Guam this past year. Heather Chang, MD, will be joining us as a retina

centralized Clinical Trial Center. We currently offer The Outpatient Surgical Center and our surgeons fellow starting in July and Kristiane Ransbarger ’07 as

clinical research in the areas of multiple sclerosis, stroke, have worked together to increase efficiency to meet our a pediatric ophthalmology fellow starting in August.

movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, and sei- growing practice by adding a new Zeiss operating mi- The Eye Institute planning continues. We are net-

zure disorders. Our faculty has authored over 30 scien- croscope, and by using two rooms for cataract surgery in working with the Center for Health Promotion, the

tific papers, presentations, or books this past year and addition to the room for retina and other procedures. To Diabetes Treatment Center, and the Lifestyle Medicine

contributed to a variety of community activities, includ- meet the needs of the patients we serve we have added a Institute, to bring more immediate, convenient, and ef-

ing roles in regional ministry, internationally-based fac- Heidelberg OCT/camera, ERG electrophysiology equip- fective help to our patients who are suffering from, or

ulty (Dr. McNulty as the first U.S.-trained neurologist ment, and a retcam eye fundus camera which is particu- are at risk for, lifestyle-related eye diseases such as mac-

in Trinidad), televised Bible studies, serving on national larly useful in pediatric patients. This equipment allows ular degeneration, vessel occlusions, and cataract. Our

foundation boards, and international mission. us to provide very specialized testing in our community. research division, under the leadership of Joseph Fan,

As we look forward to 2011, our department will We are grateful to the Children’s Hospital Foundation MD, continues to grow and be involved in more and

strive to improve patient care and access, create a system for selecting our department as the benefactor for their more clinical trials of new treatments for eye diseases.

to monitor clinical outcomes, and fund endowments annual Walter’s Mercedes fundraiser this past year. The team was honored for their excellence in the latest

that are such a vital component in allowing us to further Besides this departmental growth our “department Site Status Report from the DRCRnet study.

Christ’s healing mission. family” has grown with new births in the families of Dr. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve God in

Khazaeni, Dr. Narvaez ’92, and Dr. Ransbarger ’07. this capacity. We praise him for his blessings on our de-

The residency program continues to produce out- partment, our staff, our students, residents and fellows,

standing graduates that are excelling in private practice patients, and the faithful alumni who continue to sup-

and fellowship programs. The candidates who matched port the educational and physical needs of our depart-

Department of with us for 2012 are: Matthew A. Brucks ’11, Samuel ment.

ophthalmology Kim ’11, James C. Pitts, MD, and David I. Sierpina,

MD. The residents who will complete their residency

this upcoming June have made the following career

choices: Robert Marshall Ford ’07 to a fellowship in Department of

The Department of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda cornea, Benjamin Kronberg ’07 to a fellowship in

University continues to sense the blessings of God as we glaucoma, Kristiane Ransbarger ’07 to a fellowship in pSyChIatry

meet the needs of patients, students and the world. In pediatrics, and Lynnelle Smith, MD, to comprehensive

spite of the slow recovery of the ophthalmology. The San Diego Naval Medical Center

world’s economies, and particu- refractive surgery rotation program remains a major as- Most newsworthy is the LLU Department of Psy-

larly the local economy, we have set of the residency program. It exposes our residents to chiatry’s move to its new building, the LLU Behavioral

added new faculty, providers, and a large volume of refractive laser surgery and helps them Health Institute (1686 Barton

staff. New providers include Lau- to understand the options, risks, and benefits of the Road, Redlands, CA 92373).

ra Teasley ’00, retina; Saman- different procedures and develop the skills to perform We no longer have academic and

tha Weller ’04, glaucoma; and them before they complete their residency. The entire clinical offices at the corner of

Dr. Rebecca Leenheer, pediatric surgical training volume of the program remains high, Barton Road and Mountain View

ophthalmology. Besides the spe- ranking above the 90th percentile nationally compared Avenue in Loma Linda. The first

cialty clinics on campus, clinics Howard Gimbel ’60 to other residency programs. Under the leadership of the step in the integration of campus

at Riverwalk in Riverside and the Chair residency program director, Dr. Michael Rauser, with behavioral health programs was

Highland Springs clinic continue the assistance of Ana Polanco, program coordinator, the to consolidate behavioral heath

to grow. Led by Dr. Mukesh Suthar, our retinal team has residency was recently reaccredited for four years by the care as best we could across the William Murdoch ’73-B









14

provided their services to help meet the retinal needs at ACGME. various disciplines/entities—the Chair









• April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

Departments of Counseling and Family Services, Psy- Oganesyan, MD, both joined the faculty in the vascu- The most important division established during the

chiatry, Psychology, Social Work and Social Ecology, lar interventional radiology division. Dr. Li joined af- year has been the acute care service. Acute care surgery

and the BMC outpatient services. Psychiatry, however, ter his fellowship at the University of Chicago and Dr. is the new trend in hospitals in America and it will sig-

is the only group that moved its entire department. We Ter-Oganesyan joined after his fellowship here at Loma nificantly change care of patients

now are in the process of developing the institute fur- Linda. with acute emergencies. At Loma

ther, which will entail integrating teaching, training, and The Highland Springs Imaging Center has been Linda we have designed this pro-

research programs. functioning for over a year in the Banning/Beaumont gram according to our needs, and

We have had one staff change in the medical educa- area. The Department of Radiology has partnered with in this setting we are taking care of

tion division: Melissa Pereau ’04 is now directing our Loma Linda University Medical Center and Redlands all trauma patients and all emer-

clerkship program. Stephanie Bolton ’03 continues to Community Hospital in this joint venture which is part gencies from general surgery. We

direct the medical student program. of a larger outreach of those institutions in the Banning have widened the spectrum of care

Our residency training program, under the direction Pass region. provided by the surgical hospital-

of Mary Ann Schaepper ’96, received full accreditation, Faculty members of the department published 10 ist. We have eliminated the idea of

Carlos Garberoglio, MD

and we appointed Timothy Lee as associate training di- journal articles, 11 book chapters and made 17 interna- being on call by assigning acute Chair

rector. tional/national scientific presentations. In addition, 11 care surgeons to 12-hour shifts.

With respect to research, Mark G. Haviland, PhD, international/national posters and 11 local presentations The main surgeon to be on the 12-hour shift will have

division director, has completed one funded project se- were recorded by members of the group. a back up surgeon at all times. Surgeons who are serv-

ries on mental/addictive disorders and medication adher- The department again performed 275,000 proce- ing during this 12-hour shift are available only for emer-

ence and been funded again, this time for a fibromyalgia dures representing a wide variety of basic and complex gency cases without having any responsibilities over any

program of research. imaging as well as many highly specialized invasive pro- routine elective operations.

cedures. The program was launched in July of 2010, and dur-

The department continues to provide and expand ing the first six months we have noticed improvement

an imaging research laboratory in partnership with the in taking care of acute surgical emergencies as well as

Department of School of Science and Technology. This partnership has the interactions with other departments including ED,

raDIology resulted in the acquisition of a new high magnetic field

strength nuclear magnetic resonance research machine.

internal medicine, etc.

This year we have started the robotic program. We

The department continues to support a broad range have performed robotic laparoscopic assisted gastrecto-

of clinical teaching and research functions many of which mies and LARs. The idea is to extend this technology

The year 2010 has seen some transitions in the De- are highly multi disciplinary and extend throughout the to most of the staff members of the Department of Sur-

partment of Radiology, including the retirement of Ger- institution. gery.

ald Grube ’71 from his longtime position as director of In October of 2010, we received the official approval

in-patient ultrasound. Ted Miller for our pediatric fellowship. This is a significant achieve-

’64 also retired from his position ment by all the members of the pediatric surgery division

in vascular interventional radiol- Department of and it will be a tremendous opportunity and privilege to

ogy.

Douglas Smith ’66 retired

Surgery train future pediatric surgeons.

Two members of our staff were promoted:

from his very successful 25-year Sharon Lum (Breast Health Center director)

position as radiology residency —assistant professor to associate professor

program director. Paul Jacobson, The Department of Surgery is composed of six divi- Gerald Gollin (pediatric surgery fellowship director)

MD, has succeeded him in this sions: general surgery/bariatric, pediatric surgery, surgi- —associate professor to professor of surgery

position. David Hinshaw, Jr. ’71 cal oncology, transplant surgery, acute care surgery/criti-









15

Albert Li ’89 and Ray Ter- Chair cal care, and surgical education.







Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 •

New Faculty lowships in our program and we expect to widen our Bariatric Surgery

1. Maheswari Senthil, MD—(fellowship at City of options for our graduating residents with the hope that

Hope) has joined the surgical oncology division. Dr. we can retain them in the future. Stewart Rendon, MD

Senthil is a fully robotic-trained surgeon and her areas of

expertise include hepatobiliary/pancreatic surgery, col- Program Director Surgical Oncology

orectal cancer, and peritoneal/HIPEC diseases.

Mark Reeves ’92 Carlos Garberoglio, MD

2. Naveenraj Solomon ’03—(general surgery resi-

Maheswari Senthil, MD

dent from Loma Linda University Medical Center)

Associate Program Directors Mark Reeves ’92

trained as a fellow in surgical oncology at the Univer-

Kevork Kazanjian, MD

sity of Miami and came back to Loma Linda to join the

Gerald Gollin, MD Sharon Lum, MD

surgical oncology division. He also has an appointment

Kevork Kazanjian, MD Nephtali Gomez ’04

at Riverside County Regional Medical Center as a sur-

Afshin Molkara, MD (RCRMC) Naveen Solomon ’03

gical oncologist and will enhance our association with

Jason Wallen, MD Jason Wallen, MD

such an institution. His expertise includes breast cancer,

Kristine Zmaj ’98 (VAH)

melanoma, sarcoma, GI malignancies, and hepatobiliary

Pediatric Surgery

surgery.

Members of Each Service

3. Nephtali Gomez ’04—(general surgery resident Donald Moores ’87

from Loma Linda University Medical Center) trained as Acute Care Service Joanne Baerg, MD

a fellow in endocrine surgery at John Hopkins Medical Edward Tagge, MD

Center. He has joined our department as an endocrine Richard Catalano ’76-B Gerald Gollin, MD

and general surgeon. His areas of expertise include surgi- Thomas O’Callaghan, MD

cal management of the endocrine, pancreas, and adrenal Lester Mohr ’66 Transplant Surgery

glands. Keith Scharf, MD

4. Michael deVera, MD—(from the University Of Andre Nguyen, MD Michael deVera, MD

Pittsburgh School of Medicine) has joined our group Nephtali Gomez ’04 Arputharaj Kore, MD

in becoming the new medical director and chief of the Matthew Wilson, MD Hootan Roozrokh, MD

transplant surgery division. Pedro Baron, MD

5. Keith Scharf, MD—(general surgery resident SICU Arvand Elihu, MD

from Loma Linda University Medical Center) has joined Summary

the acute care service. Dr. Scharf has accepted a position David Wong ’93 Two thousand and ten has been a prosperous and

as a fellow for the MIS and bariatric program at Stanford Andre Nguyen, MD exciting year for the Department of Surgery. The chang-

University. Matthew Wilson, MD es that have been made significantly improved patient

care, especially in an acute care situation. We have also

Education and Research General Surgery changed some of the structures of the Department of

The general surgery residency, under the direction Surgery and, most importantly, we have been able to ac-

Jorge Rivera ’79-A

of Mark Reeves ’92, trains 53 residents each year and crue a valuable number of young faculty members, some

Richard Catalano ’76-B

graduates six chief residents each year. The residency who have initially trained at Loma Linda and left for

Lester Mohr ’66

program is one of our highlights in the Department of further training and returned home. The combination of

Nephtali Gomez ’04

Surgery. It is a fully accredited program and the output some of these changes and the well-trained young faculty

has been quite significant by the quality of those who will lead our department to an even more prosperous

finish the program. We are increasing the number of fel- future.









16 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

son Smith ’96 to percutaneously ablate kidney tumors. chael Albo of UC San Diego Women’s Pelvic Medicine

Also, we use percutaneous techniques to treat localized Center.

Department of primary or recurrent prostate cancer using cryosurgery. The urology residency program is six years in length,

We continue to have an active research program. with one year devoted to research. Our program has five

urology This year, under the coordination of Dr. Baldwin, our participating hospitals including LLUMC, Loma Linda

attending staff, residents and medical students had 28 University Children’s Hospital, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial

presentations at professional meetings and six peer-re- VA Hospital, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, and

The Department of Urology had a productive 2010. viewed papers. Riverside County Regional Medical Center. Medical

We take pride in continuing to support the mission of One notable research accomplishment this year in- students do urology clerkships at all of these locations.

the Loma Linda University School of Medicine by pro- cluded the “Top 10 Video” received from the World Current urology residents who are alumni of Loma Lin-

viding state-of-the-art urological care to our patients, Congress of Endourology 2010 Video Award Commit- da University School of Medicine include Lesli Nicolay

teaching residents and medical tee reviewing stapling device failure during hand assisted ’05, Forrest Jellison ’05 and Kirk Anderson ’08. Our

students, and performing urologi- donor nephrectomy managed without open conversion. first endourology fellow, Damien Smith, MD, has fin-

cal research. Other accomplishments noted are 3rd place Miley B. ished one year of training.

We are now six years into our Wesson/Olympus Essay and overall winner for our work Dean Hadley ’74 is a general urologist with a wide

robotic surgery program. We have on total radiation exposure during an acute stone event variety of experience in many areas of urology. He came

seen continued growth every year. in patients with and without private insurance, received to LLUMC after the first part of his career in a busy

Faculty who utilize this technology at Western Section American Urological Association in private practice. In addition to general urology, Dr. Had-

include Drs. Baldwin ’91, Barker Hawaii. ley is interested in resident and student teaching. He has

’80-B, Lui ’84, Sanderson and Medical students participating in urology research been instrumental in the expansion of our practice to

Ruckle ’86, who have performed Herbert Ruckle ’86 included Brenton Baldwin ’13, Daniel Han ’13, Jona- the Banning/Beaumont area where we are practicing in

hundreds of robotic surgeries. We Chair than Heldt ’14, Eric Peters ’13, and Gabriel Schroeder LLUMC’s satellite facility, Highland Springs Medical

use these robotic systems in the ’13. Their efforts included nine presentations at the APC Plaza.

new Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital meeting. We enjoy the enthusiasm and critical thinking Dr. Chamberlin is the director of pediatric urology.

to perform complex minimally invasive surgeries includ- of the medical students as they participate and interact Minh Chau, MD, and Joe Raffel, MD, work part-time

ing radical prostatectomies, laparoscopic pyeloplasties, with our residents and faculty on their rotations and re- in pediatric urology. These pediatric urologists have been

partial nephrectomies for kidney cancer, partial ureterec- search projects. providing pediatric urology care and support in the Loma

tomy, ureteral reimplantation, bladder diverticulectomy, The Department of Urology continues to have the Linda University Children’s Hospital. Pediatric urology

pelvic prolapse repair and prostatic adenectomy for uri- goal of funding the Roger Barnes Endowment to a level continues to have a large role in the LLUCH, the pedi-

nary retention. where we can continue to expand our research program atric organ transplantation program, the 84-bed NICU,

We believe that the future of urologic surgery will be and fund a perpetually endowed chair. We are very ap- and the multi-disciplinary spina bifida clinic. The pedi-

increasingly minimally invasive in nature, in many situ- preciative of our urology alumni, patients, and friends atric urology division has continued to have significant

ations facilitated by robotics. The next step in robotic of the department for their generous ongoing support growth.

procedures will likely be performing some of these sur- during these difficult times. Steven Stewart ’71 continues his role as chief of

geries via a single small port. We intend to remain on the This February the Department of Urology con- urology at the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Hospital and

cutting edge of this new and dynamic surgical discipline. ducted their 21st Annual “Contemporary Issues in Urol- has an active practice at the FMO specializing in male

Led by Duane Baldwin ’91, our research laboratory is ogy” CME seminar at Mammoth Lakes. This meeting is sexual dysfunction and infertility. We are planning for

studying and developing smaller tools to further decrease co-directed by Dr. Ruckle and urology faculty from the the addition of Edmond Ko ’05 this fall after he finishes

surgical pain and scarring in minimally invasive surgery. University of Southern California. Drs. Duane Baldwin, his fellowship in male fertility at the Cleveland Clinic.

In addition, we continue to work with our interven- Gautum Agarwal and Roger Hadley ’74 from LLU gave Many of the faculty participates in the VA urology pro-

tional radiology colleagues, Greg Watkins ’87 and Ja- presentations in addition to presentations from Dr. Mi- gram.









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 17

Victor Ching ’77-A and Christopher Tsai ’94 are

both community urologists and serve as part-time clini-

cal staff at the VA hospital.

Dr. H. Roger Hadley, dean of the School of Medi-

cine, continues to practice urology part-time and pro-

vides tutorial didactic lectures for the junior medical

students. In addition, Dr. Hadley gives the quarterly

urology core lectures to the junior medical students and

has made those lectures case-based in keeping with cur-

rent and evolving educational practices. He continues to

practice, specializing in urinary continence.

Dr. Gary Barker continues with a busy practice in

urinary incontinence and reconstruction while being

very involved in leadership of the Alumni Association,

School of Medicine of LLU. We are planning on the

addition of Andrea Staack, MD, who is completing a

fellowship at UCLA in female pelvic medicine and of

David Hadley ’05, who is completing a fellowship at

the University of Colorado in reconstruction

Noel Hui, MD, coordinates the resident, medical

students and the administrative program at Riverside

County Regional Medical Center. Dr. Paul Lui is our

chief of urology at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

He coordinates the resident, medical student and the ad-

ministrative program at this hospital.

John Prince, MD, works part-time in the RCRMC

and ARMC urology clinics.



May, 2011: Loma Linda University

Robert Torrey, Jr. ’71, helps with urology coverage

at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center where he con-

tributes to the resident and medical student teaching.

We are grateful to the part-time clinical staff team who

take time from their busy practice to make contributions School of Medicine made history with

its 10,000th graduate. Read more in

to education.

It has been a dynamic year in the Department of

Urology. The urology department faculty has chal-



the July-September issue of the

lenging and stimulating jobs with our multiple roles as

teachers, mentors and urologic surgeons within an ac-

tive academic practice. We are fortunate to be a part of a

University whose mission is “to make man whole.”

Alumni JOURNAL. Coming soon!



18 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

Alumni Activities

Reginald A. Burton ’87, a trauma surgeon, was they’ve had a wake-up call (such as an incident that sent under which Bruce got a job working at the Academy

featured in the fall 2010 issue of Union College’s news them to a trauma surgeon). That is one of the reasons of Sciences; however, I recall well the passion Bruce had

publication CORDmagazine. The article talks about he started the Burton Trauma Foundation with his wife, for the aquarium, and its many creatures. In its numer-

Dr. Burton’s work both at home in the United States Dr. Jamie Snyder-Burton. The Foundation exists to ous tanks and displays were hundreds of fascinating va-

and overseas in Germany, where help trauma survivors through goal setting and further riety of fish, manta rays, sea slugs and urchins, octopi

he worked temporarily at Land- education. Dr. Burton hopes to help people learn from and squids, and even a few sharks. To tour with Bruce

stuhl Regional Medical Center their (and other’s) mistakes. Dr. Burton’s medical school around this glorious sea world was always exciting and

in Germany, a United States hos- classmate, Delbe Thomas Meelhuysen ’87 alerted the informative. He knew everything. It was not until a de-

pital for wounded U.S. soldiers Alumni JOURNAL to the article about Dr. Burton in cade later that I was able to see Bruce again. Following

returning from Operation Iraqi CORDmagazine. Dr. Meelhuysen writes that his broth- his graduation from UC Berkeley, Bruce had entered the

Freedom and Operation Endur- er-in-law, a physical therapist in Lincoln, says that “Dr. College of Medical Evangelists under the aegis of the

ing Freedom. Although the staff Burton is a ‘legend.’ He is a tremendous example of a U.S. Army Specialized Training Program. In 1948, he

at Landstuhl is permanent, the dedicated Christian physician who brought the heal- graduated as president of his class. Then, following his

physicians rotate through every ing message of Loma Linda University’s ‘To Make Man internship at the Marine Hospital, U.S. Public Health

Reginald Burton’87

three months. Dr. Burton served Whole’ motto to a community in need.” Service, San Francisco, Bruce joined the CME School

for two-week sessions in February and in July, receiving of Tropical and Preventative Medicine where he pursued

a wounded warrior military coin from the commander Bruce W. Halstead ’48 (who passed away in 2002) his research studies. I was a freshman medical student at

of the base for his life-saving skills. The rest of the time, was recently honored at the Stahl Center Museum at CME. Following our anatomy,

Dr. Burton works in Lincoln, Nebraska, as director at La Sierra University. The museum celebrated its acqui- physiology, or other basic sci-

the Trauma and Surgical Critical Care Center at Bryan- sition of the Halstead Family Collection of books and ence classes, often I would go

LGH Medical Center. He also works as the Region 2 artifacts with a major exhibit. Fellow alumnus Lawrence over the School of Tropical and

trauma director in the Nebraska Statewide Trauma Sys- D. Longo ’54 made the following remarks for the occa- Preventative Medicine building

tem, serves as chair of the Nebraska Statewide Trauma sion: and sit on the floor in Bruce’s of-

Performance Improvement Committee and is chair of It is rather sobering to contemplate, but it was just fice to study. This was a glorious

the Rural Trauma Committee for the American College seventy years ago, 1941 in San Francisco, that I first met place to be, as it was filled with

of Surgeons. Of his work in Germany, Dr. Burton says, Bruce Halstead. I recall, because I had just started high books and bottles with biologi-

“It was an outstanding experience—a real honor—for school on the peninsula, and it was shortly before the cal specimens of all sorts. Also, it Bruce Halstead ’48

me to be able to go to Landstuhl. Most trauma cases in attack on Pearl Harbor. I was what now we would call was relatively quiet, except every

the U.S. are someone driving recklessly, getting drunk a “nerd”—interested in science, particularly biology, zo- so often when Bruce, who, in one of his bright, flowery

and jumping off a balcony or doing high-risk sports. ology, and astronomy. A mutual friend, Harold Shull, Hawaiian shirts, would be working with his microscope,

But these guys weren’t doing anything except protect introduced me to Bruce who worked part-time at the would yell out, “Hey, look at this!” Regardless of the cir-

me and my country. It’s a totally different feel.” But Dr. Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park and also at the cumstances or time of day or evening, Bruce was full of

Burton does understand that, although his U.S. trauma nearby Steinhart Aquarium. At that time, Bruce was an enthusiasm and passion. The only problem with being in

cases are often people who have made bad choices, ev- undergraduate zoology major at the University of Cali- Bruce’s company, was that every few days he would bug

eryone has potential to change and grow, especially after fornia Berkeley. I do not remember the circumstances me with, “Well Longo, what are you going to Contrib-









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 19

ute to Life?” It was two decades later, in the early 1970s year 1970 saw publication of Bruce’s magnum opus, the Health Organization; the United Nations Educational,

that Bruce and my paths crossed again. He had left the three-volume Poisonous and Venomous Marine Animals of Scientific and Cultural Organization; the U.S. Navy and

university to found his World Life Research Institute the World, a 3,000-plus-page work, which to that time its Medical School in Bethesda, MD; Jacque Cousteau;

(WLRI). With support of grants from the Office of Na- was the most voluminous publication of the U.S. Gov- and advising many foreign governments. In addition,

val Research and other agencies, he pursued studies that ernment Printing Office. This was followed by a number he served as a visiting scientist/lecturer at almost 100

concentrated on venomous fishes and other creatures of related papers on marine pollution, marine toxicology, institutions around the world. His knowledge of, and

of the world. It was in this field that Bruce excelled. In and others. He was indefatigable. In 2002, the year of his impact on, the field of the toxicology of marine animals

1970, he published his three-volume Poisonous and Ven- death, Bruce published a major review on “The Micro- and science were nonpareil and are irreplaceable. To my

omous Marine Animals of the World, a classic that remains bial Biogenesis of Aquatic Biotoxins.” Because I knew surprise, chagrin, and disappointment, despite his many,

the definitive work in the field. (From time to time I Bruce for six decades and considered him a good friend, many achievements, Bruce never was honored by his

see it offered in rare book catalogues for a handsome I would like to say a few words about him personally. alma mater, LLU, either as an Alumnus of the Year or as

price). I had returned to the now Loma Linda University Descriptors I would use include that he was a unique an Honored Alumnus. What a lost opportunity! In clos-

from the University of Pennsylvania and was teaching human being, one of a kind, with a strong puritanical ing, I am struck that Bruce was an unabashed visionary,

a seminar on the “The Great Minds in Medicine and work ethic. He was ambitious, passionate, focused, a vi- in terms of possessing a clear, distinctive view of a field

their Books.” With a dozen or so interested students, we sionary, very much a loner, an inspiration. He was con- in which research could contribute to the betterment of

would meet once a month, often visiting the home and scientious almost to a fault. He received many accolades human health. We often think of visionaries in art, ar-

library of a rare book collector to peruse some of the and honors, including being a consultant to the World chitecture, engineering, and science. Although medicine

classics in medicine. Among the serious collectors whom

we visited was Bruce at his home in Grand Terrace. Actu-

ally, it was in a building behind his home in which his

Institute resided. There, he had an incredible collection

of lovely rare books; botanicals, herbals, a huge reference

library, and all types of botanical specimens including

some heads of large animals, as well as several shrunken

heads of humans from South America. Bruce’s study was

spectacular. Because of the stimulus of being under the

influence of Bruce, several of these students have gone

on to lives as serious collectors. Bruce himself has been

published in 38 journals. His first scientific paper on

the “Injurious effects from the sting of the Scorpionfish,

Scorpaena guttata” appeared in California Medicine in

1951. This was only three years following his graduation

from medicine. It included a report of a case of a 62-year-

old male, stung by a fish he had caught in the kelp beds

off Laguna Beach, and the intense toxic reaction that fol-

lowed. Bruce included a dramatic illustration of this evil

appearing “denizen of the deep,” and its mechanism of From left to right: Matthew Neimeyer ’01, Bruce Winters ’73-A, Karlette Winters ’71, LeRoy Byers ’78-A, Gene

venom secretion through grooves in dorsal spines. The Schroeder ’62 and John Werner ’76-res,









20 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

rgent

Colleagues in medicine:





U

It was the awesome privilege of my wife, Alice, and I to

spend our first anniversary, while on a mission elective during

medical school, at Davis Memorial Hospital in Georgetown,

Guyana. Little did I know at that time that someday I would

serve on the executive board of the hospital. I have a passion

for Davis Memorial and its mission to serve the medical needs

of the Guyanese and fulfill the motto of Loma Linda University,

“to make man whole.” I call your attention to the ad just to

Robert Soderblom ’63 the right concerning the URGENT NEED for temporary (even

full-time) physicians at Davis Hospital. The need is CRITICAL. As some of you reach/

enter retirement, like myself, opportunities and needs like this can be very rewarding.

If you are interested, also feel free to call me at 909.795.3487. Pray about it! If you’re a physician interested in short

term mission service, Davis Memorial

and the biomedical sciences has brought forth many individuals, their numbers are too

few. Bruce was a truly great human being. In pioneering the biotoxicology of fish and Hospital in Guyana needs you!

other marine animals, he can be said to have invented the field.

Physicians Urgently Needed Provisions for Physician

William H. McGhee ’72 recently received an award from the government of Paki- Davis Memorial’s physician Volunteers

stan for his help after the 2005 earthquake and the 2010 floods. recruitment program is seeking • Round trip coach airfare to and

Both tragedies took the lives of tens of thousands of people Christian doctors to fill a number from Guyana

and affected millions. Since Dr. McGhee had already lived and of critical positions. Until those • Transportation to and from the

worked in that area for 14 years while his parents were missionar- permanent positions are filled, airport in Georgetown

ies, he was qualified to go over with a trauma team from Loma the Hospital has a critical need for • Assistance to obtain a temporary

Linda University. As a psychiatry specialist, Dr. McGhee advised mission-minded physicians who medical license

rescue workers and other members of the relief effort on the dif- could serve in a volunteer capacity • Free living quarters in the

with a term of service ranging hospital compound with

ference between victims suffering the expected mental and emo-

from one to six months. electricity, water, and AC

tional trauma, and those who might need further assistance.

• Free meals at hospital cafeteria

William McGhee ’72 Areas of Greatest Need • Free wireless service

Six ophthalmologist alumni got together in Sequim, Wash- • Internal medicine • Malpractice insurance and travel

ington, recently. (See photo, page 20.) The photo contains Matthew Neimeyer ’01, • OB/GYN insurance

who is practicing full-time in Sequim; and retired physicians Bruce Winters ’73-A, • General surgery

For more information

who practiced in Roseville, California; Karlette Winters ’71, who practiced in Folsom, • Family Practice

Contact Jan Zumwalt, RN

California; LeRoy Byers ’78-A, who had a career as a medical missionary in Taiwan, Le- • Urology Loma Linda University Global Health Institute

sotho and Togo; Gene Schroeder ’62, who practiced in Auburn, California; and John • Pediatrics Phone: (909) 558-4420

Werner ’76-res, who had a career as a medical missionary in Zambia, South Africa and E-mail : ghi@llu.edu

Lesotho.

The opportunity of a lifetime awaits at Davis Memorial Hospital in Guyana



Davis Hospital Phys Recruit V6.indd 1 6/21/11 9:56 AM









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 21

In Memoriam

Robert E. Hopkins ’46 passed away on April 26, 2011, ophthalmic technician and the ophthalmology residen- ily lived. In 1938, he travelled by himself on an ocean

in Sandpoint, Idaho. After becoming one of Pacific cy training programs at Montemorelos University near liner to the United States. He finished his secondary

Union College’s youngest graduates to date, he married Monterrey, Mexico, where village clinics were established education at Forest Lake Academy in Maitland, Florida,

Rae Owens of Lodi in 1942 and moved to Southern to examine patients, and glasses were provided by Lions near Orlando. After graduation from academy, he spent

California to study medicine at Loma Linda University, Club International, of which he was a longtime member. one year at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California.

which named him an honored alumnus in 2001. After The Lions honored him twice for his endeavors, with the His father was a professor at the college, and Gordon

his tour of duty as a flight surgeon in Korea, he returned Melvin Jones Fellowship Award (their highest honor) in lived at home with his parents. After that freshman year

to California to complete a residency in ophthalmology 1995, received for a lifetime of international charitable ended, Gordon moved to Berrien

at the University of California in San Francisco in 1956, work, and with the Life Member Award in 1998. The Springs, Michigan, and attended

where he was the first recipient Hopkins Ophthalmology Clinic at Montemorelos cel- Emanuel Missionary College

of the Taylor Ashbury Award, ebrated its 20th anniversary in April, 2011. After retire- (now Andrews University) and

recognizing his exceptional re- ment Bob and Rae spent several years living in Loma finished there. In 1942, he applied

search work during his train- Linda, and then moved to Idaho in 2007. After a long to the College of Medical Evange-

ing. Bob and Rae lived in Vel- battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Bob passed away. He is lists for admission into the medi-

lore, India, in the early 1970s survived by his wife, Rae; their three children, Marilyn cal school. With a financial assist

while he worked as a doctor Davidian, Larry Hopkins and Gary Hopkins; five grand- from the U.S. Army, he graduated

and teacher in the Christian children, and seven great-grandchildren. in 1947, after the war was over. Charles G. Lundquist ’47

Medical College. But he also He was married to Marion Etta

established a home in Califor- Charles G. Lundquist ’47 passed away peacefully on Gregory, a registered nurse, also in 1947. They had two

Robert E. Hopkins ’46

nia: he was the founder of Del- January 18, 2011, at Lakeview Terrace Hospice Home children: son Charles Gregory Lundquist was born in

ta Eye Medical Group, the longstanding ophthalmology in La Mesa, California, after almost a year of battling 1948, and daughter Donna Kathleen Lundquist Haverty

practice in Stockton, where he practiced for 30 years, cancer. Hospitalized for only two days, he was able to was born eighteen months later. Gordon practiced for

and, after traveling to England to learn the procedure, he spend most of his final weeks at home, as he had wanted. just a few years in the northern California town of Mar-

became the first ophthalmologist in the area to perform A longtime resident of San Diego, Gordon was a fam- tinez, near San Francisco. Since the Army had helped

intraocular lens procedures after cataract removal. As an ily practice specialist in that area for over 50 years. He pay his medical school tuition, he was called back into

active member of the local Rotary and Lions clubs, he was born in Florida, a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argen- the Army for the Korean “conflict.” The family moved to

donated a great deal of time and funds to humanitar- tina, South America. He was the first-born and only San Diego shortly after Gordon was discharged from the

ian projects around the world, traveling to Central and son of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries Harry Billings Army. Avid golfers, Gordon and Marion played often.

South America, Africa, Asia and Europe and Russia to Lundquist and Hazel May (Murray) Lundquist. He had Marion died suddenly of a heart attack in 1985. In May

provide care and services for those in need. Fluent in three younger sisters: Claire Lundquist Welklin, Harriet of 1986, Gordon married Alice Detlor Mitchell. They

Spanish, Dr. Hopkins had many Spanish-speaking pa- Elizabeth Lundquist (who died in early childhood) and would have celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2011.

tients in Stockton and in the places he visited, and they Mary Lou Lundquist Evers. He spent the years from They also enjoyed golf and travelling together. Gordon

often commented on his skill and excellent accent. This birth through the age of sixteen in Argentina and Peru. is survived by his wife Alice, his children Greg Lundquist

valuable skill led him and his wife to Mexico in the early He spoke Spanish fluently and much of his elementary and Kathi Haverty, and two sisters, Claire Welklin and

1990s, where they lived for four years. He started the schooling was in the local school systems where his fam- Mary Lou Evers. A memorial service was held Sabbath,









22 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

January 30th at 3:00 p.m. at the La Mesa Seventh-day served as a general surgeon at Scheer Memorial Hospital cia Full of Redlands, works as an interior designer for

Adventist Community Church, where Gordon and Al- in Banepa, Nepal, from 1976 to 1982. Both hospitals are an interior decorating company. Margaret McFarland

ice were members. Gordon was dedicated to his medical operated by the Seventh-day Adventist church. A ma- of Washington, D.C., is an attorney serving as general

practice and was even written up in the Alumni JOUR- chinist, Dr. Oliver would make counsel for the District of Columbia Housing Author-

NAL one year for his work in the urban outskirts of San his own surgical pins, screws and ity. An author and lecturer as well as a physician, Dr.

Diego. He never refused service to anyone because of plates for operations in rural Asia. McFarland traveled to most parts of the world in the

their lack of ability to pay. At times he was even known In retirement he helped found interest of preventive medicine. The two last countries

to use the barter system; his patients would pay for the Sacramento Area Home Shop he added to his list of nations were China and Russia.

their care with goods and/or services. One patient paid Machinists Society and taught After his retirement in 1980, he concentrated much of

with some new cabinets for the garage. Another patient woodworking to Carmichael Ad- his effort in helping smokers in those countries quit the

worked off his bill by painting the house on weekends. ventist Church Pathfinders in his smoking habit. He was last asked by the Shinnying Mu-

Sometimes eggs or produce was also an acceptable form garage shop. As a church elder, nicipality of the Republic of China to serve as a special

of payment. Dr. Lundquist was a lifetime member of the he also supported Carmichael’s consultant on health. He has closely collaborated with

John B. Oliver ’42

American Academy of Family Physicians. He was also a young adult Sabbath School class, Hervey W. Gimbel ’55 who now heads up the program

lifetime member of the Alumni Association, School of attending from age 70 until he was 82. Dr. Oliver is sur- in China. Dr. McFarland helped people stop smoking

Medicine of Loma Linda University and only missed his vived by his sister Mary of Sand Point, Idaho; children for 50 years. He and Adventist pastor Elman Folkenberg

class reunion the last two years when travel became too Don in Sacramento, Robert ’75 in Fort Worth, Texas (uncle of a past president of the General conference of

difficult. and Margaret in Tukwila, Washington; grandchildren Seventh-day Adventists) devised a unique system to stop

Ansel of Columbia, Maryland, Kristin of Oakland (with smoking when it was a popular

John B. Oliver ’42, a longtime missionary surgeon serv- great-grandson John), Amy ’06 of Roseville, and Tyson and proper thing to do in com-

ing in India and Nepal, died at a care facility in Sacra- of Napa. His wife preceded him in death in 2006. His pany and gatherings. Dr. Mc-

mento, California, on May 22, 2011. He was 95. Dr. brother, Charles Gilbert Oliver, a longtime missionary Farland stated that the program

Oliver, the eldest of three children, was born on Oc- pastor and administrator to Indonesia, died in 2004. continues to be pertinent today

tober 16, 1915, in Oak Grove, Oregon. He graduated because so many people now

from Laurelwood Academy in Gaston, Oregon, and J. Wayne McFarland ’39 passed away on March 14, actually want to stop the habit.

Walla Walla College, in College Place, Washington. In 2011. He was 97. He is best known in and out of the Dr. McFarland received his un-

1942, after he completed medical school, Dr. Oliver was Seventh-day Adventist Church as the person who co- dergraduate degree at Madison

drafted and served in the Army Air Corps and later the founded the Five-Day Plan to Stop Smoking, a serious College in Nashville, Tennessee. J. Wayne McFarland ’39

Army Support Services as a military physician in the effort on the part of two men and their Church to help After LLUSM, he was accepted

China, Burma, and the India Theater caring for pilots, millions of people around the world terminate smoking to a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Min-

mechanics and soldiers supporting China’s battle with habits. Dr. McFarland was born in Brawley, California, nesota. He was a diplomate of the national board and

Japan. It was in India that he saw the need for doctors to Scots-Irish parents who taught him how to get along was board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilita-

while visiting Adventist hospitals during his stationing in life with as little as possible. Their frugal ways were tion. During his life he racked up an enviable record of

in Bombay (now Mumbai) and near Calcutta (now Kol- passed on to wiry Dr. McFarland. Living healthy had public service. Honored by the March of Dimes Polio

kata). He returned to Oregon after the war and brought been a lifelong passion, and he could frequently be seen Foundation, the American Lung Association, and the

his bride, Eunice Cartwright, a nurse supervisor, back to on long walks around the streets of Loma Linda, his bare International Temperance Society, Dr. McFarland has

India, where he served as medical director of Giffard Me- pate protected from the sun’s rays by a trademark broad- also been given a citation and medallion of merit by the

morial Hospital in Nuzvid from 1946 to 1967. He later brimmed hat. He had two daughters. The elder, Patri- World Health Organization. For many years, he served









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 23

as an associate director of the Department of Health and surgery practice at the Verdu- Ralph M. Truitt ’44-B, of Turlock, CA, passed away at

the General Conference of SDA, headquartered in Silver go Hills Hospital in 1972 and the age of 90. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to

Spring, Maryland. In 1993, the San Bernardino County served that community for nearly missionary parents, Earnest and Bertha. His parents’ god-

Department of Public Health presented him with the 40 years. Two of Dr. Perry’s three ly example led Dr. Truitt to choose a career as a medical

Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also a sponsor of children are also alumni: Allan doctor and to actively lead his family, serve his church,

the second annual Tobacco Free Conference in 1993. Perry, Jr. ’79-A and Julie Perry- perform missionary service, and serve many families in

He was named an honored alumnus by the Alumni As- Wheeler ’81. the community. A very bright young man, Dr. Truitt

sociation in 1990. He taught physical medicine and re- graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medi-

habilitation at several institutions including the Battle Douglas K. Potts ’55 of Silver cine at age 23. His internship in internal medicine was

Creek Hospital in Michigan; Temple University and Spring, Maryland, passed away on Allan W. Perry ’55 completed at White Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, a

Thomas Jefferson University in Pennsylvania; and Loma Saturday, March 26, 2011. Dr. Potts was born on August hospital founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Linda University in California. During his time with the 20, 1928, to Dr. Enos and Rena Klooster Potts in De- Three weeks after completing medical school he married

Church’s medical program, he was chief editor of two troit, Michigan. He started his education in the public the love of his life, (Norma) Joyce Pote. After serving

health journals: Life and Health, and Medical Arts and school system, but graduated from Adelphian Academy two years in the Army, Dr. Truitt completed his medical

Sciences, both published by the Review and Herald Pub- (Michigan) in 1945, then from La Sierra College in board requirements and in 1950 he joined the staff of

lishing Association. Dr. McFarland was predeceased by 1948 with a degree in biology. Before he started medi- Turlock Medical Clinic, where he served the families of

his wife, Dolly, who passed away two years ago. cal school he got his master’s from Claremont College. Turlock first as an corporate partner and doctor of inter-

In 1957, Dr. Potts entered into military service, but not nal medicine and later as a cardiologist until his retire-

Allan W. Perry ’55, a past president of the Alumni As- before proposing to his future wife, Sue. They were mar- ment in 2001. Dr. Truitt was the first internal medicine

sociation (1981-1982), passed away on April 1, 2011. ried on March 2, 1958, and then spent the second year board physician in Turlock, and the first charter member

Born Allen Perepelitza in Traynor, Saskatchewan, Can- of his tour in Manila. When they returned to the United of the Stanislaus County Heart Association. He offici-

ada, on April 6, 1929, Dr. Perry began his education in States, Dr. Potts set up a urology practice in Silver Spring, ated the first pacemaker surgery in this area with George

Canada, then attended college at Andrews University in Maryland, and became associated with Washington Ad- E. Paullus ’40 and phone instructions from Dr. Nor-

Berrien Springs, Michigan. When he graduated with a ventist Hospital and Leland and Hadley Memorial Hos- man Shumway. He diagnosed, treated, and referred the

degree in biology, he and his wife, Mary Lou, moved to pitals. Dr. Potts also had a talent and a love for music first heart transplant patient in Stanislaus County, and

Loma Linda for his medical education. He then interned and played the organ, piano, and he commuted monthly to Stanford to aide and educate

at the Detroit Receiving Hospital in Michigan. For two violin. He was the organist for the the medical doctors and nurses of Turlock in order to as-

years he enlisted with the United States Air Force, then Sligo Adventist Church for 40 sure the latest and best medical practices for the area. He

began his medical practice in Cleveland, Tennessee. In years. Dr. Potts was the beloved also was a vital part of the development and establish-

1961, the Seventh-day Adventist church asked him to be husband of Sue Potts; loving fa- ment of the critical care unit (CCU) at Emanuel Medical

a medical missionary to Africa, and he moved his family ther of Kathy Sue (Rick) Russell, Center and later the opening of the new CCU and emer-

to the Kendu Mission Hospital in Kenya for five years. Keith (Nancy) Potts and David gency departments which opened in 2007. In addition,

While there, he helped a Dr. Burkitt to work out the (Rachelle) Potts; caring brother of Dr. Truitt volunteered in campaigns through Legacy

epidemiology of what would later come to be known Effie Jean (Samuel ’60) Ketting Circle and personally helped raise over $300,000 for the

as Burkitt’s lymphoma. Dr. Perry then returned to the ’54; and grandfather of Bradley, Douglas K. Potts ’55 Emanuel Hospital Legacy Circle. In addition to his sto-

United States, where he trained in general and plastic Kayla, Clayton, Evan, Andrew, ried medical career, Dr. Truitt (along with Joyce) was an

surgery in California, but he still held mission work close Grace and Janessa. active leader in his church. He served as an elder, Bible

to his heart. He established a plastic and reconstructive teacher, men’s support group leader in both the Turlock









24 • April-June 2011 • Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE

and Ceres Seventh-day Adventist churches, and board the age of 22. Dr. Youngberg interned in Austin, Texas, cal Center). He was a board member of the Adventist

chairman of the Modesto Adventist Academy for several then set up practice in Itasca, Texas, with Dottie as office WholeHealth Network and a Sabbath School teacher

years. He and Joyce spent five years in medical mission- nurse. While there, their first child, Susan, joined the and elder at his church. He was an unceasing propo-

ary service from 1957-1962 at the Bankgkok Sanitarium family. Uncle Sam called Dr. Youngberg in the fall of nent of WIN! Wellness (Wellness Integrating Needs), a

in Thailand, a highlight of their 1952 to serve in Hokkaido, Japan and Korea as a Cap- comprehensive health and wellness initiative founded by

lives. He enjoyed gardening as a tain and Regimental Surgeon in the U.S. Army during members of his family. In the late 1990s, retirement gave

hobby and beautified the church the Korean War. Dottie and Susan joined him for one him more time to spend with his family and to read. In

landscaping as well as his home to year on Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. In 1954 2008 he and Dottie moved to Jackson, Tennessee, to be

provide a celebrative welcome to Dr. Youngberg began residency training in the emerging near their daughter Susan. While

those places. In addition, he and field of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the White there he regularly attended medi-

Joyce travelled to or lived in every Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles. Following comple- cal staff meetings, tumor board,

continent and all 50 states. He tion of his residency, he taught physical therapy and and medical mission meetings at

had no regrets for his active life medical students at Loma Linda. In 1957, Mark joined the local hospital. He passed away

and career. Dr. Truitt was preced- Ralph M. Truitt ’44-B the family. Interested in helping advance Seventh-day at the age of 85 and donated his

ed in death by son Mark Steven Adventist medical work in the East, Dr. Youngberg and body to the University of Tennes-

Truitt in 1973. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dr. Irving Jones co-founded the Reading Institute of Re- see, Memphis, Health Sciences

Joyce Truitt, three children: Richard (Marilynn) Truitt of habilitation (later known as the Reading Rehabilitation Center to help teach medical stu-

Riverside, CA, Ardeth Mattison of Turlock, and Barbara Hospital) in 1960. In addition to being chief of physical dents anatomy. A life-long mem-

(Edward B. ’73-A) Holm of Turlock, six grandchildren, medicine and rehabilitation at the Reading Hospital and ber of the Seventh-day Adventist Russell Youngberg ’49

and six great grandchildren. Memorials for Dr. Truitt Medical Center and at St. Joseph’s Hospitals, Dr. Young- Church, Dr. Youngberg was de-

are encouraged for the Legacy Circle Heart Center of berg was medical director of the Reading Institute of voted to a ministry of healing. He is survived by his wife

Emanuel Medical Center, scholarships to Loma Linda Rehabilitation for 20 years. He also held busy amputee of 64 and a half years, Dottie; daughters Susan Harboldt,

University School of Medicine, or donations the charity and post-polio clinics. Dr. Youngberg rejoiced when the of Jackson, TN, and Joy Wagner, of Moscow, ID, and

of your choice. Please leave memories and condolences Pennsylvania Conference of Seventh-day Adventists took son Mark Youngberg, of Berrien Springs, MI; grand-

at www.modbee.com/obituaries. over ownership of the hospital. In 1961 Dr. Youngberg children Eric Bjorn Harboldt ’15 and Elise Harboldt,

and Dottie’s last-born, Joy, arrived. In 1980 Dr. Young- Janna and Daniel Wagner, and Marcus and Luke Young-

Russell E. Youngberg ’49 passed away in January, 2011. berg accepted an invitation to be a medical missionary to berg; sisters Margaret Horsley ’50, of Fort Worth TX,

He was born in Ranchi, India, on November 7, 1925, Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, in Northeast Mexico for six and Olive Hoogenboom of Brooklyn, NY, brother John

to American missionaries Alfred and Bertha Oss Young- and a half years. Here he taught at the Seventh-day Ad- Youngberg of Berrien Springs, MI, son’s-in-law Samuel

berg. The family returned to the United States where ventist University of Montemorelos School of Medicine Harboldt ’85 and Drue Wagner ’85, daughter-in-law

Dr. Youngberg finished high school at Greater Boston and also became chairman of the anatomy department. Kelly Youngberg, and a host of nieces and nephews. He

Academy. He attended college at Atlantic Union College He led medical and nursing students on trips and clinics was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Bertha

in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, and at Pacific Union to serve the rural poor in different parts of Mexico. Dr. Youngberg and two brothers, Stephen A. Youngberg

College, in Angwin, California. Two years prior to his Youngberg then returned Pennsylvania where he started ’46 and Gorden Youngberg, MD.

medical school graduation, he married Dot Smothermon the Schuylkill Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilita-

at her parents’ home in Dallas, Texas. In 1945 he entered tion Facility in Schuylkill Haven and helped to found

the College of Medical Evangelists. Because his class was and run the inpatient rehabilitation unit at the Potts-

accelerated due to World War II, he graduated in 1949 at ville Hospital and Warne Clinic (now Schuylkill Medi-









Alumni JOURNAL ONLINE • April-June 2011 • 25