Boston University                                                December 2015 School of Medicine Alumni Newsletter Greetings!     As we enter this holiday season, I am reminded of how grateful we are at BUSM for the generosity and support of our alumni, parents and friends. We are thankful for those who believe so deeply in our mission of education, research, improving patient care and engaging with our community.   Philanthropic support provides students and faculty with opportunities to be extraordinary.  Last month, 183 first year MD students received their medical equipment, including their stethoscopes-all donated by alumni. As a special surprise, they also received a copy of Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande.  This gift to the class was made possible through the generosity of  alumna Elizabeth Dooling MED '65, who was on hand to personally hand out the books.    As a result of the gift, we invited Dr. Gawande to come the school to provide a lecture to the class and to sign their books.  As a result of his acceptance to speak, a fellow alumnus, Arvin Garg MED '99, offered to host a series of discussions on the book leading up to Dr. Gawande's visit.  An extraordinary gesture by an alumna that has created even more opportunity for the class.   BUSM Alumni like you fund resources that enable our students to thrive and allow us to facilitate excellence in teaching, learning, creativity and discovery.    During this season of gratitude, we thank you for your support. Best wishes,    Jean Ramsey, MD '90 MPH '08  Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs Vice Chair of Education and Program Director of Ophthalmology Associate Professor, Ophthalmology and Pediatrics Alumni In the News Howard Bauchner, MD ('79) elected to the prestigious National Academy of Medicine Editor of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) was elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, it recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service.   Campus Report School of Medicine Launches Military Health Center BU scientists doing work that could improve the lives of many of the 2.6 million service members who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.   Unraveling Melanoma's Mysteries MED Assistant Professor Anurag Singh wins three-year grant to study gene in deadly skin cancer.   Medical schools to bolster opioid lessons The state's four medical schools have agreed to incorporate into their curriculum instruction in the prevention and treatment of prescription drug misuse.   SPH Dean's Forum Takes on Guns in America John Rosenthal, cofounder of Stop Handgun Violence, and Clementina Chéry, president and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, appealed to Medical Campus students and faculty to get involved in gun control efforts.   At BMC, Food Is Medicine Making food part of a patient's medical plan. Emphasis on fresh and nutritious foods distinguishes the BMC food pantry from others .   Students in Action MED Students benefit from generous alumni  First year MD students of the Class of 2019 receive medical equipment and a gift from a BUSM alumna. MED Students Thrive in West Coast Clerkships  New program, offered at two Kaiser Permanente Medical Centers in California, San Jose and Santa Clara. pairs BUSM medical students with attending physicians in several specialties for four- to eight-week rotations Photos/Videos Recent Grad Future Leaders 2015 Stethoscopes for Students Rocking with the BU Medical Campus Band SELFIE: See what students are finding at BUSM/BU Getting to Know Your Neighborhood: The South End One of Boston's most beautiful neighborhoods, and arguably one of its most culturally diverse, the South End has a rich history Upcoming Events Dec. 9 BUMC Provost Guest LectureExtending a Hand: Dr. Salman Zarka on the Humanitarian Treatment of Syrian Casualties in Israel Stay Connected Boston University School of Medicine Alumni Association 72 East Concord Street Boston, MA 02118 alumbusm@bu.edu www.bumc.bu.edu/medalumni  www.bu.edu/give2busm