What are the odds of becoming a U.S. astronaut? About one in a million with an even slimmer chance of actually traveling in space, according to NASA. So Northwestern must have the magic touch. This March medical school alumnus Michael R. Barratt, MD ’85, GME ’89, arrived at the International Space Station, becoming Northwestern’s second astronaut-physician, after Joseph P. Kerwin, MD ’57, to live and work in space. In our first feature, we explore the specialty of aerospace medicine—an area of expertise that started Dr. Barratt on his path to becoming an astronaut.

This year we launched a Center for Global Health that will help us develop and share our strengths in clinical care, research, and education around the world. In the second feature, learn more about the plans and goals of this exciting new international enterprise under of the leadership of faculty member Robert L. Murphy, MD, GME ’84.

At Alumni Weekend 2009, former Northwestern students reconnected, reminisced, and “made history” with their old classmates and mentors at a reunion event that celebrated the medical school’s sesquicentennial or 150th year. In our third feature, we offer a photo album of the good times that were enjoyed this April and invite you to mark your calendar for Alumni Weekend 2010!

Alignment, innovation, and impact continue to drive our strategic vision as we help shape the future of medicine as leaders and innovators. In the final feature, we profile David Mahvi, MD, new chief of the Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, who brings his expertise as a teacher, inventor, and surgeon to Northwestern.

Best Regards,

J. Larry Jameson, MD, PhD
Vice President for Medical Affairs and
Lewis Landsberg Dean