1959 

Sandra Kaplan of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, writes, “I’ll be 90 years old in a few months. I’ve lived in my own home for over 60 years and recently remarried; my husband’s name is Karl Brammer, who also is 90 years old. Our geriatric dog lives with us. I have become completely deaf but appear to be otherwise intact and functional. I’ve always maintained fond memories of the school but have lost contact with classmates.” 

1961 

Gilles Monif of Bellevue, Nebraska, writes, “After stepping down as an assistant dean at Creighton University School of Medicine, using IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) I entered into a strategic alliance with the University of Florida to look at the role a bovine mycobacterium possibly played in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. In the ensuing 14 years, the means by which an infectious disease created an immune-mediated disease was delineated (Hruska Postulate). Knowledge of the event that combined to produce Crohn’s disease allows for delineation of its prevention, economic treatment, and probable disease termination. This was just published in a novella entitled The Prevention and Therapy of Crohn’s Disease.” 

1967 

Meyer Lifschitz of Jerusalem, Israel, writes, “My wife and I are here about 21 years and virtually all of our children and grandchildren are here as well. I stopped practicing medicine when COVID came and now learn in Yeshiva Ohr Somayach full time and function there as the informal MD for minor questions. My wife still teaches math at Touro College, Neve Yerusaliyim and Meor Beis Yacov. This year we are fortunate enough to have five grandchildren getting married. One of the advantages of living past 80. If any classmates are here on a visit, I would be happy to get together.” 

1969 

Geraldine Feldman of Naples, Florida, writes, “The school was well represented at the February wedding of Lauren Burdine Simon (CAMED’21). In attendance were Sara Feldman Jacobson (CAMED’00), Geraldine Feldman (CAMED’69), Lauren Burdine Simon (CAMED’21), and Zoe MacKay (CAMED’21).” 

Michael Salcman of Baltimore, Maryland, writes, “I closed my medical office in 2019 a few months before COVID. Since then I have had three collections of poetry published by Spuyten Duyvil in New York. Shades & Graces: New Poems was the inaugural winner of the Daniel Hoffman Legacy Book Prize, named for the late US poet laureate. Every poet dreams of producing a collection drawn from his previous books; Necessary Speech: New & Selected Poems came out during the pandemic and has an entire section of new poems devoted to COVID-19. My sixth collection of poems is called Crossing the Tape. I am 77 years old and surprised that I am still producing new poems that find their way into literary journals; most good poems are written when poets are in their youth and I am already working on my seventh collection! I have stopped writing art reviews but still teach the history of modern and contemporary art at Towson University and other venues. Ilene (CAS’70) and I have started looking for an institution that wants to accept a gift of our art collection; she is still working part time as a financial advisor. The eldest of our three grandchildren in California is already a terrific ballet dancer and the middle one studies at a school named for brain function, Synapse. My anthology of classic and contemporary poems about doctors, patients, illness, and healing, Poetry in Medicine, is still selling. Ilene and I were very upset by the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, a structure beneath which we spent many happy years sailing Chesapeake Bay.” 

1972 

Bob Friedman of Lakeville, Massachusetts, writes, “I practiced primary care internal medicine for 34 years in Middleborough, Massachusetts. I joined a large medical group in 2013—that didn’t work out and I kind of retired. Since then, I’ve had a house call job, did some telemedicine, worked as a jail doctor in Plymouth, and walked into a psychiatric hospital and got a job doing medical care on the patients. I soon learned about addiction medicine and have been working in substance use disorder clinics for the past seven years. I have continued my education in this field and am very happy that most of our patients are doing so well. It is a fact that 2/3 of people with opioid use disorders developed the problem due to medical issues or work-related injuries, and the other third often had major adverse childhood events. It has been a privilege to work in this field and I hope to continue for a while longer. It is part time and I have plenty of time for cycling—I’m now getting ready for my 24th Pan Mass Challenge ride.” 

Russel Jaffe of Vienna, Virginia, writes, “Published a few books: Joy of Living the Alkaline Way, 36th edition; Thriving in the 21st Century, Bones Joints & Muscles. I am grateful to BU for my successes.” 

Alan Peterson of Willow Street, Pennsylvania, writes, “I am the emeritus director of environmental and community medicine at Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine. As a family medicine doctor, I helped train over 500 resident physicians in 42 years teaching and caring for patients there. Recently I received the annual Societas Generalis Excellence in Medicine Award, the highest honor bestowed on physicians by the organization.” 

1973 

Diane Jeffery of Cincinnati, Ohio, writes, “These are the most recent photos I have, taken on a Mediterranean cruise last month.” 

1974 

Alice Rothchild of Seattle, Washington, writes, “Last year my Palestine-focused, young adult novel, Finding Melody Sullivan, and my Palestine-focused, middle grade novel, Old Enough to Know, were published. My memoir, Inspired and Outraged: The making of a feminist physician, is coming out at the end of 2024. I continue to write about health and human rights issues in Israel/ Palestine, documenting and working to end the genocide in Gaza. I was last in Gaza in August 2023 and had a subsequent op-ed in the New York Times and the Seattle Times. Otherwise, I do childcare for my two grandchildren, and enjoy the glories of Pacific Northwest hiking and gardening.” 

Robert Wolff of Boston, Massachusetts, writes, “As a proud member of the graduating class of ’74, I am now a few months away from completing my career as a pediatric neurologist at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH); I was in a private practice for many years in the New York metropolitan area before joining the staff of BCH some 16 years ago. As a third-year medical student at the school I was inspired by Dr. Paul Rosman, who taught at Boston City Hospital. I feel so privileged to have been in a career which I have so thoroughly enjoyed. It has been gratifying to now see conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy and many others to follow, for which we now may offer effective treatment based upon the advances of molecular biology. Thank you to my teachers and classmates at the school and a special thank you to Paul Rosman.” 

1978 

Larry Nichter of Newport Beach, California, writes, “I am still trying to transition to ‘gentleman surgeon’ status at the Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery rather than running a busy Newport Beach, California, practice. If only I could do surgery without the administrative hassles. I travel extensively, training surgeons in remote areas of great need. My NPO, Mission Plasticos, is celebrating its 25th anniversary since I founded it; I still serve as medical director. I have been on more than 100 global missions training plastic surgeons in areas of need, focusing on development and capacity building. We have been unique in helping to establish and train advanced acute burn care in Nepal and postmastectomy reconstruction in Central and South American countries, as well as work in microsurgery, pediatric surgery, and congenital and acquired deformities. For these efforts, I was invited for an audience with the Dalai Lama in 2022, and have been named the 2024 Noordhoff Humanitarian Award winner by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Plastic Surgery Foundation. Most importantly, I am a new grandparent, still enjoy my craft, and—when time permits—hiking, surfing, skiing, and snowboarding.” 

David Saltzberg of Baltimore, Maryland, writes, “Recently hosted an alumni program at my home in Baltimore. There was lots of good conversation about the cost of medical education and the closure of the six-year medical program. I am enjoying retirement after 40 years of practice in gastroenterology.” 

1979 

Karen Brown of New York, New York, writes, “After a 38-year career with the last three years spent at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City as chief of the interventional radiology section, I am now mostly retired and back in New York City. Currently working one day a week at New York Hospital, primarily focused on teaching radiology residents. Planning some traveling for next year and including Alumni Weekend at the school in my travel plans. Hope to see some former classmates then.” 

1980 

David Edelstein of New York, New York, writes, “Last fall I received an award from the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. They give one ENT doctor the Board of Governors Practitioner of Excellence Award that ‘recognizes the prototypical clinical otolaryngologist one wishes to emulate, who, within the past 10 years, has practiced medicine in an exemplary manner and is sought out by other physicians because of personal and effective care. In addition to clinical skills, the recipient demonstrates involvement in civic leadership, charitable activity, and leadership in state, regional or national medical organizations.’” 

Martha (Marty) Gilpatrick of Concord, Massachusetts, writes, “Rough year—property damage, accounts hacked, broken leg—but most of all, lost my life partner. Still working part time as I adjust.” 

Lauren Lerner of Plantation, Florida, writes, “After over 40 years practicing medicine, Keith and I, a class couple who graduated together, are loving retirement. He is enjoying tennis and reading; I’m doing a little medical legal work and volunteering with refugees. We’re traveling, and best of all, spending time with the grandkids. I wrote a novel about climate change and the legacy we are leaving for future generations called The Legacy, under the pen name Ilise Lauren. It’s on Amazon if you want to check it out.” 

1981 

Melody T. McCloud of Roswell, Georgia, writes, “I was bestowed a Distinguished Alumni Award by Emory University School of Medicine last February. Such awards began in 1958, and prior to this year, only fourteen women had been recognized. Also, my latest book (with information for all women), Black Women’s Wellness, ranked #1 on Amazon’s Women’s Sexual Health and Health Policy lists. I’m a ‘Double Terrier’—CAS’77 and CAMED’81—so the book was recently featured in Bostonia. I trained at Emory, established hospital-wide endoscopic protocols, served on the Medical Executive Committee, and am active in the community. I’m retired from active practice, but I remain affiliated with Emory University Hospital Midtown. I write and give lectures, including at Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.” 

1983 

Paul Kalb of Washington, D.C., writes, “Three decades after leaving medicine for the practice of law in Washington, D.C., I am returning (sort of) to my roots, both professionally and geographically. In 2024, my wife and I will join the Harvard Advanced Leadership Initiative, a program for about 40 people from around the world ‘designed to unleash the potential of experienced leaders to help solve society’s most pressing challenges.’ I plan to focus on one or more public health challenges. At Harvard, I will have the pleasure of studying again with Dr. Howard Koh.” 

1984 

David Sherer of Chevy Chase, Maryland, writes, “My seventh book, Hunger Hijack: how your eating habits are changing your brain and making you sick, has been released. It deals with the dangers of processed food and the problem of increasing body mass index in the developed world, and advocates for habit change and prevention over allopathic medicine for improving the health of people worldwide.” 

1988 

Karen Bayle of Fairfax, California, writes, “Enjoying retirement after 30+ years as a primary care MD.” 

1993 

Jai G. Parekh of Towaco, New Jersey, writes, “Living life to its fullest remains my biggest focus. In addition to a busy practice where we just partnered with BlackRock/Zenyth Capital, my best days are teaching at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. I also became chief commercial officer of Nordic Pharma Eye Care to help bring innovative products to the marketplace. Swati and I are married 30 years now and are going to be empty nesters, as Bela matched at Wills Eye Hospital for Ophthalmology and Tej started in growth private equity at a top New York City firm. Sima is doing social impact/ fintech at MasterCard Corporate. What else? Rob Rothman (CAMED’93) and I may start a podcast together, and I was emcee at the Glaucoma Foundation featuring David Letterman!” 

1994 

Kerry Girard of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, writes, “So my medical school baby, Matt, had a baby, Emily Jane Girard, and now I’m adding ‘Mimi’ to my credentials. Honestly, this is the BEST job.” 

Amir Jaffer of New York, New York, writes, “It will be almost 30 years since graduating medical school. It has been an incredible journey professionally and personally. Blessed with a loving wife, Hajra, and two children, Saniya (28) and Salman (24), who are working in fashion and fintech, respectively. Professionally, I am enjoying my career transforming and improving care delivery as a chief medical officer at NewYork-Presbyterian in Queens. Would love to hear from medical school colleagues.” 

1997 

Gayle Ryan of Manheim, Pennsylvania, writes, “I recently recommissioned in the Army National Guard and received my first salute from my West Point Graduate! Tim and I are proud parents of kind and overachieving children; all three exceeding our wildest expectations! Wishing everyone the best life has to offer.” 

1999 

Aaron Allen of Yad Binyamin, Israel, writes, “I am the chair of radiation oncology at the Helmsley Cancer Center at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel.” 

2000 

Mark and Jessica (CAMED’03) Amorosino of Newburyport, Massachusetts, write, “After living and working in the Boston area for many years, we moved our family of six—including Steven (16), Maddie (14), Josi (10), and Chris (8)—to the Sunshine State and enjoy spending time between our hometown of Newburyport and new residence in Jupiter, Florida. Mark will be opening up a comprehensive medical weight loss center in Palm Beach County after successfully helping hundreds of people lose weight and learn to keep it off in Newburyport and Beverly, Massachusetts. Looking forward to bringing this innovative, first-of-its-kind medically supervised weight management program to a larger market with the opening of MetTrimMD Palm Beach slated for summer 2024. Jessica is enjoying her remote work from Florida at Wellsense, formerly known as BMC Health Plan, as a medical director in the field of utilization management after many years in pediatric clinical practice in Massachusetts. We have been keeping up with many classmates over the years as they pass through Boston, and now through Florida, and are grateful for the memories and continued friendships.” 

2001 

Rahul Anand of Fairfield, Connecticut, writes, “I am the president of the Connecticut Pain Society.” 

2005 

Anjali Vaidya of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, writes, “I am a professor of medicine, cardiologist, and codirector of pulmonary hypertension, right heart failure, and the CTEPH program at Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Was honored by the Temple University Provost with the 2023–2024 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, recognizing academic excellence, outstanding teaching, and exceptional achievements and accomplishments. The award honors faculty members who epitomize the highest levels of sustained teaching distinction.” 

2006 

Luqman Dad of New York, New York, writes, “Following my time in Boston, I completed training in radiation oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, then took some of my passion for global health that was cultivated at Boston University and founded my specialty’s first-ever global health initiative, sending three trainees each year to an underserved region of the world for academic study and research. Following training, I returned home to Maryland, where I was a partner in private practice for more than 10 years. In 2023, I made the transition back to academics at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), serving as the codirector for head and neck cancer and director of global engagement and community outreach. My amazing medical school mentor, who is chair here at CUIMC, recruited me to New York City, and I feel blessed to be a part of the BU community and here today at Columbia University, working on things I am most passionate about—patient care, trainee education, and global health.” 

2012 

Yesenia Greeff of Florence, Massachusetts, writes, “I completed residency at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and GI fellowship at Brown University before joining the faculty at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, close to my hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. I’ve been an assistant program director for our medium-sized internal medicine residency program since 2020, and will now be transitioning to the role of gastroenterology fellowship program director. I got married during fellowship and now get to spend my free time snuggling my son (4) and daughter (1.5).” 

2014 

Michael Harrell of San Antonio, Texas, writes, “Since graduating, I’ve spent four years on active duty in the US Navy, traveling to Europe for a deployment. I returned to BMC for an ophthalmology residency from 2019 to 2022 and subsequently completed a medical diseases of the retina fellowship at Northwestern University. I’m now a new faculty member in the department of ophthalmology at UT Health San Antonio.” 

2016 

Tyler Robinson of Folsom, California, writes, “After 15 years of school and training, I finally started practice as a general and minimally invasive surgeon in Sacramento, California. My wife Basia and I spend most weekends chasing around our two dirty-but-happy sons, four and one. My first children’s book, The Higgily Hospital, was just published on Amazon!”