To

FROM

SUBJECT:

Date: 4 February 1971

John L. Wilson, M.D.
Acting Dean, Medical School

Norman icisauiss » M.D., Ph.D,
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Departments of Anatomy and Human Developmental Biology

The proposal to be Acting Chairman of the Departments of Human
Developmental Biology and Anatomy presents the potential for many edu-
cational and scientific opportunities, but I regret that I cannot accept
the offer at this time.

This decision is based on my rather extensive present commitments
to the Program in Human Biology and the Department of Pediatrics. Even ~
as Acting Chairman, I would of necessity have to dissociate from prior
obligations to teaching and scientific activities which have been ini-
tiated only recently.

The teaching program in Anatomy needs a complete revision for which
additional faculty are required. Investigative programs would have to be
organized for the Departments of Anatomy and Human Developmental Biology.
As you know, I have always believed that the functional and structural
elements involved in the discipline of Human Developmental Biology should
be obligatory to the education of a physician. The amalgamation of this
concept with the anatomical sciences provides a basis for creating an
innovative and exciting program in Anatomy, which does not exist in any
medical school in the nation. Stanford University is a unique setting
in which to carry the program forward, particularly since the Departments
of Pediatrics, Radiology, Surgery, and Pathology have indicated overt
enthusiasm. There is also an opportunity to interdigitate a modern program
in Anatomy and Human Developmental Biology with the undergraduate program
in Human Biology. This educational construct would indeed respond to the
pleas of the medical students for modern approaches and relevant scientific
information. Within this atmosphere, graduate research programs could
flourish in ultra-structure, reproductive biology, developmental biology,
and neurobiology.

These tasks, as well as the development of new funds, space, and
faculty, would be difficult for an Acting Chairman to accomplish. Yet,
I can understand why the appointment of a permanent chairman now, probably
should not precede the appointment of a permanent dean, When that event
occurs, I would be delighted to be considered for the permanent position
as Chairman of Anatomy and Human Developmental Biology. Then, there would
be a basis for my withdrawal from previous commitments. In the meanwhile,
I would suggest that a teaching committee in anatomical sciences be appointed,
composed of members from the Departments of Pediatrics, Radiology, Surgery,
and Pathology, along with faculty from Anatomy. I would indeed be pleased
to serve on such a committee.

cc: Professors Paul Berg, Robert Chase, David Hamburg, Halsted Holman,
Joshua Lederberg, Richard Lyman, and Herbert Schwartz.

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