STANFORD UNIVERSITY MAR 2 7 1963

MEDICAL CENTER
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY
School ef Medicine

March 25, 1963

Dr. Ben Eiseman
Department of Surgery
University of Kentucky
Medical Center
Lexington, Kentucky

Dear Dr. Eiseman:
‘oetaerpitemamnemmeintase

Yonr letter of March 15 to Bob Alway was also directed to me
and perhaps even more clearly addressed to me. I assume it was
sent in a friendly spirit and I feel I owe you a reply in the same spirit.

I also assume your point of view is shared by many eminent surgeons
in this country today.

First I think you would agree that when the chairman of any
medical school department is selected it should be the responsibility
of a group of his peers from other areas of medical science. Such
a search group should seek the advice and assistance of outstanding
practitioners of the special area in which this man is to .be appointed.
As you know we have been searching for a chairman of surgery for
Stanford for nearly two years and have consulted surgeons throughout
the country and abroad for suggestions and guidance. In fact I know of
no instance in which a search committee has been as diligent and
thorough- going in its canvass of candidates and advisers.

What should guide the choice of a surgeon for Stanford? I believe
it is essential but not enough that ne maintain excelient levels in
current standards of practice and teaching. He should, through the
research efforts of his department, advance the standards significantly.
We cannot define what this research should be but we can anticipate
its quality. In this there is no double standard. Good research is
defined the same way in all branches of science.

You seem to feel that there is a twisted emphasis on biochemistry
in the Stanford deliberations, It may be true although I sincerely hope

 

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Dr. Ben Eiseman -2- March 25, 1963

it isn't. You must recall that the selection of Evarts Graham to head
the Washington University Surgery Department was a most unconven-
tional appointment, The dean who had a major share in the choice
and who vigorously supported the development of a great department
of surgery at Washington University was a biochemist, Philip Shaffer.

I am disappointed that your visit was so brief and there wasn't
the opportunity to establish what I am sure are basically similar
convictions in the choice of a surgeon for this medical school. You
were very kind to take the time and trouble to visit us and help us
on this as well as on previous occasions with your good advice. We
all deeply appreciate this and I am sincerely sorry for what proved to
be an unfortunate misunderstanding.

Sincerely yours,

Arthur Kornberg
AK:;es

cc: Dr. Alway ‘
Dr. Hamburg
Dr. Lederberg Y
Dr, Oberhelman
Dr. Kaplan
Dr. Holman