After 33 years at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, it is my distinct pleasure to serve as dean of this remarkable medical school. In my years here, I have been involved in many aspects of medical education and administration, from serving as clerkship director in the Department of Surgery, to executive associate dean, to CEO of Wright State Physicians. I recall with special fondness nurturing several generations of medical students on their surgical rotations. I always enjoy running into them, reminiscing about their time here, and learning where they are now.
I have worked with many of you over the past three decades—as a teacher, a colleague, or a friend of the school, and I look forward to working with you again as we begin this journey into the next chapter of the Boonshoft School of Medicine. Please drop me a line. I’d love to hear from you.
Vital Signs is once again tackling a tough issue, one that keeps returning to the headlines: gun violence. Although this divisive issue shows no signs of resolution, many medical professionals believe the problem should be confronted as a public health issue. You can read about the perspectives of several of our faculty and students who are working on the frontlines of this national affliction in our cover story, “Gun fight.”
We also take you back in time to the very founding of the medical school at Wright State in our feature chronicling the remarkable career of Dr. Richard DeWall. Dr. DeWall was an early pioneer in the development of the heart-lung machine who went on to play a critical role in the creation of our medical school.
You will meet several of our outstanding students and alumni and catch up on the latest research news from our faculty investigators.
Thank you all for your generous support of the Boonshoft School of Medicine throughout the years. As a new year begins, I look forward to meeting many of you as we chart the course ahead.
Margaret Dunn, M.D., M.B.A., FACS
Dean