Waldschmidt Named to the Hanson Family Chair in Immunology

Thomas Waldschmidt, PhD, professor of pathology in the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, has been named to the Clement T. and Sylvia H. Hanson Family Chair in Immunology.

The endowed chair was established through gifts to the UI Foundation from the Hanson family to support the academic pursuits of a faculty member in pathology who has a distinguished research program in immunology.

Waldschmidt is internationally known for his research on B lymphocytes—white blood cells that come from bone marrow and are essential components of the adoptive immune system. In addition to investigating the fundamental biology of these cells, Waldschmidt also studies the reconstitution and function of B cells after bone marrow transplantation and the basis of B cell loss and dysfunction in long-term alcoholics.

A UI faculty member in pathology since 1988, Waldschmidt is vice chair for research and director of the Department of Pathology's graduate program.

"Dr. Waldschmidt is an exceptional scientist and educator," said Michael Cohen, MD, professor and head of pathology who holds the Dr. Richard G. Lynch Chair in Experimental Pathology. "His appointment to the Clement T. and Sylvia H. Hanson Family Chair in Immunology is well-deserved recognition of his many important contributions to the field of immunology and his long-standing commitment to the education of young researchers."

Waldschmidt received a bachelor's degree in biology from Marquette University, a doctorate in immunology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 1984, and he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the UI in the lab of Richard G. Lynch, MD.

The previous five-year Hanson Family Chair was held by Lynch, UI professor emeritus of pathology.

For more information:

Thomas Waldschmidt, PhD

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

Michael Cohen, MD

Marsh appointed to Carroll B. Larson Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery

J. Lawrence Marsh, MD, professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation in the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, has been named to the Carroll B. Larson Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery.

The endowed Larson Chair honors the achievements and contributions of the late Carroll B. Larson, MD, UI emeritus professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation, and was created by gifts to the UI Foundation from numerous donors and friends honoring Larson's outstanding legacy at the UI.

Larson earned international recognition for his contributions to orthopedic clinical practice, research and teaching, and he led the UI Department of Orthopaedics for 23 years. He died in 1978. Reginald Cooper, MD, professor of orthopaedics and rehabilitation who was chairman of the UI Department of Orthopedics from 1973 to 1999, was appointed as the first Larson Chair in 1983 and continues as the Larson Chair Emeritus.

Marsh, who joined the UI faculty in 1987, is an expert in traumatic orthopedic injury, particularly to the ankle, knee and elbow. His research focuses on the factors that influence clinical outcomes of patients with these injuries, including whether less invasive surgical procedures that use external fixators and percutaneous techniques for the injured joint can improve prognosis and clinical outcomes of traumatic orthopedic injury. His current research is providing new insights into the causes and prevention of arthritis following joint injuries. He is recognized as an exceptional teacher and is director of the department's residency program.

"Larry is an outstanding orthopedic surgeon whose service to his patients and profession exemplify the qualities and values that Carroll Larson espoused and demonstrated though his long and distinguished career," said Joseph Buckwalter, MD, professor and head of orthopaedics and rehabilitation who holds the Dr. Arthur A. Steindler Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery."

Marsh received a medical degree from Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY and completed residencies at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and Boston University Affiliated Orthopaedic. He also completed a fellowship at Oxford University and Nuffield Orthopaedic Center in Oxford, England.

For more information:

J. Lawrence Marsh, MD

Joseph Buckwalter, MD