December 19, 2023 | Lauren Wright
Investiture Also Acknowledges the Legacy of UMSOM Pillar and Professor Emeritus, Dr. Frank Calia
Dr. Chen conducts clinical and translational research on pathogens of global health importance, concentrating on those which primarily afflict vulnerable populations and developing countries. His research portfolio includes developing vaccines against diarrheal and enteric diseases, such as cholera, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), noroviruses, Shigella, Campylobacter, and typhoid and non-typhoidal Salmonella. He was the principal investigator for the pivotal efficacy licensure studies for the only cholera vaccine available in the U.S. Dr. Chen also conducts research in Bangladesh, a region commonly recognized as the ancestral origin of cholera, and in Mali, where his participation in the development of a pentavalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine is anticipated to make major improvements in meningitis for sub-Saharan Africa. He has also led vaccine trials against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and pre-pandemic influenza (Avian H5N1 and Avian H7N9 influenza) and agents of bioterror, including tularemia, smallpox, and staphylococcal enterotoxin B.
Dr. Calia’s tenure at the School of Medicine spanned more than four decades. He joined the UMSOM faculty in 1969 and was appointed Chief, Section of Infectious Diseases, at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. He rose through the ranks to Professor of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology, and Chief of the Medical Service at the Baltimore VA Medical Center. On two occasions during his tenure, he served as Acting or Interim Chairman of the Department of Medicine. He was also Acting Chairman of the Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Ophthalmology, and Radiation Oncology. From 1992-2004, Dr. Calia was Vice Dean and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for the School of Medicine. In April of 2004, he became Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology. From November 2004-November 2005, he served as Interim Chief Medical Officer at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
The investiture ceremony was hosted by Kathleen M. Neuzil, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FACP, the Myron M. Levine, MD, DTPH Professor of Vaccinology, Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, CVD Director, and Chief of the Division of Geographic Medicine at UMSOM, along with Dean Gladwin. Dr. Neuzil described Dr. Chen as an infectious disease physician-scientist who demonstrates “the best” of UMSOM and the CVD. “I am so pleased to see Wilbur receive this honor as he is the perfect candidate for the Calia professorship,” she said.
“Wilbur has a special gift of being able to clearly and concisely communicate scientific and vaccine issues to the lay public,” said Dr. Cross, a former mentor of Dr. Chen.
In taking the podium, Dr. Chen individually thanked members of his family, mentors, colleagues, and UMSOM leadership. Then, with a great sense of admiration, he directly addressed Dr. Calia: “I want to remind you how highly I regard you for who you are and what you represent throughout your career,” said Dr. Chen. “It is an overwhelming honor for me to take on this endowed professorship in your name.”
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Lauren Wright
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University of Maryland School of Medicine
LaurenWright@som.umaryland.edu
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In front of an in-person audience of friends and colleagues gathered in Westminster Hall, Ozhan Mehmet Turan, MD, a world-renowned obstetrician whose contributions to complex obstetric surgery represent the gold standard of patient care, was invested as the inaugural M. Carlyle Crenshaw, Jr., MD, and Lillian Ruth Blackmon, MD Professor of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Dr. Turan is a Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM). In addition, Dr. Turan serves as an Executive Vice Chair for the Department, Division Chief for Maternal Fetal Medicine, Medical Director for the Center for Advanced Fetal Care, and Program Director for Fetal Therapy and Complex Obstetric Surgery.