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Investitures Honor Three Faculty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine, Dr. Lewis Landsberg, and Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Sherman Elias, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, recently had the pleasure of investing three faculty members into the Department. Serdar Bulun, MD, Michael Socol, MD, and Teresa Woodruff, PhD, were honored with endowed professorships in recognition of their vast achievements. The ceremony, with reception following, took place on March 21 at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.

"An endowed professorship is unique, a special gift. It lives in perpetuity honoring the individual for whom the chair is named and standing as a monument to the generosity and wisdom of the donor," said Dean Landsberg as he opened the ceremony. "By providing specially-dedicated resources for world-class research and teaching opportunities, the professorships will enable Drs. Bulun, Socol, and Woodruff to continue to thrive and excel in their scholarly activities."

Dr. Serdar Bulun was invested as the George H. Gardner Professor of Clinical Gynecology. This endowed professorship was created to honor Dr. George H. Gardner, former Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University from 1947 until 1965. Chief of Reproductive Biology Research since 2003, Dr. Bulun leads research teams in their focus to study estrogen and progesterone production and action. A member of many scientific organizations, including the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society and the Society for Gynecological Investigation, Dr. Bulun’s active participation in his field reflects that of Dr. Gardner.

Dr. Michael Socol was named as the Thomas J. Watkins Memorial Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Established in 1925 by Dr. Watkins' wife, Catherine, this endowed fund supports research to advance the field of gynecology. After more than 80 years of growth through investment, the fund now ably supports two full professorships—a testament to the legacy promised by endowed funds established in perpetuity.

Describing the honor as a "tangible and emotional statement," Dr. Socol commented, "The primary goal in University life is to make a significant contribution to the specialty through research, medical education, or patient care. There are many different ways in which an individual can receive accolades at the local and national levels. The endowed chair is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the University."

A member of the obstetrics and gynecology department since 1979, Dr. Socol has served as Chief of Obstetric Service at Prentice Women’s Hospital and Maternity Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital from 1987 to today. His primary interests have been in the areas of prematurity, blood group isoimmunization, and the management of labor.

Teresa K. Woodruff, PhD, also invested as the Thomas J. Watkins Memorial Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is a professor of obstetrics and gynecology as well as biochemistry, molecular biology, and cell biology. Her awards include the Distinguished Teaching Award and the Endocrine Society’s Richard E. Weitzman Memorial Award.

Asked about the honor, Dr. Woodruff replied, "The Thomas J. Watkins Professorship is the highlight of my career and I look forward to working with the dedicated scientists and clinicians in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology."

Dean Landsberg acknowledged these physician-educators as the pride of the medical school, saying "We at the Feinberg School are honored and proud to be represented by these accomplished scholars who are endeavoring to improve women’s health and wellness during every stage of life."

This page last updated on­ Mon Apr 30, 2007 2:13 PM