125 years of saving lives, building futures
(Oct. 6, 2008) The School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver celebrated its 125th anniversary Saturday, Oct. 4, at Fantasy MD Gala, a one-time, mission-focused event designed to broaden the community’s understanding of the school’s impact on health through education, research, patient care and community service.
Nearly 800 School of Medicine supporters showed up in black tie (white lab coat was optional) or scrubs. Guests arrived at the Colorado Convention Center in the early evening to begin their “medical studies” on mind-blowing medical simulators, treating “patients,” and testing out the latest and greatest surgical equipment in simulated surgery
Guests then dined with some of the nation's finest current and future physicians to learn what it takes to be a real doctor. Proceeds from Fantasy MD will go to the Dean's Endowment to help recruit and retain the best students and teachers the School can find. The crowd was wowed by a video highlighting the School of Medicine’s tremendous contributions to the community and, following this emotional video, an additional $49,000 was raised for the school’s endowment.
This event followed coverage of the School’s 125th anniversary including Bob Shikes, MD, Professor Emeritus of Pathology on Colorado Public Radio discussing the School’s history (http://www.kcfr.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=94&Itemid=234&target_pg=com_day.)
The Rocky Mountain News also did a retrospective from the point of view of several of the School’s graduates. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/oct/03/125-years-of-healing-teaching/.
Photo: SOM students demonstrate the difference between a healthy lung and one of a person who has smoked for only one year.