On June 4, 2015, the Weill Department of Medicine hosted a retirement party at Griffis Faculty Club for Ralph L. Nachman, M.D., who had served as the department's chairman for two decades. From far and wide, colleagues, friends and family were in attendance to celebrate Dr. Nachman's extraordinary career as a physician, scientist, mentor, and administrator. Speeches were given by those who have worked closely with Dr. Nachman and/or had been trained by him at Weill Cornell.
Dr. Nachman with his wife, Nancy
Dr. Orli R. Etingin provided opening remarks in which she explained how Dr. Nachman had ushered in "bench-to-bedside" research long "before the term was coined." She emphasized his legendary teaching style of "working among his people" and that he kept his desk in the center of his own laboratory "right underneath the beakers," where he was always available to teach and answer questions. Dr. Laurie H. Glimcher, Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medical College & Provost for Medical Affairs, Cornell University, spoke at the event, noting that, in 1973, Dr. Nachman jump-started the new field of modern vascular biology.
Former and current chiefs of the Weill Department of Medicine were in attendance (Drs. Roy Silverstein, Barbara Hempstead, and David Nanus), and they recalled stories of Dr. Nachman's outstanding teaching and leadership skills, as well as his sense of humor and ongoing "love of the Yankees." Dr. Herbert Pardes, formerly President of the New York-Presbyterian Hospital and current Executive Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stated that for many decades Dr. Nachman has been "a contributor to the greater good of our institution."
L to R: Dr. Augustine M.K. Choi with Dr. Nachman
After the speeches, a leather-bound book was presented to Dr. Nachman by Dr. Augustine M.K. Choi, the Sanford I. Weill Chairman of the Weill Department of Medicine. The book included 80 congratulatory letters and notes from colleagues, trainees, and staff.
Dr. Nachman then spoke about his more than 50 years at Weill Cornell, saying that "working for more than five decades at one medical center really is a special experience." He told stories recalling the "privilege" and "joy" of training young physician-scientists as they made new discoveries; his admiration of the many Chief Residents he has known over the years; and his fond memories of Morning Report. "The excitement of pressing clinical phenomena has kept me going," he added.
Colleagues concurred that Dr. Nachman, a life-long devotee of the Yankees, has simply knocked it out of the park and serves as a role model for those who pursue academic scholarship in medicine. Although he is retiring, Dr. Nachman will remain on board providing expertise as a teacher and scientist on a voluntary basis.
The Weill Department of Medicine thanks Nancy Bennett and Dr. Orli R. Etingin, Director of the Iris Cantor Women's Center, for their energies and time in coordinating this wonderful celebration.