Pulse

Former NIH Director Brings a Message of Resiliency and Optimism

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Elias Zerhouni, MD, a world-class physician/scientist, inventor and entrepreneur, impressed students, faculty and community members alike on a recent visit to Norfolk to promote his new book, “Disease Knows No Politics.”

The former National Institutes of Health (NIH) director and past faculty member at then-Eastern Virginia Medical School played a key role in the integration that brought EVMS and Old Dominion University together as part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU and achieved critical support from Sentara Healthcare.

At a series of gatherings September 26 on the University’s main and medical campuses, Dr. Zehrouni shared his extensive experiences to educate the uninitiated about the dynamics of medical research and to inspire students as they prepare to enter the world of healthcare.

Addressing the many challenges facing healthcare today, he told a gathering of student leaders that history shows Americans are resilient. He encouraged the students to remain optimistic.

“Don’t become discouraged,” he implored. “Don’t become a ‘why’ person. Become a ‘why not’ person. Trust the American dream.”

Drawing on his experiences as a radiologist, first at EVMS and for the bulk of his career at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Zerhouni helped improve and speed medical diagnosis through Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

“I have fond memories of EVMS,” Dr. Zerhouni said. “I spent four and a half years as a faculty member and did all my original research here in Virginia.”

Dr. Zerhouni had a profound impact on biomedical research across the country as head of the NIH. He doubled its budget, established a roadmap for medical research, created a strategic plan for obesity research and opened NIH research publications for public access. Later, he served as a presidential envoy, fostering international scientific and technologic collaboration.

Today, he serves as a highly regarded thought-leader in academic medicine, sharing his unique understanding of the healthcare system to encourage collaborative approaches that help address pressing health needs.

On his recent visit, his student audience appreciated his lessons in leadership and his optimism — delivered in a non-partisan tone and relaxed demeanor. Said one student, “The presentation was moving yet almost like a conversation with a long-time friend.”

View additional photos of Dr. Zerhouni's visit.