Lessons Learned: When the Physician Becomes the Patient

James Michael Jackson, M.D. ’87 was living his dream. Since injuring his knee playing basketball in high school, he knew he wanted to be an orthopaedic surgeon. Thirty years later, he had it all: a loving wife, Patti; two young children, Julia and Jacob; and a successful orthopaedic practice. However, life as he knew it would change. Three years ago, he developed primary progressive multiple sclerosis which abruptly ended his beloved surgical career but gave him opportunities to learn lessons about what really matters. Read more »

Message from the President
Wade Aubry, M.D. ’77

Reaffirming the need to invest in tomorrow’s doctors, the MAA has partnered with the school of medicine to support the 60th Anniversary Challenge for Medical Student Scholarships. The goal is to generate $2 million in alumni gifts by Dec. 31. To stress the urgency of this initiative, $1 million has been allocated to provide a 50% match to gifts of $1,000 or more.

Today the need for scholarships is greater than ever, as the costs of medical education soar. It is critical that we prepare the next generation of physicians to meet health care challenges. We urge you to support our students. Make a gift today.

Meet the MAA Board »

Class of 2011 Scholarship Giving

Students in the Class of 2011 raised $2,308. With generous personal contributions from faculty and alumni, the class total is almost $9,000. The MAA would like to acknowledge the graduates, who donated to the Class of 2011 Scholarship at the gold, silver and bronze giving levels. Thank you to all the Class of 2011 Scholarship donors!

Scholarship Donors | Contribute to this fund

Congratulations to the following alumni on their faculty promotions effective July 1, 2011:
• Dinesh Chhetri, M.D. ’97 - Surgery
• Noah Craft, M.D. ’00 - Medicine
• Ryan Crowley, M.D. ’00 - Anesthesiology
• Gerald Frank, M.D. ’77 - Medicine
• Darrell Harrington, M.D. ’90 - Medicine
• Agnes Wallbom, M.D. ’92 - Medicine

Eva Ritvo, M.D. ’87 - I left academic medicine after 19 years and I am enjoying private practice and TV, radio, blogging, etc! I just moved to Canyon Ranch in Miami Beach but still miss L.A.!

James M. Jackson, M.D. ’87 - My current project is the Lessons Learned after Medical School forum, featuring short motivational essays and inspirational stories submitted by physicians around the world. The goal is to compile the collection into a book series and use the proceeds to fund a medical student scholarship.

Steve Jobst, M.D. ’76 - Vena Ricketts, M.D. ’76 and I enjoyed organizing the Class of 1976 35-Year Reunion. Great time!

All Class Reunion, Aug. 20
• Reception: 7 p.m.
   $50 per person | $11 parking
• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center Tour: 3 p.m. | 4 p.m.
   Register by Aug. 8. Space is limited.