Men Still at Work: Professionals Over Sixty and on the Job by Elizabeth F. Fideler Read Free Book Online Page B

worked at the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) NCI for the next twenty-four years. From the 1970s to the mid-1990s, he held progressively higher positions in cancer pharmacology, culminating as director of the division of cancer treatment at the NCI. During this period, early reports about unusual cases of what came to be known as AIDS caught the attention of Bruce and other top-level NCI administrators. In 1981, they organized and sponsored the first scientific workshop about AIDS that was held in this country. Once AIDS was determined to be an infectious disease and not a malignancy, that is, it was not clearly within the mandate of NCI, another institute within the NIH took the lead in directing the research effort. But Bruce’s division was responsible for the first isolation of the virus (Bob Gallo’s laboratory) and discovery and testing of the first anti-AIDS drugs (Sam Broder).
    Having experienced mentoring by some of the top researchers in the field, it was only natural that Bruce would take mentoring seriously. At NIH/NCI he directed fellowship programs in medical, pediatric, radiation, and surgical oncology. One mentee was a doctor from Amsterdam named Bob Pinedo, who came to Bruce’s lab in 1975 and went on to be influential in cancer research in the Netherlands. In gratitude for Bruce’s mentoring and friendship, Bob gave the Chabners a cherry tree to plant near their house in Maryland, telling them that the tree was fruitful year-round, just like Bruce. The tree flourished, as did Bruce’s career. In 1995 he joined the MGH staff as clinical director of its cancer center and chief of hematology and oncology, and not long after also headed up clinical sciences for the partnership among Boston hospitals that became the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center.
    In Boston Bruce has continued to mentor younger staff members of whom he is extremely proud. “I am happy to watch the success of outstanding men and women at MGH and elsewhere in the field. I see them advancing, taking good care of patients. I have known them since their residencies and fellowships, and I have offered them their first faculty positions. It is reassuring to know that such capable young people are coming along to move our field forward.”
    Bruce and Davi have achieved a harmonious rhythm to their busy lives in Boston. Davi insists that Bruce stay out of the house from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., so she can concentrate on writing her books on medical terminology. “She has many projects, commitments, and interests. I am always wondering what she will come up with next!” (I cannot help remarking that this observation comes from someone who is totally dedicated to saving as many lives as possible, one patient at a time, one “smart” drug and clinical trial at a time.) He continues, “Davi is busy with her own projects and doesn’t really mind the traveling that I do. She does like to accompany me when we can see friends in other countries.” The couple also has a long list of new places they would like to visit, including, for Davi, Burma, and for both of them, Poland (where their families came from). Above all, they look forward to vacations on Nantucket with their children and five active grandchildren.
    What delights Bruce the most — after his family — are his cocker spaniels, Greta and Owen. “They keep me young by lowering my blood pressure and providing an emotional outlet after a tough day at the hospital. Greta is almost a person to me. She may even be a reincarnation of someone from the past.” Hmmm, is this a scientist speaking?

    Sometimes a role model exerts a negative influence on a young man or woman. The role model could be a parent who had followed a path his son or daughter decides not to emulate. Andrew Fogelson, who has worked with and for the major film studios since 1970 in film marketing and distribution, knew early on that he was willing to take risks his risk-averse father would never take.

    Profile: