This public health lecture series is named in honor of the historic Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis, the premier training ground for African American medical professionals. Although it closed its doors on August 17, 1979, we can learn much from the hospital’s history, presented by the very people who worked diligently to provide culturally sensitive care to the patients who so deeply trusted and loved them.

“A Legacy of Excellence: The Washington University and Homer G. Phillips Story”

Guest speaker: Ira Kodner, MD, Solon & Bettie Gershman Professor Emeritus of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine and Director, Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values

Ira Kodner established the Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Washington University and served as its first chief.   Dr. Kodner is also the founding director of Washington University’s Center for the Study of Ethics and Human Values, one of the few university programs to bring together people from diverse fields to study, research, and teach about ethical issues of critical importance to human lives.  Compassion and the wish to help people in serious need drew Ira Kodner to surgery — and prompted his pioneering work in ethics.

His professional service includes presidencies of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.  As medical consultant for KMOV Channel 4, he spoke on-air each week about a range of important topics.  Dr. Kodner is an alumnus of Washington University (A.B. and M.D.).

Honoree: Homer G. Phillips Senior Living Community

Date: Friday, October 24, 2014

Time: Dinner 6:30 p.m. Lecture: 7:30 p.m.

Address: Washington University School of Medicine’s Eric P. Newman Center, 320 S. Euclid Av., St. Louis, MO 63110

The event is free of charge but space is limited.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 17 by calling (314) 362-6854 or emailing the Office of Diversity Programs at medschooldiversity@wusm.wustl.edu.