LEGACY CAN BE MUCH MORE THAN MONETARY

Doctors exist who go beyond the call of duty to their patients,
 colleagues, medical students and research.  Sometimes they are even recognized for their life contributions to their profession as was the case for our friend Dr. Martin (Marty) J. Smith, recipient of  Gundersen's 14th Annual Recognition Award. 

Martin J. Smith, M.D. 2017 Foundation Leadership recipient

Marty's life  parallels my Dad's life in a couple areas. First both hail from Brooklyn and still have that distinctive accent. They also served as Naval officers. These men studied sciences and left the East coast to pursue their careers and medical research goals in the Midwest. Although my Dad didn't stay in the Midwest, Marty did...

Patient care was Marty's number one priority yet he knew the importance of medical research and set up a laboratory in '66 upon joining LaCrosse's Gundersen Clinic in Internal Medicine and Hematology. He became instrumental in the academic growth of the institution and became its director in '75 and remained in this position until his retirement in '99.  This Hematology Lab was the hospital's foundation for world class research and clinical trials for Oncology/ Hematology, Microbiology and Rheumatology Labs.

Marty spoke proudly about the formation of both the Research Committee, guided by physicians who were familiar with the how, what and why and the Human Investigation Committee which received input from laymen/ the patients receiving that care. Both are still in place today.

Throughout the years he was a well publisher researcher, received certification in Internal Medicine and Hematology in addition to Clinical Pathology and Immunopathology and helped establish the Summer Research Fellowship Program. His legacy also includes his training of healthcare professions from UW- La Crosse and Western Wisconsin Technical College. Even in retirement his continuous philanthropic contributions help support the work of the Gundersen Medical Foundation. 

It was wonderful hearing about Marty's career before I knew him and being able to celebrate this special evening, witnessing him receiving the Founders bronze sculpture award of Helga and Adolf Gundersen. 

               Congratulations Marty!