"On the Track of Discovery" was the theme of this year’s Fund for Medicine Gala, which was held March 25, 2006 at the B&O Railroad Museum. The gala raised $340,000 in support of academic, research and clinical care programs within the Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science.

Great discoveries have long been a part of the School of Medicine’s history, and the evening highlighted many of these accomplishments. There was also a special tribute film honoring Donald E. Wilson, MD, MACP, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine. Dr. Wilson retired in September, 2006. 

In addition to honoring Dean Wilson and his legacy of leadership, the School of Medicine made its first public announcement regarding its ambitious $200 million Bicentennial Campaign. "When initially envisioning the Bicentennial campaign, we had two primary goals in mind," says Pat Madden, associate dean for Development. "First, to provide the resources necessary to continue the tremendous progress the school has made in recent years, under the leadership of Dean Wilson, and secondly to celebrate two centuries of leadership and discovery in academic medicine."

More than 500 guests were on hand for the event including such dignitaries as former Secretary of Defense Frank Carlucci, Maryland State Senator Paula Hollinger, and Willard Hackerman, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company and a member of the School of Medicine's Board of Visitors. The gala was also attended by local business leaders; faculty, staff and students.

Three departments were featured this year for outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields: the Department of Neurology, the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science. Lisa Shulman, MD, associate professor of neurology points out that, “At the end of the day, neurologists strive to preserve function, delay disability and promote quality of life. We are seeking not just a measurable difference for our patients but a meaningful difference.”

“All of the things the University of Maryland is delivering — better education, better medicine, better research makes it a big part of our city and our region,” says Gary Geisel, Chairman and CEO of Provident Bank, and one of the sponsors of the gala.

Gala sponsors also included M&T Bank, Comcast, the University of Maryland Medical System, Novartis, Mercy Medical Center and the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. 

The gala auction raised $15,000 for the Medical Student Activities Fund.  Auction items included a week’s stay at a villa in St. Maarten; a week’s stay at a condo in Costa Rica; a champagne dessert reception for 50 guests; and a dine-around package at many of Baltimore’s finest restaurants. 

Next year’s Fund for Medicine event will be the Bicentennial Gala. It will be held May 18, 2007 at the Baltimore Convention Center.