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2009 Senior Physiologists Committee Report
Six senior physiologists (Vernon Bishop, Clark Blatteis, William Dantzler,
Harvey Sparks, Ronald Freeman, Frank Knox, and Harvey Sparks) comprise the
Senior Physiology Committee. One of the primary duties of each Committee
member is to “develop and maintain liaison with emeritus members and members
about to retire.” This liaison is accomplished by submitting, on behalf of
the Society, a personal 70th, 80th, 90th, or 100th birthday greeting. Thus,
each committee member makes about three dozen mailings in the course of the
year. Each greeting includes an invitation for the senior recipient to
inform APS about his current activities, interests and whereabouts, and
requests “words of wisdom” for younger colleagues. The historical and
philosophical commentaries evoked by this invitation provide the material
subsequently published in “Senior Physiologist’s News” in each The
Physiologist. By the end of 2008, the Senior Physiologist Committee members
will have sent birthday wishes to 59 members reaching age 70, to 80 members
reaching age 80, to 29 members reaching age 90, and to four members reaching
the age of 100! From these greetings, 15 response letters have been received
and published in The Physiologist. Responses from recipients of these
birthday greetings are extremely positive and enthusiastic. Whether retired
or still working in their labs, the majority of seniors obviously retain
their passion for science. They express in innumerable ways how fulfilling
they have found life and how important APS has been during their careers.
Another responsibility of the Senior Physiologists Committee is to review
applications and recommend to Council the annual awardees of the $500 G.
Edgar Folk, Jr., Senior Physiologists Award. This award is designed to
support the scientific activities of a senior member. The Committee received
and reviewed one application in 2008.
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