Like father, like son: Dr. Marcus Reidenberg (left) with his son, Dr. Bruce Reidenberg.
On November 15, Departmental Associates hosted a talk for supporters of the Medical College by Dr. Bruce Reidenberg, a research scientist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a visiting assistant professor of pharmacology and pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College. In his presentation, Dr. Reidenberg discussed how scientists are working to protect Americans from avian flu and terrorists who might use viruses as weapons.
The talk was held at the Sky Club, high atop the Met Life building, and resembled a classroom discussion much more than a formal lecture. Attendees, which included supporters of Departmental Associates, circled their chairs around a seated Dr. Reidenberg and he frequently paused to answer questions. Guests expressed concern over the avian virus and bioterrorism, and their anxiety seemed to rise and fall as Dr. Reidenberg discussed the craftiness of viruses, such as their possible mutation into drug-resistant strains; how terrorists might use viruses as weapons; and the advances that scientists are making in developing vaccines and antiviral drugs.
The event was hosted by William Gedale and his wife, Katie Brown, members of Departmental Associates, and chaired by Dr. Reidenberg's father, Dr. Marcus Reidenberg, professor of pharmacology, medicine, and public health at WMC. The elder Dr. Reidenberg began Departmental Associates in 1982 as an advocacy group that raises funds for research at the Medical College. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $4 million.
Photo by Sean Kelliher.