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Beverly Maurer, Stan Truhlsen, M.D., Dorothy Truhlsen, Richard Holland and Harold M. Maurer, M.D. |
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Former state senators Joel Johnson, M.D., and Nancy Thompson. |
That was the message delivered by Stan Truhlsen, M.D., longtime UNMC ophthalmologist, who along with his wife, Dorothy, was honored for their support of research at a luncheon on April 27 at Happy Hollow Country Club.
For the seventh year in a row, the luncheon — sponsored by the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures — recognized an individual or couple for their support of research.
In his remarks, Dr. Truhlsen said research impacts all of us.
“It has changed the way we communicate and how we travel,” he said. “Research is behind all of this and many other disciplines. In medicine, it has contributed to astonishing changes.”
He noted that life expectancy has gone from about 47 years to 80 years, thanks in large part to research that led to the discovery of insulin for diabetics, penicillin and many antibiotics.
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“I’m fascinated by the possibilities of stem (cell) research,” Dr. Truhlsen said, noting that UNMC already uses stem cells in some of its ophthalmologic research into new treatments for eye diseases that can cause blindness.
Peter Whitted, M.D., clinical instructor of ophthalmology at UNMC, praised the Truhlsens for all they have done for the community.
“No couple is held in higher esteem,” he said. “They are committed to leaving this community a far better place than when they arrived.”
The Truhlsens have been huge supporters of UNMC, making major contributions to both the Durham Research Center and the Michael F. Sorrell Center for Health Science Education. Their gift to the DRC created the Truhlsen Eye Research Laboratories on the fourth floor.
Dr. Truhlsen served on the UNMC faculty from 1951 to 1990 and served as interim chairman of the department of ophthalmology in 1989-90. Since 1993, he has held the position of emeritus clinical professor of ophthalmology.
A national figure in ophthalmology, Dr. Truhlsen was president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1983 and the American Ophthalmological Society in 1996. In 2001, he received the Lucien Howe Medal from the AOS, one of the most prestigious awards in ophthalmology, and in 2003, he received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award at UNMC’s spring commencement.