Gift encourages
advancement of radiology education
From the June 2009 issue of
e-Momentum
A major gift in memory of a member of the UConn Health Center’s
First Faculty is designed to bolster the field of radiology.
 The gift, from Eleanor C. Henken, D.M.D.,
and her family is in memory of E. Marvin Henken, M.D., F.A.C.R./professor emeritus, whose
40-year career in Farmington included a decade as the chairman of
the Department of Radiology.
Dr. Henken, who has taught at the School of Dental Medicine and also
operates her own dental practice in Hartford, intends for the funds
to be put to use immediately. The gift will be used by the
department to promote and encourage School of Medicine students and
residents to further their education and research in the field of
radiology.
“Given the advanced state of medicine today, we have to pursue every
avenue we can to attract students,” she says. “We have a dire
shortage of physicians in many areas, and given the mind-boggling
expense of a medical education in most places, I have very strong
feelings that we need to help students afford an education and a
career. This is particularly true in radiology.”
She says that recent technology advances in radiology make it vital
to educate students about its research, treatment and education
applications and help to advance the entire field of medicine.
“In my own area of expertise, we’ve seen a dramatic improvement in
the use of radiology to assist with dental implants, as well as
trauma interventions. But the treatment technologies are just a
piece of the puzzle; you also need trained people interpreting the
results. That’s where our gift will hopefully come into play.”
Douglas W. Fellows, M.D., F.A.C.R. is chair of the Department of
Diagnostic Imaging and Therapeutics at the UConn Health Center. He
believes the gift from Dr. Henken and her family arrives at a
crucial time.
“Given how fast our field moves, and increasingly plays a crucial
role in all aspects of medicine, it’s an honor—and entirely
fitting—to have a gift come in the name of someone who led the
department through such a transformative time,” he says. “We need to
attract the best and the brightest medical professionals to
radiology, so we’re very grateful to Dr. Henken and her family for
their generosity.”
Dr. Henken says that because of their familiarity with computers,
today’s generation of medical students may have advantages in
learning a technology-heavy field such as radiology, and she marvels
at the changes in the students she encounters.
 “Having been a teacher all my life, I think today’s students are
much better trained in things that I knew nothing about when I was
their age,” she says. “Of course, the reverse is also true in many
ways, but today’s students were brought up in the age of Googling.
They understand technology and having all of that information at
their fingertips. It’s remarkable to see.”
In addition to the named scholarship that will support the next
generation of physicians and research
scientists,
and the recognition of Marvin Henken as one of the School of Medicine’s First
Faculty, his name will also live on at the Health Center through the
E. Marvin Henken, M.D. Educational Conference Room, as prescribed by
the UConn Board of Trustees. On May 4, dozens
of Henken’s friends, family and former colleagues gathered to attend
the dedication and to celebrate his achievements. To support
the School of Medicine or the UConn Health Center, please contact
the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 860.679.1122 or
e-mail
supportuchc@foundation.uconn.edu. |
