1944

The class of 1944 lost one of its most stellar classmates when Monte DuVal died on December 5,2006. Among the many fine doctors '44 has produced, Monte was in a class by himself.

Besides collecting nine honorary degrees and fellowships, he served as a U.S. assistant secretary of health. In that position he was the first federal official to warn of the dangers of smoking; he advocated a patient s right to die; he pushed policies to improve health care for all. Back in Arizona he started the states first Medicaid program, which was copied by 17 other states. He found time to be chairman of the board of overseers of Dartmouth Medical School from 1971 to 1975.

His proudest accomplishment—one for which he will always be remembered—was the creation of the University of Arizona College of Medicine. As the founding dean, he raised funds, designed the facility and recruited the faculty. The foundation was laid in 1964; the college opened in 1967 and graduated its first class—32 strong-in 1971. It has grown to be a prestigious medical center.

In Later years he was troubled by the direction American medicine has taken. He found that on the World Health Organizations ranking of health care delivery systems, the United States ranked 34th in the world with high infant mortality, lower longevity and a cost for medical care about one-third above the next highest on the list.

He said, "I have been exposed to too much irrational disparity in the field whose soil I have chosen to till. The current American system is uncoordinated, undisciplined and riddled with problems that a private market cannot solve."

We regret to report the additional deaths of Frank Henry Bums, Richard Sherman Rice and Robert Lundy Riebow. We send our condolences to the families and friends of these classmates.

121 Mascoma St, Lebanon, NH03766; (603) 448-5057;4 BerrillFarms Lane, Hanover, NH 03766-3205 (603) 643- 2437; bmusser@mindspring.com