one question

answers to What brought you here?

What I gradually learned is that Indianapolis and IUSM are just the right size for innovation. It is small enough that fringe egos and agendas will not be tolerated for long, but large enough to have every needed collaborator and resource for any initiative.

1

ere in the Midwest it’s considered impolite to talk about yourself.

That presents a bit of a predicament when you’re the second largest medical

school in the country.

We wondered: How do we let prospective faculty know about our

remarkable school and stay humble?

So we emailed some of our newer recruits with a simple question:

What attracted you to Indiana University School of Medicine?

Some common themes emerged from their responses: A spirit of

collaboration. The international reputations of particular faculty.

So many opportunities for professional growth.

And since it’s a pretty big deal to uproot and transplant oneself and family

in a new city, we also asked these faculty to tell us what they like about

Indianapolis and what surprised them.

What follows are their answers.

H

2

1 Carmella Evans-Molina, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Departments of Medicine

and Cellular and Integrative Physiology, and the Herman B Wells Center

for Pediatric Research.

Formerly assistant professor of medicine, department of medicine,

University of Virginia.

3

I was attracted to IUSM because of the incredible

breadth of research conducted here. However, the

School’s greatest strength is the collaborative and friendly

atmosphere that is represented in every department and

division. I have outstanding colleagues who have been

incredibly supportive and encouraging as

I have grown my independent research program.

Collaborative and friendly.

4

Jingwu Xie, PhD

Jonathan and Jennifer Simmons Professor,

Department of Pediatrics, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research.

Formerly program director for the molecular cancer genetics program, Sealy Center

for Cancer Cell Biology, and associate professor in the department of

pharmacology and toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

2

5

I joined IUSM because of the potential of developing

targeted therapeutic drugs in IUSM. That dream is now a

reality that I could not have imagined two years ago when

I joined the School. Based on our lab-based results, I have

already worked with medical oncologists to apply for a

Phase I/II clinical trial. Some of the results are being patented

for additional clinical trials in the future. So the dream to

develop novel therapeutics is very real at IUSM.

A place to develop novel therapeutics.

6

Lee A. Learman, MD, PhD

Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,

Director of the IU National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health.

Formerly professor in the departments of obstetrics, gynecology

and reproductive sciences and epidemiology and biostatistics, and director

of curricular affairs, dean’s office of graduate medical education,

University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine.

3

7

There wasn’t just one principal factor that attracted me

to IUSM —moving me and my family from San Francisco

was a team effort! It was the vision of the Dean, passion

of the Executive Associate Deans, and opportunities to

improve care for women in our health system, the state

of Indiana, and Kenya. It was the presence of world-

class researchers attracted to IU because ‘we build barns

together.’ It was the willingness of my future faculty to

move forward with a new chair under a shared vision

of excellence. Joining the IUSM community

ended up being a great decision for me

and my family!

Vision, passion, world-class researchers.

8

Sheryl E. Allen, MD, MS

Assistant Dean for Diversity Affairs, Medical Student/Resident Recruitment

and Development, Associate Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine

and Pediatrics.

Formerly adjunct assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of emergency

medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

4

9

I attended IUSM and when I left for Chicago for residency, I

never looked back. I returned to IUSM because of the supportive

faculty in my department. We are colleagues and we are a

family. We work hard during a shift but we also have plenty of

collegial events throughout the year.

I have worked in three other places and none of those places

supported their faculty like IUSM does.

We are colleagues and we are family.

10

Giuseppe Del Priore, MD, MPH

Mary Fendrich Hulman Professor, Department of Obstetrics

and Gynecology , Director of Gynecologic Oncology

Formerly associate professor at Weil-College of Medicine and vice president of

research at the New York Downtown Hospital, where he served

as chair of the institutional review board.

5

11

What first attracted me to the IU area are two of the only things a

prospective candidate can know from the outside: First, the reputation

of the past faculty in my field —IU was one of the best programs in

Ob-Gyn in the country when I was a resident; in particular, it was

a leading internationally-recognized center of innovation in Gyn

Oncology. Second, a high-profile new chair who made his reputation

in education —that was very unusual, and fortunately for me, I had

met Dr. Learman before. I quickly learned that what was true in

Ob-Gyn and Gyn-Onc was also true in urology, cardiology,

neurosurgery, peds, medicine, etc.

Reputation and leadership in education.

12

Professor, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Medical

and Molecular Genetics.

Formerly, specialist in Fanconi Anemia from Heinrich Heine University School

of Medicine, Dusseldorf.

Helmut Hanenberg, MD6

13

Already during my post-doctoral training here at

IUSM, I was deeply impressed by the outstanding

opportunities for developing novel translational

approaches for the clinical care of children with inherited

and also acquired disorders. Key for the amazing

scientific and clinical achievements at the IUSM is the

strategy of placing a basic research division within the

pediatrics department and recruiting physician/scientists

to work on both sides of the connecting bridge.

In addition, the strong support of the medical faculty

and the chairman of pediatrics for translational

research projects, in combination with the

amazing support of the Riley Children’s

Foundation and the Lilly Endowment,

provide a platform that very much

attracted us to return from Europe after

12 years. I will now pursue my research

and clinical projects at national and

international levels here.

Outstanding opportunities for translational approaches.

14

Flora Hammond, MD

Flora Hammond, MD, Chair and Covalt Professor of Physical Medicine

and Rehabilitation.

Formerly, director of research in the brain injury program at the Carolinas

HealthCare System, Charlotte, North Carolina and adjunct professor,

University of North Carolina.

7

15

I wasn’t looking to change jobs but the opportunity

was incredible. Among the largest academic medical

schools in the country, Indiana University School of

Medicine offers a network of incomparable resources,

welcoming collaborators and unwavering commitment.

The equipment and expertise for clinical research

abound. Learning about the resources was like being

a kid in a candy store. The consistent mindset that

everything is possible inspires creativity and innovation.

Collaborators are eager to work across departments

to facilitate each other’s goals.

The School’s commitment to teaching,

integrity and professionalism was also

a major draw. I felt comfortable knowing

that my faculty and I would have

unparalleled resources through

the Office of Faculty Affairs and

Professional Development.

The mindset that everything is possible.

16

George Akingba, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor, Vascular Surgery.

Formerly fellow in vascular surgery

at Wayne State University

8

17

I was attracted to IUSM primarily because of the quality

collaborative opportunities that included access to productive

and well-funded faculty in my research area of interest,

proximity to well-established engineering facilities at Purdue,

and opportunities to work with medical device companies

such as Cook.

Access to well-funded faculty.

18

Executive Associate Dean for Educational Affairs, Dolores and John

Read Senior Professor in Medical Education, Professor of Pediatrics.

Formerly associate dean for clinical education

at Penn State College of Medicine.

Maryellen Gusic, MD9

19

I knew IUSM was a big place but when you get here, you realize what a huge opportunity this ‘bigness’ provides. We can have a very large impact on health because of the number of future physicians we educate across our nine campuses and in our residency and fellowship programs. And because we have the ability to work with educators in other health professional schools, the opportunity to make a difference extends even further.

The diversity of our campuses allows us to innovate and to continually strive to improve how we teach. Our faculty are dedicated teachers who work hard to ensure that we are doing our best to prepare our learners for their future careers.

I was also attracted by the Institution’s attention to the learning environment. The values of IUSM’s are visible in the way that the leadership team works together and in the way that teachers and learners interact. People treat each other with respect and collaborate with one another.

Our size means that we can have a huge impact on health.

20

Murray Korc, MD

Murray Korc, MD, Myles Brand Professor of Cancer Research,

Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center.

Formerly scientific leader of the pancreatic cancer group,

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH.

Formerly chair, department of medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth

10

21

I was attracted to IUSM because of its vibrancy; outstanding

leadership; transparency; genuine interest in and support for

all aspects of the academic mission of patient care, teaching,

and scholarly work; support for the research endeavors

of faculty and for basic scientists and physician scientists;

commitment to provide adequate research space;

and a vision to take IU to the next level as one of the top

public universities in the US.

In summary, all the vectors are pointing in the

right direction as far as I am concerned.

I am also delighted with IT support,

Institutional Animal Care and

Use Committee support,

and the high integrity that I see

everywhere here.

Vibrancy, leadership, and transparency.

22

Keith Dunker, PhD

Director, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics and

Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Formerly professor of biochemistry, Washington State University.

11

23

Before I came here, I was interested in exploring

the interface between experimental biology and

computational/biology - bioinformatics. Once I visited,

what attracted me was how forward-thinking IU faculty

were in realizing the coming importance of this interface.

Since arriving at IU I have been very impressed

with how the faculty and leadership are constantly

forming collaborations and thinking of new ways

to ‘stay ahead of the curve.’

Always thinking of new ways to stay ahead of the curve.

24

Cherri Hobgood, Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Professor

Formerly, associate professor, vice chair of the department of emergency medicine,

director of educational development, University of North Carolina School

of Medicine.

Cherri Hobgood, MD12

25

IUSM has an outstanding set of facilities, and faculty

that are truly mission driven. The strong service

component of our mission coupled with the desire to

obtain national preeminence in research and education

are very impressive. The School is poised to be a true

national power at every level.

This is a mission-driven school poised to be a national power at every level.

26

Gary D. Hutchins, PhD11John W. Beeler Professor, Vice Chairman for Research, Director of Imaging

Sciences Section, Director of Indiana Institute for Biomedical Imaging

Sciences, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences.

Formerly assistant professor, division of nuclear medicine, department of

internal medicine, University of Michigan.

13

27

I knew very little about IUSM before my first visit and was

surprised by the size and scope of the institution and the

affiliated hospitals. As I embarked upon my initial visit I had a

very strong perception that a move to IUSM would be high

risk, coming from one of the leading NIH funded medical

schools and as a member of one of the premier programs in the

country in my discipline. But as I looked at the resources and

opportunities closely, it became apparent that IUSM was a place

with tremendous potential for the further development of my

research program and career.

The combined resources of IUSM, the local

University partners (IU Bloomington, IUPUI,

Purdue), and the hospital partners

(IU Health, VA, Wishard) provide a

collaborative academic environment

that is second to none. Every year I am

at IUSM I continue to find new

opportunities that I was not aware of.

In retrospect, my greatest risk would have

been not looking seriously at IUSM.

Resources and opportunities create tremendous potential.

28

Kathryn J Jones, PhD

Chair, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Adjunct Professor,

Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis.

Formerly, director of the Neuroscience Institute at the Stritch School

of Medicine, Loyal University Chicago. President of the

American Association of Anatomists.

29

I came to IUSM for many reasons: It has a first-rate neuroscience

department that includes members of the Stark Neuroscience

Research Institute including Xiao Ming Xu and Gerry Oxford.

It has a well-organized top anatomy department doing state-of-

the-art cell and molecular biology in key areas of interest (skeletal

biology and neuroscience) with an impressive, funded faculty.

The university itself is well run; administrators are dedicated to

the mission of an academic institution and faculty are collegial.

I was also impressed by the potential to partner with industry,

for example, Eli Lilly, and the strong emphasis on

translational science. There are the collaborative

ties with Roudebush VA, which is important

for recruiting scientists with VA appointments.

Because of the uniqueness of the

medical school structure with nine sites

in the state of Indiana, there are

significant resources available,

particularly with numbers of faculty.

Finally, it mattered to me that there

is such strong support for building

interdisciplinary programs.

Strong emphasis on translational and interdisciplinary programs.

30

Michael Sturek, PhD

Chair, Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology. Full member,

Indiana University Graduate Faculty. Professor of Biomedical Engineering

and Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, Purdue University.

Formerly professor of medical pharmacology and physiology;

professor of internal medicine; associate director of basic research,

Center for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Health;

University of Missouri School of Medicine.

15

31

Why am I here? The short answer is: people, facilities,

and unique opportunities that made IUSM ‘the right fit’ for

me. We have key people in leadership positions that have

been visionary by, for example, enabling salary bonuses to

incentivize high-performing faculty. The newly-renovated

laboratories greatly enhance our ability to recruit excellent

faculty and students. The close association with Purdue’s

biomedical engineering and animal sciences programs

provide distinctive opportunities. We have

been able to capitalize on strengths of the

resources of Purdue and IUSM to establish

our unique swine model of metabolic

and cardiovascular diseases for translation

research and basic cellular and in vivo

imaging studies. This research is

truly unique in the world.

Incentives for high-performing faculty, and a unique collaboration with Purdue.

32

Kathleen Unroe, MD, MHA

Professor of Medicine. Research scientist, Regenstrief Institute. Investigator,

IU Center for Aging Research.

Completed internal medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship at

Duke University Medical Center and the Durham VA Geriatric Research,

Education and Clinical Center.

16

33

As a geriatrician, I am dedicated to spending my career

improving the quality of long term care and access to

palliative care through health services research, policy, and

clinical care. The combination of strong mentorship, a rich

research environment, and multiple strong clinical services

in geriatrics brought me to IU. Opportunities with IU

Health Physicians in pulmonary/critical care were

also a great match for my husband.

It’s about strong mentorship, research and clinical care.

34

Merv Yoder, MD

Richard and Pauline Klinger Professor of Pediatrics,

Director of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research,

Assistant Dean for Entrepreneurial Research Indiana University School of Medicine,

and Associate Director for Entrepreneurship Indiana Clinical

and Translational Research Institute.

17

35

I was aware of the outstanding clinical care provided by the

physicians at Riley Hospital for Children and I wanted to

participate in the growing basic research department being

established within the Pediatrics department in the School

of Medicine. Today the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric

Research is ranked within the top 10 NIH-funded Pediatric

Departments among all medical schools.

We have a strong collaborative research environment

with a national reputation for excellence in research

in stem cell biology, developmental cardiology,

basic diabetes research, and hematologic

malignancies. The philanthropic support

of the Riley Children’s Foundation in the

development and ongoing advancement

of research in pediatrics continues to

serve as an outstanding recruitment

and retention factor.

Philanthropic support creates outstanding recruitment and retention.

36

Vaughn Rickert, PsyD

Director of the Section of Adolescent Medicine.

Formerly, professor of clinical population and family health,

Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

18

37

While I knew and admired many of the faculty members

in the section I was to join, I was particularly impressed

with the exceptional level of collaboration within the

Department. Specifically, people that I interviewed with

were very welcoming on existing projects and excited

about generating new ideas. I could not find any evidence

of faculty being concerned that you were on ‘their turf.’

After two years, this remains true. Individual faculty

I have contacted both within the Department as well as

faculty from other schools/departments

on the IUPUI campus have been

extraordinarily interested in collaboration.

Thus, it is not surprising that IUSM’s

Pediatrics is one of the top 10 funded

NIH departments in the country. It is much

easier to get funded and maintain funding

when you have a smart and enthusiastic

team of investigators.

No turf wars, just smart and enthusiastic collaborators.

38

Martin Chieng Were, MD, MS

Regenstrief Institute Investigator and Assistant Professor of Medicine.

Formerly National Library of Medical Informatics Fellow.

19

39

I was attracted to IUSM by the IU-Kenya program which

excels in global health, and the Regenstrief Biomedical

Informatics program which is internationally renowned as a

leader in medical informatics research.

Kenya and Regenstrief brought me here.

40

Brian Samuels, MD, PhD

Brian Samuels, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology,

Eugene and Marilyn Glick Eye Institute.

Formerly, resident at University of Alabama at Birmingham,

School of Medicine.

20

41

I felt I had been given a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was

finishing my ophthalmology residency at UAB and getting

ready to start my two-year glaucoma fellowship at the Duke

Eye Center when the Glick family announced their generous

gift to the School and began to explain their goals for

the future of eye care in Indiana. I realized the Department

of Ophthalmology had been given a very rare opportunity

to build an eye institute rivaling the nation’s top eye centers,

here in Indianapolis. The new center would provide Indiana

residents unprecedented access to exceptional

ophthalmic clinical care in the same building

where researchers were engaged in

cutting edge vision research and faculty

were training the next generation of

ophthalmologists and vision scientists.

The prospect of joining the faculty and

even taking a leadership role in helping

the Glick family bring their vision to

reality was, simply put, an offer and

an opportunity I could not refuse.

An eye institute rivaling the nation’s best.

42

Andrew Saykin, PsyD

Raymond C. Beeler Professor of Radiology

Director, Indiana University Center for Neuroimaging.

Formerly, co-director of Dartmouth Advanced Imaging Center,

founding director of the neuropsychology and neuroimaging post doctoral training

program and brain imaging laboratory at Dartmouth Medical School.

43

When I was being recruited to IUSM, some of the most

impressive factors for me were the vision of senior

leadership including the explicit goal of joining the top tier

of academic medical centers, the proactive commitment of

major resources including advanced instrumentation and

facilities (‘if we build it they will come’), and the quality

of the faculty and students. The imaging and ‘-omics’

resources are outstanding. The collegial and collaborative

environment and wealth of clinical populations and

translational science resources continue

to make IUSM a great place for

academic medicine.

The proactive commitment of major resources.

44

Rebecca Anne Schilling, MD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology.

Formerly assistant professor in the section of pulmonary and critical care medicine,

department of medicine and the committee of immunology, University of Chicago.

45

I was attracted to IUSM due to the impressive lung

transplant research program that David Wilkes had built.

He offered his mentorship and laboratory resources

to help me build a research program focused on lung

transplant immunology. His enthusiasm and expertise

along with the size of the clinical transplant program

convinced me IUSM was a good place to develop as a

junior physician-scientist.

An impressive clinical transplant program.

46

Michael LaMantia, MD, MPH

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine;

Center Scientist, Indiana University Center for Aging Research; and

Research Scientist, Regenstrief Institute.

Formerly clinical instructor of medicine and geriatrics fellow,

University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

47

In visiting IU, I was attracted by the opportunity to work with

top-flight health services researchers who were interested in

supporting my efforts to explore the ways that we treat

vulnerable seniors across different sites of care and,

ultimately, building, testing, and refining systems

of care for older adults.

Collaboration with top-flight health services researchers.

48

Mark Rigby, MD, PhD, FAAP, FCCM

Academic Section Chief, Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics,

Formerly director of research, pediatric critical care, assistant professor of

pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine

49

I was looking to be part of a professional, academic

group whose leaders truly recognized what it will take

for academic success in the 21st century and going

forward. Many institutions appear to bask in historical

successes, while others regularly tout their ‘potential’

for progress with little realistic plans to capitalize. I was

impressed to learn of the success of IU Health and the

affiliated facilities, and there appeared to be significant

appreciation (and support) for the team driving

progress, rather than just a focus on the end prize.

Success in academics (likely more so in the

future than in the past) will require an

integrated approach at an institution

willing to invest in infrastructure and its

academic teams. In short IUSM is looking

forward and just seems to ‘get it.’

A willingness to invest in infrastructure and academic teams.

50

Elliot Androphy, MD

Chair, Department of Dermatology.

Formerly vice chair for research, department of medicine and professor in the

departments of dermatology, medicine and molecular genetics, and microbiology,

University of Massachusetts Medical School.

51

Here’s what attracted me to IUSM: The interactive, friendly

faculty, the availability of laboratory space, the fact that

administrative leadership seeks to expand research base,

the strong economic base (multiple endowed chairs

and professorships), the cost-sharing of indirects from

grants, the excellent cores, and the multiple

internal grant programs.

Excellent cores and a strong economic base.

52

Peng-Sheng Chen, MD

Director, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Director of the IUSM Division

of Cardiology, Medtronic Zipes Professor of Cardiology.

Formerly Price chair in cardiac electrophysiology research,

director of the section of electrophysiology and electrocardiography,

and co-director of the cardiovascular intervention center in the division

of cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles.

53

The Krannert Institute of Cardiology is world

renowned for its contribution in the development of

echocardiography. The father of echocardiography,

Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum, is still active in the division.

Also, Dr. Douglas Zipes is a pioneer in cardiac

electrophysiology, and his contribution in cardiac

arrhythmia management has contributed equally

to the reputation of the Institute. Drs. Loren Field,

Larry Jones, and Keith March are outstanding scientists

and collaborators.

In addition to the academic excellence, the

health care systems include multiple hospitals

with patients coming from all walks of life.

The systems are well run and well funded,

with leaders interested in supporting basic,

translational and clinical research. It was

a combination of all these factors that

attracted me to the School and to

Indiana University Health.

Outstanding scientists and a well-funded hospital system.

54

n Outstanding Environment for Faculty

Faculty are the single greatest resource of the institution, and the IU

School of Medicine is home to one of the most robust faculty affairs

and professional development offices in the country. The vision of the

IUSM Dean’s Office for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development

(OFAPD) is to develop a vibrant, diverse community where each

member has the optimal capability to make meaningful contributions

to his or her career goals and to the Institution’s mission.

To make this vision a reality, OFAPD provides comprehensive faculty

development across the tripartite mission areas, diversity initiatives

and programs for the advancement of women, and improvements to

policies that shape faculty life.

Faculty Development

Advancement of Women

Academic Affairs

Diversity Affairs

IUSM Culture

55

Select OFAPD initiatives include:

The IUSM Academy of Teaching Scholars To support the development of faculty as educators and facilitators of educational reform

Research Faculty Development SeriesTo enhance the development and success of tenure-track basic and clinician scientist research faculty and associates

Leadership in Academic Medicine Program (LAMP) A year-long program to help new faculty learn the fundamentals of career planning, self-management, and leadership

Promotion and Tenure Preparation SupportIncluding workshops, online modules, individual consultations

Leadership Development Programs Targeted for Underrepresented Minority and Women Faculty Recipients of the 2009 Association of American Medical Colleges Women in Medicine and Science Organizational Leadership Award

Faculty Vitality Surveys, Chair 360° Evaluations, and Additional Organizational Assessments Initiatives are grounded in evidence-based indicators of the culture

www.faculty.medicine.iu.edu

56

ndianapolis!IIndianapolis is the 13th largest city in America, with a Metropolitan

Statistical Area population of 1.7 million, and despite its size is

consistently voted among the country’s top 10 most livable big cities.

Indy earns that reputation for its great quality of life and healthy

economy, both reflected in good real estate values, short commute

times, and lots of options for fun, from street festivals to fine dining.

There are several smaller communities within minutes of Indy,

including Zionsville, Fishers, and also Carmel, which was named,

along with Indianapolis, among the nation’s top 10 best cities to

relocate. All three communities are known for strong school systems,

great shopping, and many options for recreation indoors and out.

The Indianapolis Zoo, a world-class facility that hosts over a

million visitors every year and plays an instrumental role in worldwide

conservation and research. It’s the first attraction with triple accreditation

as a zoo, aquarium, and botanic garden.

White River Gardens, which continues the Zoo’s mission of connecting

animals, plants and people in a stunningly beautiful 3.3-acre landmark

botanical international showplace.

Victory Field, recognized as the best minor league ballpark in America

by publications including Baseball America and Sports Illustrated. Home

to the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates,

the $20 million field offers an open concourse with great views of the field

from any seat.

Major Indy attractions include:

57

Lucas Oil Stadium, home to Super Bowl 2012 and venue for the 2015 Men’s

Final Four, this state-of-the-art retractable roof arena covers approximately 1.8

million square feet and welcomes almost a million visitors every year.

Indianapolis Repertory Theatre (IRT), now in its 40th season.

The IRT offers top-rung performances in one of Indy’s most architecturally

unique buildings.

The Children’s Museum, widely regarded as number one in the nation.

The museum features the Anne Frank Peace Park with sculptures of the Seven

Wonders, a modern-day Egypt experience, National Geographic Treasures

of the Earth, and Story Avenue: African American Voices That Teach Us All.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA), which features over 54,000

works plus national and international traveling exhibitions throughout the

year, not to mention 100 acres of woodlands, wetlands, lake, meadows and

gorgeous gardens. The IMA is among the 10 largest encyclopedic art

museums in the country.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, the only

museum of its kind in the Midwest, and one of only two museums east of the

Mississippi. The Eiteljorg boasts works by T.C. Cannon, N.C. Wyeth, Andy

Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe and Frederic Remington among many others.

The Indiana Central Canal downtown, features authentic Venetian

gondolas, pedal boats, surreys and Segway rentals. The Canal Walk is

a three-mile loop that is popular for runners and walkers. Many of the

city’s attractions are located along the canal, including the NCAA Hall of

Champions, the Indiana State Museum, the Indiana History Center

and the Indianapolis Zoo.

58

Indianapolis is a fantastic city that is small enough to be manageable but large enough to have many of the amenities of much larger cities. Between the (short) length of my commute,

the numerous activities for both kids and adults

around town, and the general friendliness of

Hoosiers, my family and I consider Indianapolis

to be a vibrant, livable, and ideal place

to call home.

— Michael LaMantia

59

Notes:

Contact:David S. Wilkes, MDExecutive Associate Dean for Research AffairsDirector, Indiana Physician-Scientist InitiativeIndiana University School of Medicineipsi@iupui.edu