2007 Robert F. Rushmer Lecture
June 7, in Hogness Auditorium
Dr. William Foege
"Combining Art and Science for a Rational Future"
Watch the lecture
The annual lecture honors Dr. Robert F. Rushmer, who founded the UW Center for Bioengineering in 1967. He was devoted to improving the quality of life for all. Widely recognized for pioneering work in ultrasound, physiology, and cardiac research, he authored 13 texts, including Cardiovascular Dynamics, which became a classic.
UWeek article
Bioengineering news article (see page 2)
Reception Photos
Dr. William Foege bio
Foege is perhaps best known as the man who led the war against smallpox, which resulted in the disease's total eradication in 1975. He became director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 1977, helping save the lives of millions through efforts to wipe out devastating diseases and encourage childhood immunizations. After directing the CDC, he served from 1986 to 1992 as executive director of The Carter Center, which addresses global issues of democracy, human rights, disease, hunger, and conflict. Foege continues now as a Carter Center fellow and as executive director of the Task Force for Child Survival, which he helped form to promote immunization and health worldwide. He is also emeritus presidential distinguished professor of international health at the Rollins School of Public Health, part of Emory University.
With a medical degree from the UW School of Medicine and a master's of public health from Harvard, Foege helped set the direction of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is a major supporter of efforts to improve health in developing countries. The Gateses chose Foege as the namesake for the UW's new Bioengineering and Genome Sciences Building to honor him for his vision and commitment. "As our friend he's been a mentor for the entire global health team," Bill Gates said at the building dedication ceremony in spring 2006. "Our program wouldn't be anything like what it's been without his presence." Carter, also present for the ceremony, said Foege is one of the most influential advocates and consensus builders in all of international health.