answers to
onequestion
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.
H
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.
1
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.
2
Collaborative and friendly.
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.
3
2
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.
4
A place to develop novel therapeutics.
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.
5
3
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.
6
Vision, passion, world-class researchers.
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 worldclass 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!
7
4
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.
8
We are colleagues and we are family.
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.
9
5
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.
10
Reputation and leadership in education.
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.
11
6
Helmut Hanenberg, MD
Professor, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Medical
and Molecular Genetics.
Formerly, specialist in Fanconi Anemia from Heinrich Heine University School
of Medicine, Dusseldorf.
12
Outstanding opportunities for
translational approaches.
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.
13
7
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.
14
The mindset that everything is possible.
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.
15
8
George Akingba, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Vascular Surgery.
Formerly fellow in vascular surgery
at Wayne State University
16
Access to well-funded faculty.
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.
17
9
Maryellen Gusic, MD
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.
18
Our size means that we can have a
huge impact on health.
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.
19
10
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
20
Vibrancy, leadership, and transparency.
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.
21
11
Keith Dunker, PhD
Director, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics and
Professor, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Formerly professor of biochemistry, Washington State University.
22
Always thinking of new ways to stay
ahead of the curve.
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.’
23
12
Cherri Hobgood, MD
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.
24
This is a mission-driven school poised to
be a national power at every level.
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.
25
13
11
Gary D. Hutchins, PhD
John 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.
26
Resources and opportunities create
tremendous potential.
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.
27
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.
28
Strong emphasis on translational and
interdisciplinary programs.
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-ofthe-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.
29
15
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.
30
Incentives for high-performing faculty,
and a unique collaboration with Purdue.
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.
31
16
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.
32
It’s about strong mentorship,
research and clinical care.
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.
33
17
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.
34
Philanthropic support creates outstanding
recruitment and retention.
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.
35
18
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.
36
No turf wars, just smart and
enthusiastic collaborators.
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.
37
19
Martin Chieng Were, MD, MS
Regenstrief Institute Investigator and Assistant Professor of Medicine.
Formerly National Library of Medical Informatics Fellow.
38
Kenya and Regenstrief brought me here.
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.
39
20
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.
40
An eye institute rivaling the nation’s best.
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.
41
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.
42
The proactive commitment of
major resources.
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.
43
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.
44
An impressive clinical transplant program.
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.
45
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.
46
Collaboration with top-flight
health services researchers.
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.
47
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
48
A willingness to invest in infrastructure
and academic teams.
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.’
49
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.
50
Excellent cores and a strong
economic base.
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.
51
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.
52
Outstanding scientists and a well-funded
hospital system.
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.
53
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
Diversity
Affairs
Academic
Affairs
IUSM
Culture
54
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 Series
To 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 Support
Including 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
55
I
ndianapolis!
Indianapolis 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.
Major Indy attractions include:
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.
56
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.
57
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
58
Notes:
59
Contact:
David S. Wilkes, MD
Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs
Director, Indiana Physician-Scientist Initiative
Indiana University School of Medicine
ipsi@iupui.edu