Class of 1970 Commemorative Biographical Book

D I A N N E S T R O B E L - E L F E N B E I N

Address: 13034 Mason Estates Court, Saint Louis, MO 63141 Email: d.elfenbein@charter.net ● Phone: H: 314-392-9219 ● C: 314-560-4401

Alma mater: Radcliffe College, Harvard University

Postgraduate Training/Certification: Pediatrics Internship and Residency: The Johns Hopkins Hospital Virology Fellowship: Children’s Hospital of D.C. Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship: The Johns Hopkins Hospital Board certifications: Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine Marion County School Social Work Service Award Consultant, Children’s Medical Services State of Florida President, Florida Chapter of the Society for Adolescent Medicine Best Doctors in America various years and various cities Current Employment: Retired. Last employed at Saint Louis University School of Medicine as professor of pediatrics and director of adolescent medicine at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center Name(s) of Children and Grandchildren: Daniel, son, currently professor of Business Economics at Washington University Saint Louis Johanna, daughter, currently assistant professor of bacteriology, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine Grandsons (via Daniel): Theodore (15), currently freshman in high school and hockey defenseman; Harry, (9), currently in 3rd grade and hockey player Narrative: What was your most memorable moment from medical school? Despite the hard work, I remember finding medical school very interesting and remember my teachers (including professors and residents) and my classmates with great fondness and respect. There was a reverence for the practice of medicine and the search for the right answer that seemed to be everywhere. However, there is one incident during dog surgery that has particularly stuck with me: the supervising professor came around and commented that my suturing was pretty good and that it was probably pretty good because Professional and Volunteer Awards and Recognition: Spouse or Partner’s Name: Gerald J. Elfenbein

I had learned sewing as a child (he was right). I turned around, smiled broadly, opened my eyes widely and answered something like: “Oh yes, Dr._____! We call this the blanket stitch and this other stitch a whip stitch….And you must be very useful around the house ‘cause you can use these stitches lots of places…” There was a pause and the professor acknowledged that he had repaired the upholstery in his car using surgical techniques. What highlights have you experienced since graduating in 1970? Probably the biggest highlight of my life since graduating was the birth of our son and realizing that although I had done many things that women of my time had not done, this one thing –that so many other women had been able to do – had given me the most joy I had ever had. How have you changed since medical school? Physically, I am wearing out!! I no longer believe that anyone can know absolute truth. (Not sure if I realized that in college or med school.) I no longer feel guilty if I read fiction!! (Though I still gravitate to non-fiction and still read the NEJM occasionally). I can use a computer and mobile phone and can hardly remember what it was like not to have these. If so inclined, please feel free to share your passions, family stories, life experiences or even simple words of wisdom. Jerry and I moved to several places after graduation, all in academic medicine. Generally, the moves were his career choices. However, I enjoyed moving and learning about new communities and did not mind accommodating to new medical organizations in Florida and Massachusetts. Though I trained in infectious diseases, I did not feel that I

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