July 9, 2004

Tee time for MGHers

MGHers teed off June 21 at the annual Thomas S. Durant, MD, Golf Tournament, held at the Oyster Harbors Golf Club in Osterville, Mass. The tournament is held in tribute to its namesake, who died from cancer in 2001, and to honor Durant's legacy of helping people from war-ravaged and impoverished countries around the world. Organized by William J. Reilly, Jr., a long-time friend of Durant's and a supporter of the MGH, the tournament raised more than $53,000 — $3,000 more than last year — for the Thomas S. Durant Fellowship for Refugee Medicine Program. The fellowship provides funding for an MGH clinician to assist in the prevention and treatment of disease among refugees throughout the world. The money raised will help support this year's fellows, Grace Deveney, RN, and Katherine Fallon, RN, in their humanitarian efforts.

"It is through the generosity of people like Bill Reilly and all of our golfers that Dr. Durant's indomitable spirit and good work continue," said Laurence J. Ronan, MD, director of the Durant Fellowship. During his lifetime, Durant traveled around the world to places such as Bosnia, Cambodia and Albania, bringing food, medical supplies, knowledge and expertise. Durant served the MGH as assistant director for more than 30 years. The day's events included a barbecue lunch, a raffle, an auction and a post-tournament dinner.

Above, from left, Laurence Ronan, MD, W. Gerald Austen, MD, Ron Skates, MD, and David Torchiana, MD.