The Grossman Era (1993-1994)

Shifting Leadership
H. Barton Grossman, MD, is appointed interim chief of the section

H. Barton Grossman, MD

• Interim Chief, Section of Urology (1993-1994)

H. Barton Grossman, MD, a Lapides trainee and world-class urologic oncologist, became interim chief of the Section of Urology in 1992, following McGuire’s exit. Despite his limited tenure, Grossman kept the section on solid footing, providing continued excellence in urologic cancer care.

A native of Tampa, Florida, he earned an MD degree from Temple University in 1970. Grossman completed a surgical internship at U-M, followed by two years in the Air Force. He returned to Ann Arbor in 1973, and finished a year in general surgery residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital before beginning his urology residency in Lapides’ program at University Hospital. After completing his residency in 1977, Grossman stayed on with the urology staff. He also completed a fellowship in urological oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.

Grossman set an example for vigorous research. Collaborating with surgical technician Gary Wedemeyer, he and his team developed 14 bladder tumor cell lines, as well as cell lines in renal and testis cancer. Grossman also served as principal and/or co-investigator on a number of grants from the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, Centers for Disease Control while at U-M. He recruited Monica Liebert, PhD, an immunologist working in nuclear medicine under Richard Wahl, MD, at the U-M Rogel Cancer Center.

I think I learned the most while working in Dr. Grossman’s laboratory. That was a real special place, and a highlight of my career. Dr. Grossman was a pioneer for basic cellular research in urology.

Gary Wedemeyer, Senior Biomedical Engineering Technician (1971-2011)

With the aid of his staff, he developed a thriving practice in surgical oncology to provide a full spectrum of care, including nerve-sparing radical prostatectomies and continent urinary diversion in bladder cancer. Radiation oncology and medical oncology rounded out treatment for urologic oncology patients, including conformal radiation therapy, seed implantation and chemotherapy.

In 1994, Grossman left the U-M for the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where he spent the rest of his career.

Also happening around the world in 1993

• Bill Clinton was elected 42nd president of the United States.
• Al Qaeda bombed the World Trade Center in New York City, killing six.
• Urology saw the evolution of laser technology in treating urological conditions.

Also happening at Michigan Medicine

• 1993: Horace W. Davenport, William Beaumount Distinguished Professor of H. W. Davenport Physiology,  University of Michigan, authored “University of Michigan Surgeons, 1850-1970: Who They Were and What They Did.”
• 1993: The University of Michigan School of Nursing celebrated its 100^th anniversary.