Francis Collins at the NIH
It was a great pleasure to read of Dr. Collins' Senate confirmation to serve as Director of the NIH. As newspapers, magazines, and the medical literature all demonstrate, Dr. Collins is an extraordinary scientist and an extraordinary human being. Friends at the University of Michigan often spoke of his absences to do medical missionary work. Like Maynard Olsen and a host of other pioneers in human genetics, Dr. Collins was firmly trained in the physical sciences and applied his rigor with a deep philosophical bent to the elucidation of the action of human genes.
I had one personal experience with Dr. Collins. At an early meeting on the human genome project - 1992 or there abouts - I happened to be in a room alone with him for some time. I believe we talked about his clinical work and his passion for motorcycles. His charisma and ability to connect were apparent. Much to my surprise, I revealed that my wife had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. With a heightened look of concern on his face, Dr. Collins reached forward, stared me in the eyes, and said with great passion: "Mark, I'm going to find those genes."
His words were therapeutic. Upon later reflection, I concluded that finding those genes would be of little immediate use to my wife. I underestimated the wisdom of his words. Subsequent drugs based on our stronger understanding of the human genome project have helped my wife and thousands of other women. Few people have made such a difference.
But on that day, on that crisp Michigan morning, I was left with one strong impression: I had just met a compassionate, brilliant, and dedicated man who was going to make a difference.
I am sure great progress lies ahead because of his leadership. But I will always be grateful to Dr. Collins for that one brief but healing conversation over a decade ago.
I had one personal experience with Dr. Collins. At an early meeting on the human genome project - 1992 or there abouts - I happened to be in a room alone with him for some time. I believe we talked about his clinical work and his passion for motorcycles. His charisma and ability to connect were apparent. Much to my surprise, I revealed that my wife had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. With a heightened look of concern on his face, Dr. Collins reached forward, stared me in the eyes, and said with great passion: "Mark, I'm going to find those genes."
His words were therapeutic. Upon later reflection, I concluded that finding those genes would be of little immediate use to my wife. I underestimated the wisdom of his words. Subsequent drugs based on our stronger understanding of the human genome project have helped my wife and thousands of other women. Few people have made such a difference.
But on that day, on that crisp Michigan morning, I was left with one strong impression: I had just met a compassionate, brilliant, and dedicated man who was going to make a difference.
I am sure great progress lies ahead because of his leadership. But I will always be grateful to Dr. Collins for that one brief but healing conversation over a decade ago.
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