News Releases
7/11/05
For 40 years, Marc Asher, M.D., KU professor of orthopedics, has helped keep Jean Baum’s family healthy and happy.
Dr. Asher, who has been with KU since 1972, is a surgeon and friend the family has depended on dating to his days as a Harvard University resident in orthopedics, Jean said.
“He’s one of the few physicians that after all this time is truly dedicated to helping people,” said Jean, who resides in Charlottesville, Va., but lived in Kansas City for 50 years. “He’s an exceptional human being who put my daughter and my husband back together.”
To honor Dr. Asher and thank him for his commitment, Jean has given $25,000 in support of Dr. Asher’s research efforts at the KU Medical Center. The gift is from her family foundation, The J and E Berkley Foundation, to the Kansas University Endowment Association. The gift will fund Dr. Asher’s exploration of ways to minimize joint strain problems that occur following surgeries that use metal implants to stiffen the spine.
“We are grateful for Jean Baum's generosity in recognition of Dr. Asher’s selfless devotion to his patients,” said Barbara Atkinson, M.D., executive vice chancellor of the KU Medical Center and executive dean of the School of Medicine. “He’s an outstanding physician, researcher and educator whose impact is felt around the world. We’re proud to have him as one of our University Distinguished Professors at the University of Kansas.”
Dr. Asher most recently helped care for Jean’s husband, Jim Craig, when he oversaw Jim’s surgery at the University of Kansas Hospital. Jim had endured four surgeries at another facility, but the family was dissatisfied with the results, Jean said. When her family turned to Dr. Asher for help, he teamed them up with Douglas C. Burton, M.D., KU assistant professor of orthopedics. In subsequent surgeries, Dr. Burton inserted titanium rods in Jim’s neck and lumbar spine.
“Jim’s back was disintegrating,” Jean recalled. “Now he’s doing well in lots of ways. He’s walking and he isn’t paralyzed. They’ve done a wonderful job.”
Jean also credits Dr. Asher for exceptional care for her daughter, Jessica Baum Pasmore, who was born with congenital orthopedic problems. Dr. Asher first treated Jessica when he was an orthopedic resident studying under William T. Green, M.D., at Children’s Hospital Boston, a teaching facility for the Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Program. Dr. Asher made such an impression on Jean that when Dr. Green retired and Dr. Asher began his career at KU, she stopped going to Boston and chose to see Dr. Asher at KU’s hospital instead.
“This gift is our way of saying thank you for a lifetime of friendship and care,” Jean said. “He’s still working with us, all these years later.”
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