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WilliamTremaine

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I grew up in Mississippi, went to Vanderbilt University for undergraduate training, then went to medical school at the University of Mississippi in my hometown, Jackson. I travelled north to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, for training in internal medicine and gastroenterology, and I have remained here on staff. I am a Professor of Medicine and Head of the IBD Clinic. I am also the Director of the Mayo Foundation Office of Human Research Protection. I spend 80% of my time in clinical practice and 20% in clinical research.

What made you decide to become a gastroenterologist/hepatologist?

I spent a summer in medical school on a rotation in gastroenterology at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC, under Dr. Worth Boyce. I was dazzled by the challenges in gastroenterology.

Who was the teacher you admired the most?

Dr Lloyd Bartholomew, a superb gastroenterologist at Mayo. Bart practiced first-rate medicine, he published new insights, and he was the patients' best advocate. He is also a good role model for retirement: he is vigorous, having fun, and he's in good shape.

Which research paper influenced you the most?

Summers RW, Switz DM, Sessions JT Jr, et al. National Cooperative Crohn's Disease Study: Results of drug treatment. Gastroenterology 1979; 77: 847. The study highlighted the potential for clinical trials in inflammatory bowel disease.

What is the most important fact that you have discovered?

Understanding comes from failure as well as success.

What is the biggest mistake that you have made?

I should have focused on IBD earlier in my career.

What is your unfulfilled ambition?

To see the causes for IBD identified.

What is your greatest regret?

Despite the sophistication of current medicine, what I can actually do to heal the sick is pretty meager.

How do you relax?

Road bicycling. I go on long, fast rides with friends on country roads in Southeastern Minnesota.

What is your favorite sport?

Tennis.

What is your best place in the world?

Maui, Hawaii. My wife, three children and I go there on vacations. We play vicious games of Scrabble and have lots of quality time together.

What is your favorite film?

Babette's Feast.

What car do you drive?

A 1972 VW Beetle.

What is your best electronic 'toy'?

The computer on my road bicycle.

What book are you reading at the moment?

The Lexus and The Olive Tree.

Why did you get in involved in GastroHep.com?

I enjoy working with Roy Pounder.