Original broadcast date: September 20, 2009

Our breadth of understanding of the reams of medical information reported in the media is dependent in part on our understanding of the history of medicine. This history includes our human response to change and our willingness to accept new ideas and engage in healthy debate when conflicts arise. It is indeed a treat and rare opportunity to speak with someone who has borne witness to the myriad of medical advances and changes to the art of medicine.

Dr. Joseph Kirsner has been an active faculty member of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine since 1935 and still goes to his office three days a week at the University to review current research and dole out advice to former patients.  His life and career as a dedicated gastroenterologist are chronicled in a new biography, GI Joe, written by Dr. James L. Franklin, a gastroenterologist and friend who received his training in gastroenterology at the University of Chicago.

Joseph Kirsner has won every award in the field of gastroenterology, except one, for which he is not eligible: the American Digestive Health Foundation’s Joseph B. Kirsner Award.  He is the author of more than 750 scientific papers and almost 20 books, including six editions of his textbook on Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, which is by itself more than 800 pages.

Dr. Joseph Kirsner will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Monday, September 21, 2009.

• Dr. Joseph Kirsner, MD, PhD, gastroenterologist and professor of medicine, Section of Gastroenterology at the University of Chicago