Jewish American Heritage Month
Introduction
Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Celebrates MAY 2025 Jewish American Heritage Month
Intro
May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich tapestry of Jewish contributions to American history, particularly in the field of medicine. Jewish Americans have produced groundbreaking achievements in research and healthcare innovation and have helped shape modern medicine and healthcare delivery. The University of Illinois College of Medicine proudly acknowledges and celebrates their contributions, reaffirming a commitment to excellence and the pursuit of medical advancement.
The journey of Jewish American Heritage Month began in 1980 and has expanded from a week-long tribute to a designation of the entire month of May. Jewish Americans have profoundly enriched every facet of American life. They have made significant contributions as educators, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, scientists, entertainers, public officials, activists, labor and community leaders, diplomats, military service members, and public health heroes. Their achievements are woven into the very fabric of our nation, reflecting a legacy of resilience, innovation, and cultural richness. For decades, Jewish American physicians and scientists have played a crucial role in medical discoveries transforming patient care, particularly in genetics, cardiology, neuroscience, and public health. Jewish Americans have helped to frame modern medicine and public health. Their contributions continue to inspire new generations of medical and research professionals. As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, let us honor Jewish Americans’ remarkable contributions and commit to learning more about this vibrant heritage. By exploring Jewish Americans’ stories, traditions, and achievements, we can gain a deeper understanding of their impact on our society and appreciate the rich diversity that defines our nation. We can ensure that the legacy of Jewish Americans continues to inspire and enrich our society for generations to come. UI COM celebrates the impact of our Jewish American students, residents, faculty, and staff during Jewish American Heritage Month, reaffirming a dedication to medical excellence, scientific discovery, and inclusive healthcare for all.
Jewish American Pioneers in Medicine:
- Dr. Harold Varmus, awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1989, helped uncover the genetic basis of cancer, revolutionizing how cancer is diagnosed and treated. His research on oncogenes significantly advanced targeted therapies, which continue to shape modern oncology.
- Dr. Stanley Prusiner, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1997, made groundbreaking discoveries in neurodegenerative diseases. His identification of prions—proteins responsible for disorders like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and mad cow disease—paved the way for critical research into Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- Dr. Eric Lander, a key figure in the Human Genome Project, was instrumental in decoding the human genome, ushering in a new era of personalized medicine, genetic diagnostics, and targeted treatments for various diseases. His work continues to influence precision medicine and genomic research.
- Dr. Paul Greengard, awarded the Nobel Prize in 2000, made significant contributions to neuroscience by studying the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitters. His research helped improve understanding of brain disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases.