McLain Honored With Endowed Chair

UC Medical Center's Clarence McLain, MD, who emphasized both the art and science of medicine in his pioneering role in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) education, is to be honored with an endowed chair in his name.

Over $1 million has already been contributed to the new Clarence R. McLain Chair in OB/GYN for Medical Student Education, including a significant pledge from Dr. McLain himself.

Dr. McLain joined UC College of Medicine in 1967 as an assistant professor and director of Medical Student Education in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which qualifies him as the longest serving OB/GYN "clerkship" director in the nation.

Appreciative students have nominated Dr. McLain for three College of Medicine Golden Apple Awards, for the best instructor during the clinical years, and six Silver Apples, as one of the top three instructors. His many other honors include the College of Medicine's highest award, the Daniel Drake Medal for Distinguished Service, a Lifetime Achievement Award, UC's first-ever President of the University Quality Service Award and a Distinguished Teaching professorship.

As a physician, Dr. McLain specializes in diabetes in pregnancy, infertility, and severe Rh isoimmunization. He has received national recognition for his pioneering research in amniography, a method for obstetrical diagnosis, and for the study of fetal physiology and fetal response to distress.

Equally important, Dr. McLain is renowned for his commitment to ensuring that students enter medicine not only with the requisite medical knowledge and skills, but also with the appropriate compassion. He has shared his insights with students both at the college and in his office with his private patients. He was also influential in extending the third-year clerkship, a period of preceptored practical experience, from six to eight weeks so he could better teach practice in the outpatient setting.

Bestowing the Drake award, then College of Medicine Dean John Hutton observed, "We believe your dedication to teaching and the care of patients is exemplary and something every student, resident and physician should emulate.  You are simply a wonderful role model, and we have been blessed to have you for so many years."

For more information or to contribute to the Clarence R. McLain Chair in OB/GYN for Medical Student Education endowment, call Mike Zenz at 513-558-0910.