Gift From Bernhofts to Benefit Neuroanatomy Museum

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A $50,000 gift from a 1935 alumnus of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and his wife will be used to support the Museum of Neuroanatomy , housed in the Biomedical Education Building on UB's South (Main Street) Campus.

Willard H. Bernhoft, M.D., and his wife, Clarice L., made the gift in honor of Harold Brody, Ph.D., M.D., SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology who spearheaded establishment of the comprehensive museum in 1994. The museum is dedicated to the study of the brain and consists of specimens, models, photographs, X-rays, brain images and computerized multi-media instructional material in neuroanatomy, as well as other exhibits.

"Dr. Brody is a sincere, hardworking gentleman who has served as an inspiration to a lot of medical students and colleagues at UB," said Bernhoft, UB emeritus professor of colorectal surgery. "He devoted much time to this project and even traveled to Denmark (to view a similar museum) to study and learn how to create a neuroanatomy museum right here at UB. I greatly admired his work in setting up the museum."

Bernhoft received a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from UB in 1931 and then entered the UB medical school. An instructorship in the anatomy department provided partial support for his education. After receiving his medical degree, he served from 1942-46 as a neurosurgeon in the U.S. Army during and immediately after World War II, which took him overseas to the Philippines and Japan. When he returned to Buffalo, he opened a private practice in colorectal surgery that continues today. Bernhoft's 60-year medical career also included serving as a consultant at the Department of Veterans Affairs Western New York Health Care System from 1946-96.

During his years teaching at UB from 1946-76, Bernhoft helped acquire books for and continues to be a strong supporter of the UB medical school's Willard Bernhoft and Carlo DeSantis Library of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Neuroanatomy, also established by Brody.

"Dr. Brody has made a real contribution to the university," said Bernhoft, who encourages other alumni, especially medical alumni, "to take an active part in supporting UB. New York State doesn't provide the financial resources needed by the university. With the right impetus, that being support from UB alumni and friends, the university can continue to be one of the best in the country."

The Bernhofts, who reside in Snyder, see their recent gift as forming a nucleus for similar contributions by other medical alumni to culminate in the establishment of an endowed chair in anatomy named in honor of Brody.

Bernhoft is a member of the American Society of Colorectal Surgery, which recently honored him for attending every national meeting since he joined the group more than 60 years ago. He also is a member of the American Medical Association and the American College of Surgeons, and is board certified in general surgery and colon and rectal surgery.