(10/22/08)
Jackson native and Millsaps alum Dr. Hiram C. Polk, Jr. is the new chairman of The Foundation for Biomedical Research board of directors.
Polk received his bachelor’s of science in chemistry from Millsaps in 1956 and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. For 34 years, he served as chair of the University of Louisville’s Department of Surgery.
During his tenure, he trained more than 230 general surgeons, more than any other surgery chair in the U.S., and transformed the university’s surgical department into one of the nation’s leading facilities. Polk’s most significant contribution to medicine is his landmark research into the use of perioperative antibiotics. Additionally, Polk helped develop many current protocols for malignant melanoma treatments.
“I am honored to represent the Foundation for Biomedical Research as its chairman,” Polk said. “FBR has a unique and important goal: to educate the public about how research with animals is necessary for the future of human and animal health. I’ve been a surgeon for 40 years, so I know firsthand that the humane and responsible use of animal models in research is integral to the future of medical advancement and scientific discoveries.”
Polk was honored as the Millsaps College Alumnus of the Year in 2005 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to and leadership in his profession as a surgeon and an academic.