GRAND RAPIDS – The Van Andel Research Institute has named James Fahner, M.D., the current and founding division chief of pediatric hematology and oncology and senior administrative physician for philanthropy and community relations at Helen DeVos Children?s Hospital, to its Board of Trustees.
Dr. Fahner was elected in December 2007 by the three members of the current board: Case Western University Emeritus Professor and Chairman of Molecular Biology and Microbiology Fritz Rottman, Ph.D., Van Andel Institute Chairman & CEO David Van Andel and former Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine and former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) James Wyngaarden, M.D., as the fourth member of the board that oversees the independent facility that has gained international recognition for its research into the genetic and molecular origins of cancer and other diseases.
?Dr. Fahner brings fresh insights into the fields of basic and translational cancer research from a clinical and research perspective, wide-ranging administrative experience and selfless dedication to numerous non-profit organizations? said Van Andel. ?I speak for the whole board when I say that we welcome his expertise.
In addition to his work at Helen DeVos Children?s Hospital, Dr. Fahner is associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at Michigan State University and clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan.
Dr. Fahner currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Helen DeVos Children?s Hospital Foundation, the Spectrum Health Board Committee for Helen DeVos Children?s Hospital and the Executive Committee of the Grand Rapids Clinical Oncology Program. Dr. Fahner is chairman of the Hospice of Michigan Foundation Board, board chairman of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan and president of the Board of Education for Forest Hills Public Schools. Dr. Fahner will resign his current position on the Van Andel Institute Graduate School Board of Trustees to accept the position on the VARI Board of Trustees.
Dr. Fahner?s recent past board service includes the North American Choral Company, Michigan Community Blood Center Foundation and the West Michigan Ronald McDonald House. Dr. Fahner is also past-chairman of the Board of Hospice of Michigan.
Dr. Fahner is the recipient of the Children?s Miracle Network Miracle Maker Award, the Philip McCorkle Child Advocacy Award, the Hillman Award and the Crystal Rose Award from Hospice of Michigan.
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