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| Vol. 21, No. 10 |
| June 1, 1999 |
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M. D. Anderson's Visitors Gallery The new Visitors Gallery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has been named in honor of Dr. John P. McGovern, an internationally known allergist, medical teacher and health education advocate. The John P. McGovern, M. D., Visitors Gallery traces the history of how and why M. D. Anderson was created in 1941, describes major accomplishments in cancer care, research, education and prevention, and provides a quiet area for patients and families. Several displays are devoted to explaining the cancer process, improving treatments and tips for reducing individual risk for developing cancer. A $350,000 gift from the John P. McGovern Foundation funded development of the 2,700-square-foot center, located on the second floor of the recently opened Albert B. and Margaret M. Alkek Hospital on the west side of the M. D. Anderson complex. "We are most grateful for Dr. McGovern's generous support for a visitors center that traces the M. D. Anderson story, contributes to our educational mission and provides messages of hope and caring to the patients and others we serve," says Dr. John Mendelsohn, president of M. D. Anderson. Being honored with a named visitors center that combines history, teaching and inspiration is a fitting tribute to Dr. McGovern, whose philanthropy has helped many institutions and organizations over more than four decades. His support led to the John P. McGovern Building, which houses the Museum of Health and Medical Science, as well as programs at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo and educational activities throughout the Texas Medical Center. Dr. McGovern was born in Washington, D.C., and received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1945. After moving to Houston in 1956, he founded the McGovern Allergy Clinic with one nurse and two part-time employees. Over the years, the McGovern Allergy Clinic grew into the largest private allergy treatment center in the world. He retired as founder emeritus of the clinic in 1984. Numerous honors received by Dr. McGovern include the Distinguished Alumnus Service Award from Duke University, two top awards from the American School Health Association, former President Reagan's Private Sector Initiative Commendation, a Special Award for Praiseworthy Service from the American Medical Association, the Surgeon General's Medal and the Distinguished Service Award from the International Council of Alcohol and Addiction. Working for a year with a team of M. D. Anderson staff, the McGovern Visitors Gallery was designed by Douglas/ Gallagher, a Houston-based firm providing services in museum planning and exhibit design. The Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institutions have been among the firm's many clients. - MARY JANE SCHIER
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