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| Vol. 24, No. 17 |
| September 15, 2002 |
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"Houston Medical" Star Remembered for Humor, Loyalty Marnie Alexis Rose, M.D., 28, died Friday, Aug. 23 after a lengthy bout with brain cancer. Rose became a household name to millions after her June 18 debut in the "Houston Medical" television series. The second-year Memorial Hermann Children's Hospital resident left her mark when she revealed to viewers that she was not only a doctor, but also a patient. Rose was diagnosed with brain cancer only a month before the "Houston Medical" film crew arrived last summer. In a May interview with the Houston Chronicle, Rose said she agreed to participate in the reality series because Memorial Hermann is a great hospital and it would be good to let other people see the benefits of a positive attitude, and let them know they're not alone. Rose held nothing back - from taking off her wig in front of the cameras and letting the crew follow her on rounds, through surgery, and even on dates and special family moments. "I'm doing this because I want to be a role model for other patients," Rose said. "I want to be able to give someone some positive energy." John Sparks, M.D., chairman of pediatrics at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, remembers that energy. "I worked with Marnie the last time she was on service in the hospital. That was in March. She was just so delightful, energetic and eager to learn," Sparks said. "Last year, the graduating students awarded her for her teaching skills, and that is quite an accomplishment. She was clearly recognized as a superb teacher and truly great person to work with." "Marnie Rose's dedication to her patients, her wry sense of humor and her love of friends and family made her an inspiration to all of us at Memorial Hermann, and to the millions of viewers of Houston Medical," said Beth Sartori, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System's corporate communications director. "The courage and strength she displayed in the face of serious illness have profoundly touched us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Rose family and all of Marnie's friends and colleagues. She will be deeply missed." As a high school freshman, Rose participated in the first-ever presidential high school student exchange program between the United States and the former Soviet Union. She was the only freshman selected to participate in the program, initiated by former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev. The 1992 graduate of Houston's Bellaire High School returned to Russia two more times during college to study and conduct medical research on Chernobyl casualties. Rose earned her Bachelor of Science degree at The University of Texas-Austin, where she was an honors program participant. A statement released by ABC Television and New Screen Concepts, producers of "Houston Medical," said "We were privileged to document Dr. Marnie Rose's life as a pediatrician, a patient, and a vivacious young woman. It was a remarkable life of courage, accomplishment, beauty, humor and honesty. She chose to openly share her most personal moments of joy and travail so that others would be inspired and educated. In every conceivable way, she was our star. The crew and staff of New Screen Concepts and everyone at the ABC Television Network extend our deepest condolences to Lanie, Jerry, Myles, and Darren Rose, and all Dr. Rose's colleagues and patients at Memorial Hermann Hospital." Rose is survived by her parents Elaine and Jerome Rose, twin brother Myles and younger brother Darren. To honor Rose's memory, contributions may be made to: Dr. Marnie Rose Fund or Marnie Rose, M.D.,
Brain Tumor Research Fund
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