Wasserman, Albert J., 1928-2006

Albert Julian Wasserman was born in Richmond, Virginia to Ann and Stanley Wasserman on January 23, 1928. Wasserman attended Thomas Jefferson High School and then the University of Virginia where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He began medical school at the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) in 1948. Wasserman was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Sigma Zeta National Honorary Scientific Socieyt, and Phi Delta Epsilon. He graduated in 1951 and was appointed to Beth Hospital in Massachusetts. He received additional training at MCV before entering the Air Force.

Wasserman returned to MCV in 1956 and remained for the rest of his career. He was a professor of medicine and clinical pharmacology, served as associate dean of curriculum, and as executive associate dean. During his tenure he was chosen as "Teacher of the Year" in 1977-1979, received the Special Award for Contributions to Education for the MCV Classes of 1981-1984, and given the Dean's Award for outstanding contribution to students and faculty at MCV in 1990.Wasserman served as editor or reviewer for several professional publication and was author or co-aurthor of more than 100 scientific articles. In addition to his work at MCV, Wasserman served as the Chief of Medical Service at the VA Hospital, Richmond from 1960-1963. He was also involved in numerous academic and professional organizations and was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. In 1992 he was awarded the MCV Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. That same year Wasserman retired from MCV and was granted Professor Emeritus status. He also establish an endowed pharmacology award in his name. The Albert J. Wasserman, M.D. Student Award in Pharmacology is given each year to the M2 student with the highest score in that course. Wasserman was also active in the local community. He served as PResident of Beth Sholom Home and of Temple Beth-El.

Wasserman married his high school sweetheart Martele "Marty" Sporn on June 27, 1948 while he was in medical school. Mrs. Wasserman, a graduate of Richmond Professional Institute, later became the secretary to Dr. William T. Sanger, President of of MCV. They had three children. Dr. Wasserman died on September 6, 2006 in Richmond, Virginia.

From the guide to the Albert J. Wasserman papers, 1925-2003, (Special Collections and Archives, Tompkins-McCaw Library)