University Times

A gift of $10,000 – representing proceeds from the sale of a book on the history of UPMC Montefiore — has been donated to Pitt's genetic education and counseling program by the book's co-author and publisher, Samuel Granowitz.

Granowitz, an orthopaedic surgeon who spent his career practicing medicine at Monte-fiore and other Pittsburgh hospitals, and who serves as assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery at Pitt, undertook the publishing venture in 1990 when the then-independent Monte-fiore Hospital was about to be sold to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (now UPMC Health System). His intent was to preserve the history of the hospital, which was founded in 1908 for Jewish patients and physicians.

"To Good Health and Life: L'Chaim (A History of Monte-fiore Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1898-1990)" was co-authored by Granowitz, Carol Stein Bleier and Lu Donnelly. In the three years since its publication, the book has sold approximately 1,000 copies. Granowitz has chosen to donate all proceeds to the genetics education and counseling program at Pitt's Graduate School of Public Health.

"Genetic abnormalities are common in the Jewish population, as well as in other groups," Granowitz said. "Therefore we felt it was appropriate to contribute the funds to a program that educates people about genetic diseases."

The genetics program, a joint effort of Pitt and UPMC Health System, is dedicated to providing information about inherited conditions and related services for individuals, families, communities and health professionals.

The book is available at local stores, or by sending a check for $14.95 plus $3 for handling to Montefiore History Fund, c/o Montefiore Books, Suite 37, 1717 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh 15217.

For more information call 605-3239.