Piero P. Foa, MD, Ph.D, lauded as one of the WSU's most influential teachers and a trailblazer in diabetes research, died on Friday, Nov. 11. Dr. Foa was 94-years-old.

A professor emeritus of the Department of Physiology, Dr. Foa's long and distinguished association with the School of Medicine began in 1962, when he came to Detroit as chairman of the Department of Research at Sinai Hospital and professor of physiology at WSU. He served as acting chair of physiology in 1980-81.

In the span of his career, Dr. Foa celebrated many scientific accomplishments and accolades, including his presentation of evidence to establish that glucagons is a pancreatic hormone and the documentation of the mechanism of drugs used for the oral treatment of diabetes. Dr. Foa's primary research focused on glucagons and insulin secretion and their role in the utilization of nutrients and the regulation of blood sugar levels.

"An advocate and practitioner of quality of opportunity, Dr. Foa has been the mentor of new generations of medical scientists, based solely on promise, talents and achievements. I have been proud to have been among them," Dr. Dunbar has said.

Dr. Foa is the recipient of the School of Medicine Lamp Award bestowed by the medical students on their most influential teachers. He has been recognized internationally with numerous professional awards of merit, and was the recipient of the WSU Medical Alumni Association Weiner Award for distinguished achievement and the School of Medicine 1983 Distinguished Service Award. In 1999, the School of Medicine established the Piero P. Foa, M.D., Ph.D. Endowed Lectureship in the Department of Physiology.

Born in Torino , Italy , Dr. Foa received both a medical degree and doctorate in chemistry from the University of Milano , Italy , where he served internships in medicine and surgery. He went to the University of Michigan as a research fellow in surgery and medicine, and then served on the faculty of the Chicago Medical School before coming to WSU.

Dr. Foa is survived by his wife of 54 years, Naomi, along with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He lived in West Bloomfield .

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. , Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Ira Kaufman Chapel, 18325 West Nine Mile Rd. , Southfield , 248-569-0020. Memorials to the Piero P. Foa Endowed Lectureship Fund will be accepted by the School of Medicine Office of Development, 577-1495 .