Nicholas J. Mizeres - A Tribute
1924 - 2007
Nicholas J. Mizeres was born in Pittsburgh, PA in 1924. After serving in the US Armed Forces 1943-1946, he attended and graduated from Kent State University with a B.S. (Cum Laude) in Zoology and Chemistry. Subsequently, he earned a masters degree with honors from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. (Anatomy) from the University of Michigan for his work on the anatomy of the autonomic system. In 1954, he was appointed Instructor in Anatomy at Wayne State University School of Medicine, attaining the rank of Professor in 1966. In 1990, he retired as Emeritus Professor. He maintained a life time interest in the autonomic nervous system, and his paper on the "Cardiac Plexus in Man" has remained a classic in anatomy.
Throughout his long career, he served the Department of Anatomy and the Medical School with loyalty and the deepest commitment to the teaching of Gross Anatomy. He is remembered by his former students and colleagues as one of the most caring, informed and dedicated teachers. He twice received the Teacher of the Year Award, as well as the Lawrence M. Weiner Award in 1987.
During his tenure at Wayne Medical School, he served on the Promotions Committee, the Admissions Committee, and the Graduate Committee for Anatomy. Importantly, he chaired the Basic Science Subcommittee in the planning of the facilities for Scott Hall. He served the Anatomy Committee of the State of Michigan, as member, secretary, vice-chairman and chairman, and played a key role in the development of the Body Bequest Program.
He co-authored the "Methods of Dissection" for Gross Anatomy with Dr. E. Gardner and Dr. A. Jackson and continued to update this important teaching guide. In 1981, his book "Human Anatomy: A Synoptic Approach", was published and used by many classes over the years. Through his innovative approach to teaching, our students continue to benefit from the Clinical Correlation Conferences he instituted, and from the Cross-Sections of the Human Body that he prepared. Dr. Mizeres was also the major force in the development of the Post Graduate Surgical Anatomy Program that continues to attract residents from across the state. A particular favorite was the Summer Prosection Program that he fostered.
He was an avid fisherman and gardener, and he enjoyed playing volleyball with students. Dr. Mizeres is survived by his daughter Stacy (John) Lundberg, grandson Nicholas, niece Deena, and two brothers. His wife Ardie died in 2002 after 50 years of marriage.
Contributions can be made to Wayne State University School of Medicine in memory of Dr. Nicholas Mizeres and the funds will be used for the Summer Prosection Program.
Memorial Service:
11:00 am, May 31, 2007
2268 Scott Hall
Please view the pdf for more information.