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Women bring balance, change to MUSC  First and second articles in a series of eight honoring women who changed the face, landscape, and direction of MUSC and the Medical Center.   Taber legacy lives in careers of her students by Heather Woolwine Public Relations It’s common for children to follow in their parents’ professional footsteps. It’s also common for one gender to dominate a particular profession, regardless of intention. But what’s uncommon is a person who trail-blazes the future with little care for societal prejudice concerning her gender and professional achievement.  The late Elsie Taber, Ph.D., wasn’t one to submit to supposed limitations, and she seemed destined to reach prominence in academia from the beginning of her time. Born to Bessie Ray and Stephen Taber, Ph.D., on May 3, 1915, in Columbia, her father’s career as a USC geology professor would greatly influence Dr. Taber to pursue a life within the medical education and biomedical research communities. “Elsie always lived life the way she wanted, professionally and personally,” said Curtis Worthington, M.D., former student and colleague of Dr. Taber. “Whatever feminists were at that time in our history, Elsie was not, but she never let anything hamper her. I think she realized that it was a man’s world but she was no shrinking violet either. She knew how to balance her professionalism and her femininity.” This balance would gain Dr. Taber the respect of many colleagues and a full-time faculty position in the Anatomy Department of the Medical College of South Carolina (MUSC), a first for a woman in 1948. She aschieved the rank of professor in 1965. Prior to Dr. Taber, a female on the medical school faculty was unheard of, probably even cause for controversy.  But it wasn’t Dr. Taber’s character to let that bother her. She had work to do. “She had incredibly high standards and expectations of her students, her colleagues, and herself,” Worthington said. “She wasn’t strict but rather very professional and had an excellent sense of humor, a wonderful sense of the ridiculous. She enjoyed friendly debate and was meticulous about social behaviors. She expected polite and courteous things, like the door being opened for her.” “Generations of medical students spent countless hours studying embryology under her tutelage,” said Russell Harley, M.D., Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, “and I’ll bet there are still a lot of fetal pig drawings out there somewhere. Her articulation was reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn… and she would sometimes open her mouth to speak and then just hold it there while everybody waited to find out what she was going to say. She was quite approachable, but still, she was always the teacher in control.” Dr. Taber earned advanced degrees in philosophy and biology from the University of Chicago and Stanford University. Dr. Taber applied her standards to active research on growth and development and reproductive endocrinology, leading to a study at L’Institute d’ Embryologie Experimental de College in Paris.  And she would push the curriculum at the College of Medicine forward with the introduction of human genetics into the basic embryology course for first-year students. “She was one of the most influential professors in my, and I suspect many MUSC grads', medical education,” said Bill Turner, M.D., Urology. “She was a great teacher, deeply respected and noted for her wit. She was a giant, and this school owes her much.” As well-known as she was by colleagues and students across the country and the university for her professionalism and intelligence, Dr. Taber touched people with the little things. “Elsie always had a beautiful camellia pinned to the lapel of her lab coat,” Worthington said. “She loved flowers.” Hilda Debacker, retired from the anatomy department, remembered “Elsie the teacher, the scientist… part of two families—her own and the anatomy department—and godmother to millions of children of students and friends…Elsie the Southern lady who would have outraged most other Southern ladies.” Indeed, Dr. Taber enjoyed traditional southern pastimes like crabbing and get-togethers at her Hobcaw home in Mount Pleasant, and was known to enjoy a spirit or two. Her contributions are numerous, with some of the most memorable including her vigilance in the retainment and restoration of St. Luke’s Chapel when it was almost destroyed by Hurricane Hugo; her participation in more than five national professional societies; and her extensive work throughout the community, like the development of the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community. Dr. Taber also exercised her soul through a love of sailing and was often a fixture at local regattas, like the annual event held in Rockville. Named an honorary alumnus from the College of Medicine in 1980 upon her retirement, Dr. Taber also received the Golden Apple Award from students honoring excellence in teaching. Final and absolute recognition for all of Dr. Taber’s life achievements came in 1991, when she was awarded the degree of doctorate of humane letters from MUSC. Dr. Taber died in 2000, survived by her brother, nephews and nieces. Maybe to best understand the balance between the self-confidence and professionalism that enabled Dr. Taber to accomplish so much, one must look to her style, or her willingness to push the envelope when she believed herself to be in the right. Harley described a past graduation when ponds were located in front of the Library/Administration Building’s Portico, complete with fountains; “A few exuberant students decided to wade in the ponds. A security officer could see this was wrong and ordered them out of the water or they would be arrested,” he said. “Elsie told the officer that this was the students’ most special time and for just this once, wading should be permitted. The officer did not agree and even seemed to threaten her…Elsie, gown, hat and all, jumped into the pond, waded up to the officer and said, ‘Well if you feel that way about it, why don’t you jump down in here with me and discuss it.’” Nobody was arrested. “Elsie Taber was widely respected by her colleagues, regardless of gender,” said Rosalie Crouch, Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology. “She was a revered teacher and skilled administrator…her devotion to her field, students and department was extraordinary.”   For Montgomery, it's all about MUSC's mission by Heather Woolwine Public Relations When some people think of “number crunchers” or those associated with finance, a mental image produces the stereotypical hermit, locked away in an office and lacking people skills. Lisa Montgomery, administrator of finance and support services for the MUSC Medical Center and interim vice president for finance and administration for the university, is anything but that stereotype. Lisa Montgomery “For me, it truly is all about people, especially in the health  care industry,” Montgomery said. “Working in finance isn’t all about numbers and percentages.” Before coming to MUSC Medical Center in 1991, Montgomery began her finance track with a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Presbyterian College in Clinton and credits toward a Master of Business Administration at USC. While at USC, she plunged into the health care system at Richland Memorial Hospital. In November of 1984, she began work with Charter Medical Corporation in Columbia managing all aspects of the revenue cycle and budget preparation for the 120-bed psychiatric hospital. Montgomery joined Fenwick Hospital in 1988 as director of patient accounting but was again a part of the Charter Medical Corporation, this time as the director of financial services in Charleston. Three years later, Montgomery found herself in the same titular position, but as a part of the MUSC family instead. “The most important thing I’ve learned about myself and personal success is that I have to believe in the mission and the value system of an organization,” she said. “I have great respect for the leadership here, and I fully support the direction in which this institution is moving.” Montgomery took on additional responsibilities during the next several years and received a master’s degree in health administration from MUSC, propelling her to the two highest positions in finance for the medical center and university, which she now maintains simultaneously. She is articulate and direct, traits sometimes confused with a lack of warmth. But ask those who work closely with Montgomery, and her sense of humor and smile are mentioned often. “Lisa is a bottom-line, give-me-the-bulleted-version kind of woman,” said Marilyn Schaffner, R.N., admininstrator for clinical services. “She has many irons in the fire and can’t afford any time-wasters…but she has a great sense of humor and can deliver even negative news in a fashion that is palatable for all.” An example of MUSC’s efforts to embrace women in a variety of professions throughout the last few decades, Montgomery doesn’t believe that gender ever compromised her rise to success.  “I’ve always been supported by the leadership and the board in the 12 years I’ve been here,” she said. “MUSC and I have a deep belief in the mission of the organization and the people that we serve.” “Lisa is the best manager of staff I’ve ever worked with,” said Stuart Smith, vice president of clinical operations and CEO of the Medical Center. “She understands how to motivate employees, and one of her core values is her sense of fairness in dealing with people. A major asset is her sense of humor…she uses it effectively as part of her management style.” “I credit women who’ve held high-level administration positions here, especially Charlene Stuart (former medical center CEO), for being risk-takers and inspirational leaders who blazed the trail,” Montgomery said. “I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been afforded throughout my career and like those women before me, enjoy challenges and taking risks.” And like most people content with their careers, Montgomery embraces the financial responsibility of MUSC with passion for learning a new thing each day, good or bad.  “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lisa for several years,” said Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D., MUSC president. “One of her great strengths is that she’s not quick to judge. She collects information before making decisions and is careful to sample other opinions in the process…she has great people skills, a very important asset for her current position.” “My advice to anyone striving for a career in upper- level administration would be to focus on relationships as they pertain to organizational success,” Montgomery said. “All of the expertise and knowledge won’t mean a thing in the world if management, staff, etc. can’t work as a team.” Montgomery recognized there might be more room for women in financial administration in academic institutions, but doesn’t feel women have to play by a certain set of rules to get there. “In terms of professional careers and limitations that may face women who desire high level administrative positions,” she said. “I think the issue is much more complex than simply male versus female. The important thing to learn is to deal with all kinds of different personalities and cultures and to be able to bring out the best in everyone. If I’m true to myself and honest and fair in all my dealings, then success is more likely.” Montgomery personifies qualities that make any individual successful, like direct communication, passion, intelligence, wit, and even humor.  And a word of advice from Schaffner, “If you really want something from Lisa, offer her chocolate.” Women’s History Month Celebration Calendar March 3 - 31 Women Inspiring Hope and Possibility- Celebrating the Creative Spirit Harper Student Center/ Courtenay Gallery. 45 Courtenay St., Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Featuring a wide variety of work by Lowcountry women artists March 19 Violin Portraits by the Class of Lee Chin Siow  St. Luke’s Chapel, 8 p.m. Desserts provided by Saffron. March 23 Women’s Resource Fair  171 Ashley Ave., MUSC Horseshoe and Portico. Featuring businesses, community organizations and services for women. Music by Fire and Ice, lunch for sale by Bodacious Bagels, Crepe Stand, Doe’s Pita, Gullah Cuisine, Savory Market, and Uptown Oriental Cafe. March 24 Panel Presentation: Celebrating MUSC Women Making A Difference  173 Ashley Ave., Room 100, Basic Science Building Auditorium. Boxed lunches free to first 35 students with valid ID, additional lunches for sale to the audience March 25 Panel Presentation: Looking Back, Looking Forward 167 Ashley Ave., Storm Eye Institute Auditorium. Featuring Inez Tenenbaum, Superintendent of Education for South Carolina. All events are free.  Cosponsored by MUSC and the Center for Women.  For more information, call the Office of Diversity at 792-2146. Visit http://www.musc.edu/diversity/womenshistorymonth.pdf.   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.