Gail is an outstanding biochemist and a distinguished research associate. For many years she has been engaged in elucidating factors that are important in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. More recently, she has turned to the field of renal physiology. Her focus has been to perfect assay of factors that are used in humans to determine the glomerular filtration rate (inulin, iothalamate) and renal plasma flow (para-aminohippurate). She has developed novel assays to determine concentration of these markers in plasma and urine during clearance studies.
She has used high pressure liquid chromatography to attain a level of precision not previously achieved. She combines these assays with others that permit the permeability and filtration capacity of glomeruli to be determined for the first time in humans. Gail's innovations are being applied for the first time to evaluate with great precision the adequacy of kidney and glomerular function in potential living, kidney transplant donors. Combining her biochemical determinations with quantitative morphology of glomeruli obtained by biopsy, it is now becoming possible to estimate the number of glomeruli in the human kidney in vivo, for the first time.
Gail's commitment and novel contributions should allow new, more rigorous criteria to be developed to ensure the safety and well-being of potential kidney donors. In addition to her academic excellence, she is a delightful human being and colleague. It has been a pleasure to work with her.
Bryan Myers (Supervisor)
1. What do you find most rewarding in your job?
Most of my time is spent doing biochemical assays on insulin resistant and kidney function protocols, so when experiments work that's a good day and when the data fits a hypothesis then that's a great day. Also, it's rewarding when principal investigators recognize and appreciate my efforts.
2. What is one standout moment or memory you have of your Stanford career?
When I first began at Stanford, I was assaying new cardiac drugs (beta blockers and ACE inhibitors) and looking at its pharmacokinetics on animals. I heard so much about the famous Dr. Shumay that I wanted to see a heart transplant, so I asked his secretary if I can observe one. Her first question was, "Have you ever been in an OR and you won't faint will you?" I responded that I've seen open heart surgery in Cardiology's animal lab. She was satisfied so I got to see my first heart transplant. A few years later, I was frequently in the OR harvesting tissue from the ex-planted heart for my experiments.
3. What are some of the biggest changes you've seen?
The visual change would be the expansion of the medical center with the addition of the Falk, Parkard Hospital, CCSR and the Li Ka Shing Center. The other change is Stanford's encouragements to live healthier by participating in the BeWell/HIP programs and to go green by taking mass transportation to/from campus.
4. What advice would you give to new colleagues/employees?
My advice is to put your best effort into you work. When you're stuck, be resourceful and look to your mentors/colleagues to guide you. The satisfaction in your job is what you put into it. Beyond your job responsibilities you are also responsible for your financial and physical health so participate in Stanford's 403b retirement and BeWell/HIP programs.
5. What do you do when you're not here at work?
I try to stay fit by taking Pilates and yoga classes and swim 1K. For pure enjoyment, I attend Stanford Women's basketball games and watch Stanford football.
6. What's in your future---with the School of Medicine or after?
I will be retiring very shortly so I will be spending more time with my grandchildren and traveling.
