Sept. 21, 2018

Lisa Silbert, M.D. F '02, M.C.R. '06, F.A.A.N., associate professor of neurology, OHSU School of Medicine, was appointed earlier this month as the inaugural recipient of the Gibbs Family Professorship in Neurology. OHSU School of Medicine Dean Sharon Anderson, M.D., OHSU Provost Elena Andresen, Ph.D., presided over an investiture attended by Dr. Silbert and family, Lois Seed and Dan Gibbs, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Neurology leaders and faculty, and members of the OHSU Foundation.

Dr. Silbert joined OHSU in 2000. She is director of the neuroimaging core and co-director of the clinical trials program at the Layton Center, and director of the dementia clinic at the V.A. Portland Health Care System. She completed fellowship training in both geriatric neurology and clinical neurophysiology at OHSU. Her clinical practice specializes in the care of patients with neurodegenerative disease affecting cognitive function and intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring.

Colleagues and leaders in neurology spoke during the ceremony to help recognize Dr. Silbert. Dennis Bourdette, M.D., F.A.A.N., professor and chair of neurology, OHSU School of Medicine and Dr. Roy and Eulalia Swank Family Research Professor, introduced Dr. Silbert. Jeffrey Kaye, M.D., Layton Professor and Director, C. Rex and Ruth H. Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Center, gave a tribute to Dr. Silbert.

Dr. Silbert's research focus is on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, including vascular cognitive impairment. She has received funding for this work from the Alzheimer's Association, the American Academy of Neurology Foundation, and the NIH/NIA, including a John A. Hartford Foundation-NIH/NIA K23 Paul B. Beeson career development in aging research and R01 awards. Her current R01 investigates the relationships between astrocytic dysfunction, vascular, and Alzheimer pathologies and cognition in older individuals.

Lois Seed and Dr. Gibbs are longtime supporters of education and fostering the next generation of leaders. Seed is a retired librarian. Dr. Gibbs spent most of his career in private practice before returning to OHSU to teach neurology residents until his retirement. Their family has been touched by Alzheimer's disease and are pleased to be able to support promising scientists in the ongoing search for a cure. OHSU is grateful for their thoughtful generosity and visionary commitment.

Pictured (top to bottom)

Celebrating the Gibbs Professorship (left to right): Dr. Bourdette, Dr. Andresen, Dr. Anderson, Dr. Silbert, Dr. Gibbs, Ms. Seed, Dr. Kaye.

Tribute to the honoree: Dr. Kaye spoke about Dr. Silbert's accomplishments during the investiture.

In gratitude: Sarah Grace McIlveen, assistant vice president of development, OHSU Foundation, presented a medallion to Dr. Gibbs and Ms. Seed.