A toast to the master teacher

An April weekend of continuing education culminated in a dinner honoring a trailblazer in the fields of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition who one former student – now turned colleague and friend – described as the “master teacher”: Alvin M. Zfass, M.D.

“Dr. Zfass reflects, even to this day, the excellence of teaching that has been the foundation of my education and of the education of countless students, interns, residents and fellows in GI while at MCV,” said Hilton R. Almond, who in 1965 graduated from the Medical College of Virginia, where he also completed his residency and fellowship training. Almond was on hand along with faculty, alumni and trainees for the 29th annual Virginia Liver Symposium and Update in Gastroenterology in Richmond, Virginia, and the subsequent celebration of Zfass’ remarkable career. 

After graduating from the Medical College of Virginia in 1957, Zfass spent five years practicing medicine in New York City before returning to his home state in 1963 and ultimately establishing the first academic GI program on the MCV Campus with his mentor, John T. Farrar, M.D. Soon after, Zfass became coordinator of the second-year medical students’ GI curriculum, pioneering a novel multidisciplinary teaching approach involving surgeons, radiologists and pathologists. His ability to simplify complex medical concepts earned Zfass multiple Teacher of the Year awards, the school’s inaugural Faculty Teaching Award in 1991 and the State Council of Higher Education Award in 1996.

“Dr. Zfass has unlimited patience when teaching his fellows,” said Richard K. Sterling, M.D., a professor in the School of Medicine’s Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and holder of the Endowed Chair in Hepatology who also serves as assistant chair for research in the Department of Internal Medicine and chief clinical officer of the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health. 

“He was never too busy to help out, either professionally or personally,” added Sterling, who completed his internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship on the MCV Campus. “We all felt that he was not just our teacher, mentor or colleague, but that he was a true friend.”

Zfass trained over 250 GI fellows, an achievement the emeritus professor considers his greatest contribution. 

“I always say that being here was, for me, an educational experience,” Zfass explained. “Every year I learned something. Why was I so blessed to see all of these patients with a wide variety of diseases, to be able to make rounds with the brightest young minds? I would pay to have this experience – real, hands-on, live experience. Pretty good!”

Alvin M. Zfass, M.D., (left) with Margaret and Hilton R. Almond, M.D., at the celebratory dinner in Zfass’ honor. (Photo by Skip Rowland)

His legacy was extended when the VCU Medical Center endoscopy suite was named in his honor. More recently, the Alvin M. Zfass Fund was endowed to directly support the work of gastroenterology fellows and trainees. Even in retirement and at the age of 94, Zfass continues to share his knowledge, serving with former trainee Almond at the Richmond VA Medical Center.

“For the past 10 years, I have participated in teaching GI fellows alongside this master teacher – something I have never felt worthy to do,” Almond said. “Every day I am astounded that his knowledge of current day gastrointestinal physiology and pathology is so remarkable.”

Added Dean of Medicine Arturo P. Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., “Great teachers inspire others to become great leaders, educators and clinicians. Dr. Zfass has left an indelible mark on countless lives and has shaped generations of physicians through their extensive clinical expertise.”

To support the Alvin M. Zfass Fund, make a gift online or contact Nathan G. Bick, executive director of development, at ngbick@vcu.edu or (804) 827-4939.