An Incurable Case of Generosity

Dr. Burton Golub (MED '65) knew from an early age that he wanted to help people and work with his hands-his top career choices were to become a doctor or a concert pianist. "But I'm not a good enough piano player," he says, and he found himself drawn to the work of his best friend's father, Dr. Lane.

Dr. Golub often visited Dr. Lane at his office to learn the trade. "I have a vivid recollection of him handing me a pair of sterile gloves to put on," Dr. Golub says. "And, of course, I contaminated them immediately." Dr. Lane's firm-but-kind encouragement affected Dr. Golub and set the tone for his future education at MIT and Boston University School of Medicine.

While at BUSM, he recalls enjoying anatomy and hating microbiology. "Now my specialty is infections and microbiology, of course, is key to what I do," Dr. Golub says. Early exposure to the profession guided him through his years in medicine, from coursework through his private practice and teaching in Colorado.

His decision to forego the piano turned out to be the right one, as Dr. Golub proved an adept and passionate physician. "For as long as I can remember," he says, "I thought that [being a physician] was one of the best things a person could do."

Dr. Golub hopes to help future medical students join him in his noble profession by teaching and supporting financial aid at BUSM. "I was grateful for the kind of generosity and education that I received, and I have the financial resources to help," he explains.

After being a loyal donor to the School of Medicine for many years, Dr. Golub recently set up a charitable gift annuity and targeted his funds to scholarships. "Why not do something good with your money," he says, "and help other people who will benefit from it?" His piano playing may need a little work, but sentiments like that are music to BUSM students' ears.