Tree Connected to "Father of Medicine" Planted Between the UMass Chan Diabetes Clinic and Research Laboratories

A branch from the “Tree of Hippocrates” from an Oriental plane tree on the island of Kos, Greece, was planted on the UMass Chan Medical School campus.  According to legend, Hippocrates of Kos, considered the father of medicine, educated his students near the tree more than 2,500 years ago. Cuttings from the original tree in Kos have been planted at institutions worldwide.

Michael P. Czech, PhD, the Isadore and Fanny Foxman Chair in Medical Research, played a key role in establishing the planting on campus. “This tree is something we can look back at over the years with pride,” Dr. Czech said. “It is a symbol of hope and a reminder to resist complacency and to keep our creative juices flowing.”

It was planted between research buildings on the UMass Chan Medical School campus and the Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) building, where the adult and pediatric UMass Memorial diabetes clinics are located. 

Among the speakers at the dedication ceremony were UMass Chan Diabetes Center of Excellence vascular surgeon-scientist Tammy Nguyen, MD, PhD, and Silvia Corvera, MD, the Endowed Chair in Diabetes Research.

“A lot has changed in 2500 years,” said Dr. Nguyen. "Today, professional burnout is prevalent, and the values in the practice of medicine and research can lose clarity. This tree serves as an opportunity for us all to take time out of our busy day to pause and be reminded of the core values that motivate our practice of medicine and research.” 

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