Dr. M. Roy First, director of the University of Cincinnati Medical Center's section of transplantation, is leaving to accept a job with a Chicago drug manufacturer.

        Dr. First began his career at UC with a fellowship in 1972, and is internationally known for his research with drugs that suppress the body's immune system and help prevent rejection of transplanted organs.

First

        He will become the medical director for Fujisawa Healthcare Inc., directing its research department in the development of transplantation and immunology products.

        Dr. First, 59, assumes his new role in June.

        “What's most difficult is leaving the hundreds of patients we've (performed) transplantations on over the years,” Dr. First said. “On the other hand, I think it will be a challenge and I think it's the time to do something new.

        “I feel I've done everything I can in my current position and want to try something totally new and different.”

        Dr. E. Steve Woodle, director of the Division of Transplantation in surgery for the University Hospital, said Dr. First was one of the main reasons he came to the institution in 1987. He said an international search for a replacement will commence immediately and and last several months.

        “I think it's going to be very hard to fill the shoes of a giant in the field of transplantation,” Dr. Woodle said. “He's leaving, but by virtue of people he's trained, he is leaving the division in very capable hands.”

        Also different for Dr. First will be working for a private company that keeps a constant eye on the bottom line. Dr. First has spent the past 30 years thinking about his patients, not profits and losses.

        “So how does one reconcile those two philosophies?” Dr. First asked. “It's a change of directions. But I remain hopeful that some of what I'm able to do will come back and be of benefit to the patient.”

        Dr. First will be the fourth renowned physician to leave UC in the past year. The medical center has also lost its head of neurosurgery, its Parkinson's disease expert and an expert on liver transplantation.

        Dr. Jeff Matthews, chief of surgery for University Hospital, said the hospital has replaced those losses with first-class doctors. Turnover comes with the territory of running a university hospital.

        “It's a constant process of renewal,” Dr. Matthews said. “A program doesn't rise or fall with the presence of any individual. Among Dr. First's legacy is he has trained a group of transplant nephrologists who are here and running a terrific program.”

        For his new company, Dr. First will help develop research protocols, meet with clinical investigators and participate in early developmental discussions looking at drugs and compounds long before they go to clinical trial.

        Dr. First said the changing nature of medicine — the administrative bureaucracy and managed care — helped make the decision to work for a private corporation easier.

        “Whole aspects of the practice of medicine are not what they were a few years ago,” Dr. First said. “But I'm going to miss the human side of dealing with patients. That has been my main sense and source of achievement.”

Agreement reached in racial profiling
Neighbor charged in 3 Reading killings
Hugs for all from new city manager
Lemmie faces 9 council agendas
UC hoop star back in trouble
Gambling bill dies in committee
CAN set to unveil plan today
Children's to get $1.9M in study on improving care
Fire destroys home; officials seek owner
Girl's trial may be first under new law
Luken plays the veto card
Tristate A.M. Report
UC losing transplant director to Chicago
BRONSON: Spring break
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Destroyed art grew from determination
SMITH AMOS: Unrest, rebellion?
Female cop says she was mistreated
Quilter memorializes victims
Rally set to promote senior levy
School aide fired over drug charge
Three held after robbery at bank on Kenwood Road
Trial begins in robbery, murder case
Ohio tourism ad contract facing review
Cleanup campaigns begin this weekend
Contractor cited over blast that killed man
Developers aim to keep open space
House withholds action on budget
Lobbyist earns trust, respect
Northern Kentucky spring cleanups
Schools group drops chief