Dr. David Z. Morgan (at left) works with an unidentified student in the 1960s. (Photo courtesy of West Virginia and Regional History Center/WVU Libraries)
More than 40 years ago, West Virginia University alumna Dr. Patricia Jens was compelled to drop out of medical school following a life-changing diagnosis within her family. Yet, she was able to return and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor thanks to the kindness and understanding of Dr. David Z. Morgan.
As a School of Medicine faculty member and administrator for three decades, Morgan guided thousands of future physicians on their journey through medical school. Jens, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, credits his steady support for her professional success, and she has shown her gratitude by consistently giving back to WVU for 35 years. Dozens of those gifts have been made in Morgan’s honor, initially to the David Z. Morgan Student Assistance Scholarship and more recently to the David Z. Morgan, MD Chair in Medical Education.
“Dr. Jens is a great example of a WVU School of Medicine graduate paying it forward through philanthropy,” Dr. Norman Ferrari III, chief academic officer for medical education, vice dean for education and academic affairs at the School of Medicine and chair of the Department of Medical Education, said. “Dr. Morgan had a tremendous impact on her life, and she is honoring his memory with charitable gifts that continue to build his legacy of excellence in education and student support. We appreciate the contributions of Dr. Jens and other alumni who recognize the incredible importance of their gifts.”
A Michigan transplant, Jens entered medical school as a single mother with a young daughter and a bachelor’s degree from Concord College. In her second semester, she took a course taught by pioneering WVU neurosurgeon Dr. G. Robert Nugent. His demonstration of choreiform movements, involuntary physical movements often related to neurological conditions, spurred Jens to dig into her extended family’s medical records.
By the time Jens entered medical school, her father had stopped working and become a recluse due to a mysterious cognitive and physical decline. His symptoms included involuntary physical movements, and her research revealed that her late grandmother, along with several great-aunts and great-uncles, demonstrated similar issues. A geneticist at WVU reviewed the family records and made a diagnosis that finally offered answers: Jens’ father had Huntington’s disease, a genetic disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain.
Following the diagnosis, Jens met with Morgan and told him she was leaving medical school. He urged her to reconsider, warning her that returning would be tough, but she needed time to process her father’s diagnosis and reevaluate her life.
Jens took a year off. She spent time with her daughter and worked part-time at the Morgantown Public Library. By the following spring, she had decided to return to medical school and reached out to Morgan.
“As a 26-year-old, it did not seem odd that a dean would take the time to meet with me on short notice,” Jens said. “As a 66-year-old, I can see it as evidence of who Dr. Morgan was as a human being, and I am still amazed at his willingness to meet with me after I essentially thumbed my nose at his attempts to get me to stay in school in the first place.”
Jens remembers Morgan’s kind, gentle demeanor during that meeting. He asked what took her so long and welcomed her back without hesitation. His grace allowed Jens to graduate with the class of 1985 and enjoy a successful career in psychiatry. She still considers Morgan her “hero.”
Morgan’s family appreciates Jens’ generosity in his memory.
“Growing up you don’t always sufficiently recognize that your parents or grandparents have a greater role in their community,” Morgan family members said. “We are grateful to have the stories of David Z. Morgan’s impact on others, as we know he cherished a life of service. Thank you to all of you who have shared your warm remembrances and allowed us to continue to feel his presence.”
Morgan earned his medical degree from WVU in 1950. He worked in private practice before returning 10 years later to complete a residency in internal medicine. He then joined the faculty at the School of Medicine, where he served as associate dean for student affairs for many years in addition to his teaching and clinical duties. He later launched WVU’s first geriatric medicine program. He passed away Nov. 5, 2010.
School of Medicine alumni interested in honoring Morgan or another faculty member can make a gift online at give.wvu.edu/medicine or contact Patricia Lonsbary, senior director of development, at 304-293-1448 or plonsbary@wvuf.org.
Jens’ gifts were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University.