Dr. Patrick W. Tank, a pillar in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences since 1978, died on July 29, 2012.
Dr. Tank joined our faculty after receiving his Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. He directed the Medical Gross Anatomy course and the Anatomical Gift Program from 1985 to 2011. He also served as Director of Education and Director of Anatomical Education.
Dr. Tank held the Charles H. and Charles M. Lutterloh Medical Excellence Professorship from 1998 to 2001. He served as interim Chairman of the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences in 1999-2000. More recently, he oversaw the crucial expansion of the Gross Anatomy Laboratory. Dr. Tank taught Gross Anatomy to more than 4,000 freshman medical students, in addition to vast numbers of graduate students, through the years and was a highly respected and beloved educator.
He is internationally known as the author of three editions of Grant’s Dissector. Among many accolades, Dr. Tank received the College of Medicine Distinguished Faculty Service Award for his profound impact on College of Medicine students. He also received five Golden Apple awards, 24 Red Sash awards and two Gold Sashes. He received the Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award, the College of Medicine Innovation Award and Master Teacher Award, and the Chancellor’s Faculty Teaching Award.