James Thompson, M.D., M.P.H.
[Winter 1997; Vol.24 No. 4]
On December 29, 1997, psychiatry lost a dedicated teacher and scholar, a passionate colleague and friend. George Ulysses Balis was professor of psychiatry and director of education at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He was also a past president of the MPS. During an academic career that spanned more than thirty years, he contributed much scholarly writing on eating disorders, organic mental disorders, and depression and was a leader in the training of medical students and residents. Dr. Balis was a strong force in molding the educational mission of the School of Medicine and Department of Psychiatry and a founder of the Association of Directors of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry (ADMSEP).
By any measure Dr. Balis accomplished much and touched many lives. He cared deeply about people and about doing the right thing. He worked tirelessly to develop and advocate for projects in which he believed Among the last of these projects were the UMAB and UMAB/Sheppard Pratt residency programs. Both exceptionally well organized and of high quality, these classic George Balis productions will live long after his death. Dr. Balis leaves behind many such memorials, but the influence he had on the many students, residents and colleagues whose lives he touched is truly his finest memorial.
Editor's note: Donations in Dr. Balis’ memory may be made to the George Balis Library Fund, c/o the University of Maryland Foundation, 701 West Pratt Street, Suite 388, Baltimore, MD 21201