FOR RELEASE: Sept. 1, 2006

GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston civic leader and philanthropist James B. Earthman III has provided a generous gift to support the breast imaging fellowship program at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

The Margaret Earthman Endowment for the Breast Imaging Program will help fund the advanced training of radiologists at UTMB to learn specifically about early detection and treatment of breast cancer. This endowment is part of the $1 million initiative launched in 2005 by Galveston philanthropists Fredell Rosen and the late Margaret Earthman to create UTMB’s first breast imaging fellowship. Approximately $900,000 has been raised so far.

The program will allow a radiologist to serve a one-year fellowship for breast cancer screening and diagnosis training. Candidates for the fellowship will be radiologists who have completed their residency training. The breast imaging fellows will utilize various imaging tools, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography, as well as perform interventional procedures like minimally invasive breast biopsies.

Because almost all breast cancer may be successfully treated if detected early, sophisticated imaging technologies — combined with the expertise of breast imaging specialists — are essential for lowering the cancer’s death rate. Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 213,000 women are expected to develop invasive breast cancer in 2006, with an estimated 41,000 deaths attributed to the disease. The Texas Cancer Registry reports that approximately 11,000 new cases of invasive female breast cancer are recorded annually, and more than 2,400 women die as a result.

James Earthman said he wanted to help fulfill his late wife’s dream to establish UTMB’s first breast imaging fellowship. “Margaret was passionate about her commitment to provide health care to women and especially for the early detection and treatment for breast cancer. We are humbled by the generosity of so many people, family and friends alike, who stepped forward to remember Margaret with their significant contributions to this fund at UTMB.”

Dr. Leonard E. Swischuk, professor and chair of the university’s Radiology Department, thanked Earthman for his commitment to the breast imaging fellowship. “Mr. Earthman has provided a wonderful, inspirational gift in his wife’s memory that will allow us to equip future generations of radiologists with the knowledge and expertise they will need to diagnose breast cancer in its earliest stages,” Swischuk said. “His support will leave a lasting impact on women’s health.”

Dr. Tuenchit Khamapirad, associate professor of radiology and director of breast imaging at UTMB, said Earthman’s contribution will help address a critical shortage of radiologists who are specially trained for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. “As this country’s population continues to age, we’ll be increasingly hard pressed to provide the health care services that will be needed, such as breast cancer screenings,” she said. “Mr. Earthman is significantly aiding our ability to train radiologists who will be able to identify and treat breast cancer early enough to treat it most effectively.”

Earthman’s commitment supports UTMB’s Timeless Values, Pioneering Solutions campaign. This five-year, $250 million comprehensive fund-raising initiative will enhance areas of excellence in teaching the art and science of health care; infectious diseases, biodefense and vaccine development; health care access and telehealth; and longevity, chronic diseases and neurological recovery.

Earthman, who serves on the Galveston Regional Committee of the campaign, is a staunch UTMB supporter. He is a member of the Development Board, a volunteer organization that helps create fund-raising strategies for the university and acts as its “ambassador,” assisting in outreach efforts to alumni, patients and other supporters. Earthman serves on the President’s Cabinet, an organization of Houston-Galveston-area community and business leaders, UTMB faculty and staff, and alumni who provide financial resources to help advance the mission of the academic health center. He is also a member of the university’s School of Nursing Advisory Board.

Earthman is actively involved in the Galveston community as well. He serves on the Galveston Historical Foundation Endowment Inc. and the Rosenberg Library’s board of trustees, and he chairs the Galveston Historical Foundation’s development committee. He is a member of the Galveston County Bar Association, the Galveston County Historical Commission and the National Trust Council of Washington, D.C. Earthman is past president of the Knights of Momus in Galveston and the Galveston Artillery Club, as well as former chair of the city of Galveston’s Strand-Mechanic Street Historical District Board. He is also former director of the Galveston East End Historical District Association, past president of the Galveston-headquartered Texas Navy Association and former member of the boards of The Grand 1894 Opera House, the Galveston Downtown Revitalization Committee and the William Temple Episcopal Foundation.

Earthman is president of Galveston Capital Corp. and director of Community National Bank in Bellaire. He is past chairman of National Capital Life Insurance Co. and Earthman’s Inc., and former director of Citizens National Bank of Texas. After earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas at Austin, Earthman attended the South Texas College of Law and is a member of the State Bar of Texas. He was a state legislator from 1969 to 1972.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
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301 University Boulevard, Suite 3.102
Galveston, Texas 77555-0144
www.utmb.edu