George Fantry, a 1980 graduate in preprofessional studies, moved this year to become associate professor of medicine and associate dean for student affairs and admissions at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, Arizona. Fantry, who received his MD at SUNY Upstate Medical University, trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Subsequently, he joined the faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine where he held numerous roles including clinical director of the gastroenterology division, gastroenterology fellowship program director and assistant dean for student research and education during in his 26-year tenure.

Fantry, a New York City native, said his Notre Dame experience provided the foundation for his career, especially the culture of spirituality, inclusion, diversity, and humanism. “It was one large family community at Notre Dame, a melting pot with students of varied backgrounds from all over the country,” he said. “That’s an important perspective that I took away from Notre Dame and have valued tremendously throughout my career.” Legendary Professor Emil Hofman’s Friday quizzes trained him to study and prepare thoroughly in an organized and time-efficient manner, providing a foundational skillset much needed to pursue a successful career in medicine. “He set the bar very high, with a high level of expectation for students, and that becomes an integral part of your fabric,” Fantry said.