Professor of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine
Passed by the IUPUI Faculty Council at their meeting on December 5, 2006.
Dr. Rebecca Sue Wappner 62, Carmel, died Wednesday, September 6, 2006 at home. Her death followed a six-month brave and courageous battle with cancer. Our sadness is tempered by wonderful memories of her wit, her crazy sense of humor, professional leadership, and endless generosity.
Becky was born in Mansfield, OH on February 25, 1944. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ohio University in 1966 with a B.S. in Zoology. While attending O.U., she held memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Sigma Xi, and Iota Sigma Pi honoraries. Becky was also a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. Dr. Wappner received her M.D. degree in 1970 from The Ohio State University. She completed a Pediatrics Residency and Chief Residency at Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio prior to moving to Indianapolis. In Indianapolis, Dr. Wappner completed her fellowship in the Department of Pediatrics Section of Metabolism and Genetics, and went on to become a faculty member and Division Director.
Dr. Wappner was Professor of Pediatrics and of Medical and Molecular Genetics at Indiana University School of Medicine. She continued to work until shortly before her death as Staff Pediatrician and Director of Metabolism and Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, The James Whitcomb Riley Hospital for Children. She was also Director of the Pediatric Biochemical Genetics Laboratory, the Gaucher Treatment Center, and a consultant Pediatrician to Wishard Memorial Hospital. She was a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Medical Genetics. Dr. Wappner was a member of the American Society of Human Genetics, American Medical Association, American Medical Women's Association, Indianapolis Medical Society, Society for Inherited Metabolic Disease, the Society for the Study of Inborn Errors of Metabolism and the International Society for Newborn Screening. She was the Indiana Project Director for the Detection and Management of Inborn Errors of Metabolism.
Her publications were numerous, including refereed journal articles and articles for families. She wrote many chapters for medical texts including, a chapter in PHYSICIAN”S GUIDE TO THE LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF METABOLIC DISEASES, and numerous chapters in OSKI’S PEDIATRICS: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE. The book, GENETICS IN PRIMARY CARE& CLINICAL MEDICINE, was co authored with Margretta Seashore Her work and dedication have been recognized with numerous honors including: The 2006 Edwin L. Gresham Award for advancing the care of newborn infants; Indiana University, Riley Child Development Center Outstanding Leadership Award, 1996; the 1976 March of Dimes Life Science Award; and the Soroptimist International of Indianapolis Women of Distinction Award, 1994.
Becky was an exemplary physician. She was dedicated to patient care, and to advancing medical science. She could bring biochemical facts and pathways into patient disease and treatment. She had an uncanny ability and patience in explaining complex metabolic conditions to families, medical students and staff. Many doctors at Riley Hospital have “Dr. Wappner stories”, always with a term of awe and endearment. One story is legendary, and many know this. There once was a new child in the emergency department whose parents had come to Riley for help. They knew something was wrong and were being attended to by several doctors. Becky was passing through the emergency department and heard the baby cry. Because of that cry, she stopped and looked in on the patient and family. She clapped her hands and from the baby’s response she diagnosed a rare biochemical disorder, Tay Sachs Disease. She was a kind and caring physician, and a sincere pediatric colleague.
Becky loved to travel. There was many a medical meeting Becky would bring her mother, Helen E. Wappner, and they would extend the travel to a new vacation or adventure. Unbeknownst to many, Becky was a gourmet cook and baker. Every birthday in her division was celebrated with a gourmet luncheon, specially prepared by Becky. She was also an active member of Soroptimist International, a community service organization.
Dr. Wappner will be deeply missed by her family, staff, patients, their families, colleagues and everyone whose life she touched. She exuberated an overwhelming love and dedication to her patients and their families. The day Becky died, one of her former patient’s parent sent the following e-mail to us: “Dr. Wappner died 2 days shy of the 13th anniversary of (our son’s) death. She came to our house and stayed through the night, until he passed away, and signed the death certificate.” She was an extremely caring physician who was very loved and respected. Becky will be missed for all her talents, caring and friendships. Her contributions and caring will be long remembered.
Prepared by:
Roberta A. Hibbard, MD
Anna Dusick. MD
Becky Roberts, RD
Joyce Hubbard, MD
Lillie-Mae Padilla, MD