Board of Advisors

Updated January 19, 2016  

Board of Advisors Mission

The St. Louis Chapter of the Second Wind Lung Transplant Association’s Board of Advisors is composed of lung transplant professionals, leaders of transplant related fields and industries, and community leaders with specialized professional and technical skills. The members or the Board of Advisors serve as a resources pool for the Chapter’s Board of Directors and offer valuable input in an advisory role offering assistance and giving advice and support.The board of advisors is composed of a diverse membership.

Role

Members of the Board of Advisors draw on their experience and education and give of their time, talent and expertise for the benefit of the Chapter. The advisors support the Second Wind Board of Directors in such areas as Support, Advocacy, Education and Information, Medical – Pulmonology & Pharmacy, Guidance, Pastoral Care, Public Relations, Legal, Publishing, Communication, Fundraising, Technology, and Legal.
The Advisors also act as an advocate for the Chapter in the medical field of Lung Transplantation, or in their particular field of expertise. The Advisors receive a statement o understanding which communicates the responsibilities of the Advisors to the Board of Directors and the responsibilities of the Board of Directors to the Advisory Board.

Gary Brandenburger, D.Sc.

Historian
(314) 838-1476
email

Susan Fritz, Ed. D.

Educational Consultant
(314) 909-8238
email

Susan Fritz retired from the field of education in June of 2007 to spend time with her first grandchild. Prior to her retirement she has been an educator as well as administrator in the private, public, and parochial settings since 1971. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, a Masters in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.

Ramsey R. Hachem, M.D.

Washington University School of Medicine Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care
4921 Parkview Place St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-8766

Ramsey Hachem, MD became the physician representative on Second Wind’s Board of Advisors in 2004. Dr. Hachem studied medicine and completed his residency at the University of Texas Medical School followed by a fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis.

A member of the BJC Lung Transplant team, he specializes in treating diseases of the lungs and is board certified in Pulmonology, Transplantation, Critical Care, and Internal Medicine. Dr Hachem sees patients at the Jacqueline Maritz Lung Center of Washington University and at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Richard J. Magee

Attorney at Law
7777 Bonhomme Ave.
Suite 2004
Clayton, Missouri 63105
(314) 726-2090
Fax: (314) 726-1491
email

Richard J. Magee is an attorney with over 24 years of experience in the general practice of law. In addition to his work with not-for-profit organizations, Rich practices extensively in the areas of Wills and Trusts, Durable Powers of Attorney, Advance Directives, and Family Law. His office is located in Clayton. If contacted, there is no charge for the initial phone call. Rich is advising the Assistance Fund committee as they develop guidelines for the distribution of funds.

Merry Smith LPN, BS

SLUCare Physicians Group
(314) 995-6196
email

Merry Smith has a passion in life to educate the public regarding the importance of organ and tissue donation and to provide quality support and guidance for donor families. Following the loss of her first husband and 2 ½ year old son to a drunk driver in August of 1992, Merry had the opportunity to give the gift of life to two children through the gift of organ donation. Merry worked as a volunteer with Mid-America Transplant Services in St. Louis for three years before joining their staff in the role of Community Affairs Coordinator in February 2000. Since that time, Merry has had the opportunity to share with more than 13,000 people the positive impact that organ and tissue donation has, not only in the lives of organ transplant recipients and their families, but donor families as well. She currently oversees the Aftercare program at MTS providing bereavement support to families who make the decision to donate their loved one’s organs and or tissues. Merry is an L.P.N., and has her Bachelors degree in Business Administration.