History of Thomas Jefferson University > Paul C. Brucker, MD 1990-2004

Paul C. Brucker, MD 1990-2004

Paul C. Brucker, MD, President of Thomas Jefferson University from July 1, 1990, to August 31, 2004, has been a leading member of the Jefferson community for 31 years. During this time, he came to value the exceptional sense of pride and commitment at Jefferson that he feels is one of the University's most precious assets, and one that he committed himself to fostering.

As President Emeritus, he enthusiastically continues his commitment to Jefferson, welcoming the opportunity to teach at the Paul C. Brucker, MD, Learning Center, Jefferson Medical College, at the Clinical Skills Center and at the hospital.

A native Philadelphian, Dr. Brucker held an interest in medicine since junior high school, where his love of science and people evolved into the desire to become a physician and treat patients. He earned his BS summa cum laude from Muhlenberg College, his MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Muhlenberg College in 1991.

He served his internship at Lankenau Hospital and his residency in family medicine at the Hunterdon Medical Center, Flemington, NJ. Following this, Dr. Brucker took additional residency training in internal medicine at Lankenau.

After 13 years of community family practice and preceptor-teaching activity, Dr. Brucker was asked to establish Jefferson's first Department of Family Medicine. He was appointed Alumni Professor and Chair of the new Department of Family Medicine of Jefferson Medical College and Thomas Jefferson University in 1973.

He prides himself in being a clinician-teacher who has served as a role model to many students and as a physician to many of the Jefferson community. Dr. Brucker's many contributions to Jefferson were recognized by his colleagues and friends, who presented his official portrait to the University in 1989.

Currently, Dr. Brucker serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Nicholas J. Pisacano, MD, Memorial Foundation, which provides funding for accomplished students and physicians in the field of Family Practice.

Before becoming President, Dr. Brucker chaired or served on every major patient care and education committee at Jefferson and participated in numerous special committee projects.

From 1985 to 1987, he served on the Executive Committee of the National Board of Medical Examiners, and from 1985 to 1988 he served as a member of the American Board of Family Practice, serving as President in 1988.

From 1992 to 1997, Dr. Brucker served on the Council on Graduate Medical Education (COGME), a national Council charged with advising the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services regarding the development of graduate medical education programs and the research, development, and analysis of programs impacting the nation's health manpower needs.

In 1994, he was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.

Locally, Dr. Brucker served on the Mayor's Private Sector Task Force, as Chair of the City of Philadelphia Health Commissioner Search Committee, on the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia First, the Executive Council of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Philadelphia Orchestra's Board of Directors.

He is a Director of the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition; a member of the Board of Directors of Muhlenberg College, Gwynedd-Mercy College, the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and BioAdvance, the state's biotechnology venture fund.

In 2004, he received the Winged Ox Award of the University, and the Dean's Medal of Jefferson Medical College.

Dr. Brucker and his wife Joan have been married for 47 years and have two daughters and a son who are involved in health care or related professional fields. Dr. Brucker has held a lifelong interest in music and enjoys and plays classical organ and piano. He is also an avid reader, tennis player and photographer.