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Jeff and Linda Sluman |
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With a half dozen PGA tour wins under his belt including the 1988 PGA Championship, professional golfer Jeff Sluman is passionate about the sport that has brought him success both on and off the course. However, his enthusiasm extends beyond the fairway and into the medical field due in large part to his wife, Linda Sluman, MD, a former oncologist at the University of Chicago. "My wife has been out doing the important stuff like trying to better medicine and cure people and I've been out playing the game, but it's worked well for us."
So well, that for the past three years, Jeff and Linda have donated a portion of his PGA earnings to the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at the University. Their support of more than $200,000 has been instrumental in enabling future scientists and physicians to gain broad and practical exposure to clinical problems of cancer as well as in-depth investigative training. "It was a real easy decision," Jeff says. "When you see the dedication of the doctors and their talents at work, it's a terrific thing."
Speaking from experience
A former University of Chicago oncology fellow herself, Linda is now Chief Medical Officer at EngagementHealth, a provider of integrated disease prevention and health promotion solutions based in Westchester, IL. Following her fellowship program in 1993, Linda stayed on board at the University until 2005 as a faculty member.
"I liked the person I became as an oncologist," she says. "Everybody is so excited about what they do that it makes you a better doctor because everyone's pushing you along." Despite her departure from the University, the Slumans have continued their support of the fellowship program.
Fellowship program of distinction
One of the most sought-after fellowship programs in the country, the University's hematology/oncology program receives more than 300 applications a year for only seven openings. Every year between 18-22 fellows are being trained under the direction of Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Olopade, MD, the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program.
"Of the six to eight graduating fellows each year, more than 75 percent go on to become full-time faculty members at major academic centers," Olopade says. "This figure speaks to the quality of training they have received here and the opportunity for research collaborations."
For Linda Sluman, her time as a fellow was equally productive and gratifying. "I've never had as much support as what I received at the University of Chicago," she says. "People are so misinformed about cancer and I thought that I could help inform them. It was exciting with all the new innovations, drugs and delivery methods." Sluman adds that she also recognized her association with the University would greatly enhance her overall career. "Doctors at the University of Chicago are leaders in their field," she says. "When you're there, you better be at the top of your game."
Golf more than fun and games
Being at the top of the game is also true for Jeff Sluman and his profession. Golfing since the age of 4, he has always desired to play professionally, but in college his talent went unnoticed. "I worked hard and had a belief in my ability and am fortunate that it worked out for me," he says. Now on the road at least 30 weeks out of the year to tour, Jeff embraces the time that he spends with his family. "It's a demanding lifestyle and it's fun," Jeff says. "If there's one drawback, it's that I make my living out of town."
In the future, the Slumans say they plan to continue supporting the fellowship program because of the joy they receive knowing they're helping others achieve their goals. "I have to give credit to my wife because she's passionate about healthcare and impacting the lives of others which stands out above anything else."
For more information on the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at the University,
contact Stephanie Dahl at 773-834-4726.
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