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As published in UConn Health Center Magazine, Winter 2006.

Double Vision

By Maureen McGuire

Marja Hurley studies bone biology and encourages disadvantaged students to consider health careers.

As an endocrinologist, Marja M. Hurley M.D., has focused on understanding the genetics of bone development and using that knowledge to teach and heal others. And as the first woman of color to graduate from UConn’s School of Medicine, she has opened doors to health care careers for underrepresented minorities. Her track record on both fronts is impressive.

Hurley is a widely published endocrinology researcher whose work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) since 1989. Her lab has identified genes that may play a role in the formation of osteoporosis. She lectures at conferences and national and international meetings, has written several textbook chapters on bone biology, and has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles. In addition, she is a reviewer for leading endocrinology journals and serves on an NIH study section.

As a professor of medicine, Hurley lectures first- and second-year students, works closely with residents, and supervises graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She was the 2001 recipient of the prestigious Committee Award for Meritorious Educational Leadership, which is given for excellence in teaching.

At the same time, as associate dean and director of the Health Career Opportunity Programs, she has helped hundreds of students successfully pursue careers in medicine, dentistry and other health professions. Today, the health careers program is an umbrella of innovative educational programs that reaches out to talented students from middle school, high school, college and graduate levels. Her efforts are bolstered by mentoring and teaching support from UConn Health Center faculty in all disciplines, including biomedical research, dentistry and clinical care.

“Our goal is to build a pipeline to draw inner-city, economically and educationally disadvantaged students into health professions,” Hurley says. “This clearly supports our ultimate goal, which is to improve medical and dental care for everyone.” Hurley’s work has been recognized by the New England Board of Higher Education; the Association of American Medical Colleges; and her alma mater, the University of Connecticut, which honored her with the Martin Luther King Award for Achievement in Science. In addition, she continues to secure widespread extramural financial support for the health careers program, including a recent $2 million endowment from the Aetna Foundation.

So, how does she do it all? “One has to be very organized, learn how to manage time and delegate whenever possible,” she says, thoughtfully. It’s clear something else keeps her motivated and successful – a true love for all the varied facets of her work. “I enjoy all aspects of what I do here,” she says.