David Clifford '71 managed a miracle when he organized the Neurological AIDS Research Consortium.

"There was no defined organization of people with interests in the brain doing research on the neurological implications of HIV infection," explains the professor and former chairman of the Department of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Although some said it couldn't be done, Clifford snagged a large National Institutes of Health grant that enabled him to "pull together resources and researchers to tackle these problems."

His long-time interests in pharmacology, infectious diseases and the brain combined to make him a natural leader in research on the treatment of AIDS and other immunodeficiency diseases.

"We're making a lot of progress in treating HIV infection. That's a wonderful part of doing this work," he says. "A number of years ago our patients had a very grim outlook. Now they face a more chronic disease and the problems that go with it. It will be hard to rid people of this virus, but we hope in five to 10 years we will be able to manage it medically to allow a very full and high-quality life."

Clifford wanted to be a doctor for as long as he can remember. But teaching was also in his blood – he "came from a household of teachers," including his father, F. Burr Clifford, dean emeritus of The Brown College of Arts and Sciences and former professor of classics and humanities at Southwestern.

It's not surprising, then, that Clifford pursued medicine in an academic setting. He treasures most his role as director of residency training for one of the largest and most competitive programs in the country.

"I have a major investment in the training of future neurological specialists. It's trying at times, but always, in the end, rewarding."

Clifford earned a B.A. in chemistry and history from Southwestern in 1971 and an M.D. from Washington University School of Medicine in 1975. A long-time triathlete, he trains by running or cycling to work everyday. As a change of pace and expressive outlet, he enjoys playing piano and organ. Currently, he's in the midst of a campaign to rebuild the pipe organ at his church, Grace United Methodist Church, in St. Louis. He and spouse Judy Campbell Clifford '71 have two children, Michael, a law student at Northwestern, and Ellen, a student at Washington University.

David was nominated by Dr. Villa as the outstanding alumnus of Alpha Chi and honored at the 2002 national convention of Alpha Chi in Washington D.C.  David is proud to announce that he joined a "distinguished group of national oustanding alumni of Alpha Chi" which includes Dan Rather.  You may learn more about this award by visiting the Alpha Chi website. http://www.harding.edu/alphachi/dalumnus.htm#alumnus