Center for Clinical and Translational Science

The news of Dr. Mary Jeanne Kreek’s passing was felt by many in the Rockefeller University community, and the Hospital personnel felt it keenly.  Dr. Kreek worked closely with the nursing staff and the Pharmacy Department to conduct her research and provide treatment, which had a large impact on countless lives from the participants to caregivers to physicians. Her work not only yielded new treatments for these disorders, but also influenced societal attitudes toward them. Physician-scientist Mary Jeanne Kreek, the Patrick E. and Beatrice M. Haggerty Professor and a senior attending physician at The Rockefeller University, was best known for her research into the biology of drug and alcohol addiction.

I think everyone recalls their first meeting with Dr. Mary Jeanne Kreek – I clearly remember mine.  As the new Clinical Operations Manager, I was invited/summoned on September 7, 2010, to the weekly Tuesday Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases meeting in Hospital Room 128. I was intimidated – her reputation was legendary; “intense, no nonsense, she will size you up in a minute” was what I was told to help prepare me for my meeting. I intended to sit and observe, but Dr. Kreek had “saved” the seat directly across from her and the questioning began. Everything I heard about her was true, she was fierce and passionate about her research and did not have time to handhold anyone connected with her research.

I quickly realized I was in the presence of a truly brilliant and amazing woman.  From that day forward, I attended almost every lab meeting. Her knowledge and expertise were outstanding, and one learned so much observing her in action.  I asked if I could bring one of the staff nurses, as I felt it was important for members of the nursing staff be exposed to great research.  Attending the Kreek lab meeting became part of the clinical research nursing orientation.  All nurse attendees were awestruck by Dr. Kreek’s level of knowledge and her passion to continue to learn and teach always with an eye to the future to meet unmet needs in the addiction community.  Dr. Kreek was a genuine advocate for Rockefeller nurses.  Her memory was astonishing, and she often spoke of former participants and their positive interactions with the nursing staff. She appreciated us, she supported us, she respected us, and the feelings were truly mutual. 

Over the years, I was invited to “stay for a minute” after lab meetings, often while she finished her lunch. As Nursing Directors moved on, she encouraged me to apply for the position of Director of Nursing and Patient Care Services.  I felt her pride when I told her I was accepted for the position and how much I appreciated her advice.  I was so fortunate to experience the other side of Dr. Mary Jeanne Kreek –the wife, the mother, the grandmother, the advisor, and the friend.  She really was the total package, and we will miss her.