Physiology
1938-2003
Donald Victor Priola, PhD, was born September 8, 1938 in Chicago, IL. He received his Bachelor of Science and Doctoral degrees from Loyola University of Chicago. In 1966, he accepted a position in the Department of Pharmacology at the newly formed University of New Mexico School of Medicine, becoming a full Professor of Physiology by 1975.
His exceptional research and teaching career at the School of Medicine spanned over 31 years, including 16 years as Chairman of the Department of Physiology. During his prolific scientific career, he authored over 70 scientific publications. In recognition of his research achievements, he received a Research Career Development Award from the National Heart Lung Blood Institute and was awarded a Senior International Fellowship by the Fogarty International Center in 1986.
He was a member of numerous professional societies and at one time was President of the Western Pharmacology Society and the American Heart Association, New Mexico Affiliate. He loved teaching, and was proud to say that he taught the very first graduating class at The UNM School of Medicine.
In recognition of his outstanding teaching achievements, Don was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Khatali teaching award in 1978 and 2002. At his retirement in 1998, he was made Emeritus Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at UNM where he continued teaching. Don passed away in 2003 after a long battle with cancer.
