Ilene and Dr. Bert Vogelstein
While internationally recognized for his pioneering contributions to cancer research and genomics, Dr. Bert Vogelstein would rather talk about his wife of 46 years, Ilene, their three children and three grandchildren than his awe-inspiring career.
In fact, Bert, a Johns Hopkins professor of oncology and pathology and investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, credits Ilene – director of Beth El Congregation’s infant and toddler programs, and a known expert in her field — with making their lives function smoothly.
“Ilene does most of the work,” Bert says. “She takes care of everything and everybody.”
But Ilene doesn’t think her husband gives himself enough credit. “When the kids were born, Bert arranged his schedule so he was always home when the kids woke up and when it was time for them to go to bed. We definitely shared the parenting responsibilities,” she insists.
“I did the playing; Ilene did the hard stuff,” he quips. “But we knew family was a priority from the beginning.
“People in my field often travel to go to scientific meetings,” Bert says. “I’ve never done that. I much prefer spending time with my wife and children. Most times when I’ve gone to scientific meetings, we’ve gone as a family. Ilene and I have spent fewer than 10 nights away from each other in 41 years.”
In addition to their commitment to family life, the Vogelsteins admire the qualities in each other that have made them so successful in their respective careers. Despite the fact that they work in vastly different arenas, each provides support, both emotional and practical, to the other’s professional life.
“What’s particularly unique about Bert is his humility,” says Ilene. “He has an amazing way of creating an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie in his lab. He’s been helpful in making me understand how to create that kind of work environment at Beth El.”
In turn, Ilene, a former speech pathologist, has helped Bert with his public speaking skills.
“When the kids were growing up, Ilene taught public speaking at Towson [University],” Bert says. “I used to take her to hear my talks and she was always my best critic. I never liked public speaking and I wasn’t very good at it. Ilene taught me to speak publicly. Now, she comes into my lab and teaches the young scientists to speak.”
The Vogelsteins spend a great deal of time working, but they still make time for each other. They bike and work out together, and watch an hour of TV every night.
“We support each other,” says Ilene. “Aside from really loving and liking each other, we really respect and value each other.”
Bert sums it up: “I couldn’t live without her.”
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