A Doctor Once Named a Rare Disease After Michael Jordan: “I Have a Big Stand-up Poster of Him in My Office.”

Michael Jordan rose to fame during his run with the Chicago Bulls, achieving a level of international acclaim. Even after his retirement, the NBA icon remains one of the most-talked-about stars in the basketball world. Moreover, his legendary status warrants all kinds of tributes sent his way, some a little more bizarre.

One of these includes Salmonella mjordan – a salmonella strain named after Jordan.

What disease is Michael Jordan named after?

Back in 1993, Dr. Stanford Shulman had a patient who had discovered that he had Salmonella. Surprisingly, it was undiscovered, after the doctor confirmed with the Atlanta Center for Disease Control. As mentioned, the strain was named Salmonella mjordan.

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At the time, Shulman worked as the chief of infectious diseases at Children’s Memorial Hospital. Interestingly, he did consider naming it after the story. “Looking at this from the perspective of medicine and microbiology, this is a traditional way that people have been honored,” Shulman stated.

 

Jordan’s agent, David Falk, had some extra thoughts. “I think if he did it as a tribute, it is a nice tribute,” Falk said. He added that while they do appreciate it, they want limited organizations attached to Jordan’s name. Maybe corporate or charitable.

Jordan and his flu game

One other connection between Jordan and illness is his infamous 1997 NBA Finals. Jordan, only proving his determination to the game, played Game 4 and 5 against the Utah Jazz with food poisoning. “Probably the most difficult thing I’ve ever done,” Jordan said after the game, adding that he was almost going to pass out.

While countless reports and strategies circle the game, it remains an iconic part of NBA history. Even head coach Phil Jackson spoke about Jordan’s performance, and how it was a heroic effort that made Jordan what he is today. Even though many people have tried to honor Jordan’s name, Shulman’s tribute remains unique.

Let us know what you think of the same. Do you have a better name in mind for the salmonella?

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