Robert “Bob” Arthur Chase, MD., Emile Holman Professor of Surgery Emeritus at Stanford University, curated collections of anatomical images, supervised medical assessments, and assisted in the restoration of limbs for individuals was a surgeon and anatomist. He held influential roles at Yale and Stanford, where he established plastic and hand surgery units, co-founded Interplast (now ReSurge International) for global reconstructive surgery, and was highly regarded in his field, holding many leadership positions. Dr. Chase passed away on September 9, 2024.
Charis Eng, MD, PhD, Global Director of Genomic Research Strategies in the Chief Research and Academic Office, Chair of the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, and Sondra J. and Stephen R. Hardis Endowed Chair in Cancer Genomic Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic was a pioneer in genetic and genomic medicine. She held numerous prestigious roles throughout her career and was internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work, including discovering the connection between the PTEN gene and Cowden Syndrome. Her clinical and research discoveries were made based on patient observations and her research program set the standard for implementing cancer genetic research that can be translated into the clinic. Dr. Eng passed away on August 13, 2024.
Robert Marvin Epstein, MD, Harold Carron Professor of Anesthesiology Emeritus at the University of Virginia, was an esteemed anesthesiologist and academic, and served as chair of the University of Virginia’s Department of Anesthesiology for 24 years, during which an endowed chair was named in his honor. Renowned for his contributions to anesthesia safety, including the development of the oxygen “fail-safe” apparatus and the “second gas effect,” he received numerous accolades and held prominent positions in his field. Dr. Epstein passed away on July 23, 2024.
Diane E. Griffin, MD, PhD, University Distinguished Service Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was a trailblazing virologist specializing in infectious diseases. She was a leading expert in alphaviruses, acute encephalitis, measles, HIV, and malaria, and a prominent scientific leader of her generation. Her groundbreaking research included demonstrating that measles causes death by increasing vulnerability to other infections and showing that the measles virus leaves lingering RNA particles after recovery, which may contribute to lifelong immunity. An elected member of both the National Academy of Science and National Academy of Medicine she served as a member of both Councils. She passed away on Monday October 28, 2024.
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Adaora A. Adimora, MD, MPH, Sarah Graham Kenan Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Epidemiology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) was a world-renowned physician epidemiologist. A leader in UNC’s Division of Infectious Diseases and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and co-director of the UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR), Dr Adimora’s research on heterosexual HIV transmission among African Americans has helped shift the HIV prevention field from its previous exclusive focus on individual behaviors to one that now recognizes the importance of social determinants in HIV transmission and the urgent need for structural interventions that change those determinants. Dr. Adimora passed away on January 1, 2024.
Nancy E. Adler, PhD, distinguished Lisa and John Pritzker Professor and Vice Chair of Psychology in the Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics at UCSF, and former Director and founder of the UCSF Center for Health and Community, was an indefatigable advocate for social justice, and a leader in the field of public health. Dr. Adler also served as Director of the National Program Office of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Evidence for Action Program, which supports research on population health and health equity policies and programs. Her research led to seminal papers showing that the social determinants of health are the most robust predictors of physical and mental health. Additionally, Dr. Adler advocated for women’s health and for improving the lives of those facing socioeconomic disadvantages. A world-renowned social scientist, she has published more than 250 peer-reviewed articles and been recognized with numerous awards. Dr. Adler passed away on January 4, 2024.
Norman B. Anderson, PhD, Assistant Vice President for Research and Academic Affairs and Professor of Social Work at Florida State University was a clinical psychologist and an outstanding leader in the realm of behavioral and social sciences. As the inaugural director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research he facilitated behavioral and social sciences research across NIH. Dr. Anderson in collaboration with Dr. Rodney Clark, developed one of the first bio-psycho-social models of racism as a stressor for African Americans, which was published in 1999 and in 2023, was awarded the Scientific Impact Award from the Society of Experimental Social Psychology. He was the first African American Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the American Psychological Association and served 13 years as the CEO and Executive Vice President. Dr. Anderson passed away on March 1, 2024.
K. Frank Austen, MD, the AstraZeneca Professor of Respiratory and Inflammatory Diseases in the Department of Medicine, Emeritus at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, was an influential leader and researcher in the fields of immunology/allergy and rheumatology. Dr. Austen was a pioneer in the biochemistry of the release of mast cell mediators and biological properties of leukotrienes. This led to the discovery of the mechanisms that trigger, amplify, and control the inflammatory response. Early on in his career, Dr. Austen cared for patients that needed iron lungs to breath during a poliomyelitis outbreak. His observations of patients with inadequate oxygenation who could not sustain their blood pressure provided a better understanding of this issue and changed the way it was managed. Dr. Austen greatly enjoyed mentoring numerous physicians after they had completed their residencies as they sought to understand the immune system and the role it plays in illnesses. He served as president of the American Association of Immunologists, the American Academy of Allergy, and the American Association of Physicians. Dr. Austen passed away on June 23, 2023.
Mary Bartlett Bunge, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Cell Biology, Neurological Surgery and Neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, an ardent researcher on spinal cord injuries. A pioneer in elucidating structure and function of cells that form myelin and revealed interactions between Schwann cells, neurons, and fibroblasts, allowed her to develop a spinal cord injury (SCI) model with Schwann cell transplantation found to be efficacious in improving SCI repair. A teacher and mentor, Dr. Bunge received many national and international honors during her career, including the Wakeman Award for Research in the Neurosciences, and she was a three-time recipient of the Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Dr. Bunge passed away on February 17, 2024.
William A. “Bill” Catterall, PhD, Professor Department of Pharmacology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, was celebrated as an outstanding teacher and a pioneer in his field. Dr. Catterall is credited with the discovery of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels crucial for cellular communication. His research, conducted alongside colleagues at the University of Washington School of Medicine, significantly advanced the understanding of ion channels and their role in various physiological processes and diseases, including epilepsy and heart disorders. Dr. Catterall passed away on February 28, 2024.
Robert “Bob” Arthur Chase, MD, Emile Holman Professor of Surgery Emeritus at Stanford University, curated collections of anatomical images, supervised medical assessments, and assisted in the restoration of limbs for individuals was a surgeon and anatomist. He held influential roles at Yale and Stanford, where he established plastic and hand surgery units, co-founded Interplast (now ReSurge International) for global reconstructive surgery, and was highly regarded in his field, holding many leadership positions. Dr. Chase passed away on September 9, 2024.
Robert B. Copeland, MD, was a distinguished cardiologist whose contributions to cardiovascular care left a legacy in LaGrange, Georgia. He established a cardiology practice and co-founded the Georgia Heart Clinic in 1972. Dr. Copeland’s innovations, such as cardiac rehabilitation and pioneering research on rural heart attack treatment, transformed heart care across the U.S. He also founded Southern CardioPulmonary Associates, held leadership roles in the American Heart Association, the American College of Physicians, and taught at Emory and the University of Alabama, Birmingham. Known for his compassion, teaching, and dedication to his patients and community, he nurtured generations of medical professionals. Dr. Copeland passed away on April 21, 2024.
Conne Eaves, PhD, MSc, Professor, University of British Columbia, was a distinguished scientist who co-founded the Terry Fox Laboratory. With over 50 years of service, she became renowned for her pioneering work in stem cell research, advocating for women in STEM field. Dr. Eaves profoundly impacted our knowledge of hematopoietic and mammary stem cells in both murine and human systems. Her focus on single cell stem cell analyses is widely regarded as seminal, leading to improved purification and detailed characterization of what makes a stem cell a stem cell. Her numerous awards reflect her groundbreaking contributions, and her mentorship and advocacy efforts have left an enduring legacy. Dr. Eaves passed away on March 7, 2024.
Charis Eng, MD, PhD, Global Director of Genomic Research Strategies in the Chief Research and Academic Office, Chair of the Center for Personalized Genetic Healthcare, and Sondra J. and Stephen R. Hardis Endowed Chair in Cancer Genomic Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic was a pioneer in genetic and genomic medicine. She held numerous prestigious roles throughout her career and was internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work, including discovering the connection between the PTEN gene and Cowden Syndrome. Her clinical and research discoveries were made based on patient observations and her research program set the standard for implementing cancer genetic research that can be translated into the clinic. Dr. Eng passed away on August 13, 2024.
Robert Marvin Epstein, MD, Harold Carron Professor of Anesthesiology Emeritus at the University of Virginia, was an esteemed anesthesiologist and academic, and served as chair of the University of Virginia’s Department of Anesthesiology for 24 years, during which an endowed chair was named in his honor. Renowned for his contributions to anesthesia safety, including the development of the oxygen “fail-safe” apparatus and the “second gas effect,” he received numerous accolades and held prominent positions in his field. Dr. Epstein passed away on July 23, 2024.
J. Thomas Grayson MD, Professor Emeritus of Epidemiology at The University of Washington (UW), laid foundational groundwork as the inaugural dean of UW’s the School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Dr. Grayston later took on the role as the Vice President of Health Science where he provided oversight for the six health sciences schools. Throughout his administrative roles, he maintained active research labs and contributed significantly to epidemiology, notably investigating infectious diseases like histoplasmosis. His helped to foster a sense of community. Dr. Grayson passed away on February 15, 2024.
Diane E. Griffin, MD, PhD, University Distinguished Service Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was a trailblazing virologist specializing in infectious diseases. She was a leading expert in alphaviruses, acute encephalitis, measles, HIV, and malaria, and a prominent scientific leader of her generation. Her groundbreaking research included demonstrating that measles causes death by increasing vulnerability to other infections and showing that the measles virus leaves lingering RNA particles after recovery, which may contribute to lifelong immunity. An elected member of both the National Academy of Science and National Academy of Medicine she served as a member of both Councils. She passed away on Monday October 28, 2024.
Paul F. Griner MD, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Former Chief Executive Officer for Strong Memorial Hospital, was a hematologist and renowned expert on health care policy. In 1974, Dr. Griner was the first to cure aplastic anemia in an adult with immunotherapy alone. This cure reinforced the theory that the cause of aplastic anemia is, in many cases, is an autoimmune disorder. He is recognized for his 1970s research on the cost and quality impact of excessive diagnostic tests and was a pioneer in the application of decision theory to improve the quality of care and reduce its cost. He served as consultant to the Clinton administration on national health insurance legislation. Dr. Griner passed away on June 24, 2024.
Howard H. Hiatt, MD, former dean of the Harvard School of Public Health was an advocate for global health. Throughout his career, he mentored countless physicians and scientists, conducted groundbreaking research on messenger RNA, and spearheaded initiatives to address public health challenges. Dr. Hiatt’s visionary leadership doubled the school’s endowment and fostered interdisciplinary collaborations. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and dedication to improving healthcare worldwide. Dr. Hiatt passed away on March 2, 2024.
Felicia Hill-Briggs, PhD, Vice President, Prevention at Northwell Health; Simons Distinguished Chair in Clinical Research at the Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra University; and Professor, Institute of Health System Science, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, was a research expert in patient and systems-level interventions that aimed to improve population outcomes in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related conditions. She invented the DECIDE Self-Management Program, a problem-solving approach to chronic disease self-management for high-risk patients, that can be used in clinical, community, and public health settings. Dr. Hill-Briggs was an important contributor in the effective intervention design and implementation of programs to help populations of health inequity. In addition to her research, she was the former national president of health care and education for the American Diabetes Association. Dr. Hill-Briggs passed away on June 23, 2023.
Elliott D. Kieff, MD, PhD, Albee Professor at Harvard University research focused on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). His research looked at understanding the mechanisms by which Epstein-Barr Virus causes human lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Disease, nasopharyngeal cancer, gastric cancer, and other malignancies and to use that knowledge to devise new preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. His current research involved mapping the interactions among EBV and cell proteins in replication and studies of the EBV persistence proteins, EBNA1. Chemical screens for inhibitors of EBNA1 have identified several classes of inhibitors. Dr. Kieff passed away on January 4, 2024.
V. Craig Jordan, PhD, DSc, OBE, FMedSci, a professor of breast medical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer center was Known as the “Father of Tamoxifen.” He pioneered the use of tamoxifen for preventing and treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, benefiting millions of women worldwide. Dr. Jordan also discovered Selective ER Modulators (SERMs), which are used to prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis, and manage menopause symptoms. He has received numerous honors, including being appointed Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and recognized by ASCO and the University of Leeds for his groundbreaking contributions to cancer research. Dr. Jordan passed away on June 9, 2024.
Jay Steven Loeffler, MD, FACR, FASTRO, Herman and Joan Suit Professor Emeritus and Professor of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School was a distinguished figure in cancer treatment. As a renowned leader in neuro-oncology and Chair of Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital for two decades, his contributions to oncology were profound. His pioneering work in specialized radiation delivery technologies to optimize physical and biological delivery of focal radiation for patients with benign and malignant brain tumors significantly advanced cancer therapy, impacting countless lives globally. Dr. Loeffler, passed away on June 22, 2023.
John H. Moxley, MD, ex Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs and Dean of the UCSD School of Medicine from 1973-1979, expanded faculty, research, and clinical enterprise during his tenure. His efforts included fostering community ties and initiating the development of the Moores Cancer Center. Additionally, notably, during his years in academia, Dr. Moxley joined a lymphoma task force that was awarded the Lasker Foundation award for their outstanding research in Hodgekins disease. Dr. Moxley passed away on January 24, 2024.
Philip Needleman, PhD, Retired Associate Dean and Chair, made significant contributions to drug discovery, notably leading the development of the arthritis medication Celebrex, and held influential roles at Washington University School of Medicine and Monsanto. Needleman is remembered for his scientific achievements, philanthropic efforts, and mentorship, leaving a lasting legacy through various research centers such as the Philip and Sima Needleman Center for Autophagy Therapeutics and Research and the Philip and Sima Needleman Center for Neurometabolism and Axonal Therapeutics in 2019 as well as programs he established such as The Needleman Program in Innovation and Commercialization launched in 2023 to foster drug development. Dr. Needleman passed away on March 25, 2024.
Elena Nightingale, MD, PhD, Scholar-in-Residence Emerita at the National Academy of Medicine, was born in Livorno, Italy and emigrated to the United States as a young child with her family, refugees from the persecution of Jewish people during the Fascist regime in Italy. She demonstrated for the first-time genetic transformations in pneumococci and streptococci in vitro and in mammalian cells. The years at the Academies were devoted to work on children, diversity, global health, and other topics as needs arose. As an avid advocate, she has worked on human rights for over 30 years. Dr. Elena Nightingale passed away on April 11, 2024.
Herbert Pardes, MD, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia for 40 years, left a profound legacy. He was the former Chair of the Department and Director of the New York State Psychiatric Institute, with the institute’s building named in his honor. Dr. Pardes had a significant impact on mental health policy, clinical practice, and psychiatric research, including founding the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. His dedication to mental health care, leadership, and compassionate patient care inspired countless colleagues and patient. Dr. Pardes passed away on April 30, 2024.
Gerold L. Schiebler, MD, professor emeritus and Distinguished Service Professor at the University of Florida, served as chair of UF’s Department of Pediatrics for 27 years, and he was instrumental in shaping the department and training generations of pediatricians. A passionate advocate for children, Dr. Schiebler played a key role in founding Florida’s Children’s Medical Services and contributed to over 50 pro-child state laws. Remembered for his dedication to community-based, family-centered care, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, advocacy, and service to children’s health. Dr. Schiebler passed away on March 2, 2024.
Mildred Thornton Stahlman MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Pathology at Vanderbilt University pediatrician, pioneered treatments for fatal lung disease in newborns and established one of the first neonatal intensive care units in 1961. Her use of a miniature iron lung machine to save a premature baby marked the beginning of advanced treatments for respiratory lung disease in infants. Dr. Stahlman’s research, included studies on newborn lambs and the development of new ventilation techniques which significantly improved the survival rates of premature babies. Known for her fierce dedication and rigorous standards, she also initiated programs to reduce newborn mortality and address health inequities, remaining a leading figure in neonatology until her death at 101. Dr. Stahlman passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024.
Jack Wennberg, MD, MPH, founder and director emeritus of The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, the Peggy Y. Thomson Professor in the Evaluative Clinical Sciences Emeritus at the Geisel School of Medicine, and founding editor of the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care, was renowned for his groundbreaking work in healthcare policy and clinical practice. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Wennberg challenged traditional medical practices by revealing significant variations in healthcare delivery, paving the way for evidence-based medicine. His pioneering research, notably in small-area analysis, highlighted the influence of physician treatment beliefs on medical procedures’ rates. Wennberg’s contributions led to the establishment of The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and laid the foundation for shared decision-making between clinicians and patients, impacting healthcare policies worldwide. Dr. Wennberg passed away on March 10, 2024.
