John Steinert Strauss (1926–2014)
2014; Elsevier BV; Volume: 134; Issue: 12 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1038/jid.2014.387
ISSN1523-1747
Autores ResumoThe dermatology community lost a longtime member with the passing of John Strauss on 28 July 2014 in Iowa City, Iowa. John Steinert Strauss was born 15 July 1926 in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Maurice and Carolyn Ullman Strauss. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1945 and was a member of the naval reserves from 1952 to 1954. In August 1950, Dr. Strauss married Susan Thalheimer in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Strauss received both his BS and his MD from Yale University. He completed his internship at the University of Chicago. Following his internship, he completed his residency in dermatology and a research fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. During that time he had his first exposure to dermatologic research while working with Albert Kligman on the effects of superficial X-ray therapy on hair growth. Dr. Strauss served as in an instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and then advanced through the ranks from assistant professor through professor at the Boston University School of Medicine, where, in collaboration with Peter Pochi, he began studies on the histology of acne and the biology of the sebaceous glands. In January 1978, Dr. Strauss became the chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Iowa, a position he held until 1998. At the time of his death, Dr. Strauss was Professor Emeritus. Dr. Strauss was the author of more than 275 articles. Many of these publications were in the area of sebaceous gland biology and the pathophysiology of acne and its therapy. He was instrumental in the introduction of retinoids to the therapeutic armamentarium. In recognition of his accomplishments as a physician–scientist, Dr. Strauss was elected to membership of the prestigious American Association of Professors. Dr. Strauss served at various times in leadership positions of the major professional organizations in dermatology. He was president of the American Academy of Dermatology, secretary–treasurer and president of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, both secretary–treasurer and president of the American Dermatological Association, and a member of the Board of Trustees and president of the Dermatology Foundation. Perhaps Dr. Strauss’s longest commitment to any of dermatology’s specialty organizations was to the American Board of Dermatology: he served for nine years as a director of the Board, was the president, and continued to serve as a special adviser to the Board for more than 10 additional years. In the larger world of academic medicine, Dr. Strauss was the chairman of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies and also served as president of the Executive Committee of the American Council of Graduate Medical Education. He mentored many young academicians through his faculty positions and affiliation with these professional organizations and shared a wonderful perspective and wisdom with all. In addition to his national presence, Dr. Strauss was exceptionally active in the international sphere. He was president of the 18th World Congress of Dermatology (1992) and served for 15 years on the International Committee for Dermatology. His organizational skills, his care for people from around the world, his fairness in adjudicating difficult situations, and his commitment to showcasing American dermatology made him a model leader. He held honorary membership in 15 national societies outside the United States. In addition to his passion for dermatology, Dr. Strauss was an unwavering supporter of the arts community. He and Susan were sponsors of the Joffrey Ballet’s summer appearances and established an endowment for support of dance programs at the University of Iowa. He was also a supporter of Hancher Auditorium for the Performing Arts and the University of Iowa Art Museum. In addition to his wife of 63 years, Dr. Strauss is survived by his two daughters, Joan Strauss and Mary Strauss-Penka (Gerald), both of Boston, Massachusetts.
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