Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Robert Dean Letson, MD

2016; Elsevier BV; Volume: 20; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jaapos.2016.03.006

1528-3933

C. Gail Summers,

Traumatic Ocular and Foreign Body Injuries

Dr. Bob Letson, known for his love of pie, his Tootsie Roll rewards, and his fondness for wearing a beret in the Minnesota winters, passed away on September 13, 2015. The first pediatric ophthalmologist in Minnesota, he was often referred to as the “father of pediatric ophthalmology” in the state. Born on January 18, 1927, in Canton, Ohio, Bob and his family settled in Minnesota. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1952, followed by an internship at Minneapolis General Hospital (now Hennepin County Medical Center). He married Patricia Anderson in 1953, and they moved to Glenwood, where he practiced rural family medicine until 1963. After serving in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in Captieaux, France, Bob returned to the University of Minnesota, where he completed his ophthalmology residency in 1966. Afterward, Bob arranged for fellowships in pediatric ophthalmology, oculoplastics, and orbit at the University of Oregon and in strabismus with Dr. Art Jampolsky at the Institute of Visual Sciences, San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota in 1967. With support from the Minnesota Lions, he started the Minnesota Lions Children’s Eye Clinic in 1970. He provided care for children and adults with strabismus, orbital problems, and ptosis in addition to kids with glaucoma, cataracts, and retinoblastoma. Bob retired in 1998, but was frequently seen at Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology (MAO) meetings or in the department for social and educational functions, including the Letson Lectureship. When asked how he felt about retirement, he commented, “I retired too early. I miss the kids.” Bob was known for his kindness, humility, and compassion, whether he was in clinic at the university, on one of his Orbis trips, or on one of his visits to India, Nepal, Sierra Leone, Ecuador, or Venezuela. His love of children was clear to all, and parents appreciated his down-to-earth explanations. The kids would wait patiently until the end of the examination, when he would reach into his pocket and provide his signature reward, a Tootsie Roll. His motto was “patients first” long before it became popular. Bob was always humble when accepting any accolades, often diverting the recognition to others. He praised the work of his orthoptist for many years, Jane Dunn Lavoie. Bob took on difficult surgical problems with a keen sense of intuitive problem solving. His passion for clinical and surgical care was matched by his love of teaching. Bob was easily approachable, regardless of the level of the student or the location of the teaching, and he taught the complexity of patient care, including ethics and professionalism, by example. When abroad, Bob gave lectures in addition to providing clinical care. However, he always maintained that he “received much more” than he gave. His character made him a quick friend to all he met. His congenial, unassuming style, combined with his clinical and surgical expertise, won the respect of colleagues in Minnesota and beyond. Bob was a natural leader, known for his organization and collegiality. A member of AAPOS since 1978, he served as chairs of both the Educational Committee and the Manpower Survey Committee. He was also president of the MAO from 1985 to 1986, and served as president for the Preschool Vision Screening Committee from 1977 to 1979. He participated in the community as moderator for the Mayflower Community Church, a board member for the Minnesota Society for Prevention of Blindness and Preservation of Hearing, and a committee member for Boy Scout Troup 187. For his service to those in need, he received the Outstanding Humanitarian awards from the MAO and the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2001. In 2012 Bob was honored with the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Minnesota. Bob left a legacy of compassionate healing, exemplary teaching, and humble service. The memories of Bob as a mentor, colleague, and friend will be enduring, and an encouragement to live life simply and genuinely, and with humility, kindness, and respect for all.