In Memoriam - Dr. Raymond H. Kaufman

As participants in our study center in Houston may know, Dr. Raymond Kaufman, who was a Principal Investigator with the NCI DES Follow-up Study at the Methodist Research Institute, and previously at the Baylor College of Medicine, died on November 25, 2010. Not only was he central to the current follow-up study, but he was one of the first and most important physician investigators to address the consequences of DES exposure from the time that they were first identified.

He remained dedicated to addressing the issues and meeting the needs of the DES exposed for over three decades. Personal involvement and active follow-up with study participants were hallmarks of Dr. Kaufman's research practice. The insights he gained directly from patients formed the basis for his strong advocacy of new research initiatives at our bi-annual study Steering Committee meetings, which Dr. Kaufman faithfully attended with his Houston colleagues. He was internationally known for his expertise in diagnosing and treating oncologic diseases, authored and co-authored numerous professional publications, and received many awards and honors for his outstanding work in the field, including the prestigious John McGovern Compleat Physician Award in 2010. This award, from the Houston Academy of Medicine, recognizes physicians who embody exemplary service to humanity, medical excellence, and commitment to writing, research, and harmony between the academician and the medical practitioner. These qualities were indeed the legacy of Dr. Kaufman, and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues and friends who have worked with him since the beginning of DES Follow-up Study.