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IN MEMORIAM
Victor Marder
Professor of Hematologyoncology
UC Los Angeles
1934-2015
Victor Marder, a UCLA scientist and recognized leader in the field of hematology research, died January 29th at his home in Los Angeles, California, after a long battle with myelofibrosis complicated by acute leukemia.
Marder was a professor of medicine and a member of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he most recently worked to improve the treatment of acute stroke. Most recently, he was developing a therapy that had the potential to dissolve blood clots without the risk of bleeding complications.
The author of numerous books and articles, Marder was best known for his textbook series, “Hemostatis and Thrombosis: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice”. The consummate academician, he published extensively in this research area and founded several working groups within the dominant hematologic societies. He also played a critical role in the development of the major research journals and educational programs in his area of expertise, and he trained many scientists who went on to become leaders in this field of research.
Born and raised near Baltimore, Maryland, he went on to serve as chief of the Division of Hematology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Strong Memorial Hospital. During his tenure, he built an outstanding group with international recognition in the area of hemostasis and thrombosis. Marder’s work in thrombolysis was influential both in the biochemistry elucidating lysis mechanisms and in the clinical development of therapies to treat heart attacks and strokes. He was a founder of the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, helping transform the Scientific and Standardization Committee into the International Society that today is the premier scientific organization in the field.
Marder joined UCLA's faculty in 1999 as director of the Vascular Medicine Program at Los Angeles Orthopedic Hospital, a post he held until 2014. In 2013, he was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a serious bone marrow disorder that disrupts normal production of blood cells. He was able to continue his groundbreaking work in hematology research up until recently, when he faced growing health challenges.
Marder is survived by his wife of 46 years, Diane; daughters, Malerie and Carrie; and two grandchildren, Esme and Hugo.