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IN MEMORIAM

Klaus Lewin, M.D.

Professor of Pathology, Emeritus

UC Los Angeles

1936—2005

 

 

Dr. Lewin was recruited to Pathology at UCLA by Chairman Julien van Lancker and Dr. Walter Coulson, chief of surgical pathology on August 1, 1976. Dr. Lewin was then a GI pathologist at Stanford, and their choice of Klaus Lewin as a new faculty member in surgical pathology at UCLA was one of the most significant recruitments ever made to the Department. Dr. Klaus Lewin made an enormous impact in academic gastrointestinal, liver and pancreatic pathology. His accomplishments are evident in his world renowned diagnostic expertise, his research, and his teaching.

 

Dr. Lewin was the Chief of GI/liver/ and pancreas pathology at UCLA from 1989 to 2005 and innumerable pathologists outside UCLA sought his opinion. He was a noted exponent for integrating a clinical assessment in the final pathologic diagnosis for the benefit of the patient. His research achievements are reflected in his extensive publication record (169 papers, 3 books, 39 chapters, 82 abstracts). The fields of GI inflammatory disorders, neoplasia and liver transplantation were substantially advanced by his work. Dr. Lewin’s high degree of professional excellence gave credibility to his academic works. However, it was his personable manner that truly made instruction by Klaus Lewin memorable. As a highly sought after international speaker (262 speaking engagements) he engaged many pathologists in such a way that in no time they were visiting the Department and working along side him as friends and colleagues. These relationships proved enduring. Dr. Lewin mentored many pathologists-in-training who can testify to his endearing nature. He established a GI pathology fellowship training program at UCLA, and graduates of the program succeed at Yale, University of Chicago, UCLA, UC Davis, UC Irvine, Medical University of South Carolina, and abroad. Additionally, Dr. Lewin initiated weekly Pathology Grand Rounds at UCLA. Another significant achievement for the department was the implementation of the Immunohistochemistry Service.

 

He taught pathology in every continent. His protégés are the chiefs of GI pathology in prominent academic centers around this country and also members of our own department at UCLA. They also include his son David, now a full professor at the Medical University of South Carolina. Klaus was very proud of his family - doctors for generations.

 

He and his wife Patricia entertained a great deal in a happy household. Klaus was skilled in the preparation of all desserts, and easily could have been a professional patissier. Everyone who knew the Lewins personally have been touched and inspired by Patricia's devotion to Klaus and the kindness and warmth of spirit of their family.

 

Dr. Lewin was a leader in his field and a kind gentleman, and so it proved to be as long as he was with our Department. He will be greatly missed.

 

Walter Coulson

Galen Cortina