Myron G. Schultz

SCHULTZ, Dr. Myron G. Myron G. Schultz, MD, DVM, DCMT, FACP a distinguished scientist and CDC epidemiologist in the Global Disease Detection Operation Center passed away peacefully February 19 with his loving family by his side. He graduated with honors from Bronx High School of Science, Cornell Veterinary Medical College, Albany Medical College, (Union University, Albany, NY). The London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He was a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. He began his career in the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital in Boston Mass, followed by training as an officer in the Epidemic Intelligence Service Program (EIS) at CDC; training in infectious diseases at NYU Cornell/Bellevue division. At the London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, he was awarded a diploma in clinical tropical medicine before returning to CDC as the founder and Director of Parasitic Diseases in the Division of Epidemiology, CDC. Dr. Schultz subsequently created the Parasitic Disease Drug Service that coordinated release of orphan drugs approved by FDA for treatment of tropical, parasitic and rare diseases dispensed to physicians in the US. He was considered an expert on many diseases including malaria, giardiasis, cysticercosis, pneumocystis carinii etc. He led the first international symposium on guinea worm and discovered the first case of babesiosis in humans in the US. Dr. Schultz participated in over 130 field investigations and his work took him to over 40 different countries. He authored over 100 medical publications that were published in journals, including JAMA, Lancet, etc. He was a consultant to WHO, Pan American Health Organization, Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and to numerous foreign health ministries. Among his many prestigious awards were the Frederick Murgatroyd Award (London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene), the Bailey Ashford Medal Award (American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene), United States Public Health Service Meritorious Medal of Honor (1978 and again 1994), and the Watson Medal of Excellence for Lifetime Achievement, the highest award given at CDC. He was a prolific writer of medical history with many contributions to journals, including regular contributions to the Journal of Emerging Infectious Diseases. He enjoyed working with students and sharing his knowledge. Throughout his career, he trained numerous EIS officers at CDC and in addition, participated on the adjunct teaching staff at Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. "Recognized worldwide for his intelligence, erudition and compassion. He is both an almanac and encyclopedia of Epidemiology of Tropical Diseases. His personal attributes were integrity, strong sense of service, focused intensity, dedication, rare quality of leadership and quiet unpreposing nature." -- excerpt from nomination for Bailey Ashford Award. Dr. Schultz was a talented, award winning artist. He loved classical literature, classical music, sailing and especially playing checkers with his grandchildren. He was an active and devoted member of Congregation Beth Jacob and the Atlanta Scholars Kollel. As a loving father of his three children, he encouraged each of them to choose their own path and took pride in their lives and their own accomplishments. He is survived by his loving wife, Selma, of 56 years; daughters: Naomi and family, and the family of the late Malka Ida; son, Joseph Schultz, MD (Jocelyn); sister, Faith Zubasky (Alvin); 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Myron Schultz was buried on February 21, 2016 at Crest Lawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.