Jeremy J. Kaye

Jeremy J. Kaye, MD

Nashville, TN

Jeremy J. Kaye, MD

Professor Emeritus of Radiology and Radiological Sciences at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, died unexpectedly on July 4 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was 75.

A native of Rhinelander, WI, Dr. Kaye was the only child of the late Walter and Alice Kaye. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Bernadette; son, Patrick (Lori) and children, Hannah and Audrey, of Hong Kong; son, Michael, and children, Harrison and Aubrey, and daughter, Kathleen "Katie" of Nashville.

A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Class of 1961, Dr. Kaye met and married his lovely wife while earning his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He finished his residency training in diagnostic radiology at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center in 1969 before serving in the United States Army until 1971, where he rose to the rank of major. He returned to Cornell and the Hospital for Special Surgery as Assistant Professor of Radiology. Dr. Kaye came to Vanderbilt in 1976 when he was recruited as Associate Professor, Director of Diagnostic Radiology, and Chief of Musculoskeletal Radiology.

He left VUMC and returned to New York in 1988 to serve as Director and Chief Radiologist in the Department of Radiology at Cornell University and New York Medical Colleges for nine years, and then later served at St. Vincent's Hospital and Medical Center as Chair of its Department of Radiology for three years.

In 2000, Dr. Kaye came back to Vanderbilt as Vice-Chair of the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences. In 2007, he was named the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair of the department, a position he held until 2012 when he retired. As chairman, Dr. Kaye led the department to become not only one of VUMC's largest departments, but also one of the nation's largest with over 150 faculty, fellows, and residents.

During his 43 year career, Dr. Kaye authored or co-authored dozens of textbooks, book chapters, and scientific papers. He was invited speaker at over 100 lectures, conducted dozens of instructional courses, and was visiting professor at more than 65 medical centers nationwide. He was a member of 20 professional organizations, serving on numerous committees, held several officer positions, and served as examiner for the American Board of Radiology for 32 years, receiving their Distinguished Service Award in both 2000 and 2010.

Dr. Kaye was most proud of his service to the International Skeletal Society beginning in 1975. He served as president, held other official positions, and served on the Board of Trustees of this premier international organization for radiologists. He also served as Editor for that society's journal, Skeletal Radiology, from 1994 to 2005. In 2010, Dr. Kaye was bestowed the society's highest honor, the Founders Gold Medal, an award for which he was most humble.

Sometimes referred to by colleagues as 'the man in black' for his propensity to wear black clothing, Dr. Kaye was an avid Vanderbilt athletics enthusiast. For his dedication to Commodores football, basketball, and baseball programs, he was twice awarded the Distinguished Faculty Award by the Athletic Department.

A friend, colleague and mentor to many, Jeremy Kaye will be remembered for his intelligence, easy manner, warmth, wonderful storytelling, and sense of humor.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m. at Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave, followed by a family visitation and reception at the University Club of Nashville, 2402 Garland Ave.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations in his name be made online to Wounded Warriors or Nashville Rescue Mission.

Visit the online obituary: www.MarshallDonnellyCombs.com