BARBARA GANDEK Ph.D.

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Swarthmore College

BARBARA GANDEK Obituary

GANDEK, Barbara PhD Expert in Healthcare Outcomes Measurement Science Passed away on March 4, 2020 following a fierce battle with cancer. Dr. Gandek served most recently as Director of Research for the John Ware Research Group, an Assistant Professor at University of Massachusetts Medical School, and an instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Gandek grew up in Seaford, Delaware, the daughter of Jean Davis Gandek and the late Andrew Gandek. She earned a BA in Economics from Swarthmore College, an MS in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard School of Public Health, and held a PhD in Clinical and Population Research from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Following her graduation from the Harvard School of Public Health, she worked for ten years as a project director at The Health Institute at Tufts Medical Center, and for another decade as Scientist with Health Assessment Lab, and then as Senior Scientist and Director of International Research & Development with QualityMetric Incorporated. An acknowledged expert in the field of healthcare outcomes measurement science, Dr. Gandek was extensively involved in the development, translation, and documentation of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36®) Health Survey, a health-status questionnaire designed to be used in multinational clinical studies and other international studies of health. Her work with the SF-36® survey began in 1990 assisting early SF-36 adopters, and she co-authored the first SF-36 manual in 1993 along with six other SF user manuals over the next 15 years. She also worked extensively with researchers who were translating and validating the SF-36 through the International Quality of Life Assessment (IQOLA) Project. She was the author or co-author of more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, co-authoring papers with researchers from around the world. Dr. Gandek was a longtime resident of Arlington, MA. She is survived by her mother, her sister Kathryn Gandek-Tighe and brother-in-law Michael Tighe of Arlington, along with three nephews. Services are private.

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Published by Boston Globe from Mar. 7 to Mar. 8, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for BARBARA GANDEK

6 Entries

Neil Aaronson

October 12, 2020

I just learned of Barbara's passing, as I perused the website of the ISOQOL Annual Conference. Barbara was a smart, soft spoken, modest, and dedicated colleague who made a sustained contribution to the field of health outcomes research and assessment over a period of decades. I had the pleasure and privilege to work with Barbara as part of the IQOLQ project, led by John Ware. It was always a delight to spend time with her, and I have many fond memories of conversations that we had over the years. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family.

Susan Mason

October 7, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We have fond memories of Barbara, class of 1976 , Seaford High School. She achieved many accomplishments. Our prayers are with you. Susan Mason and Sally Mason Evans, of Smithfield, Virginia, formally of Seaford, Delaware

Mary Jane MacArthur

October 7, 2020

A former SHS classmate who I did not know that well but I always remember she had a smile for everyone. This candle is in remembrance of that smile!

Stacey Tighe

March 9, 2020

I am so sorry and send my heart-felt condolences to the Gandek family for your loss of such a core, loved and loving family member, gone way too early and tragically. I knew Barbara as a fellow aunt to our 3 nephews. Although our geographies limited the development of a stronger relationship, it was easy to see her great love and joy in being close, trusted and deeply involved in their lives; and how kind, smart, warm, supportive and funny (in the good way!) she was in general and to her extended family. I love and respect her deeply for that alone and thank her for being there, especially when I could not. I have even further respect for Barbara for her professional and intellectual achievements and hard work. My heart goes out to Kathryn, Michael and our nephews as they say good bye, too soon, to a warm, lovely and core person in their lives. May she rest in peace and may the family find strength as you amend your lives without this kind spirt in human form. Stacey

March 9, 2020

I am devastated by this news! This is a huge loss to the field of patient-reported outcomes measurement! Barbara was a highly-valued colleague to anyone who worked with her. She had the highest standards for excellence in her work. She was a very generous colleague, freely giving of her time and support to colleagues and friends in need of assistance. I worked with Barbara for many years at Tufts Medical School, New England Medical Center. Her intelligence, resourcefulness and persistence in accomplishing as much or more than others in the face of health challenges was truly inspiring to me. She also was a funny and very sweet person. Several years ago, I was battling cancer and even though we hadn't seen each other in over 10 years, Barb sent me a book on research that was truly among my greatest supports. That book was always by my side through treatment and recovery. She was truly a treasure and will be greatly missed.

March 8, 2020

Kathryn so very sorry to hear of Barbaras passing. I enjoyed many conversations with her while delivering the mail at Watermill Place. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.Mary

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