Martin Cummings

Cummings, Martin
Sept. 7, 1920 - Sept. 1, 2011


Martin M. Cummings, MD, Former Director National Library of Medicine, scientist and medical educator, dies at Age 90
Dr. Martin Cummings died on Sept. 1st. in Sarasota Fla. He graduated from Haddon Heights NJ High School in 1937, Bucknell University in 1941 and Duke University School of Medicine in 1944 where he was also a PFC first class in the US Army. In 1946 Cummings became a commissioned officer in the Public Health Service. He had a distinguished public service career including positions at the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta, Georgia, the US Veterans Administration, and the National Institutes of Health. He also served as chairman of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine.
Cummings was the director of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) 1964 - 1983. During his tenure the NLM emerged as a leader in the computer age becoming one of the most advanced scientific libraries in the world. Cummings retired to Sarasota FL where he pursued his passion for fishing, and continued his medical interests including supporting individuals with low vision, lecturing on stem-cell research, and serving on the Board of Directors for the Smith Health Care Center at Plymouth Harbor where he resided.
Survivors include three sons, their wives and granddaughter; Steven and Mary Lu of Foley, Ala., Lee and Pat of Key West, Fla., Stuart and Janet of Columbus N.C. and their daughter Jessica of Fairfax Station Va.
Predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Arlene (Avrutine).
Dr. Cummings Memorial Service will be held on Oct. 15, 2011 at Plymouth Harbor, 700 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota.
Donations in his honor may be made to the Plymouth Harbor Legacy Fund, 700 John Ringling Blvd. Sarasota Fl 34236.