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J. Terry Ernest

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Northwestern University University of Chicago

J. Ernest Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 29 to Dec. 30, 2013.

J. Terry Ernest, MD/PhD, 78, the Cynthia Chow Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of Ophthalmology at The University of Chicago, died in Chicago Thursday, Dec. 26, after a long illness. Services are being planned and will be announced in the coming weeks. An authority on the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration, Dr. Ernest was a University of Chicago faculty member from 1966 through 1977, returned in 1981 where he became Chairman of Ophthalmology & Visual Science in 1985. He served as Department Chairman until 2004. He received many awards for research on eye disease and lectured across the country on the eye and its diseases. In 1997, Ernest led a team that performed the first tissue transplant as an experimental treatment for age-related macular degeneration. Eye surgeons and journalists around the world followed this study carefully, and in the fall of that same year, Time magazine designated Ernest a "Hero of Medicine" for his pioneering efforts to find a better therapy for this common eye disease. Dr. Ernest earned a B.A. at Northwestern University (1957) and then earned his M.D. (1961) and his Ph.D. (1967) in visual science from The University of Chicago. He served as Lt. Colonel in the US Army. He was born in 1935 in Sycamore, Illinois. He is survived by his daughter, Sarah Ernest McMahon; his granddaughters Sadie, Malley and Kimberly; he was proceeded in death by his daughter Kimberly.

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March 24, 2014

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March 7, 2014

Jane Stolowich posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2014

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15 Entries

March 24, 2014

Woody (Eli) Imberman and I, Mariah, just learned of Terry's death. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember him fondly -- he was so good to my parents, Jane and Abby Imberman. Our thoughts are with you, Dorothy Ernest and with his children.

Jane Stolowich

March 7, 2014

My sympathy to Dr. Ernest's family. I was most recently his neighbor in Hyde Park but also worked as the social worker assigned to his clinic at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He was one of the most caring and compassionate physicians I ever had the pleasure of working with and I always knew he was there to help me help his patients. May his memory be for a blessing and may those memories sustain his family in the days to come.

January 21, 2014

Dr. Terry Ernest was especially kind to me and many other students at the University of Chicago. He typically worked all day in the clinic or operating theater serving patients, and then went to the lab to mentor students or put together computer parts for an evening experiment. At the same time, he was working as a Dept. Chairman at the university, running training programs, managing grants, and handling many manuscripts as an editor at IOVS. Somehow, regardless of the hour or circumstance, Dr. Ernest always found time for students from across the Department. He interceded on behalf of students where necessary and he always tried to be a good role model. His kindness will be an enduring legacy. We offer our sincere condolences to the family at this time of loss.

murzell floyd

January 21, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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January 16, 2014

Dr.Ernest was an excellent professor who taught me medical ethics as a medical student at the University of Chicago. His goodwill, humor, and wit made learning easy. I remember him telling me how as hed gotten older how precious his grandchildren and children were to him. He was a good man, a great teacher, and will be missed.

Charles Mullen

January 16, 2014

I remember when Terry came to see me shortly after I became President of the Illinois College of Optometry in 1996. He had read an article I had co-authored in the Archives of Ophthalmology about optometry/ophthalmology affiliations. In his humorous manner he said "I want one of these."-- "together we can more efficiently utilize the skills of both professions to care for the under-served." I cautioned him about the sensitivity of such an initiative. Undeterred, he moved forward and within weeks we had a signed affiliation agreement between the Illinois College of Optometry and the University of Chicago's Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Great men, men of vision have the ability to see beyond immediate concerns and make rare and noble contributions to the lives of others. Terry, thank you for your many contributions to ophthalmic patient care, education and research and thank you for your friendship.

Riva Lee Asbell

January 15, 2014

My sincere condolences...he was a wonderful man. Riva Lee Asbell

January 6, 2014

Dr. Ernest was a most caring and compassionate physician and surgeon, which carried through to his every day life. I will always remember him as a a loving and gentle human being. His family was his pride and joy and he loved to talk about his girls. During the 30 years that I knew him, never once did I heard him speak ill of anyone. He was a dedicated teacher, mentor, researcher and clinician. He will be missed. God rest your soul.

December 30, 2013

Extending to all my sincere condolences may God comfort all of you .

December 30, 2013

To family and friends of Dr.J.Terry Ernest , my sincere condolences for your great loss , may cherished memories soon replace the sadness you now feel. may God comfort you all of you .

Linnea Boyev

December 30, 2013

Dr. Ernest was a true inspiration to me. He was the one who told me to pursue a dual degree (which I did) and then I spent the next 20 years in education with the hopes of landing my dream job to work with Dr. Ernest (which I also did). He was a tireless worker and teacher. The world is truly a sadder place without him.

Fran Lietz

December 30, 2013

I was deeply saddened by the news of Dr. Ernest's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. I remember Dr. Ernest as one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever met. He was a pleasure to work with.

Toni Taylor

December 30, 2013

My condolences to the family of Dr. J. Terry Ernest. Dr. Ernest was not only a brilliant ophthalmologist, but a very kind-hearted man. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Marilyn Edwards

December 30, 2013

With deepest sympathy and a prayer that god's love will comfort you in your sorrow.

Debbi Campbell

December 29, 2013

I will always remember Dr. Ernest as a brilliant, kind and wonderful physician and department head. I served as his secretary at Michael Reese Hospital, later as his managing editor of IOVS, and under his leadership, as operations manager.Those were some of the most memorable years of my professional life and I will always cherish those times. Thank you Dr Ernest for your trust and faith in me. It was truly an honor to have served you and known you.
Debbi Campbell
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