Dr. Christian C. "Chris" Patrick MD, PhD

Dr. Christian C. "Chris" Patrick, MD, PhD - devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, brother, and uncle; respected physician, researcher, educator, and healthcare leader - was born in Charleston, South Carolina, a city he loved and called home in his heart throughout his life. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Chris grew up with a natural curiosity and a love for the game of golf. As a teenager, he achieved one of the game's rarest feats - a hole in one - a story he carried with quiet pride and just the right amount of self-deprecating humor for the rest of his life. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree with honors from Clemson University, followed by a master's degree in microbiology - the beginning of an academic journey that would take him to the highest levels of medicine and research.

He earned both his MD and PhD in Immunology from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his fellowship in infectious disease at Baylor College of Medicine / Texas Children's Hospital - training that shaped him into the skilled and thoughtful physician he would become.

A pediatric infectious disease specialist by training, Dr. Patrick authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and edited and published several medical books on infectious diseases - resources that helped guide physicians caring for some of the most complex cases in the field. Throughout his career, he maintained faculty appointments and took seriously his role in graduate medical education and the development of the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Patrick was a fellow or member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Pediatric Society, and the Society for Pediatric Research. His contributions earned him recognition including election to the American Pediatric Society and several early-career research honors, among them the ICAAC Young Investigator Award.

Dr. Patrick held a senior leadership role at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, where his work helped advance pediatric infectious disease research and improve care for children facing life-threatening illness. He later served as Chief Medical Officer at Miami Children's Hospital, continuing his commitment to pediatric care and academic medicine.

He then served for many years as Chief Medical and Academic Officer at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, where he was a central force in shaping hospital strategy, clinical programs, and physician engagement. Colleagues admired his thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to patient safety. Under his guidance, the organization advanced clinical outcomes, strengthened physician collaboration, and expanded its academic and research footprint in meaningful ways.

To those who knew him, Chris was never defined by his titles or accolades - he was defined by how he made people feel. He was, at his core, deeply humble - a man with a gentle spirit and genuine curiosity about the people around him. His wit was dry and perfectly timed, delivered so softly that it often took a beat before the room caught up and broke into laughter. On most mornings, you could find him in the hospital cafeteria settled in at a table with whoever

happened to be there - nurses, physicians, environmental services staff, senior leaders - listening as much as talking, asking the kinds of questions that let people know he genuinely cared about their lives, not just their work.

Throughout his career, Chris never lost sight of what mattered most: his family, the people he loved, and the quiet, steady ways he shaped the lives of those around him through kindness, wisdom, and humility.

Dr. Patrick is survived by the family he cherished above all else. First among them is his beloved wife of 22 years, Marta Patrick. She had recently retired, and in the months before his passing, they were grateful to have more slow, quiet days together - time they both treasured. He leaves behind his son, Andrew Patrick, whose life and accomplishments brought him immeasurable joy, and in whom he took quiet, lasting pride as he watched him grow into a thoughtful, intelligent, and accomplished person. He was a caring stepfather to Polly (Gabe) Lamberth, Sam (Jordan) Gleneck, and Ben Gleneck - children he loved and supported without reservation - and a proud, delighted grandfather to Parks (4) and Miller (2) Lamberth, who called him "Pa-Pa". just as he had called his own grandfather. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Gus - an elderly yellow Labrador who had long since promoted him to full-time butler, a title Chris accepted with great affection and no complaints. He is further survived by his brother Dick Patrick and wife Carol Patrick, his sister Cathy Horton, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, as well as colleagues, former trainees, and friends whose lives were quietly but profoundly touched by knowing him.

Dr. Patrick will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, steady leadership, and unwavering dedication to better healthcare - but perhaps more than anything, for the warmth he brought to every room, the time he gave so freely to others, and the way he made people feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. His kindness, humor, and deep love for his family will live on in all those he shaped along the way.

A celebration of Chris's life will be held on Saturday March 14th at Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. With visitation at 9:30 am and funeral service at 11:00 am with Reception to follow at 2nd Presbyterian Church.

The family requests donations be made to:

https://my.2pc.org/Give/foundation

https://cmda.org/donate/

https://www.lab-rescue.org/giving