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ALFRED JARETZKI Obituary

JARETZKI--Dr. Alfred III. Dr. Craig R. Smith and the Columbia University Department of Surgery mourn the passing of Dr. Alfred Jaretzki lll, our esteemed colleague and mentor. Dr. Jaretzki started his surgical residency at Presbyterian Hospital in 1944. After an interruption for military service, he completed his chief residency in 1954 and followed up with training in chest surgery at both Presbyterian and Lenox Hill hospitals. As a leader in the field of surgical therapy for myasthenia gravis, he had numerous publications on thymectomy, led the Myasthenia Gravis Task Force that published Recommendations for Clinical Research, and was a co-investigator on an NIH grant (awarded at age 85). His early research with Drs. Blakemore and Voorhees helped to develop prosthetic arterial tube grafts. In his own words, Dr. Jaretzki stated, "My own goals were to have considerable patient contact and deal in some fashion with the health and physiology of the entire patient." Dr. Jaretzki's wisdom, mentorship, and surgical brilliance will be missed by all. Department of Surgery Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Craig R. Smith, MD Chairman and Surgeon-in-Chief

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Michael Steuck

December 30, 2024

His work on aortic aneurysm replacement surgery benefited my mother because of those techniques he developed. Thank you so much, Doctor Jaretzki.

william lovejoy

June 17, 2014

a great friend and colleague for many years

June 16, 2014

One of the great surgical clinicians of the Golden Age of Medicine. He and others at CPMC taught me, and molded me into a surgeon. Lessons in knot tying and O.R. draping of 43 years ago still seem like yesterday. Generations of students, residents, and patients were the beneficiaries of his knowledge, his skill, and his manner. My condolences to his family.

Arnold Belgraier, M.D., F.A.C.S. (New York, N.Y.)

Lewis P. Rowland, MD

June 15, 2014

Fred was an historic figure in the treatment of myasthenia gravis. An advocate of thymectomy, his skillful surgical technique and his vast experience made him a pioneer. We enjoyed our mutual friendship with Luciano Pavarotti, his wife and his daughter, and remember the wonderful performances we attended together with Fred and Alexandra. With sincere condolences, Bud and Esther Rowland

Gil Wolfe

June 10, 2014

Fred, you will be missed by your colleagues in the myasthenia gravis community. It was an honor to work with you.

Alan Benvenisty, M.D.

June 9, 2014

An awesome mentor and role model

Calista Diane

June 7, 2014

Love and many blessings, Calista

June 7, 2014

Our condolences on your loss, Love to you all, Nancy Cornish and Brad Williams

Henry Spotnitz

June 4, 2014

A great friend and mentor

Linda Davis

June 4, 2014

Condolences, Prayers and positive thoughts for all of the family & friends. I am very sorry for your loss. <3

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