Dr. David Cram

Dr. David Lee Cram, A Life of Achievement and Giving Back

David Lee Cram, M.D lost his 21 year battle with Parkinson's disease on August 21st, 2010. He was 75 years old. Fulfilling a lifelong dream in 1959, David received his medical degree with honors from the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison Wisconsin. From 1963-66, he learned his specialty at the Mayo Clinic where he earned a Masters of Science degree in Dermatology. Upon completion of his medical training, Dr. Cram joined the Air Force and was assigned overseas to the US Air Force Hospital at Lakenheath, England. During those formative years of what was to become a prestigious medical career, he received the Air Force Commendation Medal and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1971, he joined the staff of the University of California at San Francisco, where he became Chief of Dermatology. There he served as teacher, lecturer and research scientist. Dr. Cram wrote more than 75 scientific papers on a wide variety of subjects with a special interest in psoriasis. He is known for establishing the first Psoriasis Day Care Center in the US and was internationally recognized as an expert in the disease. David was later appointed Clinical Professor Emeritus by UCSF in 1991. Dr. Cram opened a private practice in dermatology in San Francisco in 1986. In 1989 he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease which forced him to retire early. David did not let Parkinson's stop him from continuing to contribute to his community. Bringing his extensive experience to the table, he learned all he could about Parkinson's and began to widen his outreach to Parkinson's patients and their families through Agenet.com, where he had a successful "Ask the Doctor" column. He also penned four books in a five year span: Understanding Parkinson's Disease: A Self Help Guide (Addicus Books, 1999) Answers to Frequently Asked Questions In Parkinson's Disease: A Resource Book For Patients and Families (Acorn Publishing 2001) The Healing Touch: Keeping the Doctor-Patient Relationship Alive Under Managed Care (Addicus Books, 1997) Coping with Psoriasis: A Patients Guide to Treatment (Addicus Books, 2000) In 2001 tribute was paid by colleagues and supporters of his efforts through the establishment of the David L. Cram MD Fund for Parkinson's Research at the UC Medical School, San Francisco. Dr. Cram is survived by his wife, Elizabeth McCall, Step Son Bradley McCall Becker, son David Cram Jr., Daughter Cindy Singer and Tara Estrella as well as Marie Cram. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 PM on Friday August 27th 2010 at the Claremont Country Club, 5295 Broadway Terrace, Oakland CA. The world is a different place with his passing, and he will be remembered by his friends, family and the many patients he helped. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to David's Parkinson's Research Fund. Contact Michael Aminoff, MD. University of California Medical School, 505 Parnassus Ave, Room 794M, San Francisco, CA 94143 '