John Alan Kerner M.D.

1919 - 2023

John Alan Kerner, M.D.
February 9, 1919 - June 18, 2023
John Alan Kerner, M.D., a distinguished San Francisco obstetrician & gynecologist and decorated World War II veteran, passed away on June 18, 2023, at the age of 104.
Born on February 9, 1919, in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Kerner moved to San Francisco as a child, making it his lifelong home. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and UCSF Medical School, serving in the ROTC while in school. He started graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF in 1943. He had not quite finished his internship when he was called to active duty in the Army on December 24, 1943. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant and assigned to the 35th Infantry Division, which was to take part in the invasion of Normandy in 1944. In that unit, he soon became commander of a combat medic battalion aid station. As a battalion surgeon and combat medic, Dr. Kerner served with great distinction on the battlefields of Omaha Beach, Saint-Lô, and Bastogne.
During World War II, Dr. Kerner revolutionized the treatment of wounded soldiers, introducing innovations like elastic bandages, now standard in the U.S. Army. For his valiant service, he was awarded the Combat Medic Badge, two Bronze Stars, five Battle Stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation. In 2007, he was awarded the Legion of Honor medal by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He was inducted into the 35th Infantry Hall of Fame in 2012.
After the war, Dr. Kerner returned home to California. During his residency studies at UC San Francisco, he worked closely with Dr. Herbert F. Traut, who had helped to develop the Pap smear. Along with Traut, Kerner was instrumental in ensuring that women in the community had access to these critical screenings, which drastically reduced the instances of cervical cancer.
To honor Dr. Kerner and his groundbreaking work, UCSF established the John A. Kerner Distinguished Professorship in Gynecologic Oncology focusing on cancer research and patient care for women. Dr. Kerner later became the founding director of the OB/GYN Department at Mt. Zion Hospital, where he taught the next generation of physicians and served as chief of staff before establishing his own private practice.
Throughout his career, he delivered nearly two thousand babies and introduced innovative programs like prepared childbirth, allowing husbands in the delivery room, implementing fetal monitors, and pioneering an Alternative Birth Center at Mt. Zion. His remarkable contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Service Award from Mount Zion, Alumnus of the Year from UCSF, and two endowed chairs in oncology that bear his name.
Dr. Kerner's retirement allowed him to pursue his passion for writing, publishing four books: "Combat Medic World War II," "A Combat Medic Comes Home," "San Francisco Heroes I Have Known," and "Travels with Gwen." He also remained engaged in cancer research, providing financial support and establishing a group for developing anti-cancer drugs. His research success with anti-cancer drugs led to his starting his own company, called Tri Act Therapeutics. The company's success in developing a drug to treat glioblastoma led to the FDA giving the drug "orphan status" to enable final development to occur.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Dr. Kerner enjoyed playing golf at Lake Merced Golf Club and board games, especially dominoes, at the Concordia Club with his friends. John and his beloved wife, Gwen, were infamous for their travels to many countries around the globe, a shared passion of theirs.
John is survived by his three children: John Kerner, Jr., M.D., James Kerner, and Jan Adrienne Harper. John's wife is Louise, and their daughter is Lisa. James's wife is Sheryl, their daughter is Kelley Smith, and their son is Ryan. The Smiths' son, Kyler, is the first great-grandchild.
The loss of Dr. John Alan Kerner marks the end of an era, and he will be profoundly missed. In his memory, in lieu of flowers or donations, he encourages others to celebrate their loved ones' lives by taking them out to dinner and reminiscing (just be sure to tip well).
In celebration of John's life, a memorial service will be held on July 14, 2023 at 2 PM at Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco.