Steven G. Kramer

Steven G. Kramer MD, PhD. A Legacy of Leadership in Ophthalmology Steven G. Kramer, MD, PhD, former Theresa M. and Wayne M. Caygill, MD, Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) passed away at his home from complications of diabetes on December 24. Dr. Kramer was 64. He joined the faculty of UCSF Ophthalmology in 1973. Two years later, at the age of 36, he was appointed Chair of the department, succeeding Michael Hogan, MD. In 2002, Dr. Kramer celebrated his retirement after 27 years of visionary leadership, leaving an unprecedented legacy for ophthalmology at UCSF and worldwide. Dr. Kramer was a gentle and thoughtful leader whose skill as a fundraiser inspired That Man May See, support foundation for UCSF Ophthalmology, to successfully complete a building campaign that created the Koret Vision Institute and the Beckman Vision Center, state-of-the-art research and clinical facilities on the Parnassus campus of UCSF. Dr. Kramer's leadership, these new buildings, and technologically advanced equipment served a a magnet to attract the foremost to UCSF, expanding the department during his tenure from six full-time faculty members to 30. As a result of his vision, the Department of Ophthalmology at UCSF includes world-renowned educators, clinicians, and researchers all dedicated to seeking cures for blindness and loss of sight. The proximity of these scientists under one roof has fostered major discoveries and unprecedented collaborations, resulting in medical breakthroughs, timely applications, and innovative devices to save sight and lives. His passion for teaching resulted in a first-rate, competitive, residency program, influencing the future of research and eye care. Raised in Chicago, Dr. Kramer was the son of Drs. Paul and Maria Kramer, both practicing psychiatrists during their lifetimes. He attended Harvard College and received his MD degree from Western Reserve University. Dr Kramer received ophthalmology and PhD training at the University of Chicago, where he developed special expertise in microsurgery and ocular pharmacology. In addition to his superb medical skills and compassion, he was a skilled magician who delighted family and friends and who performed annually at the graduation of the UCSF Ophthalmology residents. He is survived by his wife, Susan Garrett, his children: Janice, Kenneth, Daniel, Susan, Ryan, and Molly and five grandchildren. The family requests donations in honor of Dr. Kramer be made to That Man May See (TMMS), nonprofit, gift-supported 501(c)(3) corporation, established to raise funds to combat blindness and vision loss through research, teaching, and patient care, at 10 Koret Way, Box 0352, S.F., CA 94143-0352, ph: 415-476-4016, or TMMS@VISION.UCSF.EDU.