Ronald Albrecht, MD / 1937-2017

Dr. Ronald F. Albrecht, Emeritus Professor and former Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, passed away on August 31, 2017.

Dr. Albrecht received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1961. He completed his Residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois Hospital in 1964, and then served at the National Institutes of Health as a Clinical Associate. In 1966, Dr. Albrecht joined the faculty of the Anesthesiology Department at the University, rising to the level of Associate Professor before becoming the Chair of Anesthesiology at Michael Reese Hospital in 1971, a position he held until 2005. In 1989, Dr. Albrecht was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at UIC, serving until his retirement in 2007.

Dr. Albrecht was passionately involved in the education of medical students and anesthesia residents, influencing their academic advancement and professional future. He was influential in defining the medical school curriculum and the Anesthesia residency educational program. He trained over 500 anesthesia resident physicians, producing well trained, conscientious, and sensitive physicians for patient care. His devotion to education has produced a legacy of anesthesiologists whose patient care model was established by Dr. Albrecht. He was also dedicated to the advancement of his academic staff. He was tireless in mentoring his academic anesthesiologists to achieve their highest goals, always encouraging and reinforcing the importance of education, research, and excellent patient care.

Dr. Albrecht is most proud of his three children: Ronald F. Albrecht II, MD (Chief of Anesthesiology at Jesse Brown VA Medical center and at UIC), Mark B. Albrecht JD (an attorney in Los Angeles); and Meredith A. Albrecht, MD/PHD (Chief of Obstetric Anesthesiology at the Medical College of Wisconsin). He is similarly proud of his seven grandsons: Christian, James, Zane, Caleb, Peter, Joshua and Danial. He is survived by his brother Jim and his family (Flora, James, and Laura and their families), his wife Joyce and his soulmate Verna.

Dr. Albrecht was devoted to the practice of anesthesia and to the education and training of a very long line of future practitioners of our field. He was the chair of departments for over 35 years—one of the longest serving leaders in anesthesia. As friend, mentor and trusted advisor, he touched the lives of countless students, residents and faculty members in his departments. He will be dearly missed by all of them.

Author

David E. Schwartz, MD, FCCP

Ronald F. Albrecht Professor and Head Department of Anesthesiology

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago

Chicago, IL