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U of M Pediatric Transplant Pioneer William Krivit Dies
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL (Dec. 12, 2005)--Emeritus professor of pediatrics and former chair of the department of pediatrics William Krivit, M.D., Ph.D., passed away Dec. 8, 2005. He was 80 years old.
Dr. Krivit began his career at the University of Minnesota in 1951. In 1974, Dr. Krivit, together with colleagues, developed the University of Minnesota Blood and Marrow Pediatric Transplant program – one of the first pediatric transplant programs in the country. He pioneered treatment of childhood metabolic storage diseases, such as ALD, MLD, and Hurler’s syndrome. Dr. Krivit officially retired from the faculty in 1999, but actively consulted on cases until weeks before his death.
“Bill Krivit spent his life looking for cures for children with devastating inherited metabolic diseases. He was the epitome of the bigger-than-life scientist-clinician with unconventional, controversial, and visionary ideas,” said Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and neurology and 20-year collaborator with Krivit. “Despite skepticism, his seminal ideas and innovative approaches saved the lives of many children and gave us insight into key disease processes. He will be missed as a teacher, scientist, friend, and colleague, but above all as a humanitarian.”
Dr. Krivit earned his M.D. from Tulane University in 1948 and his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1958. Throughout his career, Dr. Krivit trained more than 75 fellows and many became influential professionals in their field. He published more than 400 manuscripts.
Dr. Krivit is survived by his wife, Chyrrel Heaton Krivit; sons Robert, Daniel, and Michael Krivit; daughter Kim Krivit; and grandchildren Illyana, Sam, Joe, and Jenna.
Memorial designations may be made to the Minnesota Medical Foundation, William Krivit Lectureship Series, (200 Oak St. S.E., Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55455) or a pediatric charity of your choice.
The Academic Health Center is home to the University of Minnesota’s six health professional schools and colleges as well as several health-related centers and institutes. Founded in 1851, the University is one of the oldest and largest land grant institutions in the country. The AHC prepares the new health professionals who improve the health of communities, discover and deliver new treatments and cures, and strengthen the health economy.
Contact: Molly Portz, Academic Health Center, 612.625.2640 Sara Buss, Academic Health Center, 612.624.2449
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