SGO is deeply saddened to announce the passing on Jan. 25 of founding member and past SGO President John J. Mikuta, MD.
Dr. Mikuta, 88, was not only one of the founding members SGO but also of the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology itself. In February 1968 Hervy E. Averette, MD, and Dr. Mikuta discussed the need for a national association dedicated to the study and treatment of gynecologic cancer. By January 1969 the Society was formally founded at a meeting in Key Biscayne, FL.
The Franklin Payne Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Pennsylvania Health System, Dr. Mikuta established the Division of Gynecologic Oncology there, and headed it for 30 years until 1993.
"He was a consummate physician and an outstanding surgeon who understood the importance of treating the whole patient, and not just her disease," said Stephen C. Rubin, MD, who succeeded Dr. Mikuta as Division Chief at Penn. "During his long career he was a role model and mentor for many young physicians, myself included, who would not be gynecologic oncologists today were it not for his influence, encouragement and charisma.
"He was loved and revered by his patients and by generations of trainees and colleagues. He was a Renaissance man who would quote classic poetry as he operated, and a raconteur of great accomplishment. As trainees of John Mikuta we learned a lot of important lessons from him, but none more important than to always put the patient first."
Read Dr. Mikuta's obituary here.
