Dr. Rawson, Pathology |
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April 22, 2014, Volume 60, No. 31 |
Arnold J. Rawson, emeritus professor of pathology and former chair in the Perelman School of Medicine, died at his home in Sarasota, Florida on January 28 at age 99.
Dr. Rawson was born in New York City on November 26, 1914. He received his BS degree from Harvard University and his MD degree from Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. After his internship he joined the US Public Health Service in World War II and was assigned to the US Coast Guard. In this capacity he was medical officer for a flotilla of 12 Landing Craft Infantry ships and participated in the Battle of Okinawa.
After the war, he served a residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in pathology, earned a doctor of medical science degree for graduate work in that field and was appointed instructor in pathology. In 1950 he left Philadelphia to accept a position as chief of laboratories at Norfolk General Hospital, but in 1957 he returned to the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine as assistant professor of pathology, being promoted to full professor in 1968, to pursue his twin passions of teaching and research. He was noted for teaching the required course in pathology to all students and for winning the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching in 1972. He served as departmental chairman prior to his retirement in 1982 and was the author of about 100 scientific papers dealing chiefly with cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
After retirement he spent a number of years at Mote Marine Laboratories in Sarasota, doing marine mammal pathology. During that time he published studies on the effects of air pollutants, carbon and mercury on the bottle nosed dolphin. For many years he had been an active member of the Philadelphia Trail Club, then the Peace River and Sarasota Audubon Societies and was an avid life-long birder.
Dr. Rawson is survived by his children, David, Gale and Holly, as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Donations may be sent to Sarasota Audubon Society, PO Box 52132, Sarasota, FL 34232-0337.
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