IN MEMORIAM: Irving Kessler, MD, PhD

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) Community honors the memory one of its beloved faculty members, Irving I. Kessler, MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, who passed away on May 12, 2023. Dr. Kessler was an internationally recognized epidemiologist and was widely known as a visionary leader in public health and general preventative medicine. He is survived by his daughters, Abigail Kessler and Amalia Kessler; son-in-law Adam Talcott (Amalia's husband); and grandchildren, Stella Talcott and Ari Talcott.

Dr. Kessler earned multiple degrees including his MD degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in 1960; an MPH degree from Columbia University in 1962; and a PhD in epidemiology from Harvard University in 1969.

Following 12 years as a Professor of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University, he accepted the position of Chairman of the Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (now Department of Epidemiology & Public Health) at UMSOM in 1978. Within his 10 years of serving in this leadership role, Dr. Kessler was a driving force behind establishing accredited graduate degree programs in preventive medicine and epidemiology within the department. In addition to substantially increasing the research and community services of the department, he consolidated computer services within a Health Data Management Center, created a rapid reporting cancer registry, and developed a Division of Medical Informatics (now Biostatistics and Bioinformatics), a Division of Health Policy and Administration (now Genomic Epidemiology and Clinical Outcomes), and a Division of Gerontology.

Dr. Kessler performed studies on the role of the herpes virus in cervical cancer, the health effects of artificial sweeteners, the effect of coffee on the pancreas, the biochemical basis of Parkinsonism and the promising role of nicotine in its control. He was the first to demonstrate the failure of oral hypoglycemic drugs to improve the longevity of diabetics.

A founder and past president of the Maryland Gerontological Association, Dr. Kessler served as Director of the Maryland Medical Research Institute and as a Premier Member of the Governor’s Council on Toxic Substances in Maryland. He was a consultant to the National Institutes of Health, the National Academy of Sciences, and the American Medical Association. He was honored by the American Cancer Society, Phi Beta Kappa, and the Society of Sigma Chi.

“Irv had a unique and forward-looking vision for the department that challenged the status quo in many ways.  He was a pioneer in his field and an enthusiastic leader who transformed our department by tirelessly investing his time and resources,” said Jay Magaziner, PhD, MSHyg, Professor and Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Director of the Center For Research On Aging at UMSOM. “He recruited me as an assistant professor early in his tenure and guided my early development as a junior faculty member which I am grateful for. He was a wonderful human being who had a significant impact on the lives of many.”

As an avid traveler, Dr. Kessler had a passion for discovering new parts of the world. A devoted husband and father, and deeply loyal friend, he was also a voracious reader who delved into literature related to history and politics.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who worked with him across the School of Medicine and University System of Maryland. Our entire community extends its deepfelt sympathies to his family.

Dr. Kessler’s family has generously requested that contributions be made to the Dr. Laure Aurelian Biomedical Research Endowment named in honor of Dr. Kessler’s late wife (and occasional co-author), Dr. Laure Aurelian, who served for decades as a professor in UMSOM’s Department of Pharmacology.

Additionally, gifts may be made online at www.medschool.umaryland.edu/SOMtribute.