A note from Stan Gerson and Pamela Davis
To our School of Medicine Community,
We are writing to share the sad news that renowned neurologist and longtime professor Robert Barry Daroff, MD, died Sunday, Jan. 12, at the age of 88.
Bob was a towering figure in the field of neurology and in our School of Medicine. A legendary neuro-ophthalmologist known for his expertise in headaches, he won every prize in neurology and neuro-ophthalmology that was available, including the A.B. Baker Lifetime Achievement in Neurological Education Award and the University Hospitals Case Medical Center Neurological Institute Leadership Award. The Robert B. Daroff Department of Neurology Excellence in Teaching Award was established at Case Western Reserve University in his honor.
Recruited to CWRU in 1980 to head the newly constituted Department of Neurology and as the Gilbert W. Humphrey Professor of Neurology, he continued in this role for 13 years. During this time, he took on the challenging role as editor in chief of Neurology, the major journal in the field, for a 10-year term.
Bob was in the thick of things at all our critical junctures–establishment of a new department, serving as an academic leader at University Hospitals during a critical time, stepping over to promote development of a new curriculum at the School of Medicine, championing causes important to him and developing great rapport with students, faculty and the international medical community. Bob’s grace and humor steadied us in challenging times. We will miss him.
In addition to his remarkable expertise in neurology, Bob was also a major force in medical administration. At the conclusion of his time as chair of neurology, he became chief of staff and senior vice president for academic affairs and served as associate dean for University Hospitals from 1994 to 2003. Bob also served a term as director of medical education at University Hospitals.
As interim vice dean for education at a critical time in our evolution, from 2004 to 2006 Bob prepared the School of Medicine for the massive shift to Western Reserve 2, our current curriculum. During this time, he was also the physician director of development and associate dean for development at the School of Medicine.
In his 38 years on faculty, Bob was always the consummate educator and brought his sense of humor to all that he did. As he relinquished his administrative commitments, he worked with his wonderful wife, social worker and activist, Jane, on issues they were passionate about.
Bob authored hundreds of journal articles and was author, co-author and contributor of many books, including Neurology in Clinical Practice, now in its eighth edition. His pioneering research in neuro-ophthalmology included three significant contributions, two of which bear his name: Daroff’s Sign and the Brandt-Daroff Maneuver.
Bob served as President of the American Neurological Association, the American Headache Society and numerous other prestigious organizations.
Our deepest sympathies are with Bob’s family during this difficult time. Students who would like support are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling AllOne Health (formerly IMPACT Solutions) at 1.800.227.6007.
Visit this website for more details about his funeral services.
Sincerely,
Stan Gerson, MD
Dean, CWRU School of Medicine
Director, National Center for Regenerative Medic
Pamela Davis
Arline H. and Curtis F. Garvin Research Professor
Past dean, School of Medicine