SOM Mourns Loss of Three Colleagues

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of three long-time and beloved colleagues.

Roberta “Bobbie” Millet passed away on October 4, 2019. She loyally served the school and all of its students for 50 years through her work in the Office of Student Affairs. She was a mentor, advisor and confidante to thousands of medical students. She is missed dearly by her family, friends, and the many medical students, faculty, and staff who she interacted with and whose lives she touched.

Recently retired former Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Records Dr. Joseph Delcarpio reflected on Bobbie’s time here. “She had a very strong personality and always did what she thought was best for the students. She never gave up when it came to these students. She really was their champion.”

Carolyn Calvin, coordinator of the Office of Students Affairs and Records, said, “We miss her love for the students. She did whatever she could to help get them through school to graduation. She really was a mentor to them.”

Donations can be made to the Bobbie Millet Scholarship Fund created in her honor. Please contact the LSU Medical Alumni Association at roar@lsuhsc.edu or 504-568-4009.
 

Dr. Jayaraman Rao passed away on October 13, 2019. Dr. Rao joined the department of neurology in 1977 and became director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center. A renowned specialist in Parkinson’s Disease and movement disorders, he devoted his life to helping patients and their families suffering from these diseases. He was honored with the Dr. Carl Baldridge Chair for Parkinson’s Research.

After Katrina, he spent some time at Ochsner Medical Center before returning to LSU until his retirement as Professor Emeritus of Neurology and Neurosciences earlier this year. Known for his sense of humor, infectious laugh, intellectual curiosity and love for his family, he will be greatly missed by his family, colleagues and patients.

“We were all saddened by the passing of Dr. Jay Rao. Dr. Rao was an eminent neuroscientist and clinical neurologist with expertise in movement disorders, especially Parkinson's disease. He was a brilliant and humble man, who was adored and respected by colleagues, residents and fellows, medical students and patients,” Dr. John England, chair of the department of neurology, said. He added, “For decades Dr. Rao was the ‘go to’ expert in the Gulf South for advice and treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease. He was a sophisticated and worldly man with many interests ranging from Hinduism, Buddhism, history, art, language, genealogy and neuroscience. He was well known and loved for his wonderful sense of humor and optimism. He was truly an original "character" who will be missed deeply.”

Donations can be made to the Dr. Jay Rao Fund for Parkinson’s Research in his memory. To make a donation online, please visit www.lsuhealthfoundation.org or contact LSU Health Foundation New Orleans at (504) 568-2421. Donations can also be mailed to LSU Health Foundation New Orleans, 2000 Tulane Avenue, 4th Floor, New Orleans, LA 70112.

 

Dr. Jack Perry Strong passed away at age 91 peacefully at his home on October 19, 2019. Dr. Strong graduated from LSU School of Medicine in 1951, with Alpha Omega Alpha honors and joined the faculty in 1955 as an instructor of pathology. He served as head of the department from 1966 until 2010. Dr. Strong retired in 2013, at the age of 83. Dr. Strong was an internationally known pathologist, and the world's first person to conclusively document the relationship of smoking to atherosclerosis. Dr. Strong earned the highest professorial rank within the LSU University System as the first Boyd Professor for LSU Health, awarded to faculty scholar-researchers who have attained singular international recognition in their academic disciplines. LSU Health established The Jack Perry Strong, M.D. Endowed Chair of Pathology in 1992. His work has influenced countless medical students, residents and graduate students. He established The Cardiovascular Center of Excellence in 1991 and was the principal investigator of the PDAY Study which is the longest running and most comprehensive source of information in the US about how early heart disease begins in youth and how it progresses. He authored or co-authored more than 400 publications in his specialty field. Dr. Strong received numerous scientific awards. He was also an avid world traveler, had a passion for gardening, and was a family celebrated gourmet cook. Never missing a game, Jack was a loyal Saints and LSU Tigers fan. He had a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor. Jack loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family, and he adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies Dr. Joseph Moerschbaecher recalls, “When I was a young department head, he always gave me very good advice – even if sometimes he came across as a little gruff.”

“My best memory of Jack will always be when my wife and I had the opportunity to attend an LSU football game with Jack and his wife, and Dr. Bob Daniels and his wife,” he added.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Japanese Garden Foundation of New Orleans, 566 Emerald Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124 or online at www.jgfneworleans.org. A celebration of his life was held in November.