John Strauss M.D.

JOHN STRAUSS, M.D.

Iowa City

John Steinert Strauss, M.D., 88, Professor Emeritus, University of Iowa College of Medicine, died peacefully at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City on Monday, July 28, 2014.

Dr. Strauss was born July 15, 1926, the son of Maurice and Carolyn Ullman Strauss in New Haven, Conn. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1945 and in the Naval Reserves from 1952 until 1954. He married Susan Thalheimer Aug. 19, 1950, in Chicago, Ill.

Dr. Strauss received both his B.S. and M.D. from Yale University. He completed his internship at the University of Chicago. Following his internship, he completed his residency in dermatology and a research fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He served as an instructor at the University of Pennsylvania and then advanced through the ranks from assistant professor through professor at the Boston University School of Medicine. In January of 1978, Dr. Strauss became the Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Iowa, a position that he held until 1998. At the time of his death Dr. Strauss was a professor emeritus.

He was the author of more than 275 articles. Many of these publications were in the area of sebaceous gland biology and the pathophysiology of acne and its therapy. He was instrumental in the introduction of retinoids to the therapeutic armamentarium of medicine. Dr. Strauss was elected to membership of the prestigious American Association of Professors in recognition of his accomplishments as a physician-scientist.

Dr. Strauss has served at various times in leadership positions of every major professional organization in dermatology. He was the president of the American Academy of Dermatology, the secretary-treasurer and the president of the Society for Investigative Dermatology, both secretary-treasurer and the president of the American Dermatological Association, the Board of Trustees and the president of the Dermatology Foundation.

Perhaps Dr. Strauss's longest commitment to any of dermatology's specialty organizations was to the American Board of Dermatology. He served nine years as a director of the board, was the president and continued to serve as a special advisor to the board for more than 10 additional years. In the larger world of academic medicine, John was the chairman of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS) and also served as president of the executive committee of the American Council of Graduate Medical Education. John mentored many young academicians through his faculty positions and affiliation with these professional organizations and provided a wonderful perspective and wisdom to all.

Dr. Strauss is survived by his wife of 63 years, Susan Thalheimer Strauss; and by his two daughters, Joan Strauss and Mary Strauss-Penka (Gerald), all of Boston, Mass.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at a later time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in care of University of Iowa Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, IA, 52244-4550, for Hancher Auditorium or the Department of Dermatology at the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

Arrangements are with Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, where online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com.