Durham, N.C.-based Duke University anesthesiology professor Joannes Karis, MD, died May 12, DukeToday reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. Dr. Karis was a distinguished emeritus faculty member.
2. Joseph Mathew, department chair, wrote in a letter that Dr. Karis, "will be remembered as a remarkable leader, scientist, pioneer and philanthropist who was instrumental in the growth and development of both the cardiac and pediatric anesthesia divisions at Duke."
3. Duke Anesthesiology Founding Chairman Merel Harmel, MD, recruited Dr. Karis to the university. He spent 18 years as a cardiac anesthesiologist.
4. Dr. Karis was influential in discovering the dangerous effects of ultraviolet radiation. He also helped identify neuromuscular blockade agents' physiologic mechanisms.
5. Dr. Karis directed the world's first surgical intensive care units, and he helped to refine early physiological monitoring and anesthesia delivery systems.
6. The University is remembering his life through the Joannes H. Karis Endowed Professorship. The Karis family funded the professorship. The University awarded the first professorship to William Maixner, MD.