|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
||||||||||
C. Alvin Paulsen,
M.D.
1924-2008
By Richard J. Sherins, M.D., Director of Andrology, Columbia Fertility Associates, Washington, DC
Dr. C. Alvin Paulsen, emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Washington, a clinical scientist and teacher extraordinaire, who was internationally renowned and widely respected for his pioneering work in male reproductive disorders and male fertility regulation, died Thursday December 18, 2008 at the age of 84, in Swedish Hospital, Seattle, WA.
Dr Paulsen was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. His undergraduate education, which began in 1942 at the University of Oregon, was interrupted for several years by World War II while he served on active duty in the US Navy in the V12 training program. He returned in 1946 to complete his undergraduate studies and then go on to medical school also at the University of Oregon, receiving his M.D. in 1952. Following a rotating internship at the Detroit Receiving Hospital, Al Paulsen went on to Wayne State University College of Medicine for his medical residency, NIH-sponsored Endocrine Fellowship and his first faculty position as a Clinical Instructor.
It was in 1958 that he was invited to join the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle, in a career path that extended over fifty years, where he rose in rank to full professor by 1970. During his productive career, Al Paulsen focused his imagination and energies on reproductive physiology and male contraception; and was in this regard, a most influential pioneer in the field of Andrology. He was a dedicated clinical investigator and mentor to forty-four endocrine fellows, and numerous students; many of whom subsequently went on to become distinguished academic leaders in their own right as Clinical Investigators, Endocrine Division Chiefs, and Department Chairs.
With over 150 publications, Al Paulsen is recognized especially for his contributions to elucidating the pathophysiology of Klinefelter and Kallmann syndromes, the physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, the adverse biological effects of radiation on the human testis and the endocrine approach to male contraception. His academic leadership was expressed globally. His efforts were significant in the evolution of Andrology as a medical discipline; he worked tirelessly to support scientific educational societies, and was fundamentally involved in the creation of both the American Society of Andrology (1975) and the International Society of Andrology. He presided as President in three scientific societies: Pacific Coast Fertility Society (1972), American Society of Andrology (1979) and the Fertility Society (1980). Al Paulsen was recognized by his peers for his seminal contributions on a number of occasions including The Distinguished Andrologist Award (1989) and the Distinguished Service Award (1994) by the American Society of Andrology.
His consultative contributions and services to professional organizations were both numerous and significant. He served on a number of journal editorial boards including J Andrology and JCEM; NIH Study Sections, Population Research Committee and the National Pituitary Agency; FDA Fertility and Maternal Health Drugs Advisory Committee; the WHO Task Force for the Regulation of Male Fertility and the UN Family Planning Program; as well as the US State Department Agency for International Development.
He retired in 1992, but as Professor Emeritus, he remained actively involved in teaching and in male contraceptive research at the University of Washington until the last few years. He is survived by his five children Peter and Chuck Paulsen, Sydney Bersante, Judy Hayes and Linda Jones, and their families including eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife Wanda died in August 2008 after 59 years of marriage.
Those of us who trained under Dr. Paulsen deeply mourn his death. He was our mentor, colleague and friend. Beyond his scientific contributions and professional leadership, he gave generously of his personal time, demonstrated selfless support of young trainees and colleagues, and attracted close interaction of an extended academic family that continued up until his passing. We have all tried to emulate his working style; but none can equal this great man.
By accessing and using the
ASRM Web Site, you agree to be bound by
the
ASRM Web Site Terms and Conditions of Use.
View the ASRM
Non Discrimination Policy
Copyright 1996-2009 ASRM, All Rights Reserved
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Listed on Infertility
Resources
Developed and hosted by Internet
Health Resources