Steven G. Kramer, MD, PhD, former Theresa M. and Wayne M. Caygill Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, MD, died at his home from complications of diabetes on Dec. 24, 2005. He was 64.
Kramer joined the faculty of ophthalmology in 1973. Two years later, at the age of 36, he was appointed chair of the department, succeeding Michael Hogan, MD.
In 2002, Kramer celebrated his retirement after 27 years of visionary leadership, leaving an unprecedented legacy for ophthalmology at UCSF and worldwide.
Kramer was a gentle and thoughtful leader whose skill as a fundraiser inspired That Man May See, a support foundation for UCSF ophthalmology, to successfully complete a building campaign that created the Koret Vision Research Laboratory and the Beckman Vision Center, state-of-the art research and clinical facilities on the UCSF Parnassus campus.
Kramer's leadership, these new buildings and technologically advanced equipment served as a magnet to attract the foremost to UCSF, expanding the department during his tenure from six full-time faculty members to 30. As a result of his vision, the Department of Ophthalmology at UCSF includes world-renowned educators, clinicians and researchers, all dedicated to seeking cures for blindness and loss of sight.
The proximity of these scientists under one roof has fostered major discoveries and unprecedented collaborations, resulting in medical breakthroughs, timely applications and innovative devices to save sight and lives. His passion for teaching resulted in a first-rate, competitive residency program, influencing the future of research and eye care.
Raised in Chicago, Kramer was the son of Paul and Maria Kramer, both practicing psychiatrists during their lifetimes. He attended Harvard College and received his MD degree from Western Reserve University. Kramer received ophthalmology and PhD training at the University of Chicago, where he developed special expertise in microsurgery and ocular pharmacology. In addition to his superb medical skills and compassion, he was a skilled magician who delighted family and friends and who performed annually at the graduation of the UCSF ophthalmology residents.
Kramer's greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his wife, Susan Garrett, and his children: Janice, Kenneth, Daniel, Susan, Ryan, Molly and his five grandchildren. He is also survived by Bernadette Kramer, who continues to work closely with That Man May See in fundraising efforts.
The family requests that donations in honor of Kramer, in lieu of flowers, be made to That Man May See (TMMS), a nonprofit, gift-supported 501©(3) corporation established to raise funds to combat blindness and vision loss through research, teaching and patient care, at 10 Koret Way, Box 0352, San Francisco, CA 94143-0352; phone: 415/476-4016; or
email.
Source: Vanessa deGier
