Condolences to the family and friends of Herman Wigodsky, M.D., Ph.D., professor emeritus, who died January 24 at the age of 89.
“In many ways he has been the conscience of the Health Science Center since 1967,” said Glen Mott, M.D., clinical professor in the department of pathology.
Dr. Wigodsky, retired clinical professor in the department of pathology, was still actively involved in promoting research ethics and protecting human subjects in research. He had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force (USAF) during World War II, serving as the director of research at the USAF School of Aviation Medicine from 1944 to 1947. He also worked for the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission and the National Academy of Sciences prior to moving to San Antonio in 1950.
Dr. Henry McGill, professor emeritus and senior scientist emeritus for the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research, was a close friend to Wigodsky for over 38 years. The two worked together to establish a research program at the Southwest Foundation. “He was the staunchest friend, supporter, counselor, listener and adviser that I had.”
Dr. Wigodsky also served as Institutional Review Board (IRB) chair in the 1970s. After retirement from the Health Science Center, he remained an active ex-official member of the IRB-1. He is remembered as a man of principle and integrity.
Angie Khan, institutional coordinator, IRB, remembers Wigodsky as a strong, caring person. “He cared deeply about sharing the principles involving protecting human subjects who participate in research studies; he was a treasure.”
Dr. Wigodsky is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jo Ann, three children and three grandchildren.
