Dr. José Strauss, the First Pediatric Nephrologist at UM, Passes Away
José Strauss, M.D., emeritus professor of pediatric nephrology, who became the first pediatric nephrologist at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1971, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30. He was 86.
Strauss founded the Miami International Pediatric Nephrology Seminar in 1973 – the 45th seminar is scheduled for March 2018 – and established the first and largest pediatric dialysis unit in Florida. As director of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, he expanded the division to include transplantation and a fellowship program. He was the first to describe HIV-nephropathy in pediatric patients.
Strauss received many state, national and international awards, including the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Henry L. Barnett Award in 2006; the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology’s highest award, the Founders’ Award, in 2013; and the Latin American Society of Pediatric Nephrology Award as founder, promoter and director of pediatric nephrology seminars for more than 30 years.
The most recent of his more than 300 original scientific articles, book chapters and reviews was published just last year.
“Dr. Strauss was an academic and clinical inspiration, not only to every nephrologist, but every pediatrician in South Florida,” said Judy Schaechter, M.D., MBA, professor and chair of pediatrics. “He was ever ready with a warm smile, encouraging students and colleagues to approach him. His intelligence was sharp, and yet no one was more humble. He had the most natural way of mentoring which touched so many people. At any meeting anywhere in the country, someone would ask, ‘How is Dr. Strauss?’ for he was so well known and beloved.”
Strauss, who is from Santiago del Estero, Argentina, went to medical school in Buenos Aires and did a pediatric residency at the Bronx Hospital and then became a researcher at Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn. After faculty positions at Babies’ Hospital, Columbia University, and Children’s Hospital, University of California, Los Angeles, he was recruited to establish the first Division of Pediatric Nephrology at the University of Miami in 1971.
He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate of 57 years, Louise Massey Strauss, Ph.D., his sister Jeannette, and his adoring daughter Laurencia, an interactive visual artist and landscape architect focused on social issues. He is predeceased by his daughter Dr. Bernarda Strauss, a graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, a poet and clinical geneticist who focused on medical ethics.
In his honor, the family welcomes visitors to their home at 7190 SW 98th Street in Pinecrest this Sunday, November 5, from 3 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.
Tags: Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Jose Strauss, pediatric nephrology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine