Miller School Remembers Dr. Arnold Markoe, Leader in Radiation Oncology

 Arnold Markoe, M.D., Sc.D., chair emeritus of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Radiation Oncology, passed away on November 17.

Dr. Markoe will be remembered as a significant figure in the Deaarpartment of Radiation Oncology due to his outstanding clinical and organizational skills, as well as his relentless attention to detail. He was named clinical director during his first year in the department, followed by more than 30 years having a significant impact in the clinic and the classroom, and holding various leadership positions.

“Arnee displayed not only an extraordinary intellect but also a compassion for people, couched in his humble and humorous outlook on life,” said Aaron Wolfson, M.D., professor, and radiation oncologist at the Miller School. “No matter the seriousness or gravity of a situation, Arnee also had a joke or story to tell that put everyone in the room at ease and created a safe space for optimizing outcomes for the patient and family.”

Throughout his time at the Miller School, Dr. Markoe also served as the department chair for 13 years. In the 2007–2008 academic year, the Miller School recognized him as one of the five highest-rated physicians in its patient satisfaction surveys. After he stepped down as department chair in 2008, he remained active in clinical work, serving as co-leader of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Ocular Malignancy Site Disease Group, where he wrote papers and mentored faculty, residents, and medical students.

Even when he recently became ill, Dr. Markoe continued to see patients as much as possible while continuing to mentor faculty and trainees. Although his passing creates a huge void in the Department of Radiation Oncology, his dedication, kindness, and humor will continue to resonate in the hearts and minds of many for years to come.

“Per the many notes I have received about Arnee, the expressions of sadness have been intermixed with descriptions of his humor, kindness, wisdom, teaching, and his welcoming approach to mentorship and advice at all levels,” said Alan Pollack, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology. “Arnee loved his patients, and his patients loved him. He touched every trainee and faculty member, and he never turned down an opportunity to contribute by leading or participating in key committees in the department and institution.”

A memorial service for Dr. Markoe will be held on January 12, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. in the Lois Pope Auditorium and via Zoom.

Tags: Dr. Aaron Wolfson, Dr. Alan Pollack, Dr. Arnold Markoe, Radiation oncology