John Malone, M.D., professor in the Wayne State University School of Medicine and Karmanos Cancer Institute's Division of Gynecological Oncology, died Jan. 25. He was 57.
"Dr. Malone was a respected administrator, but his greatest sense of accomplishment came from caring for patients with gynecologic cancers," said Robert M. Mentzer Jr., M.D., dean of the School of Medicine and senior advisor to the president for medical affairs. "He inspired hope while honestly admitting that the fight for survival could be arduous. He felt that patients were family - he was involved with their lives and understood their goals and their fears. He also appreciated the value of levity, using laughter to assist patients facing great tribulation."
A native of Detroit, Dr. Malone graduated from University of Detroit High School and then graduated magna cum laude from John Carroll University in Ohio. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University in 1977 and completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University. Upon completing his residency, he joined the full-time faculty at the School of Medicine and began a successful academic medical career.
Dr. Malone took a leave of absence to pursue sub-specialty training in Gynecologic Oncology at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and then returned to the School of Medicine. He served as chairman of the department from 2001 to 2007.
"John was a dedicated clinician, teacher and administrator at the Wayne State University School of Medicine," said Robert Frank, M.D., executive vice dean for the School of Medicine. "He participated in all aspects of medical education. He was associate dean for graduate medical education for many years and was a strong supporter of Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center residency programs."
During Dr. Malone's tenure as Chair and under his leadership, the department became home to the Perinatology Research Branch of the National Institutes of Health, which is ranked in the top two nationally in terms of research expenditures.
"John had a wonderful sense of humor and an immense sense of the history and background of Wayne State University, the Detroit Medical Center and Karmanos," said John C. Ruckdeschel, M.D., associate dean of Cancer Affairs for the School of Medicine, and president and chief executive officer of the Karmanos Cancer Institute. "He always championed finding rational ways to improve research and patient care. He built a great department."
Colleagues said Dr. Malone served his community and the medical profession expertly and compassionately.
He received numerous awards for his leadership and teaching in obstetrics and gynecology. He was voted one of the Best Doctors in America many times and was active in a numerous organizations, including the Southwest Oncology Group, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Medicine was a family legacy for Dr. Malone. His father, John M. Malone Sr., M.D., a well-respected obstetrician-gynecologist, instilled in him a strong interest in women's health.
Dr. Malone is survived by his father, John Malone Sr.; his former wife, Mary; sons John III and Austin; four brothers; and three sisters.
Viewing is set for 5 p.m. Tuesday and 1 p.m. Wednesday at Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Ambrose Church, Grosse Pointe Park. Burial will be Friday at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Malone's name can be made to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Center, 4100 John R, Mailcode NC06DS, Detroit, MI 48201; or the University of Detroit Jesuit High School Scholarship Fund, 8400 S. Cambridge Ave., Detroit, MI 48221.