UH Med Now

By Tina Shelton, JABSOM Communications Director

Former Dean Jerrold Michael, who led the former School of Public Health at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), now the Office of Public Health Studies, passed away in the Washington D.C. area on July 25, 2018. He was 90 years old. Michael also was a retired Rear Admiral in the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps, where he made history as the youngest-ever USPHS Assistant Surgeon General.

After he retired from the USPHS, Michael presided over public health at the UHM for two decades, and spent a total of 25 years at the University, according to his family.

“Dean Jerrold Michael was a scholar and a mentor to many of us in Public Health. His vision of a peaceful world through Public Health and its activities were unwavering,” said Satoru Izutsu, PhD, and Emeritus Professor at the former UH School of Public Health and the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). “His impact and that of the UH School of Public Health in the Pacific, Asia and Southeast Asia will be remembered. He was a good friend and supporter of faculty, staff, and especially of students. I shall miss him. My deepest sympathy to Lynn and his family.”

Through his family, Michael continues to assist the University of Hawaiʻi. His son, Col. Nelson Michael, MD, PhD, serves with the U.S. Army Walter Reed Institute of Research. “Colonel Michael is a dear friend and distinguished collaborator of our HIV research program and we extend our heartfelt condolences to him and his family on the loss of a remarkable member of the UH family,” said UH JABSOM Professor of Tropical Medicine Dr. Lishomwa Ndhlovu.

Jerrold Michael is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lynn Michael; his sons, Col. Michael and Scott Michael and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donations in memory of Jerrold Michael may be made the the Koop Living Legacy Fund.