IN REMEMBRANCE
IN REMEMBRANCE : DAVID ELLSWORTH JENKINS , JR ., MD JUNE 3 , 1932 – JULY 8 , 2020
David Ellsworth Jenkins , Jr ., MD , 88 , passed away on July 8 ,
2020 . Like all of us who knew him , I was terribly saddened by the news of his passing .
David was born in Niles , Ohio , received his degree in psychology from Yale University , earned his MD from Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland and completed his postgraduate training in internal medicine at New York Hospital , Cornell Medical Center . He had a long and illustrious career , holding prestigious positions at Penn State Milton S . Hershey Medical Center , Vanderbilt University , Central Blood Bank of Pittsburgh , University of California School of Medicine , University of Louisville School of Medicine and the American Red Cross Blood Services in Nashville and Louisville . He was an accomplished researcher throughout his career , publishing groundbreaking research in the area of hematology and transfusion medicine .
I worked with David in the early years of my career at the American Red Cross . He had an enduring effect on the people who worked under his direction , including me . He exhibited a keen sense of business long before it was popular for physicians to merge into the world of financial leadership . In my opinion , David ’ s greatest quality was his masterful managerial style . He led with a firm but understanding demeanor , and was among the best physician leaders that I have known in my career . He taught me much more than transfusion medicine . I learned how to structure a business , and I observed with wonder and admiration how effortlessly he formed teams and engendered loyalty . As I assumed more administrative responsibilities during my career , I came to understand what a unique advantage it was to have trained with him . I regret that I did not have the opportunity to tell him how much my years under his leadership contributed to my own career .
David will be greatly missed by us all . -Claire Meena-Leist , MD
Special friends at the American Red Cross in Louisville share their memories of David :
Faye Kugele , MT ( ASCP ) SBB , Retired , Process Design , American Red Cross : “ Dr . Jenkins led by example and knew how to use humor to encourage and challenge you all at the same time ! His research experience and scientific publishing were instrumental in advancing the local Reference Laboratory to national status . He encouraged continuing education opportunities and instilled confidence in me to increase testing capabilities and to share the gained expertise with others . Dr . Jenkins had very strong principles and stood by them even in difficult times . He has left us quite a legacy … I know that I appreciate his investment of time and energy in me as a person , as well as my career .”
William Lockwood , PhD , MD : “ I was the Medical Director for David , who was Principal Officer , of the Louisville Region of the American Red Cross Blood Services , from 1988 until he left his position . We were both medical colleagues and friends during his tenure . David was supportive in any medical decisions I requested and assisted me in my blood research endeavors . He also was always showing respect for the staff who worked for the blood center . He will be missed as a gentleman , friend of the staff and myself . We will miss you David !!
Kathi Thompson , Director of Manufacturing American Red Cross : “ Dr . Jenkins cautioned me with a promotion that we are only as good as ‘ our last five minutes ,’ so don ’ t allow your self-image to rule the day ! He managed our team by setting a high expectation of professionalism , courtesy and kindness , all of which he led by example .”
Anne Elder MT ( ASCP ) SBB System Transfusion Services Specialist , Norton Healthcare : “ The impression Dr . Jenkins made on me as a young Medical Technologist working in the ARC Reference Lab has lasted my entire career . He spoke freely , no matter who was in the room , and treated everyone with respect , kindness and often with humor . The example he set by his passion for the work of the American Red Cross and his advocacy for continuing education set the bar for me as a leader and a blood banker .”
Dr . Jenkins was a GLMS member for 31 years .
OCTOBER 2020 21