Jacob Frenkel, MD, PhD, passed away recently at his home in Santa Fe with his family present.
Dr. Frenkel received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of California in San Francisco. A research pathologist, he was a professor emeritus at the University of Kansas and an adjunct professor at the University of New Mexico. Nationally and internationally known for his research on various infectious disease, he received numerous awards and served as president of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene in 1998.
"Jack Frenkel was a master pathologist whose keen observational skills were matched by his ability to analyze and interpret new concepts," said ASTMH President Dave Walker, MD. "We shared many stimulating discussions at ASTMH meetings when I was a young physician-scientist and valued his insight."
Dr. Frenkel was a Fulbright professor in Mexico and a Leopoldina professor at the National Academy of Science in Germany where he received a Humboldt Award for senior US scientists. Much of his research was in South America, where he was a visiting professor in Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru and Brazil.
Dr. Frenkel served in the Army in World War and was a captain in the US Public Health Service Reserves until his retirement.
He is survived by is wife of 59 years, Rebecca, children Lisa Frenkel, MD, Linda Bedell, Carl Frenkel and six wonderful grandchildren. At Dr. Frenkel's request there will be no public services.
The family thanks Dr. Louise Able and PMS Hospice for their care and support.