Jeremy J. Kaye, M.D., Professor Emeritus of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, died July 4 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He was 75.
Dr. Kaye came to Vanderbilt in 1976 when he was recruited to direct Musculoskeletal Radiology. He was intimately involved in the design and relocation of the department from Medical Center North to Vanderbilt University Hospital upon the facility’s opening in September 1980.
He left VUMC for New York in 1988, serving for 12 years on the faculty of Cornell University Medical College and New York Medical College. He was director and chief radiologist in the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine at Cornell’s Hospital for Special Surgery for nine years, and then later served at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center, as chair of its Department of Radiology for three years.
In 2000, Dr. Kaye returned to Vanderbilt as vice chair of the Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and served in this role until becoming interim chair in 2006. In 2007, he was named the Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and chair of the department, a position he held until 2012, when he decided to step down as chair.
Dr. Kaye led the department to become not only one of VUMC’s largest departments, but also one of the nation’s finest. With 110 faculty — 33 basic science faculty and 77 clinical faculty.
“Jeremy’s service to VUMC was extraordinary. His leadership helped fuel tremendous growth within Radiology & Radiologic Sciences and for the Medical Center’s broader clinical enterprise,” said Jeff Balser, M.D., Ph.D., vice chancellor for Health Affairs and dean of the School of Medicine. “He was passionate about all parts of Vanderbilt. He loved our students and trainees and cared deeply about our patients. He was an avid fan of our athletic programs. To those of us who worked with him closely, he was more than a valued professional colleague. He was a friend — known for taking the time to ask, ‘how are you really doing?’ He treated those of us at Vanderbilt like an extended family. We will all miss him.”
A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Kaye received his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. After an internship in medicine at Bellevue Hospital, he trained in diagnostic radiology at the New York Hospital–Cornell Medical Center. On completion of his residency, he served in the United States Army, rising to the rank of major. After completing his military service in 1971, he returned to Cornell and the Hospital for Special Surgery as an assistant professor of radiology, a position he held until he came to Vanderbilt in 1976.
During his 43 year career, Dr. Kaye authored or co-authored six textbooks, contributed nearly 30 book chapters, authored or co-authored more than 70 scientific papers, conducted almost 60 instructional courses and participated in more than 110 invited lectures in just the last 15 years. He was the visiting professor at more than 65 medical centers and served as an examiner for the American Board of Radiology for 32 years, receiving Distinguished Service Awards from that organization in both 2000 and 2010.
Also during his career, Dr. Kaye was president and served on the Board of Trustees and numerous committee appointments for the International Skeletal Society, the premier professional organization for radiologists. He has been a member since 1975 and served as the editor of that society’s journal, Skeletal Radiology, from 1994 to 2005. In 2010, he was awarded the society’s Founders Medal, its highest honor
“Jeremy was a tireless advocate for everything Vanderbilt — in equal parts, he served our patients, trainees, staff, faculty and athletics programs,” said Reed Omary, M.D., Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor of Radiology and Radiological Sciences and chair of the department. “His visionary leadership benefited the entire Medical Center and positioned our department as a national leader. On a personal level, I am deeply indebted to him for his mentorship and wisdom.”
Dr. Kaye is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Bernadette, and their children Patrick, Michael, Kathleen, and their families.
A funeral service and mass will be held on Friday, July 10, at 2 p.m. at Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2015 West End Ave, immediately followed by a reception at the University Club of Nashville, 2402 Garland Ave. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations in his name be made online to Wounded Warriors or Nashville Rescue Mission.
