History of Thomas Jefferson University > Lewis W. Bluemle Jr., MD, DSc, LHD 1977-1990

Lewis W. Bluemle Jr., MD, DSc, LHD 1977-1990

In 1976, the University faced a formidable, and unexpected challenge: to replace the prestigious Peter Herbut, MD, the University's first President, who died suddenly while in office.

As a measure of the seriousness with which the Board of Trustees took the challenge, the Board chose not to use a traditional smaller search committee, opting instead to throw the challenge to the former Committee for Master Planning, of 13 members. Thus, this was the largest search committee ever previously organized by Jefferson for appointment to a post. It received input from many sectors, including the Jefferson Medical College Alumni Association. The plan worked well and resulted in an acceptance by Dr. Bluemle to start August 1, 1977.

Dr. Bluemle came to Jefferson from the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center, Portland, where he had been President since 1974. Before that, he was President, Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, since 1968. From 1946 to 1968, he served the University of Pennsylvania in several roles, including his internship and residency, and later as Director, HUP Clinical Research Center, 1961-1968, and Associate Dean, School of Medicine, 1966-1968.

A native of Williamsport, PA, Dr. Bluemle received his MD from the School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, and his BA from Johns Hopkins where he was Phi Beta Kappa.

Dr. Bluemle always held a keen interest in diseases of the kidney, and he became a pioneer in the treatment of renal failure by use of the artificial kidney. He is author or co-author of more than 60 scientific articles in the field, and held several clinical posts, including as Chief of the Dialysis Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

As President, Dr. Bluemle's leadership influenced improvements in administrative organization, choice of new senior officers, strengthening of the three deanships, developing of faculty and programs that led to increased research,

creation of (>>creating?<<) the office of legal counsel and fostering a closer relationship between the Trustees and major constituents of the University.

In addition to his many scientific articles, President Bluemle published a stream of papers relating to medical education and health care. His professional appointments, civic activities and memberships on boards of directors of associations and business organizations have earned him universal respect. He has not only been active on the committees of a host of medical organizations but has served as President of the American Society for Artificial Organs, 1967-1968, and the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 1980-1982. His numerous honors and awards include Markle Scholar in Academic Medicine, 1955-1960, the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, 1966, and an honorary doctorate from Johns Hopkins University in 1990.

President Bluemle's performance is documented in his “Triennial Report to the Trustees” from 1977 to 1980, 1980 to 1983, and 1983 to 1986. These three self-analyses are models of candor, insight, initiative and dedication to implementing the “Strategic Plan for the Eighties.” The plan provided a comprehensive overview of issues relevant to preparing the University for the decade.

The Bluemle Life Sciences Building, opened in 1991, is named for him.

“Bill” Bluemle and his wife Dolores (“Dee”) have been married 51 years and enjoy frequent family get-togethers with their four children and four grandchildren, all of whom reside in the area. Their newest grandchild is an 18-month boy adopted from Russia. Since retiring from Jefferson, Dr. Bluemle has worked fulltime as Senior Vice President for the Connelly Foundation. In his spare time, he works at “being handyman” for the Bluemle's 115-year-old house.