Kermit E. Krantz

Kermit E. Krantz
Kermit Edward Krantz (June 4, 1923 – July 30, 2007) was a surgeon, inventor and faculty member at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is most known as the co-developer of the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (MMK), a medical procedure for stress urinary incontinence which he performed over 5000 times. He served as Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He was largely credited with desegregating the maternity ward of that hospital in the 1960s.
Personal life
Krantz, an identical twin and the youngest of eight children, was born June 4, 1923, in Oak Park, Illinois. He worked his way through school college and medical school performing research, curating a museum for Northwestern University anatomy professor Leslie Arey) and selling newspapers, as he had lost both of his parents by the age of 13.
He was married to Doris Cole (1920–2014) for 62 years.
Krantz died on July 30, 2007, in Kansas City, Kansas, from the complications of a stroke.
Academics and work history
Dr. Krantz graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science (1945), a Master of Science in Anatomy (1947), and a Medical Doctorate (1948.)
He served his residency at both the Cornell Medical College (NYC) at New York Lying-In Hospital (now New York-Presbyterian Hospital) and at the University of Vermont
Held the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont
Held the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas
Held the position of (Full) Professor of Anatomy and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
He served as Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas for 31 years.
1990 he was honored as the first University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
Associate to the Executive Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Development
Dean for Clinical Affairs (Chief of Staff) at KUMC (1972–1974)
Over 75 books, journals or book contributions were credited to Dr. Krantz, along with nine medical educational/instructional movies.
Awards, honors, and service
Endowed Chair at the University of Kansas; Kermit E. Krantz Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Markel Scholar in Medical Science (1957)
Bowens-Brooks Fellow – New York Academy of Medicine
Literary (honorary) Doctorate from William Woods University
Foundation Prize, 1950, American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society
Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists
Won the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' "Robert A. Ross Award" 12 times (from 1972–1983, more than any other) for his work with the Navy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists award the "Kermit E Krantz Award" for service in the Armed Forces' Air Force Section, in honor of Dr. Krantz since 1983.
In 1985, he received the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award, one of the highest civilian awards the US Army/Pentagon can bestow.
Won the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' "Col. Edward Zimmermann Award" in 1981 for his work with the Army
University of Kansas Honorary Medical Alumnus Award, 1994
Listed on the Hall of Fame at Oak Park and River Forest High School
Executive Committee of the National Association of Planned Parenthood Physicians
President of the Society of Medical Consultants of the Armed Forces
Chief civilian consultant to the Surgeon General
Chairman for the Committee on Gynecological Practice/American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists
Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Wyeth Career Achievement Award (1988)
Examiner for the American Board of Gynecologists
Scientific Advisory Board for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (1984–1992)
In 2004, Northwestern University honored Dr. Krantz by dedicating the Arey/Krantz Museum of Anatomy at the Feinberg School of Medicine.
32nd Degree Mason
President of the International Family Planning Research Associates
Innovations
Beyond the MMK, Krantz held four patents, including:
Expansible tampon
Surgical closure device and method
Surgical stent
References
Sources
University of Kansas Medical Center & KU School of Medicine
Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Annual report
US Patent and Trademark Office
Kansas City Star Obituaries Page
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
1923 births
2007 deaths
American gynecologists
American obstetricians
American urologists
Cornell University staff
Feinberg School of Medicine alumni
University of Arkansas faculty
University of Kansas faculty
University of Vermont faculty
Identical twins