Dr. Lawrence W. Bassett (RES ’74), professor emeritus of radiological sciences, died December 15, 2020. He was 78 years old. A member of the UCLA faculty since 1974 and holder of the Iris Cantor Endowed Chair in Breast Imaging until his retirement in 2016, Dr. Bassett is considered one of the “Fathers of Breast Imaging” and played an important role in gaining its recognition as a subspecialty. Dr. Bassett was internationally known for his role in the development of national guidelines to ensure high-quality mammography through the Mammography Quality Standards Act. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of the UCLA Breast Imaging Fellowship, which he established in 1987.
Helene Brown, a member of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and a trailblazing advocate for cancer research and public education, died October 4, 2020. She was 91 years old. Brown served as director of community applications for research. Although she had no formal medical training, Brown referred to herself as a “political oncologist.” She received numerous awards while at UCLA, and she was instrumental in getting the American Cancer Society to publish the first guidelines outlining what cancer screenings and tests doctors should give to patients, which greatly increased public awareness of preventive care services such as mammograms and Pap tests.
Dr. Jeffrey J. Eckardt (RES ’79), Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Orthopaedic Surgery, Helga and Walter Oppenheimer Endowed Chair of Orthopaedic Oncology and former chair of the UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, died November 13, 2020. He was 74 years old. Dr. Eckardt joined the UCLA faculty in 1980, following his service as a Navy flight surgeon, residency in orthopaedic surgery and fellowship in orthopaedic oncology. Dr. Eckardt developed many limb-sparing surgical techniques for bone and soft tissue sarcomas. He received the Sherman M. Mellinkoff Award in 2003; the Jeffrey J. Eckardt, M.D., Term Chair in Orthopaedic Surgery was established recently to honor his accomplishments and service.
Bernard (Barney) Robert Strohm, a senior administrator for 24 years of what was then known as UCLA Medical Center, died November 16, 2020. He was 94 years old. With a master’s degree in counseling and psychology and a certificate in physical therapy, he came to UCLA in 1959 to head the Department of Physical Therapy, and then became associate director/administrator of the medical center, with responsibility over many areas, including clinical laboratories, spiritual care, physical and occupational therapy and risk management. Strohm served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He always emphasized the importance of “doing the right thing,” and he continued to be engaged in community service after his retirement in 1983.
Dr. Charles Dillon Woody, emeritus professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences and neurobiology, died August 16, 2020. He was 83 years old. Dr. Woody came to UCLA in 1971 and was on faculty until his retirement in 2006. He was a member of the Brain Research Institute and did important work in sleep research. Dr. Woody was a prolific author who wrote and contributed to more than 90 scientific publications. His book Memory Learning and Higher Function: A Cellular View continues to be a valuable resource in the field of neurology.
