February 3, 2014
In Memory of Donald L. Morton, MD
Considered one of the world's foremost authorities in the research and treatment of melanoma, Dr. Donald L. Morton passed away on January 10, 2014, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most famous cancer surgeons in the world.
Dr. Morton, Chief of the Melanoma Program and Co-Director of the Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) in Santa Monica, CA, was instrumental in changing the face of cancer and cancer research through his lifelong study of melanoma. This passion led to his development of the sentinel node biopsy technique, now used in the treatment of melanoma, breast and other cancers, and saves the U.S. health care system over $3.8 billion a year and countless unnecessary operations for cancer patients.
As an active member of the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) for more than 13 years, Dr. Morton contributed significantly to the Society through his volunteer efforts at SITC meetings and educational programs, sharing his expertise and advancing the field along the way.
“His interest and command of the field of cancer immunology and melanoma was encyclopedic and inspiring to all who knew him,” said Dr. John Kirkwood, SITC member and a long-time friend of Dr. Morton’s. “He contributed to the field in ways that led to the current spate of advances in the field.”
Dr. Morton’s career in the immunology of cancer and surgical oncology yielded more than 1,000 authored publications in peer-reviewed journals and garnered him a long series of prestigious awards and honors. He also trained more than 130 fellows, which he considered to be one of his greatest legacies.
"...Don acted as a mentor’s mentor, and while he was known as a giant among giants in our melanoma community and beyond, he was the ultimate 'gentle giant' as a caring man to his family, friends, and colleagues,” Dr. Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, said. "I have personally grown and benefitted from knowing Don and his legendary achievements, which will live on and continue to teach and inspire us all.”
SITC is deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Morton and our sincere condolences go to his family and friends. Among many other great accomplishments, Dr. Morton will be remembered for the passion he had for his patients, his research and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Donald L. Morton, MD Family Charitable Fund, or to the James Ewing Foundation of the Society of Surgical Oncology Donald L. Morton Memorial Fund. For more information and to read more about Dr. Morton's career, please click here.
