C. Paul Morrow, MD
It is with sadness and deepest condolences that we share that C. Paul Morrow, MD, 1990–1991 SGO Past President and important contributor to the body of knowledge for the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology, passed away on March 17, 2022.
View his obituary online, and read more below about Dr. Morrow’s long, impactful career from three of his colleagues.
Comments from Lynda Roman, MD, and Laila Muderspach, MD
Paul Morrow was arguably one of the most impactful and influential gynecologic oncologists of his time, renowned for his knowledge of anatomy, his surgical skill and innovation even late in his career, his incredibly dry sense of humor, and his adherence to principle at all times. He also authored two groundbreaking textbooks, the latter of which is one of the few focusing on the specific principles of gynecologic cancer surgery. Over his 45-year career, he was one of the founding members of the gynecologic oncology division at the University of Southern California, where he devoted himself to caring for women across the socioeconomic spectrum, including the uninsured population of Los Angeles, and served as division director for close to 30 years. He also played a key role in the early years of the Gynecologic Oncology Group, particularly in the design and conduct of the landmark endometrial cancer studies that established surgicopathologic risk factors in early stage disease.
Dr. Morrow served as Chief of Staff at the Norris Cancer Center, as SGO president, and he was the founding member and first president of the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. Throughout his career, he forged relationships with international experts, and travelled widely to learn and to bring surgical approaches developed internationally back to the United States. He was dedicated to providing the best of care to his patients, and though he is known for his surgical skill, he was extremely knowledgeable about the principles of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy and his goal was always to optimally utilize these to provide the best outcome for his patients. The many fellows he trained respected him enormously, not just for his clinical skill but his wisdom and calm demeanor. His many witty and incredibly to the point statements (a famous example: “the surgeon is not a platelet”) have been memorialized in the “The sayings of Chairman Morrow,” put together by Leo Twiggs.
For those of us lucky enough to have had him as a colleague, he was supportive but tough, and pushed us to up our game. But for many of us, he became a friend and a huge support during tough times. He was incredibly well read, and so very wise. But despite all his incredible talents, he was always humble to a fault and never took himself too seriously. He was devoted to his family and his faith, and these anchored him throughout his career. He will be sorely missed by many. We are so grateful to have known him and to have learned from him about medicine and life.
Comments from John Curtin, MD
Paul was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He led by example and with great humility. I was very fortunate to have worked with Paul immediately after fellowship. In that formative time Paul provided great advice on developing an academic career, dedication to teaching of medical students, residents and fellows and participation in professional organizations. His vision and wisdom continue to inform me decades later.