Obituary

Abstract

Joseph F. Russo In early August, 2003, at the age of 56, our friend, Joseph F. Russo, left us. The illness that took him was indeed difficult and painful, but as I visited with him towards the end, I must tell you that he was managing brilliantly. He was a man of many unknowns, wonderful qualities. Those of us at NASPAG who knew him noted that he was a sensitive and caring individual. I suppose it would be in order for me to discuss all the wonderful things he did in medicine—and he did do wonderful things. When it wasn't considered appropriate to be interested in adolescent obstetrics and gynecology in the early 1970's, you look at the presentations he made. They all concerned the problems of the adolescent. He was prescient, in that he noted that the adolescent of the mid-70's was not the same adolescent that grew up prior to World War II. These adolescents had problems that related to their own sexuality. In 1978, Joe wrote an article entitled, “Adolescent Contraception,” and in 1979 he wrote a chapter entitled “Teenage Pregnancy, New Techniques and Concepts in Maternal and Fetal Medicine,”—he really was one of the pioneers in the practice of pediatric and adolescent gynecology—and he noted, in the publications that he produced, that this area of special interest was not necessarily a surgical specialty, but rather a medical specialty. Joe was a wonderful administrator, which gave him the opportunity to become active in developing programs with the many institutions he was affiliated with during his career. In addition to his most recent position, as Director of the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA School of Medicine, he also took on the responsibility of the Director of Medical Student Education, Director of Resident Education, and was the Director of Women's Health Care Services at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. Prior to moving to California, he had been chairman of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. He held that position for more than a decade. However, these positions are not the sum of the whole man—he was also a caring father and a loving husband. As he became ill in the last few years, he had a wonderful companion who shared in his care. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to the care of the adolescent patient. For the past decade he had served as treasurer of NASPAG. In this capacity he kept the organization fiscally sound and on the path to growth. Although he was often quiet at Board Meetings, when he had something meaningful to say his voice came through loud and clear. I found Joe to be a warm and good friend not to me alone, but to all NASPAG members. Joe, have a great journey–may it be restful and full of peace.