Frank A. Gotch
August 27, 1926 - February 18, 2017
Dr. Frank A. Gotch August 27, 1926 – February 18, 2017
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Frank A. Gotch, a magnanimous, caring, generous gentle soul, and pioneering nephrologist and originator of “kinetic modeling”.
Dr. Frank A. Gotch, born August 27, 1926 in Humboldt, Iowa, was an American physician known for his work in developing a quantitative approach to hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, specifically the development of Kt/V and standard Kt/V as measures of dialysis adequacy. He was an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He participated in the early work of development of the hollow fiber dialyzer.
Dr. Gotch was a consultant to the Renal Research Institute in New York, founded as a joint venture of Beth Israel Medical Center in New York and Fresenius Medical Care, dedicated to improving care to dialysis patients by participation in Clinical Trials and developing new therapies to improve the lives of dialysis patients. Dr. Gotch worked in clinical dialysis and dialysis research, particularly quantification of therapy, for over 40 years. He chaired the NIH Evaluation Study Group which set standards for dialyzer performance in 1972, and the National NIH Conference on Adequacy of Hemodialysis in 1975. He served on the planning committee and as kinetic consultant to the National Cooperative Dialysis Study, and served on the Steering Committee of the HEMO study, and was Co-Principal Investigator of the Cooperative Study of Randomized Peritoneal Dialysis Prescriptions and Clinical Outcome. He had over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and was a speaker in demand internationally and in the USA for his concise, carefully prepared explanation of difficult concepts. He also provided consultation in dialysis kinetics and dialysis systems development to industry, being considered the last word in his areas of expertise
Dr. Gotch can be considered as the “father of modern dialysis kinetic modeling” and responsible for the development of the Fresenius On-Line Clearance Monitor and of the Access Flow methodology.
He was widely acclaimed as an advocate for the highest standards of dialysis care, the care with which his research was conducted, and his absolute integrity. His wit at the microphone in an era where many strong personalities fought their battles of opinion and of fact was very much enjoyed. He captivated and challenged generations of medical students with the clarity of his teaching, its brilliance, and his personal charm.
Frank was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend, as well as a patient mentor, advisor, protector and confidante. He is survived by his wife, Sarah, son Jeremy, granddaughters Rachel & Zoe, Niece and Nephew Jane and Marty, adopted son Roy, and loving extended family.