Oct 05, 2009
Dr. Stanley van den Noort Passes Away
The Passing of Dr. Stanley van den Noort, MS Pioneer
Dr. Stanley van den Noort, an internationally acclaimed leader in the field of neuroscience and one of the most distinguished researchers and clinicians in the field of MS, died September 16 at his home in Tustin with his family at his side. He was 79. His death came as a result of complications from a brain injury he suffered over two years ago.
"Dr. van den Noort's work in neuroscience took MS research to a whole new level," said Dr. John Richert, Society executive vice president of research and clinical programs. "In his role as chief medical officer of the Society and chair of the Medical Advisory Board (1997-2001), Stan helped to build awareness, understanding and support for speeding us towards a world free of multiple sclerosis. He will be much missed by all who knew him."
Dr. van den Noort was born in Lynn, Massachusetts. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1951 and received his medial degree from Harvard Medical School in 1954. He completed his residency training at Boston City Hospital, where he was senior resident to the neurological unit. Dr. van den Noort then served for two years as an officer in the US Navy.
After 10 years with Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Dr. van den Noort joined the College of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine in 1970 as professor and chair of neurology. From 1973 through 1985 he served as dean of the UCI College of Medicine, overseeing an unprecedented era of growth. Subsequently he continued as professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology until returning to his clinical practice full time.
"Dr. van den Noort was a truly outstanding clinician and scholar who provided the finest of compassionate care to his many patients," says Dr. Ralph V. Clayman, dean of the UCI School of Medicine. "His considerable contributions to our medical school and UCI in general will remain with us always."
Dr. van den Noort married the love of his life, June Byers LeClere, in April 1954. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Paris with their children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, five children, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His family has asked that donations be made in his honor to the following : The van den Noort Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Program, Fund No. 3042; the van den Noort Neurology Chair's Research Endowment, Fund No. 7152; and to the National MS Society.
Dr. van den Noort was published extensively in his field, and received an impressive array of honors and distinctions, both locally and nationally. His most important contributions were to medical education and patient care - he was greatly loved by his patients. "I don't know how to spend 15 minutes per patient," said van den Noort in a Dartmouth alumni magazine interview. It was normal for him to spend over an hour with patients because he so respected them. Chapter client and former Orange County Chapter board chair, Bill Bisch remembers Dr. van den Noort as “an absolutely wonderful man & clinician who made his patients feel that they were the only thought on his mind when with him.”
Click here to make a donation in Dr. van den Noort's honor.