From the Division of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
Dr. Leonard T. Kurland, Emeritus Consultant and Professor of Epidemiology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, died suddenly at home on December 4, 2001, at age 79 years. Len Kurland was the founder of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, and many considered him to be the father of neuroepidemiology. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Johns Hopkins University and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Maryland. After obtaining a Master of Public Health degree (cum laude) from Harvard University and a Doctor of Public Health degree from The Johns Hopkins University, he completed fellowships at Mayo Clinic, the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, and the Neurological Institute of Columbia University. He subsequently became the first Chief of the Epidemiology Branch of the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Blindness (now Neurological Disorders and Stroke) and retired from the US Public Health Service as a medical director in 1964. He then succeeded Dr. Joseph Berkson as Chair of the Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology (now the Department of Health Sciences Research) at Mayo Clinic.
At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Len initiated a program of research on multiple sclerosis that is largely responsible for our knowledge about the geographic distri-bution of this disease. This work was recognized with the Charcot Award from the International Federation of Multiple Sclerosis Societies. With Professor McAlpine of London, his team discovered methyl mercury pollution to be the cause of the 1958 "Minimata disease" epidemic in Japan, resulting in new measures to control industrial pollution. He also organized the first systematic studies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurologic disorders among the indigenous Chamorro population of the Mariana Islands. This effort resulted in the description of a new disease, parkinsonism-dementia complex, and the development of a dietary (neurotoxic) hypothesis for the etiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that also has been pursued in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's dementia research. This work was recognized by a Certificate of Com-mendation from the Guam Legislature and an Award for Distinguished Service on Behalf of Medicine and Humanity from the US House of Representatives.
At Mayo Clinic, Len Kurland established the disciplines of epidemiology and human genetics. His vision, ingenuity, and persistence led to the creation, in 1964, of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, the medical record linkage system that provides the details of medical care obtained by the residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota. Continuously supported by NIH for 38 years, the Rochester Project has facilitated the development of numerous research programs focusing on specific disorders, including Len's own program projects on neuroepidemiology and Alzheimer's disease as well as his studies addressing important controversies concerning the potential health risk associated with metronidazole, reserpine, and estrogen therapies; swine flu vaccination; and vasectomy; and, most recently, the association of silicone breast implants with rheumatologic conditions (with Dr. Sherine Gabriel). The Rochester Project has also made possible major investigations by other scientists on the epidemiology of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, and prostate disease, among others. To date, his legacy has supported over 1,200 publications on the incidence, etiology, and outcomes of almost every major disease among the residents of Rochester and of Olmsted County.
Len's influence was widespread in the field of epidemiology. His role as a leader is indicated by his service as president of the American Epidemiological Society and his election to honorary fellowships in the American College of Epidemiology and the American Neurological Association. He was recognized by an Award for Meritorious Civilian Service from the United States Air Force, Commander's Award for Public Service from the United States Army, the James D. Bruce Memorial Award from the American College of Physicians, the Mayo Distinguished Alumnus Award, the Harvard Alumnus Merit Award, and the Gold Key Award from the Maryland Medical Alumni Association. Through his program for visiting scientists in epidemiology, many doctoral and master's degree candidates, distinguished foreign visitors, and ranking scientists have come to Mayo Clinic to use the record system for research. His 500-plus scientific publications provide testament to both his long and productive career in epidemiology and the many persons who learned from their collaborations with him. As a man of remarkable vision, Dr. Len Kurland will be missed. However, by virtue of his legacy of the Rochester Epidemiology Project and his mentoring of such a large number of medical and public health students, residents, and senior physicians, his influence will be felt for generations to come.