Kermit E Krantz

Often considered a forefather of modern Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Kermit Edward Krantz, M.D., Litt.D., FACOG was a world-renowned surgeon, inventor and faculty at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is most known as the co-developer of the Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz (MMK), a medical procedure for urinary stress incontinence for which he performed over 5000.

Dr. Krantz, an identical twin and the youngest of 8 children was born June 4, 1923, in Oak Park, Ill. Kermit worked his way though school college and medical school performing research, curating a museum (for Northwestern Antomy Professor Leslie Arey) and selling newspapers as he lost both of his parents by the age of 13.

Throughout his 59 year medical career, it was always Dr. Krantz's goal to place the patient at the top of the priority ladder, no matter what their race, religion or economic background may have been. Many recognized him as pioneer of equality and is largely credited with desegregating labor and delivery and the nursery in the KU hospital in the early 1960s and championing women’s rights. He was known for teaching his residents to use methods that although may take longer, led to better outcomes. He instilled in his students and residents that Senator's wives deserved the same care as poor factory workers.

He was recognized as a brilliant diagnostician. Even after he retired, he was still sought-after for evaluation of difficult cases and to perform difficult/delicate surgeries.

Dr. Krantz died July 30, 2007 in Kansas City, KS from complications of a stroke.

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Academics and Work history

• Dr. Krantz graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science (1945), a Master of Science in Anatomy (1947), and a Medical Doctorate (1948.)

• He served his residency at Cornell Medical College (NYC) at New York Lying-In Hospital and at the University of Vermont

• Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont

• Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas

• Dr Krantz joind the Faculty of the University of Kansas rising to Professor of Anatomy and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• He served as Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Kansas for 31 years.

• 1990 he was honored as the first University Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

• Associate to the Executive Vice-Chancellor for Facilities Development.

• Dean for Clinical Affairs (Chief of Staff) at KUMC (1972-1974.)

• Over 75 books, journals or book contributions were credited to Dr. Krantz, along with nine medical educational/instructional movies

Awards, Honors, Service

• Endowed Chair at the University of Kansas; Kermit E. Krantz Professor and Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Markel Scholar in Medical Science (1957)

• Bowens-Brooks Fellow - New York Academy of Medicine

• Literary Doctorate from William Woods University

• Foundation Prize, 1950, American Gynecological and Obstetrical Society

• Distinguished Service Award from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists.

• Won the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' "Robert A. Ross Award" 12 times (from 1972-1983, more than any other) for his work with the Navy

• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists award the "Kermit E Krantz Award" for service in the Armed Forces' Air Force Section, in honor of Dr. Krantz since 1983.

• In 1985, he received the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal from the Secretary of the Army. (One of the highest civilian awards the US Army/Pentagon can bestow.)

• Won the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' "Col. Edward Zimmermann Award" in 1981 for his work with the Army.

• University of Kansas Honorary Medical Alumnus Award, 1994

• Listed on the Hall of Fame at Oak Park and River Forest High School

• Executive Committee of the National Association of Planned Parenthood Physicians

• President of the Society of Medical Consultants of the Armed Forces.

• Chief civilian consultant to the Surgeon General

• Chairman for the Committee on Gynecological Practice/American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists

• Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Wyeth Career Achievement Award (1988)

• Examiner for the American Board of Gynecologists.

• Scientific Advisory Board for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (1984 through 1992)

• In 2004, Northwestern University honored Dr. Krantz by dedicating the Arey/Krantz Museum of Anatomy at the Feinberg School of Medicine

• 32nd Degree Mason

• President of the International Family Planning Research Associates

Kermit E. Krantz Society

KEK Society info here

Innovation

Beyond the groundbreaking incontinence procedure (MMK), Dr. Krantz holds 4 patents including:

• Expansible Tampon

• Surgical closure device and Method

• Surgical Stent

References

• University of Kansas Medical Center & KU School of Medicine
• Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine Annual report
• US Patent and Trademark Office
• Kansas City Star Obituaries Page
• The Krantz family
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists