- Person
- 1915-1994
Dr. Ivan Frances Duff was born July 20, 1915 in Pendleton, Oregon. He died in October 1994. He graduated from the University of Oregon and the University of Michigan Medical School, where he completed his internship and residency training in internal medicine. In 1946 he joined the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, as an instructor, becoming a Professor in 1960. Dr. Duff founded the Turner Geriatric Clinic at the University of Michigan Medical Center. His major interest was in the field of rheumatic diseases.
Dr. Duff was a member of U.S. Naval Reserve and served on active duty as a commander in the Submarine Medical Service in the Pacific theater from 1942 to 1946. After the war, he returned to the University of Michigan where he joined the faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr. Duff's interest in epidemiology led to studies with the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC) beginning in 1964. He was a researcher with the ABCC from 1967-1975 and then with the Radiation Effects Research Foundation (RERF) from 1975-1986. He studied the incidence and prevelance of rheumatoid arthritis and gout in Hiroshima and Nagasaki patients.
In 1980, Dr. Duff was a member of an American Physician Exchange Group of twelve doctors visiting the People's Republic of China at the invitation of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. This initial visit led to a long relationship between Dr. Duff and the Chinese medical community. From 1981 to 1991, Dr. Duff was a research consultant at Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Beijing, People's Republic of China, where he collaborated in epidemiologic studies of rheumatic diseases.
Dr. Duff was a leader in the field of rheumatology. He was the recipient of many awards and honors and served on many national panels.
Dr. Duff died at his home in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Oct. 27, 1994 at the age of 79.