In Memoriam: Thomas W. Burns, MD, 1924 to 2009
Services will be Aug. 29 in Columbia
Endocrinology pioneer Thomas W. Burns, MD, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at the age of 85 surrounded by his wife, Joan, and their four children. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at St. Thomas More Newman Center with a private burial service to follow. A reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the University Club, with a short program beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Dr. Burns served the University of Missouri for more than 50 years. He was one of the founding faculty members of MU’s medical center and medical degree program, which graduated its first class in 1957. He served as director of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism for 23 years and was the Stafford Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Medicine.
Dr. Burns contributed greatly to MU’s national reputation in diabetes care, prevention, education and research. The American College of Physicians (ACP), the largest internal medicine organization in the country, bestowed on him the title of Master, which is the ACP’s highest academic honor, and presented him with the Laureate Award. Dr. Burns also received the University of Missouri Faculty-Alumni Award and the University of Missouri Distinguished Faculty Award.
Dr. Burns was a key architect in establishing MU’s Cosmopolitan International Diabetes and Endocrinology Center and served for many years as the center’s founding director. As Missouri’s only diabetes center outside of St. Louis and Kansas City, the Cosmopolitan International Diabetes and Endocrinology Center has provided treatment to thousands of patients much closer to home.
Dr. and Mrs. Burns have been among MU’s most generous supporters. They gave significantly to MU’s Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, the cancer center’s guesthouse, and the endowed positions and research center that carry their name. In 2007, MU dedicated the Thomas W. and Joan F. Burns Center for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Research. The center is directed by one of the nation’s leading endocrinologists and a former student of Dr. Burns, James Sowers, MD, the Thomas W. and Joan F. Burns Missouri Chair in Diabetology.
Dr. Burns had the satisfaction of participating in the education of thousands of medical students and took special pride in the hundreds of physicians who trained under him and are now distinguished professionals in medical care, education and research, including his own son, Richard. He had a particular gift for teaching that was not only instructive but also modeled compassionate patient care. His long career with the university really never ended even after his “retirement” in 1992. He continued to lead an active professional life in the halls of MU’s medical center.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Center, D109 Diabetes Center, 1 Hospital Drive, Columbia, Mo., 65212, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family here.
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