Gregorio Chejfec, MD: In Gratitude to a True Renaissance Man

The death of former ARCHIVES editor, Kenneth D. McClatchey, DDS, MD, in December 2003 was both sudden and unexpected. Gregorio Chejfec, MD, who then was associate editor of the ARCHIVES, immediately agreed to serve as acting editor. This smooth transition of responsibility allowed the ARCHIVES to maintain its high visibility and ensured a continued flow of quality articles. Dr Chejfec eventually served as acting editor until January 31, 2005.

Prior to serving as acting editor, Dr Chejfec was associate editor for nearly 6 years. During Dr McClatchey's tenure as editor, Dr Chejfec acted essentially as a cocaptain and was nearly always at his side. Not only were they at the same institution (Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, 111) for many years, but they also worked together, hand in hand, in the editorial office. Dr Chejfec currently serves as an associate editor and section editor for the ARCHIVES.

Prior to joining Loyola and the ARCHIVES, Dr Chejfec distinguished himself with a long and very successful career. As a native Argentinean, he graduated from the National University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine. Following graduation, he immediately commenced residency training in internal medicine in Miami, FIa, after which he specialized in gastroenterology and hepatology. Later, he was fortunate to be trained by the "fathers of hepatology," Dr Hans Popper and Dr Fenton Schaffner, during his hepatology fellowship at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, NY.

Dr Chejfec started his medical career as a gastroenterologist at Loyola and the Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital, Hines, 111. Soon, however, he realized how significant understanding pathology was in his quest to master the knowledge of gastroenterology and hepatic diseases, so he decided to continue his training in anatomic and clinical pathology at Hines. Once he stepped into Hines as a resident, he spent a significant portion of his academic career there. He would eventually finish at Hines as the chief of the pathology and laboratory medicine service, a position he held for as long as almost anyone can remember.

I am positive that during his "retirement" party at Hines he was sure that the time had come to enjoy other parts of his very busy and interesting life. However, he quickly received a phone call from Dr McClatchey asking him to join Hines' neighbor, Loyola University Medical Center. Dr McClatchey was in need of an experienced senior pathologist. In practice, Loyola wasn't a new institution for Dr Chejfec; he had always been an integral part of Loyola. After agreeing to Dr McClatchey's request and serving for several additional years at Loyola, he celebrated another "retirement" party. At the same time, his lovely wife, Janet, was celebrating as well, hoping to finally have more time with her husband to devote to the love of their lives-music. However, she didn't celebrate very long, as Dr Chejfec received another phone call, this time from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He joined this institution as a deputy head of pathology and the director of anatomic and clinical laboratories. Dr Chejfec is still serving in these positions and keeps threatening his retirement, but I'm convinced that as much as he likes retirement parties, he also likes to be an integral part of stimulating academic pathology.

Clearly, Dr Chejfec's academic achievements are admirable. As a matter of fact, when I tried to print his curriculum vitae, my printer ran out of paper. As expected, most of his work is in gastrointestinal pathology. Most notable is his contribution in the novel, conservative approach to the management of Barrett esophagus. Because of studies like his that demonstrated a long and very successful follow-up, the quality of life for many people with this dis ease has been dramatically improved.

Dr Chejfec has always been very active in many societies. He is a well-known figure in the Chicago pathology groups not only because he trained a significant number of practicing pathologists in the area, but also because of his very active contributions to the Chicago Pathology Society and Illinois Registry of Anatomic Pathology, for which he served as president. In recognition of these contributions, Dr Chejfec was recently awarded the Dr John Gruhn Lifetime Achievement Award from the Chicago Pathology Society.

Greg Chejfec is not only an accomplished scientist, teacher, mentor, and surgical pathologist, but also is a person interested in all aspects of life. His love of music has already been mentioned. Both he and his wife cannot imagine life without music, especially without their beloved operas. I still remember those days when you could hear opera music coming from his office. Recently, they came back from a musical tour in New York. He was so excited to tell me that during just a few days they were able to see 4 operas and a Broadway show.

However, music is not the only integral part of Dr Chejfec's life; he is a great sportsman as well. As a matter of fact, during his tenure at Loyola, there was no one that could beat him in racquetball, and that includes residents. This was true even after his first retirement party. Apparently, after his second retirement party, he did give up a couple of games.

Dr Chejfec and his wife have 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Currently, those grandchildren are the most precious topic of conversation with him. Because their grandchildren live close by, Dr Chejfec and Janet enjoy being a very active part of their lives.

In summary, I am fortunate to be his colleague and acquaintance. Looking at him, acknowledging his accomplishments, seeing his passion for the arts and fitness, you know that all aspects of life are important and that an appropriate balance is crucial. I think that you will agree that he is a true renaissance man.

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