August 31, 2017
Dr. Ronald F. Albrecht, Emeritus Professor and former Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, passed away this morning.
Dr. Albrecht received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1961. He completed his Residency in Anesthesiology at the University of Illinois Hospital in 1964, and then served at the National Institutes of Health as a Clinical Associate. In 1966, Dr. Albrecht joined the faculty of the Anesthesiology Department at the University, rising to the level of Associate Professor before becoming the Chair of Anesthesiology at Michael Reese Hospital in 1971, a position he held until 2005. In 1989, Dr. Albrecht was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Anesthesiology at UIC, serving until his retirement in 2007.
Dr. Albrecht was devoted to the practice of anesthesia and to the education and training of a very long line of future practitioners of our field. He was the chair of departments for over 35 years, one of the longest serving leaders in anesthesia. As friend, mentor and trusted advisor, he touched the lives of countless students, residents and faculty members in his departments. He will be dearly missed by all of them.