Donald R. Kmetz, M.D. (1932-2012)

Twenty-First Dean 1980-1998

M.D., Ohio State University, 1958

Donald R. Kmetz, a native of Rocky River, Ohio, attended John Carroll University and earned his M.D. degree from Ohio State University in 1958, where he completed his training in pediatrics, pediatric hematology/oncology, and pathology.  He began his career at the University of Louisville in 1965, serving in the departments of pediatrics and pathology.  At Children’s Hospital he served as chief of pediatric pathology and pediatric hematology/oncology, president of the Children’s Hospital Medical Staff (1974), medical director (1975-80), and principal investigator in the Children’s Cancer Study Group.  In 1977, he was chosen as a faculty initiate by the Alpha Omega Honor Medical Society.  In 1980, Dr. Kmetz was appointed dean of the School of Medicine, name vice president for hospital affairs in 1983, and appointed vice president for health affairs by the UofL Board of Trustees in 1992.

Dr. Kmetz was influential in bringing the first endowed chairs to the School of Medicine, minority enrollment tripled, women rose to comprise 47% of the medical student body, faculty positions increased significantly, and research facilities expanded, with approximately $59 million in major construction projects on the Health Sciences Center.  As vice president for hospital affairs, Dr. Kmetz negotiated affiliation agreements with Alliant and Humana to lease University Hospital, and later an agreement resulting in self-management by the Louisville Medical Center and the Medical Center Development Corporation, which are considered milestones by medical historians who are knowledgeable about teaching hospital governance.  In 1998, Dr. Kmetz retired as Emeritus Dean after 33 years of outstanding service to the University of Louisville.