EAST LANSING, Mich. – Andrew Hunt, founding dean of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (CHM), died Thursday, June 16, in Georgia. He was 89.
Hunt’s MSU career began in 1964 when he was appointed dean of the newly founded College of Human Medicine. He held that post until 1977.
While at MSU, Hunt was instrumental in establishing the Office of Medical Education, Research and Development (OMERAD) at the College of Human Medicine, which remains the most prestigious office of medical education in the United States. He also founded the Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences, likewise another continuing center of excellence at Michigan State University with a national reputation.
After retiring from MSU in 1984, Hunt and his wife, Lotta, moved to St. Simons Island, Ga. He continued to work in several capacities for, among others, the Mercer University School of Medicine, the Glynn County Health Department and Hospice of the Golden Isles.
A pioneer in the area of medical education, Hunt believed that doctors should treat the patient, not the disease, and from this simple and humane premise he began to develop a curriculum that combined the rigor of the biomedical sciences with behavioral and humanistic components. Hunt believed that personal psychology and behavior played significant roles in illness and that physicians needed to understand the impact of disease and of treatment on the whole person.
Under Hunt’s leadership, the College of Human Medicine quickly became renowned for its innovative approaches to medical education. Many of its then-revolutionary practices have now become standard throughout North America. Hunt captured much of his philosophy of medical education in his 1991 book, “Medical Education, Accreditation, and the Nation’s Health.”
Hunt received many honors and awards throughout his distinguished career. He served as the president of the National Society for Health and Human Values and as president of the Michigan League for Human Values. His undergraduate school, Haverford College (Pa.), awarded him the Haverford Award, the college’s highest honor.
Hunt was born Oct. 1, 1915, in New York. He graduated from Haverford College (Pa.) and earned his medical degree from Cornell Medical School in New York. Upon completion of his internship, he entered the United States Army Medical Corp where he served in the European theater.
Following his army tour of duty, he went to Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia where he served as chief resident. His next move took him to Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, N.J., as chairman of pediatrics. In 1959, he moved to Stanford University to become director of ambulatory services and associate professor of pediatrics. From Stanford, Hunt moved to East Lansing in 1964 to become the first CHM dean.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lotta Mayberry Hunt; son George Mayberry Hunt of Novato, Calif.; and daughters Elisabeth Hollister Hunt of Maynard, Mass.; Judith Pinney Hunt of South Hampton, N.H.; and Lotta Hunt Rosen of Richmond, Vt. He is also survived by five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Hunt was a member of the Christ Church Frederica, St. Simons Rotary Club, Ivy League Club and the Golden Isles Council of the Navy League.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Andrew D. Hunt, M.D., Endowed Lecture Fund at the College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, A217 E. Fee Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824.