Kurt Benirschke, MD (1924–2018): Pioneer in Perinatal and Placental Pathology

Abstract

Kurt Benirschke, noted pathologist and animal conservationist, passed away on September 10, 2018 at the age of 94. Kurt Benirschke is a legendary figure in perinatal pathology and was likely the first pathologist to have a genuine interest in the placenta. With Shirley Driscoll, he wrote the first textbook on placental pathology—The Pathology of the Human Placenta published in 1967. Dr Benirschke combined interests in both human and animal biology—not only was he a noted pathologist and geneticist, but he had expertise in the reproduction of humans and many mammalian species. During his career, he advanced comparative pathology of placentation, and due to his work on the preservation of endangered species, he likely saved a number of species from extinction. He also became internationally known for his creation of the “frozen zoo” collecting embryos and tissues of numerous endangered species. I have been privileged to be among his many friends and colleagues who were awed by the breadth of his extensive knowledge, his humility, and his sense of humor. Benirschke’s life and career, which is reviewed here, should be an inspiration to the Pediatric and Developmental Pathology readership.