Creating a Path of Perpetuity for SLU School of Medicine Students

For Ira Rutkow, M.D., (SOM ’75) and his wife Beth, establishing an endowed scholarship at Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine in 2022 was more than just a generous act – it was a tribute to SLU's profound influence on his career. Recognizing the pivotal experiences that shaped Rutkow’s journey, the couple established the endowed Rutkow Family Scholarship Fund in 2022 to make the University’s world-class medical education accessible for future generations of aspiring physicians.

Ira Rutkow recently shared his thoughts on supporting SLU’s School of Medicine.

Why did you contribute to the School of Medicine through the Rutkow Family Scholarship Fund?

Beth and I support SLU and the School of Medicine because of its central role in my becoming a surgeon and a medical historian. Without this chance, my life would have been vastly different. The engagement of the faculty and personal relationships I developed with them, from the dean to several professors, contributed to my medical school experience in ways I could not have predicted, including my love of writing, which started during a community medicine project freshman year and led to authoring many articles and books. The courses I took as a medical student ultimately led to a master’s and doctorate in public health from Johns Hopkins University. 

In what other ways have you supported SLU?

As a medical historian, I try to always mention the achievements of Saint Louis University in my writings. Beth and I were married during my time at SLU, and we have always been proud donors and have long shared our positive feelings about the medical education I received there.

Why would you suggest others consider including Saint Louis University in their giving plans?

SLU’s School of Medicine is among the oldest and most prominent medical institutions in the nation. Showing support for the school is important and serves as a reminder of the uniqueness and value that it deserves for its role in the history of medicine in America.

About Ira Rutkow, M.D. (SOM ’75)

A retired surgeon and author, Ira Rutkow’s professional activities focus on studying American medical history. He graduated from Union College in New York in 1970 and earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University in 1975. While training as a general surgeon, Rutkow obtained a master’s degree and a doctorate in public health from Johns Hopkins University. 

He has authored eight books, including Empire of the Scalpel: The History of Surgery (Scribner, 2022), Seeking the Cure: A History of Medicine in America (2010), a New York Times Book Review and an editor’s choice book; James A. Garfield (2006), part of Times Books’ American Presidents series edited by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr.; Bleeding Blue and Gray: Civil War Surgery and the Evolution of American Medicine (2005); American Surgery: An Illustrated History (1998); Surgery: An Illustrated History (1993), which was named a New York Times Notable Book of the Year; and a two-volume bibliography, The History of Surgery in the United States (1988 and 1992). In addition to his historical writings, he has edited numerous medical textbooks, including Socioeconomics of Surgery (1989), and has authored journal articles and book chapters on various surgical topics. 
 
In 2015, Rutkow received the Saint Louis University School of Medicine Alumni Merit Award. 

Learn more about how you can help support Saint Louis University.