William G. Anlyan, MD, who began his 40-year career at Duke as a medical intern and went on to become professor of surgery, dean of the School of Medicine and chancellor for health affairs, died Sunday, Jan. 17. He was 90 years old.
The news was announced to the Duke Health community in an email message from the current chancellor, A. Eugene Washington.
"With great sadness, I write to inform you of the passing of a towering figure in Duke’s history, Dr. William G. Anlyan, M.D. Over 40 years of service to Duke, and 25 years as leader of the health enterprise, Bill Anlyan transformed Duke into the world-leading institution it is today."
Mary Klotman, MD, chair of the Department of Medicine, met Anlyan during her first year as a medical student, when both competed in the annual student-faculty tennis tournament.
"He was a fierce presence on the tennis court," said Dr. Klotman. "From then on, he always took time to catch up on my career, and to share his wise perspective on academic medicine. His name is synonymous with Duke Medicine — the incredible growth of Duke as a top academic health system came from his inspirational vision and leadership. I will certainly miss his presence."