James O. Ertle, MD was a steadfast and longstanding member of the Dermatology Foundation for forty years. He was a deeply respected leader in dermatology. A prolific fundraiser with an abiding belief in the Foundation’s mission — he was an Annenberg Sustaining and Visionary Society member — he will also be remembered for his many leadership roles within the DF.
A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Basel Medical School in Switzerland, Dr. Ertle maintained a private practice in Hinsdale, Ill. and served as an assistant professor of dermatology at Rush University. He also held the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy.
Over the course of his medical career, Dr. Ertle was a member of many professional organizations and received numerous accolades and awards. Among them were the 2001 DF Honorary Practitioner of the Year Award, and multiple Presidential Citations from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for his volunteer work in developing countries, including Haiti.
He was elected to the boards of the AAD, the Foundation for International Dermatological Education, and the International Society of Dermatology. He was also president at the Chicago Dermatological Society, the Illinois State Dermatological Society, and the Great Lakes Dermatological Society.
Dr. Elizabeth McBurney, former chair of the Dermatology Foundation, described Dr. Ertle as “a consummate leader with a great capacity to listen to and respect opposing views.”
The Foundation is indebted to Dr. James Ertle for his generosity and grateful for his conviction in the value of the Foundation’s work. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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