Duff Ivan F., 1915-1994

Ivan Francis Duff, professor, rheumatologist, and founder of the Turner Geriatric Clinic at the University of Michigan, was born in Pendleton, Oregon, on July 20, 1915. He graduated from Pendleton High School and attended the University of Oregon, receiving a bachelor's degree in 1938. He enrolled in the University of Michigan Medical School, earning his medical degree in 1940, and completing his internship and residency training in internal medicine.

Following service with the Navy during World War II, he returned to Ann Arbor in 1946 and joined the Department of Internal Medicine as an instructor and helped to develop the Anticoagulation Clinic. Rheumatology was his primary interest, and in 1953 he was promoted to associate professor and placed in charge of the Rackham Arthritis Research Unit. He was promoted to the rank of professor in 1960.

During the 1960s he took part in several epidemiologic investigations of rheumatic diseases, including the School of Public Health's Community Health Study at Tecumseh, Michigan, under the direction of Thomas Francis. In 1964 he began a lengthy association with the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission (ABCC), studying the occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis among the populations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. His studies extended to research on rheumatic diseases throughout the Far East, including Australia, China, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

In 1969, he became chief of the University of Michigan Arthritis Division and served as director of the Regional Arthritis Control Program from 1969 to 1971. He directed the Pilot Geriatric Arthritis Center from 1974 until 1977, when he was asked to establish a comprehensive health care program focusing on the special needs of the elderly. The program became the Turner Geriatric Clinic which he directed from 1977 to 1980. From 1980 to 1984, he was acting chief of the newly created Division of Geriatric Medicine. In 1986 he was awarded emeritus status by the university, and continued to see patients until shortly before his death.

Active within his profession, he was a founding member of the National Society of Rheumatologists. He was also active in the American College of Rheumatology, American Rheumatism Society, Michigan Rheumatism Society, and the Michigan Arthritis Foundation. He chaired the Arthritis Foundation Government Liaison Committee from 1973 to 1979, and helped draft legislation which resulted in the passage of the National Arthritis Act.

Dr. Duff died October 27, 1994 at the age of 79. He was survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Betty Anne Macduff, and two sons, David Bruce and Frank Nelson.

From the guide to the Ivan F. Duff papers, 1947-1994, 1976-1982, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)