Leo P. Krall, M.D., A Joslin Founder and International Diabetes Leader, Dies at Age 87
His Work Spanning 50 Years Touched Many Nations
BOSTON — January 31, 2002 — Leo P. Krall, M.D., an international leader in the field of diabetes for half a century and one of the original founders of Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, died Wednesday evening, Jan. 30, at the age of 87.
Dr. Krall was one of Joslin Diabetes Center's most renowned clinicians and researchers. He first came to Joslin as a fellow in 1947. Joslin Diabetes Center founder Elliott P. Joslin, M.D., invited Dr. Krall to join the team of physicians in the 1950s who established the Joslin Diabetes Center, which has become the preeminent diabetes treatment and research facility in the world.
Just as important, Dr. Krall loved the practice of medicine and his contact with patients. Though semi-retired, Dr. Krall continued up until his death to make weekly visits to Joslin to treat patients from around the world who loved his warmth and personal concern for their well-being. A tireless educator, Dr. Krall traveled and lectured internationally and took particular interest in the dissemination of information in developing countries. Dr. Krall founded and directed the Joslin International Fellows Program, which facilitated the training of diabetes clinicians from around the world.
He was a past and Honorary President of the International Diabetes Federation and traveled nearly 2 million miles during his distinguished career. He was on the Advisory Committee for the Canadian Diabetes Association and served on editorial boards of prestigious medical journals.
"Dr. Krall was among Joslin Diabetes Center's most highly regarded clinicians and scholars. He served as an ambassador for Joslin Diabetes Center and the methods first taught by Dr. Joslin to people with diabetes throughout the world," said Joslin President C. Ronald Kahn, M.D. "He was well-loved throughout the world for his many contributions to diabetes. He has been an integral part of the Center for over 50 years."
Among his many contributions, Dr. Krall served as Director of Joslin Diabetes Center's education division, where he successfully developed self-maintenance programs for diabetes patients and chaired the annual Harvard-Joslin course that attracts physicians and other health professionals to Boston each year. In addition to editing the classic Joslin text, Joslin's Diabetes Mellitus, Dr. Krall edited the widely known Joslin Diabetes Manual, a patient's guide to diabetes printed in 12 editions and in at least six languages. He also served as chief editor of the World Book of Diabetes Practice, co-editor of Diabetes Annual, and editor and contributor to numerous international journals, having authored or co-authored nearly 200 scientific papers and other publications.
In 1985, Dr. Krall was elected President of the International Diabetes Federation, an umbrella organization for diabetes professionals in over 80 nations worldwide. He was honored at the 17th International Diabetes Federation Congress in Mexico City in 2000. Dr. Krall was also responsible for establishment of the Diabetes Research and Education Foundation, dedicated to providing "seed money" for clinicians and researchers unable to obtain funding from regular sources, serving as Chairman of its Board of Trustees.
He was a member of the Board of Overseers at Joslin, and a Lecturer in Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In 1998 Dr. Krall was presented the Joslin Achievement Award for exemplary service and the highest degree of commitment to Joslin Diabetes Center and the fight against diabetes. Last year in honor of Dr. Krall, the Joslin Diabetes Center established The Leo P. Krall, M.D., International Diabetes Care and Education Fund for the development of innovative clinical training programs and education opportunities for diabetes clinicians from around the world.
His honors and awards include the American Diabetes Association Harold H. Rifkin Medal for Distinguished International Service in the Cause of Diabetes; the Upjohn Outstanding Educator in the Field of Diabetes Award; the Latin American Diabetes Association Award of Honor; and special recognition from Argentina, Canada, China, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Japan, Spain, Venezuela, Wales, Yugoslavia and other countries. He served on numerous editorial broads for medical journals and was a leader in numerous national and international medical societies. He also served on the board of the International Artists Series of Worcester, MA.
Born in New York City, Dr. Krall held a bachelor's degree from Pacific Union College and his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. The University named him University Alumnus of the Year in 2000. He completed his medical training at the U.S. Marine Hospital on Staten Island, NY, and at the former New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston and the U.S. Marine Hospital in San Francisco. He served as a medical officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
A longtime resident of Wellesley, MA, he is survived by his wife, Lois; a son, Kenneth of Beverly, MA; two daughters, Kristina Cady of Pittsford, VT, and Katherine Krall Guy of Byfield, MA; and six grandchildren.
Calling hours were 1-4:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, at J.S. Waterman & Sons Funeral Home, 592 Washington St., Route 16, Wellesley, MA. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5, at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, 207 Washington St., Route 16, Wellesley Hills, MA. Private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetary in Wellesley, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions in Dr. Krall's memory to be made to the The Leo P. Krall, M.D., International Diabetes Care and Education Fund, Joslin Diabetes Center, Development Office, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215.
