About The Journal
Current Issue
Past Issues/Index
Author Instructions
Subscriptions/
Donations
News and Press
Privacy Policy
Contact Us
Editorial Board
Help
The Life & Times of Edgar Benton Smith, M. D.
Debra J. Krummel-Abram & Joseph P. Janik
Dermanities December 31, 2005; 3(3)
Every field has individuals whose impact is exceptional and their influence lives on. In the field of Dermatology, Edgar Benton “Ben” Smith is one of those people. Ben’s ability to teach through respect and humor, diverse knowledge base, and love of life make him memorable. On Thursday, May 11, 2005, Ben finished his journey on earth, but left a vibrant and distinguished legacy behind.
Ben was born on June 2, 1932, at Memorial Hospital in Houston, Texas, to Burt B. Smith, surgeon, and Beth Grant Smith, homemaker. At 18, he attended Rice University as an undergraduate. Soon after his matriculation in 1953, Ben married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, Francis Elaine Newton. Ben and Elaine dated for five years then were married for 52.
Ben’s medical education began at Baylor University, where he received his Doctor of Medicine in 1957. He then joined the military as an Army General Medical Officer, and completed his internship at Walter Reed Hospital. During this year, Sheri, their first daughter, was born. Following his internship, Ben and Elaine moved to Albuquerque to serve at the Sandia Base Army Hospital. While there, his second daughter, Robin, was born. After Ben’s tour of duty, he completed his dermatology residency at Brooke General Hospital in Fort Sam Houston, Texas, before he was stationed at Martin Army Hospital in Fort Benning, Georgia.
In 1966, Ben received the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award and spent a year at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, where he received his Diploma of Clinical Medicine of the Tropics. London continued to be special, and Ben, as a member of the British Association of Dermatology, was proud to be a “BAD” boy!
Upon Ben’s return to the States, he accepted his first academic position at the University of Miami, but soon moved back to Baylor. This preceded his accepted of the Directorship of Dermatology at the University of New Mexico. Ben was committed to academia and was instrumental in creating the UNM Department of Dermatology and initiating their residency program. He was a successful educator and, in 1976, received the coveted Khatali Award for outstanding teachers.
Ben accepted the position of Chairman of Dermatology at UT/Galveston, where he retired in 1999, after 21 years of service. He was the president of the AAD; Director of the American Board of Dermatology and the ADA; Secretary/Treasure for the APD; served the Chauncey Leake History of Medicine Society; Director of International Society of Dermatologist, Tropical Ecological & Geographic; and the first honorary male member of the Women’s Dermatological Society, to name just a few.
In appreciation for his work, Ben received innumerable awards. Some of his most notable honors were: The Fulbright Scholarship; the Alfred Stengel Traveling Scholarship; Sulzberger International Lecturer; the ABD Distinguished Service Award; and the most prestigious honor awarded in the field of Dermatology, the AAD’s Gold Medal.
As distinguished as Ben’s professional accomplishments were, his personal life was where his strength lay. Elaine and their daughters, Sheri and Robin, were foremost in Ben’s heart. Robin is a successful attorney in Houston, and Sheri is the proud mother of two, married to Dr. Scott Dinehart, a former dermatology resident under Ben at Galveston, where they first met. Their two sons were favorites of Ben, and he loved to brag about them as all grandfathers do. Ben was also a die hard Red Sox fan and was fortunate enough to attend the 2004 World Series with his grandsons where his team finally won! Two other important members of Ben’s family were his male cats Macavity and El Tigre, who helped restore the testosterone balance through the years in an otherwise female- dominated household.
Besides cheering on the Red Sox, Ben’s favorite pastimes included Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, pottery, bolos, and Southwestern living. In 1972, he co-founded the Sir James Saunders Society, a Sherlockian group of dermatologists who continue to meet annually during the AAD meeting, as well as at other various functions. Ben claimed he became interested in Tarzan when he read an article reporting that Tarzan had gray eyes, like Holmes, and surmised that maybe Sherlock and Tarzan were related. Ben also collected over 300 pieces of pottery and over 500 bolo ties. He loved the foods of New Mexico. Any resident who worked with Dr. Smith at UNM has a story about the flaming hot green chili or chili relleno they ate, with a smile, while interviewing with Ben - a medical student’s right of passage. He cherished his Southwestern living style so much, that he was buried wearing his favorite boots.
Most importantly, Ben’s foundation was based on his faith, as he actively participated in the Methodist Church. He was always ready with a kind and encouraging word, believed in the value of every person, could teach a Bible lesson as easily as Dermatology, and was generous to those around him.
We were lucky to have Ben grace the field of Dermatology. He was a guiding light to young dermatologists. Quoting Steve Padilla, Chair of UNM Dermatology, at Ben’s memorial, “I have been lucky to know Ben throughout my medical career…he provided me with guidance and mentorship. His leadership and support were key factors in my decision to pursue a career in dermatology.” Dr. Michael Contreras, the last resident to complete his residency under Ben’s tutelage, said, “Dr. Smith’s generosity to residents was unparalleled. He was a compassionate, fair, respected teacher and friend, who I will miss dearly and will strive to emulate as I start my career.” Eduardo Tschen, one of Ben’s first residents, honored him by writing, “Ben became my role model, my hero.” Ben positively touched the lives of everyone who met him. His legacy will live on because of the great man he was. Dr. J. Conrad Schwab, a close friend, wrote, “Ben had a rare blend of brilliance, warmth, grace, and wit, and will be missed greatly by us all.”