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Luigi Mastroianni Jr’s career in medicine and science spanned the era of the most important advances in reproductive medicine—the development of effective contraception and the birth of assisted conception. He played a significant role in both, and in doing so helped create the field of reproductive medicine as we know it today. In doing this, he also established the paradigm for translational research, which is the mantra of contemporary biomedical investigation, including recognition of the important role that infra-human primate models have in the movement of concepts from the bench to the bedside. He carried out pioneering research on the mechanism of action of the intrauterine device. His work on the characterization of tubal fluid and its role in fertilization served as a foundation for in-vitro studies of gametes. In combination with his studies on the rhesus monkey oocyte, this body of work presaged human in-vitro fertilization. Luigi was recognized for these accomplishments by the King Faisel Prize, which he shared with Bob Edwards, election to the Institute of Medicine of the US National Academy of Sciences, the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Society for Gynecologic Investigation, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction, and the Axel Munthe Prize, among other honors. He was elected President of the American Fertility Society, now the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of its journal, Fertility and Sterility.

Reflecting on Luigi’s influence in the field of human reproduction, we can point to several important principles that he espoused that were vanguard in their nature. First, that interdisciplinary science was essential for translational research. Doctoral scientists needed to work in concert with physicians to solve problems of clinical significance. He was among the first to create a division of reproductive biology in a department of obstetrics and gynecology, bringing basic scientists into constant interaction with clinicians. Second, Luigi saw that the problems of reproductive medicine were global, and he established international training programs to instruct the next generation. Indeed, he made us internationalists and strongly promoted the global community of physicians and scientists working in the field of reproduction. Third, he recognized early on the importance of bioethics in the field of reproductive medicine. Like his mentor, John Rock, Luigi was concerned about the ethics surrounding all medical interventions involving reproductive processes. Although already an accomplished scholar on this topic, he completed a master’s degree in bioethics (MBE) at the University of Pennsylvania shortly before he died. His daughter, Anna, has become a leader in the field of bioethics, no doubt heavily influenced by her father.

Luigi’s influence in reproductive medicine reached its apogee at the University of Pennsylvania, where, as Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, he built a team of vigorous basic scientists, clinical researchers, and outstanding clinicians. Although his professional efforts were increasingly dedicated to patient care and administration, Luigi remained keenly involved in the scholarship of his department. He spent the summer in Wood’s Hole, Massachusetts, drawn to the rich academic life of the Marine Biological Laboratories. Spending summers there gave him the opportunity to engage in the scientific discourse that he so loved. He took great pride in all those who came to the University of Pennsylvania to work in his department. He reveled in the successes of his trainees. Receiving a letter or e-mail from a former fellow brightened his day. He beamed in their company, and worked hard to bring them all together, something that was done on several occasions. Always ebullient, always with a twinkle in his eye, and always with a positive word; he made you feel good about your work and your life.

Luigi was at peace when he was discharged from his last hospitalization to hospice care. During those last weeks many of us traveled to his home to thank him for his kindness and his counsel, and his lasting impact on our careers. His mind was sharp as ever; it was his heart that was failing him. It had to be that way; his heart was big, and it held places for all his colleagues and his grateful trainees.

Jerome F. Strauss, III, MD, PhD

Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs, VCU Health System, Dean Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Toshinobu Tanaka, MD

President of Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, 4-2-6 Koji-machi, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0083, Japan