Late doctor was a pioneer in gynecological oncologist medicine; was close to the family of Henrietta Lacks and helped in the establishment of her immortalized cell line!
Dr. Roland A. Pattillo, a noted gynecologic oncologist, professor, researcher, and author who passed away recently, area was a strong force in women’s health for five decades. Dr. Pattillo was the first African American faculty member at Marquette University School of Medicine (which later became MCW).
Dr. Pattillo, served on the MCW Obstetrics and Gynecology faculty from 1968 to 1995, received MCW’s Distinguished Service Award in 1994 and an Honorary Degree in 2018.
Dr. Pattillo was an expert on gynecologic and trophoblastic (placental) cancers and stem cell research, and he led a team of physicians who successfully cultivated cervical tissue cells outside the body to develop a vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Dr. Pattillo’s research and clinical studies focused on in-vitro cell models that possessed characteristic biomarkers that were then used in multiple experimental designs for assessment of endocrine function, chemotherapy, radiation therapy sensitivity and differentiation.
His research culminated in the first identification of the trophoblast stem cell and establishment of the first human hormone synthesizing cell system maintained in continuous cultivation.
Dr. Pattillo shared all the cell systems he established with scientists worldwide, and one, the ovarian system, was used to develop a new treatment for ovarian cancer. He authored the first stem cell publication in 1968. In total, he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed journal publications, one book and several book chapters.
Dr. Pattillo trained as a fellow with George Gey, MD, at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 1951, Dr. Gey established the first immortalized cell line (HeLa) which is chronicled in the best-selling book and movie, ‘The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks.’
His work with Dr. Gey led him to develop an enduring close relationship with the Lacks family. Dr. Pattillo purchased a headstone for Henrietta’s previously unmarked grave, served as a champion for the family, and later in his career, while at Morehouse School of Medicine, launched a women’s health conference in Henrietta’s honor.
During his time at MCW, Dr. Pattillo served one year as acting chair of obstetrics and gynecology and four years as vice-chair.
In 1995, he was named emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynecology.
He then moved to Morehouse College of Medicine in Atlanta, where he eventually was promoted to chair of the department of obstetrics and gynecology.
Dr. Pattillo has been honored with the Medallion of the International Trophoblast Society, the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award and the Pioneer Award from the National Institute of Health for Frontiers in Stem Cell Research.
He was one of the founders of Milwaukee’s Cream City Medical Society.
Pattillo attended Xavier University in New Orleans, earned his MD from St. Louis University and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at MCW. He also completed a gynecologic oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins.
Dr. Pattillo is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Patricia O’Flynn Pattillo; sister, Carolyn Pattillo Davis; children Catherine Pattillo Jefferson (David), Patrick Pattillo, Sheri Pattillo Johnson, Mary Pattillo; bonus sibling Todd ‘Speech’ Thomas; grandchildren Daniel Pattillo (Rachel), Carolos Arriaga (Vicki), Camille and David Michael Jefferson, Vann III and Benjamin Johnson, Jahi and Zoe Renee Thomas; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.
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