In memoriam: Robert T. Leshner , MD

[Color figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]Robert Theodore Leshner, MD, died on February 12, 2021, age 76, home, after a heroic, 10-year struggle with multiple system atrophy. He was born in 1944 Brooklyn, New York. His father physician and an influential role model. In high school, Bob wrestled played lacrosse soccer. received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University 1965 graduated Medical College 1969. completed internal medicine internship the Center Hospitals of Vermont, then entered neurology residency Colorado Center. Deciding to pursue career pediatric neurology, he returned Vermont for 1 year general pediatrics, fellowship Colorado. After postgraduate training, served United States Navy 4 years, 2 years National Naval Bethesda, Maryland, Regional San Diego, California, where assistant chair department. deployed as fleet surgeon Seventh Fleet months 1977. leaving Navy, did 1-year neuromuscular Georgia Augusta, under mentorship longtime friend coauthor this article, T.R.S. faculty joined Virginia Richmond, now Commonwealth (VCU) School Medicine, stayed next 25 years. Following sabbatical Washington, 2004 took position Children's Hospital DC, appointment professor pediatrics George Washington Medicine. There helped reshape program Muscular Dystrophy Association clinic. With much family West Coast, 2011 moved Diego California (UCSD) Rady Hospital, spent remainder career. Fellow American Academy Neurology (AAN) Neuromuscular Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). During VCU, director or codirector electromyography laboratory, clinics, clinical neurophysiology training (1998-2003). also staff neurologist Richmond consultant McGuire Veterans Affairs active member AAN, AANEM, Child Society, serving numerous committees these organizations through As children grew, soccer coach, Cub Scout den leader, scout master. runner avid horseman fox hunter. Some Bob's early research involved motor neuron survival, area interest that would come full circle decades later. collaborator Dr William B. Rizzo dietary oleic acid erucic (Lorenzo's oil) therapy adrenoleukodystrophy. Despite its appealing biochemical underpinnings, never fulfilled promise. had long-standing muscular dystrophy spinal wrote, Diana M. Escolar, chapter fourth fifth editions Swaiman's Pediatric Neurology: Principles Practice. about 1989, made diagnosis type II atrophy young boy named Andrew Slay. Andrew's parents founded nonprofit, patient support organization called it Buddies, known Buddies/FightSMA. The group's first goal purchase DNA sequencer lab Columbia University. ensuing has raised contributed millions dollars (SMA). Buddies/FightSMA provided funding Adrian Krainer 2000, which ultimately led collaboration Ionis Pharmaceuticals resulted nusinersen SMA. When asked by reporter how soon hearing US Food Drug Administration's approval nusinersen, thought Slays, replied, “Within half-second.” was, foremost, clinician legendary teacher. Those us who worked him were sometimes awed dedication work ethic. won teaching awards nearly everywhere faculty. out clothes while lecturing illustrate some point anatomy. Many times, teach single-fiber electromyography, jab himself forehead beside eye lip, sit there, nonchalantly trickle blood ran down face. 2002, Clinician Year VCU Health System. One former residents, learning passing, described great teacher, clinician, scientist, humanist. few good UCSD became so revered that, retirement, award created Department Neurosciences. is Leshner Humanism Award caption reads: “For trainee embodies qualities compassion, humility, collegiality, acumen, sense humor, passion teaching.” It given only rare resident values exemplified. At detached, outlook own disease. friends noticed appeared masked bradykinetic meeting fall 2011. one (W.W.C.) if felt okay, told looked parkinsonian, “Maybe that's why my legs won't right when I run.” Years later, bemused over completely asymptomatic, 50-point postural drop systolic pressure. survived wife, Deborah, sons David T.W., daughter Elizabeth, stepdaughters Shannon Colleen, brother Daniel, nine grandchildren. Together, we all mourn extraordinary man. Interment will take place Arlington Cemetery.