Charles Aubrey "Mickey" LaMaistre, MD, former president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, died Saturday at the age of 92.
Dr. LeMaistre served as the second full-time president of MD Anderson from 1978 to 1996, previously spending seven years as chancellor of The University of Texas System.
In his almost two decades at MD Anderson, Dr. LeMaistre led the organization through a period of large growth, helping to expand its programs, facilities and staff. He was also a "pioneering crusader" on the harmful effects of tobacco and developed a cancer prevention program at MD Anderson that's transformed into an international model of research and service initiatives, according to a news release.
"Mickey was one of the great icons of 20th century medicine who pushed boundaries, drove innovation and positioned MD Anderson to be the world's most impactful cancer center," said Ronald DePinho, MD, president of MD Anderson. "His excellence is reflected to this day in the halls of our institution and in the countless lives saved around the globe."
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