In Memoriam
Charles K. Francis, MD, MACP, FACC
1939 – 2020
With great sadness, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) announces the loss of former Board Chair (1996-2000) Dr. Charles Kenneth Francis, Jr. He died Wednesday, October 21, 2020, at the age of 81.
ABC Founder Dr. Richard Allen Williams: “I was startled to learn of the death of Charles K. “Charlie” Francis, Jr., whom I knew from our days in Boston in our respective cardiology fellowship programs. Charlie was a very accomplished and highly respected cardiologist who held important positions in medical institutions around the country. He also served as Chair of the ABC Board of Directors for an unprecedented four years. Although his demeanor was usually serious and I never saw him without a shirt and tie, he had a light-hearted side. I recall a time when Charlie came to Los Angeles to interview for the job of Chief of Medicine at the Dr. Martin Luther King Hospital, where I was Assistant Medical Director. When he visited my home he was overjoyed to see I had a pool table and rushed to show me his skill in billiards, which I certainly could not match. Charlie was a brilliant researcher, writer, lecturer, and leader in medicine. The ABC is proud that he shared his wisdom and expertise with us. I extend my condolences to his widow Irma and to his family.”
ABC Board Chair Dr. Elizabeth Ofili: “The ABC and our broader community lost a giant with the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Charles K. Francis. I served with Dr. Francis on the ABC Board of Directors. He dedicated his time and energy in mentoring me and many others. He made us better leaders. I was honored when he invited me to co-author the paper titled “How to Encourage Minorities to Choose Careers in Cardiology,” which was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2004. Dr. Francis was a consummate scholar and a passionate advocate for minority health and health equity. His legacy will live on through generations of leaders and the many lives that he touched. We will miss him. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
ABC historian and former vice president Dr. Luther Clark: “The death of Dr. Charles Francis is a tremendous loss for the ABC Family and for all of medicine. Dr. Francis was one of the most talented and accomplished physicians of our time. We have all benefited from his transformational leadership and have been inspired by his lifelong dedication to reducing disparities and advancing the highest quality of health care for all, particularly for communities of color.”
We invite you to share your memories, stories, and reflections.
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