Thomas F. Whayne, Jr., MD, PhD, FICA (1937–2020)

Thomas F. Whayne, Jr., MD, PhD, FICA (1937–2020)

Dr. Thomas F. Whayne, Jr., loving husband of Eugenia Ingram Whayne, father, and grandfather, passed away suddenly on June 19th, 2020 at his home. Born on August 25, 1937 in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he was the son of the late Thomas French Whayne, Sr. and Mary Lutenia Porter Whayne.

A widely regarded cardiologist and medical educator, he served as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine with the Gill Heart and. Vascular Institute at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky since 1998. Prior to then, he was initially in academic medicine for 7 years (1970–1977), 2 of which were spent at the Ohio State University followed by 5 years at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the University of Oklahoma. After his initial academic career, he was in private practice in cardiology at the Lexington Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky for 21 years, starting in 1977, before joining the University of Kentucky in 1998.

Dr. Whayne graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1963. Residency in internal medicine was at the New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Cardiovascular training was at the Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California-San Francisco and included the award of a PhD degree in biochemistry in 1970. He was board certified in both cardiovascular disease and internal medicine. His patient practice was limited to cardiovascular medicine with major interests in the aggressive treatment of coronary atherosclerosis, blood lipid disorders, and the reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. Research interests included lipoprotein metabolism and innovative cardiovascular medical therapies.

Dr. Whayne published over 150 medical articles, which included 18 in the Spanish language with over 100 Medline-listed publications in PubMed. He gave over 70 international presentations in Spanish in Spanish-speaking countries. Fellowship was awarded in several professional organizations including the American College of Cardiology, the American College of Physicians, the American Heart Association and the International College of Angiology. He was listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in the World, and Best Doctors in America.

He actively supported the Rotary Club of Lexington, The Vesper Boat Club of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Rowing, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and University of Kentucky Department of Hispanic Studies. He was especially proud of sponsoring the ThomasF. Whayne Professor of Women's Heart Health at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.

Dr. Whayne served as the Assistant Secretary-General of the Board of Directors of the International College of Angiology until his passing. He had served as a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Angiology. He has served our International College of Angiology and its various committees with sincerity, honesty, and with his fullest ability. In June 2017, Dr. Whayne was bestowed the, “Research Achievement Award” from the International College of Angiology.

Other than his wife, Dr. Whayne is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and his sister. In conclusion, Dr. Whayne had a distinguished career in terms of academic, research, teaching, patient care, and administrative ability. His achievements were prominent both in quality and quantity.

Dr. Whayne will be missed by his patients, as well as his colleagues, and will truly be remembered as an outstanding person, dedicated mentor, and friend to all.

On a very personal level, I lost a special friend with whom I traveled around the world for sightseeing and cultural experience. I miss him miserably!

Publication History

Article published online:
26 November 2020