Introduction: Herman Kretschmer (1879-1951) was a urologist who made significant contributions to genitourinary pathology and academic urology.
Methods: A thorough literature review was performed.
Results: Herman Kretschmer was born in Chicago, where he grew up and later graduated from the Northwestern University School of Pharmacy in 1900. He continued his studies at Northwestern University Medical School where he graduated magna cum laude in 1904. After graduation, he completed an internship at Alexian Brothers Hospital before traveling abroad to Vienna to study under Otto Zuckerkandl from 1906 to 1907. Kretschmer studied “essential hematuria” while in Vienna, and his work was eventually published in the first volume of the Zeitschrift for Urologie. Kretschmer made many contributions to pathology in the genitourinary tract and firmly believed that every urologist should be a close student of pathology. He had over 285 scientific publications under his name, many with a focus on genitourinary pathology. His publications included work on bladder leiomyoma, prostate cancer and diethylstilbestrol, acute and chronic epididymitis, and prostatic sarcoma. A strong dedication to academic medicine led Kretschmer to serve in a wide variety of academic societies, including holding the titles of Chairman of the Section of Urology of the American Medical Association, President of the American Board of Urology, and President of the American Urological Association. He earned himself several awards and honors throughout his career, while also finding time to give back to his community. The preservation of the Pasteur monument in Convalescent Park in Chicago was due in part to Kretschmer’s philanthropic efforts. He passed away in his Chicago home on September 23, 1951 and was commemorated fondly in an obituary published in JAMA.
Conclusions: Herman Kretschmer devoted his life to the study of genitourinary pathology and was the exemplification of an interdisciplinary academic physician. His involvement and participation in academic urology helped shape the urologic societies present today.
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