Remembering Dr. Karl H. Perzin, MD: A Legacy of Excellence

Dr. Karl H. Perzin, a distinguished pathologist, educator, and mentor, passed away at the age of 91 in Oradell, New Jersey. He was a devoted professor, mentor, and consultant in pathology, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students and medical professionals.

Born on July 18, 1933, in Jersey City, Dr. Perzin received his B.A. from Columbia College in 1954, and earned his medical degree from what is now known as the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1958. He served as a Medical Officer in the United States Public Health Service from 1959 to 1961 before embarking on his long and distinguished career in pathology at Columbia.

Dr. Perzin joined Columbia’s pathology department on July 1, 1961, as a first-year resident. Over the course of his career, he rose to become a Professor of Pathology and Cell Biology at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC) and formally retired in 1998. He was named Professor Emeritus and continued as a consulting pathologist and educator for years thereafter. In all, he dedicated 60 years to Columbia, profoundly contributing to its core missions of education, research, and patient care.

A passionate and influential educator, Dr. Perzin was honored with multiple teaching accolades, including "Teacher of the Year" and "Distinguished Teacher" awards, reflecting his deep commitment to training future pathologists. His teaching left a lasting impact on countless residents and students, many of whom went on to have notable careers in pathology.

His unwavering dedication to education and excellence continues to be felt by generations of pathologists. In recognition of his contributions, several awards bear his name, including the Dr. Karl Perzin Excellence in Pathology Award, presented to outstanding medical students and the Dr. Karl Perzin Award for Excellence in Anatomic Pathology Teaching, given to faculty members by residents and fellows. These honors celebrate outstanding teaching achievements in pathology and medical education, ensuring his passion for teaching and commitment to excellence will endure for years to come.

Dr. Perzin was also an accomplished academic, publishing over 50 papers in peer-reviewed journals. He co-authored the AFIP Fascicle on Tumors of the Intestines, published in 1990, a significant contribution to the field of pathology. His 1993 study on the premalignant significance of benign proliferative breast diseases remains an important reference in the understanding of breast pathology. His research and scholarly work advanced the knowledge and diagnosis of surgical pathology, cementing his legacy as both a scientist and educator.

In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to pathology and medical education, Dr. Perzin was awarded the College of Physicians and Surgeons Distinguished Service Award in Basic Science in 2016, presented at the medical school’s graduation ceremony.

Beyond his professional life, Dr. Perzin had a deep appreciation for the arts, particularly as a devoted patron of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic. His love for music and culture was a testament to his intellectual curiosity and lifelong passion for learning.

Dr. Perzin’s legacy is one of excellence, mentorship, and dedication to the field of pathology. He will be fondly remembered by his colleagues, students, and friends as an exceptional physician, an inspiring educator, and a kind-hearted mentor.