Memorial to Emanuel Skolnik

Emanuel (Manny) Skolnik was born in Chicago, raised his family there, and spent his entire professional life practicing and teaching in that city. He received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Illinois, after which he interned at Cook County Hospital, where he was in training when Pearl Harbor was attacked. Following military service in the European theater as a major in the medical corps, he returned to the University for a postgraduate course in the basic science of otolaryngology and a residency in the specialty. He became a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology in 1949.

Dr. Skolnik was a dedicated teacher, researcher, and clinician. His clinical and academic productivity resulted in a steady progression of promotions at the University of Illinois until he was made Professor of Otolaryngology in 1963 and much later, Professor Emeritus. He worked regularly with residents in the operating room and served his patients continually for many years in several private Chicago and suburban hospitals. He continued actively in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary until the recent months of his last illness.

Although he was broadly trained in his specialty, Dr. Skolnik' s clinical and research efforts were chiefly in the discipline of head and neck surgery. He made numerous contributions to the advancement of the management of tumors of the head and neck and he was the author of more than 125 publications. Many of his papers in clinical research have as coauthors residents and students who were inspired to become involved in investigation and writing.

Manny was a member and officer of many major national and international medical societies. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society. He was also a Fellow of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery, which he served as President in 1975, and the American Laryngological Association, of which he was Guest of Honor at the 107th meeting in 1986. He was elected a Director of the American Board of Otolaryngology in 1967 and served in that capacity until 1982, when he was elevated to Senior Councillor.

At the University of Illinois, for many years, he directed the Annual Otolaryngologic Assembly, a review course for a week each year for otolaryngologists from the entire United States. He invited speakers of outstanding ability who presented current up dating of basic and advanced material in our specialty.

Manny Skolnik was a dedicated physician and close friend through our many years together at the University of Illinois. During his long tenure with the University, his enthusiasm for teaching both in the operating room and clinics never diminished. He enjoyed his work with residents and medical students and shared his activities with colleagues over the entire world. His well-known sense of humor remained even through his serious final illness.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Helen, his daughters, Robin and Carol, his five grand children, and the entire family.