Ojemann, Dr. Robert G of Weston, beloved husband of Jean, passed away peacefully after an extended battle with cancer, on Wed. March 3, 2010 surrounded by his family.
He graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952 and received his medical degree at the University of Iowa College of Medicine, graduating first in his class in 1955. Dr. Ojemann came to the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1957 as a resident in Neurosurgery and ultimately was named Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School in 1979 and remained on the staff of the MGH and the faculty of Harvard Medical School for his entire career.
This world renowned Neurosurgeon served as president of the American Academy of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons and Society of Neurological Surgeons and was chairman of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and the Residency Review Committee for Neurological Surgery. He also received the highest awards in his specialty, including the Cushing Medal from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1997, Honored Guest of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in 1992 and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Neurological Surgeons in 2001.
His clinical and research interests were in the areas of brain tumors and cerebrovascular disease. He published over 200 articles and chapters and co-authored two books including the first book on the surgical management of cerebrovascular disease. Dr. Ojemann was the “neurosurgeon’s neurosurgeon” and the teacher of an entire generation of neurosurgeons currently practicing world-wide. Even after he stopped operating he was a wonderful source of advice and wise counsel. His skill, style, and compassion profoundly impacted the lives of thousands of patients.
Dr. Ojemann was also a long time member of Trinitarian Congregational Church in Wayland, where he had served as a deacon. In addition he served in the Army Reserves with rank of Major.
Dr. Ojemann is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jean; his sister Kathryn McKean and her husband Paul of Acton, brother Dr George Ojemann and his wife Dr. Linda Ojemann. Sons David and Joan Ojemann of Harvard, James and Carol Ojemann of Sandown, NH, Michael and Paula Ojemann of Concord, and John and Laura Ojemann of Carlisle, as well as 7 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.
A private service for immediate family will be held in the next few days and a memorial service is planned for later in March. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made either to the Robert G. and Jean A. Ojemann Professorship in the Department of Neurosurgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Salvation Army, or the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Wayland, Mass.