Remembering George Morley

George W. Morley (M.D. 1949, Residency 1954), 81, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology, founding member of the gynecologic oncology subspecialty, and beloved teacher and mentor to hundreds of U-M students and residents, died on February 20 after a brief illness.

Morley attended the Medical School Reunion in October 2004 where he visited with friends at the tailgate party (top) and received his emeritus medallion from Dean Allen Lichter at the Emeritus Dinner.

Morley’s history with the U-M and the Medical School is a long and illustrious one. In addition to earning his medical degree and completing his residency here, he also received his bachelor’s degree (1944) and Master of Science (1955) at the U-M. His University Hospital career spanned more than five decades and included the titles of chief of the Gynecologic Oncology Service, director of the Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship, and the Norman F. Miller Professor of Gynecology. He also served as president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Pelvic Surgeons, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the Central Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, and the Norman F. Miller Gynecological Society.

Morley was a true Michigan man. In a written statement to the University community following Morley’s death, Medical School Dean Allen Lichter said, “In 2002 I presented the Distinguished Alumni Service Award to Dr. Morley, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving. [He] exemplified the very best in Michigan traditions.”

John O.L. DeLancey, M.D., the Norman F. Miller Professor of Gynecology, in his words of remembrance at the memorial service, said of Morley, “His enthusiasm for surgery was infectious, and many of us were infected for life. Throughout this country and around the world, his trainees take better care of their patients because of what they learned from his teaching wisdom. So many surgical careers were launched by his unique combination of surgical mastery, stimulating excitement and personal support. His influence will be felt for generations because of the young people he encouraged and stimulated to pursue careers of surgical excellence.”

Visit the George Morley Memorial Web site at www.med.umich.edu/obgyn/morley.htm. To read a profile of Morley in the fall 2003 issue of Medicine at Michigan, click here.

Gifts in Morley’s memory may be sent to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., L4000 Women’s Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0276. Please write “George Morley Fund” on the memo line.