Medical Emeritus Faculty Society Spotlight
A founding father of family medicine in Buffalo
Herbert E. Joyce, MD ’45, a founding father of family medicine in Buffalo and a leading figure in the establishment of family medicine as a specialty, died October 24, 2019.
Following graduation from medical school Joyce served in the United States military, retiring in 1960 as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force.
In 1951, Joyce founded the Highgate Medical Group, P.C., one of the largest family medical groups in New York State. In the ensuing years, he was instrumental in the early movement to promote family practice as a specialty. He and other family practitioners in Buffalo deserve much credit for the creation of the second oldest family practice residency in the United States, the Deaconess Family Practice Residency. They also are credited with establishing a Department of Family Medicine at UB, among the first of 15 university departments in the United States.
Joyce was interim chair of the UB Department of Family Medicine from 1982-1983, president of the local American Academy of General Practice from 1959-1960, and president of the New York State Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) from 1974-1975.
In later years, he served as president of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians, and the Medical Society of the County of Erie. A community leader, he also continued to volunteer in social, medical, educational and political organizations within and outside of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
He received numerous awards over the years, including the President’s Award in 1987 from the American Academy of Family Physicians; the Max Cheplove Medal in 1993, the highest honor awarded by the Erie County Chapter of the New York State Academy of Family Physicians; the Dean’s Award for service to the Jacobs School; and the 2009 Distinguished Medical Alumnus Award, also from the Jacobs School.
Harry Metcalf, MD '60
Harry L. Metcalf, MD ’60, a nationally regarded advocate for primary care and the field of family medicine, died May 17, 2020.
As president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Metcalf traveled the world to lead discussions on the principles of family practice and on how well-trained family doctors can treat the “majority of people in the majority of countries.”
An outstanding clinician, educator and scientist, he trained hundreds of medical students and residents. Those fortunate enough to be mentored by him were taught a compassionate, humanistic approach to treating patients and their families.
In his later years, Metcalf continued to share his love of medicine through his volunteer work at the Lighthouse Clinic, where he treated patients regardless of their ability to pay and educated medical students on the needs of underserved populations.
Metcalf received numerous teaching awards and honors from his peers and medical students throughout his career. These included the Sarkin Achievement Award from the UB Alumni Association, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the UB Medical Alumni Association, and the Louis A. and Ruth Siegel Excellence in Teaching Award, the Outstanding Service Award, and the Dr. Robert S. Berkson Award in the Art of Medicine, all from the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Metcalf was a long-time donor to UB. Through the American Academy of Family Physicians, he established a scholarship fund that supports medical students who choose to enter family practice.
He is survived by sons Marc (Laura) and Eric (Terri) Metcalf; daughter Christine (Thomas) Starck; sisters Carol J. Metcalf and Gail (Jay) Nelson; and grandchildren.
Memorials can be made to University at Buffalo, the Department of Family Medicine Endowment Fund, “In Memory of Harry Metcalf MD”, c/o UB Foundation Inc., PO Box 900, Buffalo, NY 14226 or to giving.buffalo.edu.