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J. David Curb

Professor J. David Curb, of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s John A. Burns School of Medicine, died Sunday, January 8, at the age of 66. His impact on healthcare in the islands was significant.

Curb brought numerous research projects to Hawaiʻi, including the national Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term study of women’s health. He authored more than 400 articles in medical journals during his career.

Curb also led research at the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program, which played an important role in the U.S. government’s recommended dietary guidelines and the development of smoke-free programs for primary and secondary schools and rehabilitation programs for heart attack victims.

“Kuakini will miss the presence of Dr. Curb as a friend and a scholar, his scientific contributions and collegiality and his longstanding support of building on the legacy of the Kuakini HHP participants and expansion of Kuakini’s research initiatives,” said Gary Kajiwara, president and CEO of Kuakini Medical Center.

Curb also served as a mentor to dozens of researchers who have authored groundbreaking studies of their own.

“Dr. Curb was an internationally renowned investigator in aging, with special emphasis on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and women’s health,” said Professor of Geriatric Medicine Patricia Blanchette. “He was also an excellent teacher and mentor for new researchers and was thrilled to see them succeed in their own careers.”

Curb is survived by his wife, John A. Burns School of Medicine Professor Beatriz L. Rodriguez, sons Jess and Curb and daughters Maria and Isabel.

Memorial information

A celebration of Curb’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the Curb residence. For more information, contact Nuela Meade at (808) 692-0909.

Gifts in Curb’s honor may be made to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation to benefit the J. David Curb, MD, Memorial Fund at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Give online or send check, made payable to the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation, to P.O. Box 11270, Honolulu, HI 96828-027.

Read more about Curb on the School of Medicine website.

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