Obituary: Ira Gall, professor emeritus of clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 84

Ira C. Gall, MD, professor emeritus of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and a strong supporter of Washington University School of Medicine, died Friday, March 29, 2013, from complications of pancreatic cancer. He was 84.

“Ira was committed to St. Louis and Washington University,” said David Mutch, MD, the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. “He and his wife have provided unconditional support to our university. He also was a great friend, colleague and mentor. He truly will be missed by all. “

Gall

After receiving his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1951, Gall moved to St. Louis with his wife to complete a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and a fellowship in fertility and sterility at the School of Medicine and Barnes Hospital (now Barnes-Jewish Hospital).

He then practiced medicine at Barnes Hospital with the late William Masters, MD, of Masters and Johnson. Later, Gall co-created one of the first physician corporations in Missouri, Obstetrics and Gynecology Inc., which eventually grew to include eight physicians. He and the late Mitchell Yanow, MD, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology, also created Medicine Shoppe International, a chain of community-oriented pharmacies that offered medications and medical supplies at a lower cost than traditional drug stores.

Gall joined the School of Medicine’s clinical faculty in 1957 and was named professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology in 2001. He retired in 2003.

He and his wife, Judith, established the Ira C. and Judith Gall Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2001.

Additionally, Gall served on the School of Medicine’s National Council for many years and was a past Eliot Society Membership Committee member. He was a life patron of the William Greenleaf Eliot Society.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Jeffrey Scott Gall Memorial Scholarship Tribute Fund, Miriam Foundation, 501 Beacon Ave., St. Louis, MO, 63119.

In addition to his wife, Gall is survived by sons Thomas and Steve; a daughter-in-law, Carol; a brother, Clarence Gall; and four grandchildren. Another son, Jeffrey, died in 2002.

A memorial service was held for Gall April 2 at Congregation Temple Israel in Ladue.