Longtime UNMC supporter Guinter Kahn, M.D., died Wednesday in Miami at age 80.
Dr. Kahn, a dermatologist, contributed his time and money to various humanitarian and charitable endeavors, including UNMC. UNMC named a floor at its Leon S. McGoogan Library of Medicine in Dr. Kahn’s honor after he endowed a fund responsible for much of the library’s computer hardware. He also is responsible for helping the library boost its resources pertaining to medical ethics.
Dr. Kahn graduated cum laude from the University of Omaha in 1954, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology. Twenty years later he and Dr. Paul Grant applied for a patent for the topical version of the drug minoxidil after discovering that patients who had been receiving it orally to treat hypertension grew hair.
Pharmaceutical company Upjohn had patented minoxidil in 1971 as a hypertension treatment. The FDA in 1988 approved minoxidil for topical use to stimulate hair growth, and Upjohn began manufacturing and selling it as Rogaine. Drs. Kahn and Grant entered into an Interference Settlement Agreement with Upjohn under which the two doctors received royalties.
The funeral service will be held graveside at Omaha’s Beth El Cemetery on Friday at 10:30 a.m. Shiva will be held in Miami.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, people support one of Dr. Kahn’s favorite charities: American Friends of Rambam Medical Center, Greater Miami Jewish Federation Kahn Family Foundation Endowment, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Anti-Defamation League or the charity of your choice.
Thousands have benefitted from the scientific contributions and philanthropy of Guinter Kahn, M.D. Those fortunate enough to know him encountered a man of abiding faith, sparkling wit, and genuine kindness to patients, family, and friends. His support of the McGoogan Library will continue to benefit UNMC students and the library staff far into the future.
Nancy Woelfl, PhD, Professor Emeritus