Richard Lutz, MD, came to the Munroe-Meyer Institute 20 years ago to join the genetics department.
He was recruited by a former mentor, G. Bradley Schaefer, MD, who he’d worked with at Oklahoma University, and he remembers being impressed by the genetics lab run by Warren Sanger, PhD.
“He always had the most up-to-date DNA technology available,” Dr. Lutz said. “His efforts in improving genetics education and having DNA and other state-of-the-art testing available was a big plus. I always told him, ‘You guys in the lab make me look good.'”
As he prepares to retire following 20 years at the institute, Dr. Lutz remains impressed by MMI and his colleagues.
“MMI has a lot to be proud of,” he said, “and we in the genetics department are proud of the contribution genetics medicine has made to the whole MMI mission.”
As he leaves, Dr. Lutz notes that genetics at MMI is positioned to continue to grow and get better as time goes on.
“That speaks to great leadership, and that’s what really matters in an organization like this,” he said. “Good leadership is not just having a mission and being able to network with other people. You have to be good with the people who do the work.
“And my genetics colleagues, whether we’re talking about the counselors, the secretarial staff, the lab people, the doctors, the nurse practitioners — these are people who are exceptionally good at their jobs but also just exceptionally good people, which makes it a joy to go to work.”
Looking back over his 20-year career, one highlight Dr. Lutz mentioned was his work with the state’s newborn screening program.
“It’s second-to-none, especially in this part of the United States,” he said. “I became involved with the program the first year I was here. It’s a satisfying thing, it’s good for everybody in the state, and you get to work with a big team of people, public and private.”
The genetics department will miss Dr. Lutz for more than his professional acumen, said Omar Rahman, MD, director of the MMI Department of Genetic Medicine.
“One of the unique attributes that most people will recognize about Dr. Lutz is his encyclopedic knowledge on just about any subject, from biochemistry to the history of the Great Depression to the concentration of salts in well water,” Dr. Rahman said. “He truly knows it all and is always ready to help and to contribute in any way possible. I suspect this will not change one single iota after his retirement, and for that we are grateful.”
Dr. Lutz agreed, saying he hopes to volunteer and, perhaps, do some teaching while in retirement.
“There are a lot of wonderful things happening at MMI that I’ve gotten to participate in,” he said. “I’ve seen MMI grow with the field of genetics, because of its leaders and its people. It’s hard to say goodbye to them all.”
It has been an honor, and my pleasure, to work with Dr. Lutz for 20 years. He is kind and caring to everyone he meets, regardless of your position or background. I will miss your presence across the hall from my office.
I will miss working with Dr. Lutz. He is a great doctor and a good mentor. In the short time that I have worked with him he has taught me a lot.
Congratulations on your retirement (which I highly endorse), Richard! Thank you so much for all your dedicated, focused care for our shared patients with cardiac issues. It is much appreciated. Sincerely, John Kugler
Congratulations, Dr. Lutz – I'm happy for you! You are a rare human – kind beyond measure, wicked smart and even more humble – and your unique way of making others feel valued will be greatly missed, as well as your trademark 'top of the mornin' to ya' a.m. greeting.
Dr. Lutz – congratulations on your retirement. However, I know who will miss you most – the patients and families you have worked with these last 20 years.
Congratulations Dr. Lutz! You are one of the rare ones. It is always a pleasure to be in your company. Sincerely, Randy Hassenstab
Congrats on a great career. You truly made a difference!
Dr. Lutz has been an amazing teacher on mitochondrial disorders, genetic disorders, metabolic disorders, and much more. I have seen it all first hand in my time as a medical student, a researcher in a metabolic disorders lab, and as a pediatric resident. I have also been to newborn screening meetings and seen his leadership in action. Congrats on a fantastic career and enjoy a well earned retirement!
Dr. Lutz will be profoundly missed by our genetics department. He is an incredibly smart and hardworking physician…but even more, a kind man and a great patient advocate. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with him.
Congratulations on your retirement!! Your smiling face will be missed, Dr. Lutz. It was a pleasure and privilege to know you!
I was privileged to work with Dr. Lutz during my time at MMI. His kind and respectful actions with everyone he encountered were just a few of the reasons he will be missed by patients and staff alike!
Congratulations on your retirement. I enjoyed getting to know you when you first came to the Endocrine clinic.
Congratulations on your retirement! You are an amazing doctor and even more amazing person.
It has been a pleasure working with you over the years. Wishing you all the best on your next adventure!
Congratulations on your retirement Dr Lutz! It has been a pleasure to work with you over the years! You are an amazing physician who will be greatly missed! You are also a very kind man and treat all those around you with respect! Enjoy your retirement! You deserve it!