Samuel S. Thatcher, MD, PhD, died on Friday, December 18, 2009 after a battle with leukemia and related complications.
Dr. Thatcher was born December 31, 1949 in Chattanooga. He was the eldest son of Samuel and Lucille Thatcher who preceded him in death.
Dr. Thatcher is survived by his wife, Helen Walker Thatcher, of Jonesborough, one brother, Don Franklin Thatcher of Chattanooga, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lyn and Chris Hansen, of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Dr. Thatcher began his career in reproductive science in 1973 studying the detrimental effects of aging on reproduction. This culminated in a PhD in human anatomy/reproductive biology at West Virginia University where he simultaneously received his MD in 1981. A year of postdoctoral research was spent between Edinburgh and Johns Hopkins Universities.
On completion of his residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Yale/New Haven Hospital, he returned to Edinburgh University as Lecturer in Reproductive Medicine and Medical Director of the IVF program of Edinburgh University and the Royal Infirmary. He completed a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and served on the faculty in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Yale before returning to East Tennessee in 1988.
His research interests continued in reproductive aging, ovarian function, assisted reproduction and early human development. He was director of reproductive endocrinology at ETSU Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology until 1995 when he opened a private practice, the Center for Applied Reproductive Science (C.A.R.S.) with offices in Johnson City, Tn., and Asheville, N.C.
Dr. Thatcher received numerous teaching and lecture awards and was a member of several professional and patient advocacy organizations. He authored one of the first comprehensive books on polycystic ovary syndrome entitled PCOS: the Hidden Epidemic and he co-authored Making A Baby with Debra Fulghum Bruce. He was an editorial reviewer for several professional publications and enjoyed writing and speaking on fertility issues on the local, national and international levels.
In addition to the practice of medicine, Dr. Thatcher enjoyed gardening, woodworking and being outdoors.
“And All That Mighty Heart is Lying Still”
A memorial service will be held in 2010. An announcement will be made when the date is confirmed.
Condolences may be sent to the Thatcher family online at www.dillow-taylor.com.
Arrangements are by Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, Tn., 423 753-3821.