ISMA members and leaders remembered Past President Shirley Khalouf, MD, with admiration and gratitude following her death on June 10 at age 89. Dr. Khalouf, a Marion practitioner of physical medicine and rehabilitation who served as ISMA president in 1986-1987, was the first woman to hold that position.

Current and former physician leaders were quick to recall Dr. Khalouf’s lasting influence within ISMA and on them, personally and professionally.

“Shirley Khalouf was a phenomenal person and caring physician,” said Assistant Treasurer William W. Pond, MD. “It was truly a privilege to be in her presence; Hoosier physicians and patients are all better because of her.”

And, women physicians who followed Dr. Khalouf as ISMA presidents expressed gratitude for her encouragement and support.

Heidi M. Dunniway, MD, who served as ISMA’s second female president in 2014-2015, called Dr. Khalouf a true advocate for patients and for medicine. “She served as one of my role models from early in my medical school days, and I am grateful to have learned from her,” Dr. Dunniway said.

“Dr. Khalouf was always so kind to me and encouraged me in all of my ISMA plans and dreams,” said Rhonda Sharp, MD, ISMA president in 2015-2016. “I could always count on a smile and acknowledgment from her, which meant so much to me.”

Current President-elect J. Elizabeth Struble, MD, is also thankful for Dr. Khalouf’s influence. “(She) was always a mentor to me as I first joined the ISMA as a young female physician,” Dr. Struble said. “She took the time to stop and say hello to me at meetings even though she barely knew me. I feel honored that I can follow in her footsteps as one of the few female presidents of the ISMA.”

In addition to serving ISMA, Dr. Khalouf had been a delegate to the AMA, where she chaired the Council on Constitution & Bylaws, the Women's Advisory Group, and the Women Physicians Congress.

“Shirley was a compassionate and persistent champion of women and children,” said AMA Delegation Chair Stephen Tharp, MD. “Her influence on ISMA and the AMA is still evident….She will be sorely missed.”

Read Dr. Khalouf’s obituary >>