David Redwine (Sept 18, 1948–October 23, 2023)
Dr. David Redwine, a highly esteemed figure in the medical community, passed away on October 23, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to gynecology and endometriosis surgery. Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, he was an athlete and still holds the Ft Worth Arlington Heights mile record in track. He then embarked on a distinguished academic journey, earning an AB in Biological Sciences from Stanford University in 1970 and an MD from Baylor College of Medicine in 1973. His medical training continued with an internship and residency at the University of Oregon Health Sciences University, where he honed his expertise.
Dr. Redwine’s professional journey encompassed diverse roles, starting with private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Bend, Oregon, from 1978 to May 1988. He subsequently transitioned to a practice exclusively focused on gynecology and endometriosis until May 2012. During his career, he served as the Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, Oregon, with notable tenures in 1981–1982 and 1986–1987.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Redwine achieved numerous accolades, with one of his greatest legacies being the number of physicians who he inspired to adopt excision and follow in his footsteps in endometriosis excision surgery. Many know that David is totally responsible for the direction of their careers in endometriosis surgery. Like those physicians, he also changed the lives of many patients. Those patients appreciated his genuine concern and understanding of their suffering. For this, he was loved and lionized by thousands in the patient community.
He was a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a member of various prestigious medical associations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. David was an honorary member of the Australian Gynaecologic Endoscopy Society and the British Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy.
Dr. Redwine’s impactful journey into endometriosis research and surgery began in 1969 as a medical student. He initiated his publications on the subject in 1984. His substantial body of work includes 34 peer-reviewed articles, 47 chapters, and five books, including “GOOGLING ENDOMETRIOSIS,” which is accessible online at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UlBmdgddjD5eO-1TxW0mpky_vT97f2U2/view.
In his own words, Dr. Redwine reflected on his career: “I’m a retired general obstetrician/gynecologist who spent my entire career in a small Oregon town, far from major medical centers. I had no specialized training in endometriosis or laparoscopic surgery, nor was I affiliated with medical schools or pharmaceutical companies. My journey began in 1969 when my first wife battled endometriosis, inspiring my lifelong exploration of this condition’s intricacies.” His insight into endometriosis surgery was encapsulated in his quote: “Endometriosis may be unique among benign diseases in that it is frequently treated surgically by removal of something else.”
Dr. Redwine’s impact extended into his clinical practice as the Director of the Institute of Endometriosis at St. Charles Medical Center, gaining recognition for his expertise in the field. He cared for many patients with peak surgical cases reaching 292 and an average of 178 yearly in his 21 most productive years.
His contributions to the medical community were diverse, including his role as chair of the AAGL Endometriosis Special Interest Group, faculty member for postgraduate courses, associate editor of the Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology (JMIG), trustee of the AAGL, and editor of NewsScope. In addition, he shared his expertise as an advisor to the Endometriosis Association. He was a case reviewer for the Accreditation Council of Gynecologic Endoscopy and served as an ad hoc referee for The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fertility and Sterility, British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, Journal of The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica Gynaecological Endoscopy, Gynaecologic and Obstetric Investigation.
Dr. Redwine will be remembered as a respected colleague, a friend, and a passionate advocate for women’s health. His analogy of studying endometriosis to studying astronomy highlighted the depth of his commitment to understanding complex diseases: “We delve deeper into the intricacies, piecing together microscopic details to comprehend the whole.”
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. Dr. Redwine’s passing leaves a void in the medical community, but his enduring legacy as a medical luminary and compassionate human being will continue to inspire us all. His groundbreaking work in endometriosis surgery has transformed the lives of countless women worldwide, and he will forever be remembered as a symbol of hope in the fight against this challenging condition.
As we commemorate his exceptional contributions, let us also celebrate the legacy of hope and resilience that Dr. Redwine leaves behind. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are extended to his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.
Rest in peace, David. Your work changed the world!
