Munsey Wheby, MD
This past week, we were deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Munsey Wheby, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine at UVA. Dr. Wheby, a distinguished hematologist, served as chair of the Department of Medicine and senior associate dean at the School of Medicine. He was widely recognized for his expertise in blood diseases and nutrition.
A native of Roanoke, Munsey majored in biology at Roanoke College, earning his B.S. in 1951. Munsey continued his education at the University of Virginia, where he received his medical degree in 1955. He completed his postdoctoral training at Cornell University Medical Center and UVA. He then served six years in the U.S. Army,
Munsey joined the staff at Rutgers Medical School in 1965, but returned to UVA the following year as an associate professor of medicine. Among his many UVA honors is the Class of 1973’s Outstanding Teaching Award, the Andrew D. Hart Endowed Professorship in 1983, and the Alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award in 1992.
In 1992, he was recognized as one of Roanoke College’s 150 Distinguished Alumni. In 1999, Munsey received the Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award, the highest honor given by the UVA Medical Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 2000 he was named a Roanoke College Medalist and in 2006 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Roanoke.
Munsey was actively involved with the American College of Physicians (ACP). In 2010, he received the Alfred Stengel Memorial Award for Outstanding Service, honoring his exceptional loyalty and significant contributions to the ACP. Munsey’s service to this organization included roles as president, board of regents member, chair of the board of governors, chair of the foundation board of trustees, and governor of the Virginia chapter.
Munsey was a well-respected leader in the Department of Medicine, renowned for his infectious enthusiasm for medicine, kindness, readiness to assist anyone and, he was a calm, steady voice of reason, always finding the positive in any situation. He mentored many throughout their careers and lived a fulfilling life surrounded by close friends and family. He will be deeply missed.
Our thoughts are with Munsey’s family, as well as his many colleagues and friends at UVA.
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