Irwin M. Weinstein, one of the founders of the National Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) and its Los Angeles chapter, died July 21 of a stroke and kidney failure. He was 76.
Weinstein’s career included a clinical practice, academic medicine, civic and political activities, and he achieved international distinction as a clinical hematologist. He brought his vision of harnessing educational and scientific resources to conquer cancer with ICRF, which has spawned major breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer.
In Los Angeles, he served in a variety of positions at Cedars-Sinai, including chief of staff from 1972-1974 and a member of their board of governors. At UCLA he was a professor of clinical medicine and served on their medical school admissions committee.
Among his many national accolades, Weinstein was appointed adviser to the National Health Care Reform Task Force and was recommended by President Bill Clinton for assistant secretary of health for policy and evaluation.
The Beverly Hills resident was born in Denver, Colo., and received his medical degree from the University of Denver. He served his residency at Montefiore Hospital in New York and was a resident in medicine at the University of Chicago before coming to Southern California.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, David and Jim (Cynthia); grandchildren, Julian and Mara; brother, Gerald; and brothers-in-law, David and Zev Braun.
Contributions may be made to the Israel Cancer Research Fund, 8383 Wilshire Blvd., No. 341, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. — ICRF
