Ira J. Kalet *68

Ira Kalet, professor in the department of radiation oncology at the University of Washington, died Feb. 21, 2015. He was 70.

Kalet graduated from Cornell with a bachelor’s degree in 1965. He was awarded a Ph.D. in physics from Princeton in 1968. He then began a teaching career in alternative schools, a Hebrew school, and large urban high schools in Philadelphia before joining the faculty at the University of Washington in 1978.

Embarking on an academic career in medical physics, he developed a 3-D treatment planning system for radiation therapy. He established a research effort in medical informatics, published a book on the principles of biomedical informatics, and mentored many students (receiving several teaching awards).

His family reported that he lived with intensity and tried not to waste a day. An athlete, he survived 13 years with kidney cancer, and bounced back many times from very difficult situations.

Kalet established a student-support fund at the University of Washington with the proceeds from his book.

He is survived by Terry, his wife of 41 years; sons Nathan, Alan, and Brian; and two grandchildren.

Graduate memorials are prepared by the APGA.