Antionio De la Cruz, MD

The House Ear Institute, Los Angeles, has issued the following obituary for the esteemed Antionio De la Cruz, MD:

It is with deep sadness that the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic announce the passing of their longtime colleague and friend Antonio De la Cruz, MD. He is survived by his son Anthony Charles, daughter Jeannette, and his longtime companion Nilia Matos and her daughter Gwenael Salha. He passed away from complications from lymphoma at St Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles, on July 31, at the age of 65.

For the many people who knew him, De la Cruz will be remembered fondly as a kind and caring humanitarian, with a passion not only for helping patients with auditory disorders, but also as someone who cared deeply about sharing medical and scientific knowledge with the worldwide medical community. Over the course of his career, De la Cruz made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of people.

De la Cruz received his doctorate in medicine in 1967 and completed his specialty training in otolaryngology at the University of Miami Hospitals in 1973. After completing his fellowship at the House Ear Clinic in 1974, he joined the practice as an associate in January 1975.

In addition to being a world-renowned neurotologist at the House Ear Clinic, De la Cruz served as the House Ear Institute’s director of education, leading professional training programs for hundreds of visiting physicians from around the world in otology/neurotological surgical procedures and practices. He also was an active member of the House Ear Institute’s board of trustees since 1984.

“All of us at the House Clinic and House Ear Institute are saddened at the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague Antonio De la Cruz. I have had the honor of working with Tony since we both arrived at the Institute in 1974,” said John House, M.D., president, House Ear Institute and associate, House Clinic, in a statement released by the institute. “He has given so much to so many people all of over the world. He enjoyed his patients and his teaching. He will be missed by all who have been touched by him.”

His love of teaching extended beyond the institute and clinic to the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, where he served as a clinical professor of otolaryngology – head and neck surgery. As often as twice a month, De la Cruz would present the work of the House Ear Institute and House Ear Clinic at medical conferences in Europe, the South Pacific, and North, Central, and South America. His impeccable fluency in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French proved invaluable wherever he traveled.

De la Cruz was president of the Pan American Congress for 2002 and is a past president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is a fellow and past president of the American Otologic Society, and fellow of the American Laryngological Rhinological and Otological Society and American College of Surgeons. Over the course of his accomplished career, he authored numerous publications and journal articles, including popular articles on topics like sudden sensorineural hearing loss in HR.

The institute and clinic extend their heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and patients who knew firsthand his devotion to the field of medicine. His colleagues and friends will deeply miss him.

Those wishing to join his family are invited to a vigil on Saturday, August 8, from 10 am to 3 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mortuary, 5835 W Slauson Ave, Culver City, CA 90230. The service will be held on August 10, starting at 7 pm at Church of St Mark, 940 Coeur d’Alene Avenue, Venice, CA 90291. A celebration of life will immediately follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be sent to the House Ear Institute, 2100 W 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057; (213) 483-4431; or click here to donate online.

[Source: House Ear Institute]