Ralph O. Wallerstein (1922 - 2009)
Ralph O. Wallerstein, MD, was an experienced practitioner and former academician, who served as president of ASH in 1978. In 1970, he was one of six hematologists who worked with the American Board of Internal Medicine to create the first boards in hematology. Dr. Wallerstein was also actively involved in the work of several medical associations throughout his career, including the Board of Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians
Originally from Germany, Dr. Wallerstein's family moved to San Francisco in 1938, where his father started an internal medicine practice. Dr. Wallerstein eventually joined his father at his practice, and subsequently, his own son followed in his footsteps as well, working at the practice early in his career.