Celebrating the Life of Lemuel Julian Haywood, MD
In Memoriam
Lemuel Julian Haywood, MD
1927 – 2020
Lemuel Julian Haywood, MD, was Professor Emeritus of Medicine at the University of Southern California and Honored Clinical Professor of Medicine at Loma Linda University. He authored or coauthored over 600 scientific publications, with a focus on hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, sickle cell disease, and computer applications in cardiology. Notable among his many accomplishments, he established one of the first coronary care units on the west coast and led a team that developed the first computerized system for real-time heart arrhythmia detection, in 1969. He was among the first black physicians to be appointed a full professor of medicine at a majority institution.
Born in Reidsville, North Carolina, in 1927, and raised in Warrenton, North Carolina, where his father was the first and, for many years, only African American physician, he attended John R. Hawkins High School before entering the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program at Howard University (1944-45). With the conclusion of World War II, he transferred to Hampton Institute (now University) where he earned a B.S. degree with high honors in Biological Sciences, in 1948. During his time as an undergraduate, he pledged Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Howard and introduced Greek Life to Hampton by establishing the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He returned to Howard for medical school, receiving his M.D. degree with honors in 1952.
After interning at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, New York, Dr. Haywood went to Roanoke, Virginia, to begin a residency in psychiatry at the VA Hospital there, but left after the University of Virginia denied housing to him and his new bride. He instead began an internal medicine residency at Howard University’s Freedmen’s Hospital before being called to service as a Lieutenant in the US Navy Medical Corps at Bayonne, New Jersey.
He arrived at Los Angeles County General Hospital in 1956 as a second-year internal medicine resident. After a two-year year fellowship in cardiology at White Memorial Hospital, in Los Angeles, he returned to the County Hospital as a member of the Loma Linda University faculty. In 1963, he was a traveling fellow at Oxford University, under Regius Professor Sir George Pickering. Dr. Haywood received multiple honors during his long career, including membership in Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, Distinguished Alumnus of Hampton University and Howard University, career achievement and service awards from the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and American College of Physicians, and honors from the Myasnekov Institute of Russia. He helped establish and led the Sickle Cell Disease Research Foundation and was a founding member of the Association of Black Cardiologists. The Coronary Care Unit at the Los Angeles County Hospital-USC Medical Center, which he established in 1966, was renamed “The L. Julian Haywood Coronary Care Unit” in 2016. Ever mindful of his roots, Dr. Haywood donated family property to the Town of Warrenton for the establishment of the town’s first park; the HayleyHaywood Park, named to honor his father and his mother’s family’s contributions as prominent citizens, was dedicated in May 2018. In 2019, he published Cardiology at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center: A Personalized History. Dr. Haywood was the second youngest of six siblings and the last surviving child of the late Thomas Woodley Haywood, MD, and Louise Viola (Hayley) Haywood, a teacher in Warrenton’s local schools. He is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Virginia Elizabeth “Betty” (Paige) Haywood, son Julian Anthony (Tony) Haywood, several nephews, nieces, and grand nieces, and numerous cousins.
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20 entries.
Catherine Rongey MD Catherine Rongey MD wrote on February 21, 2021
Julian and Betty were our neighbors for over 20 years. They were kind, civic minded and we were always excited to see them on our neighborhood walks as it meant a good chat. When I graduated from USC, he kindly gifted me a set of pens with my name on them. I was so touched that a brilliant and prominent figure would think to do something so kind. They were a lovely couple. What a loss.
Rodanthi Kitridou, MD, FACP, MACR Rodanthi Kitridou, MD, FACP, MACR wrote on February 5, 2021
Dr. Haywood was an exceptional colleague and a rare, gracious gentleman, a philanthropist and mentor of medical students and young physicians. His pioneering work in ICU and in sickle cell anemia is legendary. Heartfelt condolences to his beloved Betty and his entire family.
AUDREY BAILEY-RN:-HOWARD MOM. AUDREY BAILEY-RN:-HOWARD MOM. wrote on January 13, 2021
AS THE MOTHER OF A HOWARD UNIVERSITY GRADUATE / SHERMAN SWEENEY IM PROUD TO SAY THAT MY SON WAS PRIVILAGED TO ATTEND A MOTIVATING EVENT WTH DR HAYWOOD AS GUEST SPEAKER /IM ALSO THANKFUL TO WORK/SERVE IN AN INSTITUTION WITH SUCH A GREAT HISTORY OF LEADERSHIP /BLAC K LEADERSHIP / THANK YOU DR. HAYWOOD FOR YOUR DEDICATION TO HUMANITY/CONDOLENCES TO THE HAYWOOD FAMILY/GOD BLESS/REST IN PEACE
Andrew Young DO Andrew Young DO wrote on January 5, 2021
I had the privilege of rounding with Dr. Haywood in the CCU and presenting patients to him in the cardiology clinic at LAC+USC Medical Center. He was a great role model and was the model of patience, respect, and compassion.
Ali Farvid MD Ali Farvid MD wrote on January 5, 2021
I had the privilege of rounding with Dr. Haywood as a resident and fellow at the famous "County" and as many of you mentioned, he not only taught us cardiology but how to be a good doctor and human in a hospital setting that was truly challenging. Will cherish those moments and will never forget his favorite ECG pimping method during rounds with him reading the ECG upside down.... LOL
Roberta Williams Roberta Williams wrote on January 4, 2021
Julian Haywood has been a revered colleague and mentor for me for almost 40 years. His wisdom and kindness have been valuable guideposts. He created so much value in his long and distinguished career. He will be greatly missed.
Tse-Ling Fong MD Tse-Ling Fong MD wrote on January 4, 2021
I had the privilege of having Dr. Haywood as an attending when I was a medical student and resident at USC. Not only did he teach me Cardiology, he showed me how to be a good person; to show respect and compassion to patients and colleagues. His contributions to clinical medicine and humanity are immense, far more than his hundreds of publications and awards.
Richard F. Gillum Richard F. Gillum wrote on December 29, 2020
It was indeed an honor, privilege and pleasure to know Dr Haywood since the founding of ABC. We have indeed lost a great man and pioneer in the fight for full inclusion of African Americans in medicine and cardiology. His story will continue to inspire generations of young physician scientists and clinicians. Sincere condolences to Mrs. Haywood and family.
Kermit Payne Kermit Payne wrote on December 29, 2020
Dr Haywood was indeed a gentleman and a scholar. His few words still echo with tremendous volume. His legacy is an example of the work each of us must continue to pursue. My condolences to his family. Rest in Power, my Omega brother.
Frank James, MD Frank James, MD wrote on December 28, 2020
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Haywood's death. He lived a good life and was such a humble soul. I greatly admired him. Frank James, MD Philadelphia, PA
Gerald DeVaughn, MD Gerald DeVaughn, MD wrote on December 28, 2020
Julian was an exemplary role model for young Black cardiologists. His presence will be missed.
Gwen Taylor, MBA, Jackson, MS Gwen Taylor, MBA, Jackson, MS wrote on December 28, 2020
Oh this is really sad. Dr. Haywood was not only the professional, but so very gracious and humble and kind. He and Mrs Haywood were so sweet to Kellee when she transported his award ( a large painting or sculpture) from an ABC meeting in San Diego to LA. They had traveled down by train and she had driven. You would have thought that Kellee had moved a mountain. He was indeed a beautiful human being! I pray for comfort for his family.
Daphne Ferdinand, PhD, New Orleans, LA Daphne Ferdinand, PhD, New Orleans, LA wrote on December 28, 2020
Dr. Haywood was just a beautiful human being, kind soul and uplifting spirit. A tremendous loss to all of us.
Paul Underwood, MD, Phoenix, AZ Paul Underwood, MD, Phoenix, AZ wrote on December 28, 2020
He was a true pioneer of cardiology, and this is a great loss. Dr. Haywood was always so young at heart!
Anthony Fletcher, MD, Little Rock, AR Anthony Fletcher, MD, Little Rock, AR wrote on December 28, 2020
Dr. Haywood was a true leader in the field of Cardiology. He was a mentor to many of us who have followed in his footsteps!
B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., JD, ZOe Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Health, LLC Thomaston, GA B. Waine Kong, Ph.D., JD, ZOe Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Health, LLC Thomaston, GA wrote on December 28, 2020
Dr. Haywood was a friend with whom I enjoyed many meaningful conversations. Once when he invited my family to his home and we walked up that long staircase, we noticed a fancy chessboard. I suggested a game between him and my son Aleron. He obliged and low and behold, my brilliant son captured his King. He graciously congratulated Aleron and assured him that it was a rare loss for him. It was all in fun as he and Mary provided a great feast---a really memorable evening.. Among Julian's many accomplishments, he pioneered the ICU. You may know that in the old days, a nurse would have to sit beside critically ill patients twenty-four/seven so she could summon the doctor at any sign of distress. Dr. Haywood invented the process for detecting a patient's distress that would send an alarm to the nurses station making it no longer necessary for the bedside nurse. It was quickly adopted throughout the world. Thank you Dr. Haywood. You have made many contributions to humanity and we celebrate your life. You can sit down happy.
Jackson T. Wright, MD, PhD, Cleveland, OH Jackson T. Wright, MD, PhD, Cleveland, OH wrote on
December 28, 2020
Julian Haywood and OT Randall were the most important mentors responsible for career success. We lost both this month. I would often receive notes in the mail from Julian acknowledging successes, and long distance calls requesting advice were always answered. OT was always willing to provide the “out of the box” solution to a problem. I know that I am not alone in benefiting from their guidance. These Giants will be sorely missed.
Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, ABC President, San Francisco, CA Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH, ABC President, San Francisco, CA wrote on December 28, 2020
Dr. Haywood is a true Cardiology icon. We are honored that he is and forever will be part of the fabric of ABC. I am extremely honored to have served as the 2020 Distinguished Julian Haywood Visiting Professor at the University of Southern California. It is chilling and extremely humbling to know that it was the very last time that this legend was present in person for his namesake award from the institution that he called home. The grace and empathy demonstrated by Tony Haywood, his only son in speaking to him about his father is also a vivid expression of Dr. Haywood’s legacy.
Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, (ABC President 2000-2002; ABC Chair of the Board 2020-2022), Atlanta, GA wrote on December 28, 2020
When I think about the legacy of Dr. L. Julian Haywood, I am reminded of a brilliant mind whose contributions will last for generations. His quiet confidence, his consistent presence at ABC meetings with Mrs. Haywood was always such a joy, and reassuring to me, as a young president. My family and I will miss him dearly.
Richard Allen Williams, MD, Founder, Association of Black Cardiologists Encino, CA wrote on December 28, 2020
There are no words to adequately describe my reaction to the news of the death at age 93 of L. Julian Haywood, MD, an ABC Founding Member and literally our elder statesman. I believe that I knew him longer than anyone else in our organization, from the time that I first met him when he was my Attending on the Cardiology service when I was a medical resident at USC, to the time late last year when we had lunch in Beverly Hills to discuss the future of the ABC and indeed of Blacks in the field of Medicine. He was a staunch advocate of both, and he showed his dedication on numerous occasions. In our early days, he insisted on establishing ABC as an authentically scientific rather than a socially oriented group, and his wisdom prevailed with the initiation of our highly touted scientific symposia that are still held during the annual conventions of the ACC and AHA. He also encouraged young cardiology fellows to seek careers in academic medicine and clinical research, where he was a highly recognized authority. In addition, he was an active and enthusiastic participant in ABC events, not just an observer standing on the sidelines, and he regularly attended most of these events with his devoted wife, Betty, at his side. Of all the multitude of his awards and honors, he once told me that the ones he cherished the most were having the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center named for him in recognition of his pioneering work in creating it, and having Keck School of Medicine at USC to designate a distinguished annual lectureship in his name. So much more will be said about this iconic, legendary cardiologist who represented the finest traditions of the ABC. Although we mourn his passing, we should also celebrate his life, and may he rest in peace.