In Memoriam: In Memoriam: Dr. James Corbett

Published on Monday, April 8, 2024

The Medical Center extends its sympathy to the family of a former faculty member in appreciation for the loved one’s contributions to the academic health sciences center.

Dr. James Corbett

Dr. James Corbett of Wilmette, Illinois, former professor of neurology and professor of ophthalmology at UMMC, who distinguished himself as a physician, researcher and teacher during a Medical Center career spanning a quarter-century, died Tuesday, April 2. He was 83.

Corbett, who was inducted into the UMMC Medical Alumni Hall of Fame in 2023, considered his biggest success his record of mentoring residents and fellows.

An Illinois native from a family of physicians, he earned his medical degree at the Chicago Medical School in 1966.

He completed residencies in internal medicine and neurology at the Rhode Island Hospital and Case Western Reserve University, respectively, before his fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco.

Corbett practiced medicine at the Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the University of Iowa before joining UMMC in 1991.

By the time of his retirement, he had authored more than 200 manuscripts and books and trained an array of neurology and ophthalmology residents, along with more than 22 fellows, many of whom became leaders and chairs in neurology and ophthalmology.

“Many people were intimidated by Dr. Corbett because of his position as chair, vast knowledge, and always serious appearance,” said Dr. Alissa Willis, professor of neurology at UMMC.

“In reality, he was a gentle giant of neurology and neuro-ophthalmology. He expected trainees to come prepared with appropriate tools, a strong work ethic, curiosity about neurology, and compassion for patients and their families.

“Rounds with Dr. Corbett were a master class in exquisite history-taking, the art of the neurologic exam and the skill of patient communication. I and so many other neurologists consider him to be the catalyst for a career in neurology.”

Corbett was an honorary member of the American Neurological Association, and received the Distinguished Service Award from the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, its highest honor. During his career, he delivered many named lectures around the world.

In 2015, he announced his retirement from UMMC and moved to the Chicago area with his wife, Joyce Corbett.

“I was very fortunate to be one of his mentees,” said Dr. Kimberly Crowder, professor and Drs. Ching-Jygh and Lin Chen Chair for Excellence in Ophthalmology at UMMC. 

“I have missed having him at UMMC since his retirement, and feel a great sense of loss knowing he has passed away.

“Much of our understanding of many diseases that affect both the visual and neurological systems is due to the brilliance of this genius clinician-scientist, Dr. Corbett. 

“His legacy will forever live, not only in his academic accomplishments, but also, and more importantly, through the medical practices worldwide of his too numerous-to-count students, residents and fellows he patiently and steadfastly mentored.”

During his 2015 retirement reception, Corbett reminisced about his early years at the Medical Center.

“The thing that impressed me about this school was that the department was small at the time, but you were still able to do some very elegant studies,” he said.

“And I thought I could make a difference training new neurologists and developing the department.”

By all accounts, he did exactly that.

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No funeral arrangements have been announced.

Contributions honoring Dr. James Corbett’s memory can be made by clicking this link. Under “Category,” choose “Other” and type in “Corbett Fund” or “James Corbett.” The contribution will be applied to the James J. Corbett, M.D. Lectureship in Neuro-ophthalmology.