September 15 2022
We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of James L. Hoehn, MD, FACS. Dr. Hoehn died at home on the evening of Friday, August 26, 2022.
Dr. Hoehn was a surgical oncologist in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, and affiliated with Marshfield Medical Center. He received his medical degree from University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago.
Dr. Hoehn was a great supporter and contributor to the NSABP for many years, beginning in 1981 as an investigator at the Marshfield Clinic. Additionally, he was a member of the NSABP Membership Committee and became the chairman of that committee in 1999. He was also a contributing member of the NSABP Breast Cancer Committee, Breast Cancer Working Group, and the Quality Assurance Committee. He was a Board of Directors member for 9 years, from 1999-2009.Dr. Hoehn was an active principal investigator with many NSABP breast cancer studies including breast cancer prevention trials. He contributed to multiple protocol designs, volunteered as an auditor, and co-authored several NSABP publications.
Dr. Norman Wolmark, chair of the NSABP Foundation, had the honor of presenting Dr. Hoehn the Distinguished Investigator Lifetime Achievement Award (SPGA) at the NSABP Group Meeting held in Boca Raton in 2011. “Dr Hoehn was a cornerstone of the NSABP and one of its most devoted exponents. His compassion, empathy and friendship were an inspiration to us all,” said Dr. Wolmark.
Dr. Hoehn’s wife, Nancy Goldberg, recalled asking him how he got interested in breast cancer research. His response was “when I saw my first radical mastectomy in training, I thought there had to be a better way.” He found that better way … “working in the trenches for Bernie,” as he described his experience with NSABP. He felt it was the most rewarding aspect of his career.
Dr. Hoehn was a lover of dogs and historical preservation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given in his honor for the Wisconsin Humane Society-Door County Campus (3475 Park Drive, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235); or the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society’s Door County Granary Fund (c/o Door County Community Foundation, 222 N. 3rd, Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235) for the granary preservation project.
Click here to read the full obituary for Dr. Hoehn. Our sincere condolences to his friends and family.