Abstract
Virginia Anne LiVolsi, MD, the esteemed Surgical Pathologist and Principal Investigator of the Cooperative Human Tissue Network Eastern Division (CHTN-ED; https://chtn.cancer.gov/) at the University of Pennsylvania, died unexpectedly on March 7, 2024.
Diminutive in stature and quiet of voice, Dr. LiVolsi’s born-in-“The Bronx” “no-nonsense” style and formidable expertise was a constant in every facet of her life. She completed undergraduate studies at University of Mt. St. Vincent (Riverdale, NY) and graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She began her career at Yale University before joining the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Philadelphia, PA) as Director of Surgical Pathology and later, Chief of Anatomical Pathology.
Prior to the inception of the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories (ISBER), Dr. LiVolsi was a pioneer of biobanking science, specifically human specimen biobanking, as a founding Principal Investigator (PI) of the CHTN-ED. Nilsa C. Ramirez, MD, board-certified anatomical pathologist and PI of the CHTN-Pediatric Division at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (Columbus, OH) said, “During the last 23 years I witnessed how the CHTN benefited from Dr. LiVolsi’s expertise in biobanking. In this forum, she participated in many productive discussions that included debatable topics (e.g., determining sample fitness for purpose) and impacted the evolution of the program. She also supported other projects with important biobanking and sample quality components, including the review of thyroid carcinomas for the NCI-sponsored Biospecimen Core Resource of the Cancer Genome Atlas.” Dr. LiVolsi championed the idea that biobanks could and should serve all research activities, whether academic or corporate, and that biobanks facilitate research in both real-time and futuristic ways. Her prominent engagement in the CHTN girdered the operations and policies for this prospective procurement repository. Most importantly, she ensured that the CHTN maintained a quality management program, set standards for human subjects protections in biobanking and was continuously engaged in the larger scientific community through publications. Dr. LiVolsi’s vision and expertise in biobanking and her clinical renown in thyroid pathology synergized most notably when, as president of the Pathology Panel of the Chernobyl Tissue Bank, she presented “Living With Radiation: Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer After the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident” to the United Nations in New York on the 20th Anniversary of the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident (April, 2006).
Outside of the biobanking community, Dr. LiVolsi’s contributions to the study of thyroid diseases along with endocrine and head and neck pathologies cannot be overestimated. Her life’s work on these subjects is evidenced by over 450 original research articles plus reviews, chapters, and books. She was globally and repeatedly recognized by prestigious organizations over several decades. The catalog of her awards includes but is not limited to: The US Canadian Academy of Pathology “Board’s Distinguished Pathologist Award”; the “Scanno Prize in Medicine” by the Foundation Tanturri; the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the Endocrine Society; the “President’s Medal” of the Arthur Purdy Stout Society of Surgical Pathologists; the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the College of American Pathologists; and “Master Pathologist” of the American Society of Clinical Pathologist.
Her clinical interests and achievements were partnered by her love of teaching. She mentored hundreds of pathology residents and fellows, many of whom went on to achieve independent distinction. Central to her instruction was the ever-present reminder that behind each glass slide, was a patient and a family awaiting diagnosis. Dr. Irina Lubensky, board certified anatomical pathologist, and Branch Chief of the Pathology Investigation and Resources Branch of the National Cancer Institute Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis stated “She is the reason I did my residency and Surgical Pathology fellowship at Penn (1987–1992). She inspired me and attracted me to endocrine pathology, a field I later pursued to do translational research in at NIH.”
Her rich and varied life included extensive philanthropic contributions to medicine, conservation, animal welfare, and her church especially the St. John Neuman Choir, (Bryn Mawr, PA). Isabel Momenee, Former Choir Director recalls, “At St. John Neumann Dr. LiVolsi was known as “Virgina”. She was a dedicated Member of the SJN Chior; Never missing a rehearsal or concert unless she was at a seminar or convention. When waiting for rehearsal to start Virginia never wasted a minute, always busy either reading a journal or doing NY Times crosswords. She had friends and associates all over the world. In 2007 we were about to sing a Concert in Rome, Italy and Virigina told me some of her peers were going to attend. At the end of the Concert tough Virginia was bawling her eyes out. I looked out and in the back of the church three pews of her colleagues were standing and cheering.
Ms. Momenee also recalled, “Virgina also was a “Checkout Cashier” at the SJN “Garage Sale” she would never turn in any cash until she counted and sorted every dollar in order. Thousands of people attend this fundraiser and most people at SJN never knew Dr. LiVolsi was a world-renowned pathologist. Everyone just knew her as “Virginia”. The dedicated soprano, lector, and money taker with a slight New York Accent. She is greatly missed, especially by me.”
Dr. LiVolsi was a dedicated daughter and niece. She cared for her parents Epifanio and Mary A. (nee LaPorta) LiVolsi and beloved Aunt Mary Anna LaPorta (Babe) until their deaths (1987,2000). Her home was filled with love and caring for her multiple cats over the years. Indeed, her colleagues would typically enjoy lighthearted photos of her cats at the closing of her podium presentations.
Those wishing to express their condolences for the loss of Dr. Virginia LiVolsi are welcomed to make donations in her memory to either Morris Animal Refuge at 1242 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 USA (https://morrisanimalrefuge.org/) or to St. John Neumann Parish, 380 Highland Lane, Bryn Mawr PA 19010 USA (https://sjnparish.org/).