Robert F. Maronde

http://www.latimes.com/news/science/la-me-maronde30-2008aug30,0,5216442.story

Dr. Robert F. Maronde

Robert Francis Maronde, MDJanuary 13, 1920 - August 13, 2008
Dr. Robert F. Maronde was a Professor at the University of Southern California Medical School. He had many notable accomplishments, including the creation of an artificial kidney, and the creation of the first computerized pharmacy system.

Birth

The son of a physician father, Maronde was born in Monterey Park on Jan. 13, 1920.

Artificial Kidney

In 1949, in collaboration with Dr. Helen Martin, Maronde implemented a hemodialysis program for acute renal failure at what is now Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. With their creation of an artificial kidney -- it used a stainless-steel beer keg as a reservoir -- they were at the forefront of medical innovation.

Education

He graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1937, received his bachelor's degree from USC in 1941 and earned his medical degree from the USC School of Medicine in 1944. He was a ship's doctor while on active duty in the Naval Reserve in 1946-47.

Computerized Prescription Drug System

And in the late '60s, Maronde developed one of the first -- if not the first -- computerized prescription drug systems, which was launched in the outpatient pharmacy at County-USC. "Now, of course, all pharmacists use the computer, but in those days nobody did, at least in this area," said Dr. Peter Lee, one of Maronde's colleagues in developing the system. "Here's a doctor who got well enough acquainted with the computer in those days and really led the way."

Family

He is survived by his wife, Yolanda, and his children, Bob, Donna Varnau, James, and Craig; six grandchildren; and a great-grandson.