Dr. O’Tar T. Norwood, C-Founder Of ISHRS, Dies At 89
CHICAGO – August 21, 2020. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) mourns the passing of one of its most esteemed members, O’Tar T. Norwood, M.D., who died July 28, 2020, at the age of 89.
A prominent dermatologist and pioneer in the field of hair transplant surgery, Dr. Norwood’s accomplishments over his decades-long career have influenced countless physicians dedicated to perfecting the art and science of hair restoration surgery.
Among his many lasting legacies to the ISHRS is the founding of the Hair Transplant Forum International publication in 1990. Attracting an international cadre of prominent surgeons who were eager to contribute articles, the publication grew quickly during his 5-year editorship. Dr. Norwood donated the magazine to the ISHRS. Today, its descendant is the immensely popular Forum that ISHRS members continue to enjoy.
In addition, Dr. Norwood will be remembered as a co-founder of the ISHRS. In 1993, he worked with Dr. Dow Stough to convene a meeting of like-minded doctors interested in hair restoration. From that meeting, the ISHRS—now the world’s leading medical authority on hair loss and hair restoration—was formed. Most notably, in 1975 Dr. Norwood created a classification scale that bears his name for patterned hair loss in males, for which he gained international prominence. The Norwood classification scale is still widely used today.
In 1998, Dr. Norwood was presented with the ISHRS’s prestigious Golden Follicle and Manfred Lucas awards for his significant contributions to hair restoration surgery. As a lasting tribute to Dr. Norwood’s contributions to hair restoration surgery, the ISHRS established the Norwood Lectureship bestowed annually to notable guest speakers at the society’s world congresses.
Those who had the pleasure to know Dr. Norwood recall his wit, zest for life and cheeky warm smile. A proud Oklahoman, Dr. Norwood loved to travel and visited all seven continents. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Dr. Norwood will be greatly missed.
February 1, 1931 – July 28, 2020
The ISHRS 2020 World Congress is being dedicated in loving memory to Dr. O’Tar T. Norwood. Dr. Dow Stough, ISHRS Co-Founder will pay tribute to his colleague and friend in the opening session of the World Congress in October where you will be able to hear about Dr. Norwood’s vision in creating the ISHRS and his immeasurable contributions to the field of hair restoration surgery.
For information on the World Congress, visit our event website.