Former dean of UK College of Medicine dies

Dr. D. Kay Clawson, an orthopedic surgeon who was dean of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine from 1975 to 1983, has died. He was 88.

Clawson came to UK from the University of Washington, where he was head of orthopedic surgery for 17 years. He left Lexington to become executive vice chancellor at the University of Kansas Medical Center, a position he held for 11 years.

During his tenure at UK, Clawson was credited with enhancing the administration of the college, particularly in regard to its finances, and with establishing positive relationships with the student body, according to a 1983 article in the Herald-Leader.

In retirement, Clawson did private consulting for hospitals and medical schools. Since 1996, he had been a consultant at the UK College of Medicine, spending most of his time counseling students and serving on the college’s admissions committee.

A native of Salt Lake City, Clawson was a graduate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.

He died Friday while vacationing in Palm Springs, Calif.

Clawson is survived by his wife, Janet; a daughter, Dr. Kim Rosenstein of Lexington; a son, Dr. David Clawson of Seattle, and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

This story was originally published March 13, 2016 at 11:35 PM with the headline "Former dean of UK College of Medicine dies."