Harold Ballard, MD
Harold Ballard, MD, passed away on January 24, 2022, at age 96.
Dr. Ballard was born in New Orleans. After earning his medical degree, he went on to work at New York University, where he conducted research in immunology, heavy chain disease, and the aging process.
Later in his career, he became the first person of color to reach the rank of full professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he was also the first African American member of the admissions committee. Dr. Ballard was also the first African American to become a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI).
Dr. Ballard remained active in the field of hematology until his final days, according to a letter written by Michael Auerbach, MD, of Georgetown University School of Medicine, and Adrienne A. Phillips, MD, MPH, of Weill Cornell Medicine. John G. Mears, MD, of Columbia University Irving Medical Center, was quoted in the letter, saying of Dr. Ballard: “I will never forget his amazing mentorship when I was a fellow in training. Bless him.”