Sanford B. Krantz, MD, a well-respected figure in the fields of hematology and erythropoietin research, died on April 13, 2023, at age 89. He was the professor of medicine, emeritus, at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.
He made great contributions through his research, including successful trials of erythropoietin in renal disease and the anemia of chronic disease. Dr. Krantz was also known for discovering the pathogenesis of pure red cell aplasia as an autoimmune disease, as well describing anemia of chronic disease as an immune disease.
Dr. Krantz cultivated more than 200 publications throughout his career and was the recipient of countless awards, including the Founders Medical Award from the Southern Society of Clinical Investigation. He competed for and received multiple grants for years in a row, including two National Institutes of Health grants.
As a recipient of an Ortho-Biotech Corporation Research Hematology Fellowship, Dr. Krantz also took on a leadership role supporting young physicians specializing in hematology. He joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 1970 and spent much of his career there, most recently as chief of hematology at the Veterans Administration Medical Center and director of the hematology section.
Dr. Krantz enjoyed gardening and canoeing with his sons and grandsons. He is survived by countless family members.