D. Keith Watson DO spent a lifetime dedicated to medical education and advancing access to medical care in underserved populations. A single doctor arriving in a small town made his own life possible by diagnosing and treating his mother’s inability to conceive. This shaped his view of the world, as he saw firsthand how the presence of medical care can affect a whole community. Throughout his career as a cancer surgeon, medical educator and nationally-celebrated leader in the field of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Watson continued championing access to medical education and research, even as he transitioned from provider to patient.

Dr. Watson fought a 19-year battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), trusting the expertise of Dr. Jennifer Woyach and her team at Ohio State to guide him through cutting edge treatments. A true cancer surgeon to the very end, he never waivered in his desire to try one more clinical trial. He understood deeply that each new clinical trial brought possibility, not only for his own health but for the countless others who could benefit from the continued work of this research.

The family is thankful to Dr. Woyach and the CLL team at the James Cancer Center for their care and expertise, giving us the gift of time together. It is our hope that gifts given in Dr. Watson’s memory will continue advancing the research and care that will help so many others. All gifts to this fund support the research and program support on the treatment of blood cancers, including lab support, novel therapeutics, molecular pathogenesis, etc. leading to rapid initial pre-clinical testing of new therapies  

Gifts can be made online through this page or checks can be made payable to The Ohio State University and sent to this address: The Ohio State University Foundation, P.O. Box 736096, Chicago, IL 60673-6096. Please write Buckeye Funder Dr. D. Keith Watson fund 310260 in the memo field.