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John Peter Minton, MD, PhD Legacy
John Peter Minton was a world renowned surgical oncologist at The Ohio State University Hospitals, and a professor of surgery in OSU’s Medical School; his tenure included many teaching and professional appointments including professorships in the departments of Zoology and Microbiology and in the school of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. His innovative leadership in cancer research, education, and prevention set a standard that many have benefited from and few have emulated since. At the time of his death Dr. Minton had been recognized internationally for developing a surgical practice that removed tumors that had spread to the liver from the colon—the practice has become widely known as the Swiss cheese surgery.
John Peter Minton was a Buckeye with a capital B! He was born on campus at the Starling Loving Hospital and attended preschool in Campbell Hall. He completed his high school days on campus at the former University School, and received all of his degrees from The Ohio State University: his BS in 1956, his MD in 1960, his Master of Science in Surgery in 1966, and his PhD in Immunology in 1969. In 1982 students selected him as medical professor of the year. “With a sincere endeavor toward excellence he also has provided us with a role model of a physician who is exceptionally dedicated to the care of his patients, to the enhancement of medical research, and to the education of the public.”
In his undergrad years he marched and played coronet with the Best Damned Band in the Land, and it was at a campus party as an undergrad where he first met his future wife, Janice Gurney. They were married on August 29, 1958 and had four daughters.
John Peter Minton died on his way to campus in December 1990.
