Oklahoma Blood Institute is honoring the life and legacy of Ronald O. Gilcher, MD, FACP, who led our blood center as CEO, President and Medical Director from 1979 to 2006. Dr. Gilcher passed away following a lengthy illness.
Dr. Gilcher, an undisputed international leader in blood transfusion, helped grow Oklahoma Blood Institute from its humble foundings to a self-sufficient blood center that could supply all member hospitals through the generosity of local donors.
In the wake of the HIV epidemic, Dr. Gilcher established Oklahoma Blood Institute as a national leader in blood safety testing by instituting key HIV testing, establishing the standard for blood centers across the nation. Dr. Gilcher’s focus on testing extended to health risk indicators for patients as well, as he helped Oklahoma Blood Institute become the first blood center in the nation to offer cholesterol screening to all donors free of charge.
Dr. Gilcher’s pioneering spirit was also evident in his work in apheresis, automated donations for blood products like platelets and plasma. Dr. Gilcher’s leadership helped Oklahoma Blood Institute better meet patient needs for these critical products.
In times of crisis, Dr. Gilcher’s resolve was on display. He played a key role in the response to the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, ensuring 100 percent of blood needs were met. He would later send 1,400 blood units to New York following September 11th.
In honor of these accomplishments and his full career, the Oklahoma Blood Institute donor center at 901 North Lincoln was named in his honor in 2015. We are thinking of and praying for Dr. Gilcher’s family as we mourn his passing.
Thank you, Dr. Ronald O. Gilcher, for your momentous contributions that will forever leave a mark on both the Oklahoma Blood Institute and the blood banking industry as a whole.
