Dr. Charles Edward Crutchfield III, a beacon of compassion and excellence, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023, after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Surrounded by his loving family, he left behind an indelible legacy that touched countless lives.
A Life of Resilience and Joy
Born on January 17, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Charles Crutchfield was an extraordinary individual who embodied self-confidence, generosity, and unwavering determination from an early age. Throughout his life, Charles embraced every moment with boundless optimism and a playful sense of humor, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
A Trailblazer in Dermatology
Dr. Crutchfield’s journey in medicine began at the prestigious Mayo Medical School, where he pursued his passion for biology. After completing his dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota, he founded the Crutchfield Dermatology clinic in 2002. Over the course of his 25-year career, Dr. Crutchfield selflessly served his patients, focusing on the well-being of individuals of color. As the first African-American dermatologist in Minnesota, he blazed a trail in his field, caring for over 50,000 patients and authoring hundreds of scientific papers. Dr. Crutchfield’s outstanding contributions to dermatology were recognized nationally, earning him accolades such as “America’s 10 Leading Dermatologists” by Black Enterprise magazine and the Karis humanitarian award from the Mayo Clinic.
A Champion for Inclusion and Education
Dr. Crutchfield extended his impact beyond patient care by tirelessly advocating for diversity in healthcare. As a senior medical advisor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder newspaper, he shed light on vital health topics of interest to the Black community. Additionally, he served as the Vice President of Minnesota’s Black Community Project, celebrating the achievements and contributions of the African American community. Dr. Crutchfield also dedicated himself to mentoring college students, helping them gain admission to medical school and fostering an inclusive future in healthcare.
A Legacy of Teaching and Philanthropy
Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Dr. Crutchfield held teaching positions at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Carleton College. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he received the Outstanding Clinical Teaching Award and the 2023 Part-Time Teacher of the Year Award. Even during his own cancer treatment, Dr. Crutchfield displayed unwavering commitment by continuing to teach remotely from his hospital bed.
Furthermore, Dr. Crutchfield’s impact extended beyond the classroom. He established the Crutchfield Dermatology Foundation in 2012, promoting good health throughout Minnesota. The foundation’s efforts include awarding scholarships, sponsoring educational presentations, and developing online resources to foster health awareness. Most notably, the creation of an innovative lectureship on ethnic skin at the University of Minnesota has played an instrumental role in educating medical residents and local dermatologists about the unique challenges associated with treating skin of color.
Remembering a Life Well-Lived
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Crutchfield had a deep passion for sports, serving as the team dermatologist for several Minnesota sports teams. He was an avid baseball fan, a talented artist, an award-winning gardener, and an excellent cook. But above all, Charles cherished his time spent traveling and making memories with his beloved family.
Dr. Charles Edward Crutchfield III is survived by his devoted wife Laurie, their three cherished children Olivia, Charles IV, and Arianna, and his loving parents Drs. Charles Sr. and Susan Crutchfield. His legacy of compassion, dedication, scholarship, and excellence will forever be treasured by his family, friends, and the communities he served.
In honoring Dr. Crutchfield’s memory, let us carry forward his unwavering commitment to making a difference in the world.
A private funeral service will be held, with a celebration of life memorial service planned for later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Crutchfield Dermatology Foundation would be greatly appreciated.
FAQs
1. What was the cause of Dr. Charles Crutchfield’s passing?
Dr. Charles Crutchfield bravely battled non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for two and a half years before passing away peacefully on June 21, 2023.
2. What were Dr. Charles Crutchfield’s notable contributions to dermatology?
Dr. Charles Crutchfield was the first African-American dermatologist in Minnesota and cared for over 50,000 patients. He authored numerous scientific papers, received national recognition, and made significant contributions to advancing dermatological knowledge, particularly concerning individuals of color.
