Luther Brisendine Travis, a dedicated physician, educator, and past president of the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, at the age of 93. A true Southern gentleman, he touched countless lives through his kindness and commitment to his patients and their families.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia on May 25, 1931, Luther dedicated his professional life to medicine, medical education and the passionate care of children with chronic illnesses. He was recognized for his excellence in two areas of clinical medicine: pediatric kidney disease and the management of juvenile diabetes.
Luther graduated from North Georgia College in 1951 and earned his medical degree in 1955 from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. His postgraduate training began with an internship at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond (1955-1956). From 1956 to 1958, Luther honorably served his country in the United States Army. In 1959-60, he was a resident and chief resident in pediatrics at Jefferson Davis Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX.
Luther completed his fellowship in renal and metabolic diseases in children at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, TX. In 1962, he joined the faculty at UTMB as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and quicky rose through the ranks. His leadership roles included Director of the Division of Diabetes (1965-1995), Director of the Division of Nephrology and Diabetes (1972-1997), and Chief of Staff of UTMB Hospitals (1981-1983). Luther also chaired numerous committees dedicated to patient care, academic training and faculty governance.
Luther was the inaugural holder of the prestigious William W. Glauser Professorship in Pediatric Nephrology. A passionate advocate for children with diabetes, Luther served as Medical Director of the Texas Lions Camps for Children with Diabetes from 1970 to 1994.
Luther’s commitment to advancing pediatric care extended beyond the clinic, as he played a crucial role in shaping medical education and training programs. Over the course of his professional life, Luther mentored forty young nephrologists and diabetologists. Luther’s legacy as a clinician, educator and leader will be felt for generations to come.
Among Luther’s many honors and awards are Outstanding Service to Youth Award given by the American Diabetes Association (1980); appointment to the Texas Diabetes Council by Governor Mark White (1983); Teacher of the Year, University of Texas Medical Branch Alumni Association (1985); and Outstanding Physician for Diabetes Mellitus presented by the American Diabetes Association, National Affiliate (1995). Luther was elected to the Diabetes Hall of Fame by the American Diabetes Association, Texas Affiliate in 1996. In 2001, he was honored by the Medical College of Georgia as the Most Distinguished Graduate for Academic Achievement.
Luther’s most well-known publication, “An Instructional Aid on Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus,” was an innovative guide he wrote to visually educate children and their families on Type 1 Diabetes care. More than a dozen editions were published over several decades, and the guide has been translated into 12 different languages worldwide.
Luther loved children, and to brighten their sometimes grueling days in the hospital, he would perform magic tricks using loose coins that were always in his pockets. He became known affectionately as “Medico the Magician”. He was full of wisdom, strength, warmth and love which he shared graciously with those he encountered.
Luther loved his family passionately and unconditionally. In 1954, Luther married Phyllis Whatley. Together, they had four beautiful children, Jenny, Judy, Joan, and Scott.
In 1980, Luther met Cynthia Benecke Smith on a blind date. They were married on September 20, 1980, and were inseparable for the next 44 years. Cynthia was the great love of his life. Cynthia’s children, Jennifer and Matthew, completed the Travis clan.
Luther is survived by his wife Cynthia, their children, ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family members. Luther is also survived by the many colleagues, students and patients whose lives he touched throughout his remarkable career. His dedication, kindness and unwavering commitment to medicine will forever be remembered.
