Legacy

Thanks to his extensive, pivotal, and crucial work in gastroenterology, the level of influence that Kirsner has had on everyday people’s lives is immeasurable. The number of organizations he helped found and the subsequent awards he earned are only a small part of who Kirsner was.


Kirsner’s dedication, focus, and care for his patients and the treatment they received are his real legacy. The impact of his care extends far beyond just the patients he treated. It can be felt by every person who has been treated by him or one of his hundreds of students. Dr. Kirsner was a hardworking and committed man to his field and patients. The legacy and influence he has left cannot be replaced.

Kirsner Finding Aid
Photography of Dr. Kirsner standing in front of gastrointestinal-related x-rays. Photographer and date unknown.
Photography of Dr. Kirsner, MD, PhD standing in front of gastrointestinal-related x-rays. Photographer and date unknown.

Kirsner, Joseph B. Papers, Box 68, Folder 7, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.
Portrait of Dr. Kirsner, date and photographer unknown.
Portrait of Dr. Kirsner, date and photographer unknown.

Kirsner, Joseph B. Papers, Box 68, Folder 7, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.
Dr. Kirsner wearing his lab coat in his office, date and photographer unknown.
Dr. Kirsner wearing his lab coat in his office, date and photographer unknown.

Kirsner, Joseph B. Papers, Box 66, Folder 2, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.
An older Dr. Kirsner wearing his lab coat at what is believed to be a celebration of his work, date and photographer unknown.
An older Dr. Kirsner wearing his lab coat at what is believed to be a celebration of his work, date and photographer unknown.

Kirsner, Joseph B. Papers, Box 65, Folder 2, Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library.