Remembering Dr. Keith Terasaki: A Lifelong Advocate for Medicine and Humanity

On December 22, 2024, the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation mourned the passing of its founding leader and beloved Chairman of the Board, Dr. Keith Terasaki. His death followed a brave battle with a rare form of lymphoma, a struggle he faced with dignity and strength, reflective of his commitment to life and service to others.

Dr. Terasaki’s legacy is profoundly rooted in his relentless pursuit of innovation, service, and dedication to improving healthcare for many. Following in the esteemed footsteps of his father, Dr. Paul Terasaki, Dr. Keith assumed leadership of the institute in 2010, steering its mission towards making personalized medicine accessible for all. Under his guidance, the Terasaki Institute ventured into groundbreaking research that paves the way for advancements in biomedical innovation.

A Life Dedicated to Medicine and Community

Dr. Terasaki's educational foundation lies in his experiences at UCLA, where he earned both undergraduate and medical degrees. His rigorous training in radiology at notable institutions, including LA County-USC Hospital and Stanford, equipped him for a distinguished career in the medical field. He became the Chief of Radiology at Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, where he oversaw interventional radiologists serving a vast population of three million. Throughout his medical journey, Dr. Terasaki received numerous accolades, including an early career Award for Best Clinician and, later in life, the prestigious Top Physician Humanitarian Award from Kaiser for his volunteer outreach on Skid Row, aligning with his lifelong commitment to serving underprivileged communities.

His dedication extended beyond the walls of hospitals and institutions. Dr. Terasaki significantly contributed to various community organizations, serving on boards for the Wesley Health Center, the Metropolitan YMCA of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He also played a key role in advisory capacities at UCLA, receiving the UCLA Alumnus of the Year Award in 2023, an honor previously awarded to his father.

A Legacy of Selfless Leadership and Service

Dr. Keith Terasaki championed numerous causes through his family foundation, influencing various sectors, including education and environmental sustainability. His dedication to the community culminated in a remarkable $3.5 million contribution to the Terasaki Budokan, which fosters cultural, athletic, and social activities in Little Tokyo. This community center stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to uplifting others and preserving cultural heritage.

His leadership style fostered a culture of kindness, generosity, and innovation at the Terasaki Institute, where his vision catalyzed numerous advancements in medical research. Stewart Han, the President of the Terasaki Institute, remarked, "Keith was not only our chairman but a visionary who championed next-generation scientific innovation. His legacy will guide us as we continue the transformative work he inspired."

Celebrating Service, Connection, and the Human Spirit

Beyond his remarkable career, Dr. Terasaki cherished the joys found in personal connections. A vibrant family man and sports enthusiast, he often hosted tennis and pickleball games to bring together friends and family. Strongly dedicated to the UCLA Bruins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Los Angeles Rams, he exemplified values of teamwork and perseverance, celebrating the bonds formed through shared interests and love.

Dr. Terasaki’s impact on the world transcends even his professional achievements. His belief in personalized medicine reflects the core ethos of the Terasaki Institute, which aims to create provisions for those who seek better healthcare solutions. His loss is deeply felt, but the lessons he taught about kindness, innovation, and the significance of community service will resonate within us all.

Dr. Keith Terasaki is survived by his devoted wife, Cecilia; their children, Paul and Susie; and extended family members, including siblings and beloved pets, Pablo and Chewie. Memorial services will be announced in the coming weeks as we gather to celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to the betterment of others.

As we remember Dr. Terasaki, we embrace his lasting legacy—to create a world where healthcare innovation and heartfelt humanitarianism go hand in hand. He will always be remembered, cherished, and missed profoundly.