In Memoriam

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Dr. Jack Kartush, a visionary physician, pioneering inventor, dedicated educator, and accomplished musician, on June 22nd, 2025 at the age of 72. Born in Michigan in 1952, Dr. Kartush leaves behind a legacy of innovation, compassion, and a deep commitment to advancing medical care.

Dr. Kartush earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1978, followed by a residency in Otolaryngology, achieving board certification in 1984. He was instrumental in establishing the Michigan Ear Institute (MEI) in Farmington Hills, where he spent the core of his distinguished practice.

A global authority in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, Dr. Kartush revolutionized surgical techniques and dramatically improved patient outcomes. His groundbreaking inventions, including the Facial Nerve Integrity Monitor (NIM) and the Kartush Stimulating Dissector, became essential tools for surgeons, safeguarding vulnerable cranial nerves. As the inaugural president of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM), he spearheaded the development of critical safety benchmarks for the field. Through his leadership and dedication, MEI flourished, with the creation of a facial nerve monitoring program, a neurotology fellowship, and a temporal bone laboratory, all designed to cultivate the next generation of surgical excellence.

Dr. Kartush’s inventive spirit extended beyond the operating room. He held numerous patents and authored over 200 scientific publications, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge. He founded American Neuromonitoring LLC, which became a leading interoperative monitoring company before its acquisition by Biotronic in 2008.

Always a champion of patient safety, Dr. Kartush proactively implemented practices like preoperative site marking and surgical checklists long before they became standard guidelines. He was known for his humor, genuine care for his patients, and his dedication to mentoring colleagues and students. His impact resonates deeply within the medical community.

Beyond his clinical and research contributions, Dr. Kartush was a passionate musician. He graced major Detroit venues with his performances and composed music for television broadcasts, revealing another facet of his creative spirit.

Dr. Kartush is remembered for his brilliance, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.