John Knote, MD 1938-2019

Visionary. Hero. Extra special. These are just a few of the words friends use to describe ISMA Past President John Knote, MD, who died April 22 at age 80.

“John Knote will be missed on many levels by those who follow behind him,” said AMA Delegation Chair and ISMA Past President Stephen Tharp, MD. “It is not often that we meet, let alone personally know, a visionary who has positively influenced an entire profession.”

Many praised Dr. Knote’s finesse at creating consensus. “He had the countenance and capability to explain compassionately when he knew you were not aware of compelling facts that would not support your position,” said Ed Langston, MD.

Dr. Knote, of Lafayette, is survived by his wife, Jan; three children; and two sisters. Visitation was set for 3-7 pm on Friday, May 3, at Grace Lutheran Church, 102 Buckingham Dr., in Lafayette. Another visitation was set for 10 am Saturday, May 4, followed by funeral services and interment at 11 am at Grace Lutheran. Dr. Knote was a longtime supporter of the Indiana Medical History Museum; the family has designated the museum to receive donations in remembrance of him at www.imhm.org/donate. Read Dr. Knote’s full obituary online at www.ismanet.org/KnoteObit.

Dr. Knote served ISMA in numerous roles, including as president and Board of Trustees chair, and was a longtime member of ISMA’s delegation to the AMA. He also served three terms as speaker and five terms as vice-speaker of the AMA House of Delegates and helped found the AMA Senior Physicians Section. Dr. Knote was also an ardent supporter of Purdue and appeared as Purdue Pete from 1957 to 1958.

“We were saddened when we heard of Dr. John Knote’s passing,” said ISMA President Stacie Wenk, DO. “He held many leadership roles, but it was his quiet support of everybody he met that became his legacy. I will miss him greatly, and I know I am not alone when I say that our organization will be affected by his absence.”

Julie Reed, JD, ISMA executive vice president, emphasized Dr. Knote’s goodness and civility. “He was kind and inclusive of others, genuinely interested in helping them succeed,” she said. “He was magnetizing, not polarizing.”

Many others who knew Dr. Knote recalled his sense of humor, his twinkling eyes and his rich baritone voice. “Dr. Knote was always willing to share his experience and wisdom, frequently woven into a story, told with a gleam in his eye, a mischievous grin and a quick chuckle,” said ISMA Past President Heidi Dunniway, MD.

“ISMA lost a hero this week,” said Past President Mike Mellinger, MD. “John left this world a better place than the one he entered. None of us can aspire to a greater legacy.”

Remembering John A. Knote, MD Aug. 4, 1938 - April 22, 2019

We were saddened when we heard of Dr. John Knote’s passing. He’s been a staple to the ISMA for decades. He held many leadership roles, but it was his quiet support of everybody he met that became his legacy. His baritone voice was legend, but it was his wisdom and kindness that commanded respect. Dr. Knote was one of the first people that I met when I joined ISMA in 2001. I often reached out to him as I moved into different roles at ISMA. He was always generous in his advice and I always felt his support, which made my decisions much easier. I will miss him greatly and I know I am not alone when I say that our organization will be affected by his absence. ISMA President Stacie Wenk, DO

Since 1849, ISMA has been blessed by contributions from tens of thousands of physicians sharing their time and talents for the greater good of physicians and their patients. Each year, we lose people who have been great leaders. But something about John Knote was different – extra special. When Dr. Knote’s days were drawing to an end, I began notifying ISMA leadership, past and present. The responses poured in, and they were heartfelt. Everyone knew Dr. Knote; everyone liked Dr. Knote. He was a gentle giant. Understated in stature but big in personality and presence, amplified by that booming baritone voice that we will forever replay in our minds. But there was more to it. Dr. Knote was seemingly a friend or a mentor, or both, to everyone he knew. He was described as a great physician, leader, gentleman, statesman and family man. He was appreciated for his wisdom, his humility, and his sense of humor. He was kind and inclusive of others, genuinely interested in helping them succeed. He was magnetizing, not polarizing. He assigned equal value to tradition and progress, somehow managing to be part of both. Dr. Knote possessed many gifts and he shared those gifts and his time with others, selflessly and intentionally. It is clear from the statewide outpouring I have received that Dr. John Knote was one of the “Greats.” He built endless relationships that spanned generations, and he left lasting impressions – all through goodness and civility. Let us all take time to express gratitude for the “John (and Jan) Knotes” in our lives, to try to embody the attributes that make them great, and to pass it on. ISMA Executive Vice President Julie Reed, JD

ISMA lost a hero this week. With his passing, John will leave a big hole in many of our lives. Medical school classmate, colleague, mentor confidante (in good times and bad)- I've never had a better friend. John left this world a better place than the one he entered. None of us can aspire to a greater legacy. Godspeed, my friend; we'll be along. Past President Mike Mellinger, MD

John Knote was one of my first and closest friends in ISMA. I first met him at a Ninth District meeting, our home district. He introduced himself as “height challenged,” but it was obvious that in no way did it challenge his stature. He was timeless. I remember him the same then as now. Before he left that evening, he knew more about me than I knew myself. That was his way; he could draw out anyone and connect with his own experiences to establish common ground. John was a born politician. His chosen venue was medical politics. He rose to lead the American College of Radiology, but his political genius was revealed to us at the AMA. He understood the importance of relationships and perfected the art of the political campaign. In his run for vice speaker, he knew every one of the more than 400 delegates by sight and met with each personally. This incredible feat was accomplished in the end by staking out the elevators and targeting the delegates. Once elected, he became an integral part of the AMA governing structure. We in the delegation were privy to the challenges and insights of our organization. John never revealed privileged information, but he was involved in navigating the situations that truly threatened the AMA. John was a great mentor to everyone in the Indiana delegation. He often pointed out an opportunity to one or another of our delegates and alternate delegates to serve on commissions or serve in other ways that would make them more visible. He took the time to get to know all of us, and he suggested where we could be most comfortable and influential. John was one of the reasons that Indiana, although a small delegation in numbers, has had a large voice at the national level. I cannot separate my memories of John from his wife, Jan. My wife, Susan, became good friends with Jan and the other wives who endured our ridiculously frenetic meetings. Jan would lead the ladies on brisk early morning walks that introduced many social opportunities and provided a “back channel” of events and issues. Clearly, John and Jan were a team essential to our success! Medical students have been a particular focus of our delegation, and particularly with John. The legacy we are leaving was especially important, as he recognized early on. With his guidance, we have brought our newest generation of physicians into the mainstream of medical policy. This infusion of energy, ethics and enthusiasm has transformed thinking and expectations in the AMA. There is another side to our delegation experience, and that was our delegation celebration dinners at the end of the AMA Interim Meeting. This was a time when tall stories were shared, particularly when members were leaving the delegation. We all had special memories, but no one could recall them like John. When John finally retired from the delegation, it was at this dinner that we made John an Honorary Member of the Indiana Delegation to the American Medical Association (the only person in my memory to receive this honor). John Knote will be missed on many levels by those who follow behind him. It is not often that we meet, let alone personally know, a visionary who has positively influenced an entire profession. John, please know that the work you have started will not be abandoned and will live on through the gifts you gave so generously to all of us. Past President Stephen Tharp, MD

John was always full of knowledge and stories. He delighted in hearing neophytes at an AMA meeting ask, “Why are they doing that?” He would get a twinkle in his eyes and relate not just the events, but the personalities that drove certain decisions. He would also enjoy telling the side stories about who was “offended (not the actual word)” by these actions. Past President Thomas Vidic, MD

Dr. Knote is one of those where individuals who is bigger than life. When he was in the room, things just went smoother. His advice was always on point and priceless. Whether I needed advice when in ISMA Leadership or had questions about the AMA, Dr Knote was always kind, helpful and available. He made you feel good about yourself and encouraged you with your plans. When I ran for CSAPH at the AMA, his response was positive. He motivated and gave sage advice. His points were made with a smile, but he was always forthright and honest. He had that Midas touch when it came to projects. He had a way of taking difficult problems and reaching positive applicable solutions. At the AMA “everyone knows John Knote.” His reputation is superb. While I was fortunate to interact with him numerous times over the years, I was able to see Dr. Knote in action while he was on the SPS Governing Council. The SPSA put forth a resolution concerning the aging physicians and how those individuals should be treated and evaluated. As the chair of OMSS, I was invited to participate with the work of the SPS on this issue. Getting to watch John work with myself and the other physicians and AMA staff to put together a good resolution, and then being involved with the follow-up work to make the resolution be effective, was priceless. Working closely with John taught me volumes. My hope is that I can use the tools he taught me on future projects and follow his example to keep the AMA strong and effective. If I am successful, I know John will be smiling in Heaven and cheering for his Boilermakers. Boiler Up John! Past President David Welsh, MD

It seems nearly impossible to put into words the impact that Dr. Knote has on me and so many others. From my time in the AMA-MSS, I came to know him as a respected leader, trusted mentor, colleague and friend. Dr. Knote was always willing to share his experience and wisdom, frequently woven into a story, told with a gleam in his eye, a mischievous grin and a quick chuckle. His booming baritone and devotion to his beloved Boilers will truly be missed. Hail Old Purdue! Past President Heidi M. Dunniway, MD

John Knote was a personal and professional friend. He was an energetic, effective and respected representative for Indiana physicians and physicians nationwide. He had the unique capacity to make you feel that your concerns and issues were important to him. He would listen respectfully and sincerely to your point of view. He would share his understanding of the issues of your concern and how you might more effectively promote those ideas realistically to others. He also had the countenance and capability to explain compassionately when he knew you were not aware of compelling facts that would not support your position. He would encourage you to explore your position from many perspectives. As he once shared with me, "I have friends who hold adamantly a certain position and friends who held an opposite position just as adamantly. As for me, I supported my friends. And kindly walked away." But more importantly for me, he was my friend and mentor and was instrumental in guiding me through the shoals of the AMA – an organization we both thought was too important to leave unattended. He will be missed by all and loved by many. My prayers for Jan and her family during this time of lost, but also celebration of his life of service to others: physicians, patients, the public and his family, who he dearly loved. Ed Langston, MD

John was indeed an outstanding past president. He will be missed. Past President George Rawls, MD

I am privileged to have known John. He was a classmate of my husband in medical school. He was a friendly caring person and always cordial to all. Jan and family are in my thoughts and prayers. Kay Enderle

When John and I were undergraduates in 1958, I was stealing the old oaken bucket and he was appearing puzzled as the Pete Purdue mascot. I have a picture of him as same. Roger F. Robison, MD

God only made one John Knote. I was honored to be a classmate and friend. He was always the highlight of our class reunions. A terrible loss for all of us. Jack Higgins, MD

To leave a remembrance of Dr. Knote online, click here.