Francis Lobo, MD

Francis M. Lobo, MD ’91

1964–2018

Dr. Francis M. Lobo, who was until recently a clinician specializing in allergy and clinical immunology at Yale School of Medicine, passed away at his home in New Haven on December 22, 2018.

Frank, along with identical twin Glyndwr, was born January 16, 1964 in Scranton, Pennsylvania to Annette Davis Lobo and Dr. Francis X. Lobo. He was raised in Scranton and attended Scranton Preparatory School. Frank majored in biology at the University of Pennsylvania and graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a BA degree in 1985. He spent the following year at the University of Cambridge, earning an MPhil in History of Medicine. He was then a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Munich, studying colon cancer immunology with Professor Judith P. Johnson.

Frank matriculated at Yale School of Medicine in September of 1987, joining the Class of 1991. He spent an extra year in medical school doing research funded by a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Medical Student Research Fellowship, working with Professor Maritza Perez in Dermatology on immunology of skin transplantation. He graduated in May, 1992 but continued to consider himself a member of the Class of 1991 for alumni purposes.

Frank trained in internal medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital, followed by an allergy and immunology fellowship, also at Yale. During his fellowship training he did basic research in immunology with Professor Ramsay Fuleihan.

Frank joined the faculty of the Section of Allergy and Immunology at Yale in 1998. He initially worked as a clinician-scientist, but ultimately found his calling primarily in patient care and teaching. A superb physician, he was recognized for his expertise in treating patients with rare immune deficiency disorders. He took pride in teaching and mentoring aspiring physicians at all levels of training. During his time at Yale, Frank served as president of the Association of Yale Alumni in Medicine, trustee of the Harvey Cushing-John Hay Whitney Medical Library and president of the Beaumont Medical Club. He was also a fellow of Branford College, where he advised undergraduates interested in medical careers.

When not at work, Frank had varied interests around New Haven. He served as a member of the board of directors of New Haven Farms, an organization that develops urban agriculture and provides fresh produce to members of the community. He was a leader in the City Point and Hill South neighborhoods where he lived, hosting an annual tree lighting and gift-giving at Kimberly Square. He renovated homes in his historic City Point neighborhood. In 2016 he opened City Point Kitchen, a restaurant with an eclectic menu across the street from his home.

Frank was predeceased by his mother and twin brother. He is survived by his father of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and a brother, Dr. Anthony Lobo and family of Ambler, Pennsylvania.