Dr. Charles Crutchfield Obituary:- Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III, a renowned dermatologist and a pioneer in his field, passed away on June 21, 2023, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 62 years old.
Dr. Crutchfield was the owner and medical director of Crutchfield Dermatology in Eagan, Minnesota, and a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School. He was also a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College and the team dermatologist for the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild, and Lynx.
He was widely recognized as one of the top dermatologists in the country and received numerous awards and honors for his excellence in patient care, teaching, research, and community service. He was also a prolific writer and a senior medical advisor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, where he published hundreds of health columns to educate and empower the Black community.
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Dr. Charles Crutchfield’s Parents, Education & Family
Dr. Crutchfield came from a notable family of doctors. His father, Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield Jr., was one of the first Black graduates of the University of Minnesota Medical School and a prominent obstetrician and gynecologist who delivered over 9,000 babies in his career. His mother, Dr. Susan Crutchfield, was a pediatrician who served as the medical director of the St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health Department.
Dr. Crutchfield followed in his parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in medicine. He graduated from Carleton College with a degree in biology and earned his MD and master’s degree in molecular biology and genomics from the Mayo Clinic. He completed his dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where he later became a faculty member and a mentor to many medical students and residents.
A Leader in Dermatology
Dr. Crutchfield was a board-certified dermatologist who specialized in cosmetic dermatology, ethnic skin care, psoriasis, acne, eczema, vitiligo, skin cancer prevention and treatment, and hair loss. He was known for his expertise, innovation, compassion, and professionalism.
He founded his own practice, Crutchfield Dermatology, in 2002 and built it into one of the largest and most successful dermatology clinics in the Midwest. He treated thousands of patients from all walks of life, including celebrities, athletes, politicians, and media personalities. He also served as the team dermatologist for several professional sports teams in Minnesota.
He was an active member of both the American and National Medical Associations and president of the Minnesota Association of Black Physicians. He was also involved in many professional organizations and societies related to dermatology, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the National Psoriasis Foundation.
He received many accolades for his achievements and contributions to dermatology. He was selected as one of the top 10 dermatologists in the United States by Black Enterprise magazine and one of the 100 Most Influential Healthcare Leaders in Minnesota by Minnesota Medicine. He was also featured as one of the Health Care Heroes by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in 2022.
A Passionate Educator and Advocate
Dr. Crutchfield was not only a clinician but also an educator and an advocate. He was passionate about teaching and sharing his knowledge with others. He was a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School and a Benedict Distinguished Visiting Professor of Biology at Carleton College. He lectured nationally and internationally on various topics related to dermatology and skin health.
He was also committed to raising awareness and addressing health disparities among communities of color. He was a senior medical advisor for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, where he wrote weekly columns on a wide range of health topics since 2013. He also recruited other Black doctors to contribute articles on a rotating basis to provide accurate and reliable information to the Black community.
He was especially vocal about the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on communities of color. He helped dispel myths and fears about masks, social distancing, testing, and vaccinations. He also launched a free vaccine clinic at his office to increase access and equity for underserved populations.
Dr. Charles Crutchfield’s Marriage, Wife & Children
Dr. Crutchfield was more than just a doctor; he was also a loving husband and father who cherished his family above all else. He married his college sweetheart, Laurie Crutchfield (Wife), in 1986 and they had two children, Charles IV and Carissa. He was a devoted and supportive spouse and parent who enjoyed spending time with his family and attending his children’s activities and events.
He was also a man of faith who attended the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis. He was a generous and kind-hearted person who donated to many charitable causes and organizations, such as the United Negro College Fund, the NAACP, the Children’s Defense Fund, and the Salvation Army.
He was an avid sports fan who loved watching and playing basketball, baseball, football, golf, and tennis. He also had a keen interest in history, art, music, and literature. He was a lifelong learner who never stopped reading and exploring new ideas.
A Remarkable Legacy of Service
Dr. Crutchfield left behind a remarkable legacy of service and excellence that touched the lives of many people. He was a trailblazer and a role model who inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions. He was a visionary and a leader who made a lasting impact on his field and his community. He was a healer and a friend who cared deeply for his patients and colleagues.
He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, patients, students, and all who knew him. He will be remembered for his brilliance, his generosity, his courage, and his grace.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 11 a.m. at the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III Scholarship Fund at Carleton College or the Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III Endowed Chair in Dermatology at the University of Minnesota Medical School.