Johannes Laurentius Augustinus Peutz

Jan Peutz was educated at Rolduc and began the study of medicine in 1905. He studied under Karel Frederik Wenckebach (1864-1940) at the University of Groningen and with Albert Abraham Hijmans van den Berg (1869-1943) at Utrecht. He was co-founder of the student organisation, "Albertus Magnus". After qualification in 1914 Peutz trained in internal medicine, - obviously on a rather broad basis, at the Coolsingel-hospital in Rotterdam, as well as at clinics in Germany, Italy and Belgium.

In 1917 he became principal physician to the hospital of St Joannes de Deo, a Catholic Hospital at The Hague, where he remained for 34 years, until his retirement in 1951. He is credited with the establishment of an independent department of internal medicine, and a laboratory with electro-cardiographic facilities built to his personal specifications. He also contributed to the establishment of a department of pathology and a serologic laboratory, which was directed by Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943).

Peutz was a dedicated clinician with broad scientific interests and in 1921 he obtained a Ph.D. with a thesis entitled "Clinical and experimental contribution to the diagnosis of and internal therapy for pancreas disorders and with particular reference to diabetes mellitus" (please breathe), with professor Vogelsang as his supervisor.

Peutz was modest and aesthetic, with a strong belief in the virtues of perfection and hard work. He was very religious and involved himself in many charitable activities outside his medical work, including the care of orphans and the aged. Towards the end of his career Peutz received several civil and church honours and awards for his endeavours in these fields.

Peutz was a very popular teacher, both in bedside-teaching and as a lecturer at postgradual courses. He held important positions in various medical societies and organisations. In recognition of his many contributions Peutz was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice-medal as well as the Order of St. Gregorius the Great and the Order of Oranje-Nassau.

His scientific production comprises articles in the national journal Nederlandsch Maandschrift voor Geneeskunde (later renamed Nederlandsch Tijdschrift vor Geneeskunde), as well as in international periodicals.

We thank Patrick Jucker-Kupper, Switzerland, for information submitted.

• Peter Beighton & Gretha Beighton:
  The Man Behind the Syndrome. Springer-Verlag, Berlin-Heidelberg, 1986.
• Thor Alm:
  Johannes Peutz och Harold Jeghers. Utforskare av underdiagnostiserad tilstånd med tarmpolyper oc mukokutana pigmenteringer.
  Läkartidningen, Stockholm, 1987, 28-29:
  In the series: Mannen bakom syndromet [The Man Behind the Syndrome].
• Josbert J. Keller, G. Johan A. Offerhaus, Francis M. Giardiello and Fred H. Menko:
  Jan Peutz, Harold Jeghers and a remarkable combination of polyposis and pigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes.
  Familial Cancer, 2001, 1: 181-­185.