Steven J. Ruma, a trusted senior advisor to many of the leading medical school deans across the country-and a long-time consultant to the USC School of Medicine-was killed Monday, June 10, in the crash of a private plane near his summer home in East Boothbay, Maine.

The plane's only other occupant, the pilot, was also killed.

Ruma, 59, is credited by many leaders in medicine with having helped academic medical centers plan to adjust to the tremendous changes in the medical and research arenas in the past two decades. He used his training as a psychologist and experience in organizational management to assist deans with creating management alternatives that work within the complex internal structures of academic medical centers that often resist change.

He was for many years a key member of the faculty of the Association of American Medical Colleges' executive development seminars. The seminars were regularly presented to deans, associate deans and department heads from AAMC member schools. Over the years, Ruma consultedwith more than 25 medical school deans and academic leaders, as well as with research oriented industries.

In 1991 , Ruma became a consultant to Dean Stephen J. Ryan at USC. Ryan, who attended Ruma's memorial service last Friday in Maine, commented: "Steve Rumawas invaluable to many medical schools because he didn't tell you what you wanted to hear-he told you what was right, and never pulled any punches. He has provided critical advice and sound strategy to us as we have gone about restructuring our medical school. Thatwise counsel will be sorely missed.

"But more than that, Steve became a good and caring friend, to me and to manywithwhom he regularlyworked. His wife, Kay, and children accompanied him on his trip to USC in March. In the typical enthusiastic Ruma way, they thoroughly enjoyed the attractions and probably did more in aweek than many do in a vear in Southern California. His untimely death saddens me, and my heart goes out to his wife and young children."

Other medical leaders across the country praised Ruma for his deep knowledge and commitment to academic medicine:

Daniel C. Tosteson, dean, Harvard Medical School: "a superb management consultant. He had a remarkable capability to understand and empathize with clients.... a true expert in the problems confronting academic medical centers."

Saul J. Farber, provost and dean, NYU Medical Center: "He was the most knowledgeable and wisest advisor to the leading medical schools."

Michael Johns, dean, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine: "a brilliant knowledge and experience base and deep understanding of academic medical centers. He will be missed by all of us who have gained from his wisdom and advice."

Ruma leaves his wife, Kay Townley Ruma, and their children, Peter Solomon and Alexandra Kay. He is also survived by his mother, Helen T. Ruma of Fort Lauderdale, and brother Charles J. Ruma of Columbus, Ohio and Chatham, Mass.

The family, whose residence is in Vero Beach, Fla., asks that contributory remembrances be made in Ruma's name to the St. Edwards School in Vero Beach.