Dr. Ernest Louis Itkin

Dr. Ernest Louis Itkin, MD, of Marietta, GA, passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 89, after a courageous 9-year battle with complications from spinal stenosis. Despite his health struggles, Ernie’s positive outlook and unwavering spirit brought light and joy to everyone around him. His warmth, humor, and kindness left a lasting impact on family, friends, and colleagues.

Born in Córdoba, Argentina, on December 8, 1934, to David and Fanny Itkin, Ernest, affectionately known as Ernie, had a happy childhood surrounded by his beloved cousins. He earned his medical degree in general surgery at the University of Córdoba before moving to the United States in 1959 to pursue a career in surgery. He completed his internship at Barnert Hospital in Paterson, NJ, followed by residencies at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in Manhattan, NY, and Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD. He began his private practice in general surgery in Tampa, FL, before his passion for growth led him to further training and fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC.

In 1978, Dr. Itkin established his private cardiothoracic surgery practice in Marietta, GA, where he became affiliated with numerous hospitals, including Kennestone Hospital, where he was one of the first cardiothoracic surgeons. He was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a member of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, to name a few. His leadership and expertise led him to serve as Chief of Surgery and Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Kennestone and other hospitals in the area. His practice, Thoracic Surgery Associates, became the premier cardiothoracic surgery practice in the Southeast, now known as Wellstar Thoracic Surgery. Dr. William Mayfield, his partner, remarked, “Ernie was the finest gentleman, surgeon, and colleague. His humor, wit, and intellectual curiosity transformed our practice, especially through his contributions to minimally invasive thoracic surgery. He will be greatly missed.” Never one to stay idle, after retirement Dr. Itkin did clinical research for Drug Studies America.

Ernie’s passions extended far beyond the operating room. He was an avid reader, golfer, tennis player, music lover, sailor, car enthusiast and world traveler. He took great pride in his collection of foreign sports cars and was a passionate fan of Argentine soccer, especially Lionel Messi. He was also a devoted pet lover, always expanding his household menagerie. Ernie’s clever sense of humor and easygoing nature were admired by all who knew him.

Though a proud U.S. citizen, he never lost his love for Argentina, its food, culture, and spirit. He served his adopted country as a Commander in the U.S. Navy Medical Corp Reserve while maintaining a deep connection to his roots

Dr. Itkin is survived by his loving wife of fourty-four years, Toni; daughter, Donna Itkin of Tampa, FL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Michael and Carol Farrell of Brigantine, NJ; nieces, Megan Farrell (Andrew Kramer), Anne Farrell (Jim Meissner), and their sons, Michael and Dean, and Nina Farrell (Alessandro Jacobini) of Genzano, Italy, and their children, Massimo and Grace. He also leaves behind relatives in Argentina and numerous lifelong friends and colleagues. A special thank you to his compassionate caregivers, Kady Ann Miller and Melanie Leemore, who are true angels.

In accordance with Dr. Itkin’s wishes, no formal service will be held. In his memory, raise a glass, offer a toast, and count your blessings for having known this remarkable man.