Remembering Dr. Charles 'Chuck' Watts: A Leader, Friend, and Advocate for ISB
ISB honors Dr. Charles “Chuck” Watts (1942–2025) – physician, leader, and former Board Chair – who died on September 23 after a battle with esophageal cancer. A champion of patient safety, systems biology, and STEM education, Chuck guided ISB with insight and warmth. His legacy endures in our mission and community.
The Institute for Systems Biology mourns the passing of Dr. Charles “Chuck” Watts, who died on September 23, 2025, at the age of 82 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Chuck was not only a dedicated member of ISB’s Board of Directors, serving as Chair in recent years, but also a close friend, a trusted advisor, and a tireless advocate for our mission.
Chuck lived his life “remarkably, in full color, on his terms,” as his family shared in a beautiful obituary. He was charismatic, sharp-witted, and endlessly curious. He loved to learn, to explore, and to push boundaries – qualities that aligned perfectly with the spirit of systems biology.
Whether sailing Lake Michigan with his beloved wife Ruth or pursuing his many passions – skiing, golfing, photography, reading, theater, watching his Michigan Wolverines football team in the “Big House” – Chuck brought enthusiasm and intensity to everything he did.
A Distinguished Career in Medicine and Leadership
Born in Detroit and educated at the University of Michigan, Chuck dedicated his professional life to medicine, patient care, and health system leadership. After serving as a physician in the U.S. Army, he completed his residency and fellowship in pulmonary medicine and launched a career that combined clinical excellence with visionary leadership.
Chuck served as Chief of Clinical Affairs and Associate Dean at the University of Michigan Medical Center, and later as Chief Medical Officer at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Feinberg School of Medicine. At Northwestern, he directed quality and patient safety programs and contributed to the development and implementation of the APACHE score, a nationally used tool for measuring severity of illness and predicting outcomes in critically ill patients.
After his tenure at Northwestern, Chuck often joked that he “failed retirement.” In truth, his commitment to improving healthcare never wavered. He served as Chief Medical Officer at Swedish Medical Center, chaired Providence’s Quality and Patient Safety Improvement Committee, and remained an active leader on several boards, including ISB.
A Champion for ISB
Chuck joined the ISB Board of Directors in 2016, following ISB’s affiliation with Providence. Three years later, he became Board Chair, guiding ISB with a steady hand and sharp insight. His clinical expertise, deep commitment to patient safety, and belief in ISB’s vision of transforming healthcare through systems approaches were invaluable. He helped strengthen ISB’s ties with Providence, advocated for the integration of cutting-edge research into health systems, and inspired faculty and staff alike with his thoughtful leadership.
Additionally, Chuck strongly believed in the importance of STEM education and the profound impact of ISB’s education programs. He championed efforts that connect scientists with students and educators, helping inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
“Chuck was a remarkable partner to ISB. He believed deeply in the importance of systems biology and its power to improve human health. His legacy at ISB will live on in our science, in our mission, and in the community he helped nurture,” said ISB President Dr. Jim Heath.
A Life Anchored in Family and Friendship
As accomplished as he was professionally, Chuck’s greatest joy was his family. He and Ruth, his wife of 58 years, raised three children – Charles Jr., Sarah, and Andy – and were blessed with nine grandchildren. He delighted in cheering his grandkids on from the sidelines, camera in hand, documenting their accomplishments and offering unending encouragement.
Chuck lived with the same passion for life that he brought to medicine: seeking adventure, cherishing relationships, and striving always to make a difference. His humor, wisdom, and generosity touched everyone around him.
“We are deeply grateful for Chuck’s service, leadership, and friendship,” said his longtime friend Dr. Rod Hochman, ISB Board Chair and Providence CEO Emeritus. “He epitomized the connection between clinical care and research. We will miss him dearly, but his spirit – vivid, adventurous, and compassionate – remains woven into the fabric of ISB.”
