A Cherished Legacy: Dr. Caryl Guth Left Indelible Impact for Generations of Wake Foresters
7/30/2025 10:25:00 PM | Women's Basketball, Women's Golf
Dr. Caryl Guth was a pioneer and visionary in her field of medicine, helping establish the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Her legacy left a lasting impact on Wake Forest University and her generosity helped pave the way for generations of Demon Deacon student-athletes.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – A true pioneer that left an indelible mark on the Wake Forest University community, Dr. Caryl Guth helped the university continue to be on the forefront of medicine while also being a steward of the Pro Humanitate spirit with countless efforts to advance women's athletics that paved the way for generations of Demon Deacon student-athletes. Guth died Monday at the age of 89.
Dr. Guth helped establish the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2003. Before that, the dedicated anesthesiologist worked in the Mills-Peninsula Hospital System in California for over 30 years.
She also worked as an instructor at Radboud University (formerly the University of Nijmegen) in the Netherlands and as a fellow in anesthesiology at Queen Victoria Hospital in Sussex, England. She had been an instructor at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, a member of the board of science and policy advisors for the American Council on Science and Health and a holistic and integrative medicine physician.
After more than 40 years dedicated to helping patients as an integrative medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, Dr. Guth received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. The award celebrated her many years of experience in her professional network and noted her achievements, leadership qualities and the credentials and successes she has accrued in her field.
The Peoria, Ill. native earned her bachelor's degree from Wake Forest in 1957 and her M.D. in 1962 before getting an internship with the University of Kansas Medical Center. She went on to earn a certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology.
The Wake Forest graduate has been a significant part of the University and its athletics programs over the years. She was a member of the Wake Forest Medical Alumni Association, serving as president from 2005 to 2006. She received the Loyal Deacon Award in 2018 and the Deacon Club Member of the Year Award in 2010. Dr. Guth also provided scholarships to the women's golf and basketball programs.
During her immense philanthropic effort to Wake Forest University, she helped pave the way for the advancement of women's athletics, including providing the lead gift for the on-campus Dr. Caryl Guth Women's Basketball Clubhouse, dedicated in her honor.
She also served on the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame selection committee and led the Demon Deacons onto the field for the opening game of the 2022 football season against VMI as the first Open the Gate honoree of the season.
To honor Dr. Guth's legacy, memorial gifts may be directed to the Wake Forest women's athletics program of your choice. For more information, please contact Paul Kennedy (kennedpj@wfu.edu / 336-758-3875).
Quotes Remembering Dr. Caryl Guth
Dr. Guth helped establish the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 2003. Before that, the dedicated anesthesiologist worked in the Mills-Peninsula Hospital System in California for over 30 years.
She also worked as an instructor at Radboud University (formerly the University of Nijmegen) in the Netherlands and as a fellow in anesthesiology at Queen Victoria Hospital in Sussex, England. She had been an instructor at Bowman Gray School of Medicine, a member of the board of science and policy advisors for the American Council on Science and Health and a holistic and integrative medicine physician.
After more than 40 years dedicated to helping patients as an integrative medicine specialist and anesthesiologist, Dr. Guth received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. The award celebrated her many years of experience in her professional network and noted her achievements, leadership qualities and the credentials and successes she has accrued in her field.
The Peoria, Ill. native earned her bachelor's degree from Wake Forest in 1957 and her M.D. in 1962 before getting an internship with the University of Kansas Medical Center. She went on to earn a certification as a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology.
The Wake Forest graduate has been a significant part of the University and its athletics programs over the years. She was a member of the Wake Forest Medical Alumni Association, serving as president from 2005 to 2006. She received the Loyal Deacon Award in 2018 and the Deacon Club Member of the Year Award in 2010. Dr. Guth also provided scholarships to the women's golf and basketball programs.
During her immense philanthropic effort to Wake Forest University, she helped pave the way for the advancement of women's athletics, including providing the lead gift for the on-campus Dr. Caryl Guth Women's Basketball Clubhouse, dedicated in her honor.
She also served on the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame selection committee and led the Demon Deacons onto the field for the opening game of the 2022 football season against VMI as the first Open the Gate honoree of the season.
To honor Dr. Guth's legacy, memorial gifts may be directed to the Wake Forest women's athletics program of your choice. For more information, please contact Paul Kennedy (kennedpj@wfu.edu / 336-758-3875).
Quotes Remembering Dr. Caryl Guth
- Vice President & Director of Athletics John Currie:
- "Dr. Caryl Guth was a trailblazer whose extraordinary vision, generosity, and spirit will continue to shape Wake Forest University for generations to come. Her unwavering commitment to medicine and integrative health helped position our School of Medicine on the leading edge of innovation, while her passion for advancing women's athletics made a lasting and personal impact on countless Demon Deacons. From her leadership as a donor and volunteer to the inspiration she provided our student-athletes, Dr. Guth embodied Pro Humanitate in every way."
- Women's Golf Head Coach Kim Lewellen:
- "I have been fortunate to know Dr. Guth for 18 years. She exemplified the example of a strong woman, and she was a woman who set the barometer high. When she spoke, you listened, and when she gave advice, you took it. If you were wanting to reach past what you thought you could do, having a conversation with her would move you to action. Caryl will be missed dearly, and her legacy will continue here at Wake Forest University through our students who were touched by her life and her story."
- Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Dianne Dailey:
- "Dr. Caryl Guth was one of the kindest and generous people I've ever known. She was a true pioneer — in her medical career, in support of women, and especially here at Wake Forest. As an outstanding athlete in the 1950s and later a passionate advocate for our programs, she remained deeply involved and made a lasting difference. Caryl had an adventurous spirit — she traveled the world and even went bungee jumping in New Zealand for her 80th birthday! She was an amazing person, a remarkable friend, and she had a profound impact on my life and so many others."
- Women's Basketball Head Coach Megan Gebbia:
- "Caryl was the true embodiment of the Pro Humanitate spirit and what it meant to be a Wake Forster. She had a deep understanding and love for what Wake Forest was, is and could be, and I am lucky to have called Caryl a friend. I am thankful that this place brought us together. Her generosity and leadership have impacted and will continue to impact countless generations of Wake Forest student-athletes. Caryl's commitment to women's athletics is truly unrivaled, and we will miss one of the best people I have come to know in my time at Wake Forest."
Matt Barrie SportsCenter at Wake Forest with Demond Claiborne
Wednesday, September 10
Matt Barrie SportsCenter on Wake Forest Campus (Arnold Palmer Complex)
Wednesday, September 10
Football Media Availability (9/9/25)
Wednesday, September 10
Wake Forest Football vs Western Carolina | Cinematic Recap
Tuesday, September 09