|
|
|
|
.gif)
|
Search
04/30/2018
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Donald Gordon, DPM
Don Gordon, one of the finest, kindest, and most professional of our profession, passed away on April 24, 2018 after a courageous and long battle with MS. Don was a graduate of CCPM in 1983 and practiced in Pacifica, CA until his diagnosis. He continued within his profession as an Associate Professor in the Department of Podiatric Medicine at CCPM until 1998. He was one of the most respected and loved teachers by both the students and faculty. Sympathies to Carol, Andrew, and Stephanie. Happy trails my good friend.
Paul R. Scherer, DPM, San Francisco, CA
Other messages in this thread:
10/15/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Hearing about his passing saddens me. He was a mentor to me, always happy to teach and answer any questions I had when I was a young DPM. I learned a tremendous amount from him and send my condolences to his family and will remember him quite fondly.
Peter J. Bregman, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
10/14/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Brian Zinsmeister, DPM
It is with a heavy heart that I pass along that our friend and colleague from TUSPM ‘83, Brian Zinsmeister, DPM passed away Thursday evening October 10. Brian practiced in Lexington, Massachusetts for many years until health issues forced him to retire.
 |
Dr. Brian Zinsmeister |
Brian is survived by his wife who he always referred to as “the love of his life”, Angela, and two loving daughters. His funeral mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Andover, Massachusetts.
Jeffrey S. Gerland, DPM, TUSPM ‘83
09/11/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I knew Al for over 45 years. He welcomed me into his office several times where I learned new MIS procedures. When he first became a podiatrist, he said he made a living, and was getting between $3-$5 a visit, so he had to continue working as a pharmacist to supplement his income. While working as a pharmacist, he was robbed and got shot.
He started do MIS surgery in Michigan and was doing up to 25 surgeries a day. I first heard about him from his numerous articles in Current Podiatry. Over the years, I shared some of my surgical cases with him. I invited him to lecture at our AMIFAS meetings. Borys Markewych, DPM showed him Powerpoint which he immediately picked up on. At the age of 98, he was a rock star at our meeting. He was a fantastic lecturer. I got to meet his son, an attorney who I really enjoyed who was well versed about our procedures. I think about Al a lot and will miss him.
Edward Cohen, DPM, Gulfport, MS
09/10/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Albert R. Brown, DPM (Steven Ames Brown)
In life, you only get to meet a few people who make a significant impact on your future. Al Brown was one of those people. I had the pleasure of learning MIS procedures by the Podfather himself back in 1984.
 |
Dr. Al Brown - The Podfather |
Al was a person of character and vision who believed in the passing of information in podiatry to make the profession the best it could be. He was always very open in showing billing codes, surgical procedures, and his protocols to anyone who had an interest in learning. He designed many surgical instruments for MIS surgery and trained a lot of physicians from all over the world. He always said teach and give back to the profession to those who make the effort to learn. We need more people like him in the profession. It was an honor and privilege to have known him and learn from him. Al, I hope that they have your favorite brand of coffee and your Romeo and Juliette cigars in heaven.
Ian S Goldbaum, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
09/10/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Albert R. Brown, DPM (Steven Ames Brown)
From: Jack Ressler, DPM
I read with great sorrow the passing of Al Brown. I had the honor of meeting Al in the early '80s when I was fortunate enough to do a one-month externship in his office. He always welcomed students and practicing podiatrists in his office to watch and learn many valuable “Pearls” as he treated patients. His general podiatry and minimal incision surgical skills were pretty amazing and quite unique. He was adored by both patients and staff. I will never forget how proud he was of himself when he would use a minimal number of supplies or do a procedure and only use a few 4x4s and then the next minute write a check to an employee for an expensive auto repair or buy lunch every day for his staff and anyone else in his office.
He worked long hours every day with the exception of Friday afternoons when he would relax in his big executive chair while lighting up a huge cigar and do paperwork. Al was a very unassuming person. His professional career started as a pharmacist in...
Editor's Note: Dr. Ressler's extended-length letter can be read here.
09/09/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Albert R. Brown, DPM (Steven Ames Brown)
Five years ago, when I was President of the Academy of Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery, we were celebrating our 50th anniversary, and we invited Dr. Brown, the only surviving founder to be honored. I expected to see some elderly bent over gentleman with a walker. Boy was I wrong. When he came in, straight up and unassisted, and shook my hand, I almost went to my knees. His forearms would make Popeye jealous, and I thought maybe I should stop lifting weights and using power equipment and start using rasps to build myself up.
He then introduced me to his nurse whom I assumed took care of him at home. She promptly corrected me saying she was his office nurse who picked him up at 7 AM every morning and dropped him off around 6 PM every evening, because beginning in October, all his old Michigan snowbird patients would start calling and he was booked...
Editor's note: Dr. Katzen's extended-length letter can be read here.
09/09/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I remember Al Brown very well-in fact; he was the original podiatrist who encouraged me into our profession. He was a generous man and so friendly. Although I never agreed with his philosophy of treatment as I entered the profession, he was always a friendly warm face to chat with on any given issue. I recall seeing him at a Florida conference about 6 years ago--even at his late age of more than 90 years old, he sat through every lecture of the day. RIP Al.
Harold W Vogler, DPM, Sarasota, FL
I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Al Brown after he retired. He had an incredible career and was as sharp as a whip at over 100 years old. He was truly another legend that will be surely missed in our profession. God Bless.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
09/06/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I fondly remember Dr. Al Brown from my residency. He was an ingenious innovator. In an era before power surgical equipment, he converted an electric slicing knife into a power rasp to file down exostoses. May his Memory be a blessing.
Joel Feder, DPM, Retired-Sarasota, FL
09/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Albert R. Brown, DPM
I write to inform you that a pioneer of podiatric surgery and a founding director of the Academy of Ambulatory Foot Surgery, Albert R. Brown, passed at age 105 on September 2, 2024.
 |
Dr. Albert Brown |
He did not retire from active surgical practice until he turned 99. He spent his remaining years being active and happy.
Steven Ames Brown
08/13/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Tilden Sokoloff, DPM
Frank was the essence of the Jewish word "mensch." In 1967, I received a telephone call that literally changed my life and Francine's life forever. Frank (Known as Don) along with 3 other stellar East Bay Doctors of Podiatric Medicine called to tell me that I was chosen to be their 1967-68 resident...Wow life-changing for a Philadelphia boy in a world where residency programs were scarce.
They started and literally ran the residency program at Highland General Hospital in Oakland California, a large County Hospital and Trauma Center. Henri L. DuVries was Chief of Foot Surgery. Roger Mann was a 3rd year orthopedic resident. It was no easy feat to...
Editor's note: Dr. Sokoloff's extended-length letter can be read here.
08/12/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Frank Donald Tomasello, DPM
Dr. Frank Donald Tomasello (July 15, 1934 - July 27, 2024) recently celebrated his 90th birthday and passed away on the day of his 55th wedding anniversary, July 27. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley, and CCPM. Don practiced in Castro Valley, CA (East Bay area) for 40 years, where he was Chief of Podiatry at Eden Hospital. Don was my mentor and an excellent podiatrist, person, and friend. I met Don while I was in high school, and he introduced me to podiatry as a career.
 |
Dr. Frank Tomasello |
He assisted me in starting my private practice and in surgery, as well as other young podiatrists in the area. He was the ultimate professional and had a heart of gold, always willing to help and give advice. He was very well liked by his patients, medical staff, and the community. He enjoyed nature, hiking, skiing, and cooking. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his wife Penny and his children David and Vanessa, who he was so proud of.
Tim Dutra, DPM, Castro Valley, CA
08/08/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
From: Victor V. Cachia, DPM
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Lyman Wilson. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought that our wonderful mentors would live forever. Dr. Wilson was a superb example of integrity, professionalism, compassion, and mentorship. He helped to advance our profession tremendously, especially at a time when orthopedic surgeons were taking bold steps to limit our scope of practice and minimize our ability to educate our students, residents, and fellows.
Through his leadership, Dr. Wilson took a strong stance to advance our profession at our hospital, and on both state and national levels. He dedicated his time to educate residents in this program alongside other attending staff like Nicholas Grumbine, Richard Viehe, Greg Tilley, Tim Byron, Dale Rosenblum, and many others. Together, they constituted a strong fabric of education and excellence in our community.
I will be eternally grateful to Dr. Wilson for his guidance and mentorship. May he rest in peace with grace.
Victor Cachia, DPM, Laguna Beach, CA
08/08/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
I was saddened to learn of Larrie Rockmacher’s passing. Larrie was an excellent podiatrist who provided my first job opportunity following my residency at Kern Hospital, our mutual alma mater. He was a generous and progressive practitioner who led the way for many who followed in northern Westchester County, NY. It was truly a privilege and joy to have been associated with him early in my practice career.
My condolences to Phyllis and the family.
Howard Rosenbaum, DPM (retired), Hillsdale, NJ
08/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Lyman Harold Wilson, DPM
It hurts my heart to say that my friend, colleague, and mentor, Lyman Wilson, has passed. I was a shot/discus track coach at El Modena high school when his son Michael entered the ring. I told him I was interested in feet, and I just told him how to throw the discus, and he said, do you want to talk to my dad?
I was researching podiatry at the time, and he convinced me that it was the only way to go. He would have convinced you to change your profession and become a podiatrist. He was an ambassador for our profession. A wonderful man!
Gregory Eirich, DPM
08/05/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Dr. Lyman Wilson was an extraordinary individual—humble yet brilliantly insightful. He loved our profession! A kind and remarkable mentor, he was a pillar in guiding many outstanding podiatrists in Southern California. His dedication to patient care and extensive political, educational, and administrative contributions have profoundly shaped our profession here in California. Dr. Wilson's engaging personality and persuasive advocacy efforts left an indelible mark on all fortunate to cross his path. Rest in peace, Lyman. Your legacy endures.
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
08/02/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Lyman Harold Wilson, DPM
As I write this, I know I will be speaking for many of our colleagues here in California regarding Lyman Wilson, DPM who passed away on July 27th. Dr. Wilson was a mentor to so many young doctors in Orange County. Along with Drs. Nick Grumbine and Richard Viehe, he built up and ran what I consider one of the best residency programs in California at Western Medical Center, a level one trauma center.
 |
Dr. Lyman Wilson |
He was the epitome of what I think a podiatric physician should be. He was kind and giving of his time to any young colleague who wanted to learn. When I came to town, all of the family docs and other specialists who I met always knew “that podiatrist Lyman”. He fought so hard on so many fronts that even 40 years ago, our residents were taking ER call, scrubbing on all kinds of cases, and even going through microvascular training to assist our replant surgeons.
The only thing that he was prouder of than podiatry were his children. Marc is an attorney; Michael is a practicing podiatrist in Northern California and later in life, he had two lovely daughters, Taylor and Mariah, who recently graduated from college. Dr. Wilson served as president of the CPMA from 1990 to 1991 and was instrumental in buying the CPMA headquarters in Sacramento. Lyman joined me in my practice towards the end his career and I am so proud to say that one of my mentors became one of my best friends.
Jeff DeSantis, DPM
07/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Stanley Schwartz, DPM
I'm truly sad to learn of the passing of our dear classmate, Stanley Schwartz, lovingly referred to as “shtendel”. As I, Stanley commuted from Brighton Beach to the M.J. Lewi College of Podiatry, a 2 hour trip to 125th Street.
Stan was loved by all his classmates, and I’m sure related well to his patients. Our class of 1960 has unfortunately dwindled, but those of us still lucky to survive have very fond memories of the four years we spent together. Shtendel will not be forgotten.
Spencer Dubov, DPM, Commack, NY
07/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Stan was my co-undergrad at NYU, and classmate in the NYCPM (then the MJ Lewy College of Podiatry) Class of 1960. We were the smallest graduating class ever, just 17 of us, and naturally were all very close. “Schtendle” was the tallest (around 6’), and one of the most fun guys in the class. He was also a really sweet, gentle, nice guy, and it was great just keeping in touch on and off over the years. I know that his patients loved and respected him greatly. Our class has unfortunately dwindled to a very few remaining, and like the others who have passed, he’ll be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to his kids, grandkids, and great granddaughter. R.I.P. Stan.
Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
07/25/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Don Barker, one of the first attendings I met when I moved to California for residency. I spent many days in the IR with Don. He also taught me about sushi in the early seventies when we could not eat $10.00 of sushi in those days. I spent picnics at his home with a real Japanese garden and sashimi from fish from San Francisco Bay caught by Don that morning. RIP Don.
Gene Spector, DPM
07/23/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Dr. Stark was truly one of the good ones. He was an ambassador for our profession and represented podiatry with class. He was a mentor to the young docs trying to establish themselves in the community. I loved talking to him because he always made you feel good about your profession choice. He always asked about my personal life because he knew what the pressures of a new practice were. God bless you Allan, and your family. We have lost one of our best.
Gregory Eirich, DPM, Tustin, CA
07/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I too was exposed to podiatric medicine after meeting Allen Stark at the Career Fair at UC Irvine. I recall a very crowded event except for his area. I felt sorry for him as he took the time off from his office to I decided to speak to him until “something good” opened up.
He invited me to his office where I visited regularly, and I was always welcome to stay for lunch. His wife Sandra was terrific and decided I needed to get married to the daughter of a colleague of Allen's who started his gynecology practice at the same time as Allen. I followed Sandra’s instructions and we will be married 35 years in November. Allen was a true mensch in every sense of the word and will be missed.
J. Scott Rosenthal, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
07/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Allan R. Stark, DPM
From: Eric Thuen, DPM, Gary Dorfman, DPM, Allan Weiss, DPM
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Allan Stark. Dr. Stark was solely responsible for my decision to apply to CCPM in 1976, having met him at a career fair at UC Irvine. He invited me to shadow him in his office, where I was taken by his positive attitude and love of the profession. Dr. Stark was so engaging and loved by his patients. As previously stated by others, Dr. Stark was a “gentleman and kind soul”. I will always be indebted to him for leading me to this fine profession. Thank you Allan.
Eric Thuen, DPM, Oceanside, CA
It’s certainly not unusual to lose contemporaries, especially at my age. I have known Alan since 1960. He graduated from CCPM in 1963, the class behind mine. We were professional colleagues who grew up in our profession together and we became fast friends. He was dedicated to advancing his profession educationally, politically, and ethically. Thanks for sticking around so long Alan. You have been an inspiration to all who have crossed your path, and my sincere condolences to your family.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
Alan, Rest in peace.
Allan Weiss, DPM, Mission Viejo, CA
07/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Allan R. Stark, DPM
It is with heavy heart and deep sorrow that I share the passing of my mentor, associate, and dear friend, Dr. Allan R. Stark. Dr. Stark graduated from USC followed by the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He served in the U.S Army active duty and reserves for 25 years and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
 |
Dr. Allan Stark |
Dr. Stark worked in private practice in the City of Orange, California. He was a strong supporter of the profession, prolific in recruiting students to podiatric medical schools and working to help further the scope of podiatric practice in the US. He served as President of the California Podiatric Medical Association and also Director and Instructor of The California School of Podiatric Radiography.
Dr. Stark also felt very strongly about supporting his community. As a lifelong member of Rotary, he served as President of his local club and later as District Governor for the Southern California region. Generous to a fault, he was the definition of a gentleman and kind soul. Not enough good things can be said about Dr. Stark. He will be sorely missed.
Neil Mansdorf, DPM
06/26/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I was shocked to hear of Glenn's passing. He was a friend and mentor for over 30 years. Glenn gave me my first job in podiatry and taught me so much about the business of podiatry. He was patient, kind, generous, and a great teacher with an incredible work ethic. In the years that passed, I would stop by his office every other year or so just to say hello and catch up, and these always turned into hour long conversations about life.
My sincere condolences to his children, Ben and Kayla. Glenn was a special man who genuinely loved people, his beloved pets, and skiing. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace, Glenn.
Steven I Gubernick, DPM, Lawrenceville, NJ
06/25/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Willie Mays
From: Jeff Root
This week baseball legend Willie Mays passed away at the age of ninety-three. My father Merton Root, DPM had several of the San Francisco Giants as patients. Gaylord Perry gave my father tickets to a game for my birthday and invited me to come into the clubhouse before the game to meet the players. I idolized several of the Giant's players, especially Willie Mays.
 |
Willie Mays and Jeff Root (1957) |
While walking around the locker room being introduced to players by Gaylord Perry, Willie Mays invited me over to his bench for a picture with him. I think I was speechless. I will never forget how kind and warm he was. What an amazing athlete, role model and human being he was.
Jeff Root, President, KevinRoot Medical
|
| |
|
|
|
