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06/27/2018
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Lawrence G. Lefler, DPM
It is with sadness that I inform you that I received a call a short time ago from Dr. Lawrence G. Lefler's daughter informing me that he passed away Saturday. Larry was President of APMA many years ago and then was Speaker of the House of Delegates. He was a true gentleman and gave so much so that our profession could grow and prosper.
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Dr. Lawrence Lefler |
We became friends in 1959. We spoke and communicated weekly for all those years. I am sure that the AMA files contain a detailed record of his activities for APMA. He demonstrated great integrity and was a mensch. He helped organize the first federally funded training program on aging at the University of Nebraska with the late John Carson. Rest in Peace, my dear friend.
Arthur E. Helfand, DPM
Other messages in this thread:
03/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Brent Peck Nixon, DPM
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Brent Nixon. I knew him when he was a resident at Kern Hospital, and remember him as smart, compassionate, and kind. He had a gift for bringing out the best in others, a true class act. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.
Shawna Shapero, Bako Diagnostics
My very first rotation as a fourth-year podiatry student from SCPM was with Dr. Brent Nixon at the Tucson Arizona VAMC in 1990. Dr. Nixon was a wonderful mentor to me. He was always patient and generous with praise. His example has made me a better doctor!
Daniel Waldman, DPM
03/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I am sitting in shock, processing the passing of my former partner at the Southern Arizona VA, Brent Nixon. To me, Brent was the most interesting man alive. From Truk island to the Merchant Marine Academy, to becoming a self-described “helicopter driver” in Vietnam to the footwear master for the US Corps of Cadets at West Point, he was a man like Odysseus who was never at a loss. With all that, he was a master clinician. He was beloved by his patients, his residents, his mentees, and me. RIP to a great and good man.
David G. Armstrong, DPM
03/11/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Thomas M. Pokabla, DPM
Dr. Pokabla was one of 60 attendings who brought cases to the very busy Austintown Surgery Center covered by the Youngstown PSR-12 residents when I was there 1988-89. He was always cheerful, funny, and often times turned his whole case over to the residents. The five residents schemed and fought to scrub his cases.
I also rounded with him at the Warrentown rehab hospital where he provided routine foot care and the staff and patients loved him. I regret that I never made the effort to thank Tom and all the other attendings that took time out of their busy lives to train residents.
Ernest Louk, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
03/10/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Thomas M. Pokabla, DPM
Dr. Thomas M. Pokabla passed away Monday morning, March 3, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic, surrounded by loved ones. He then went on to podiatry school at The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine after a chance encounter with a local podiatrist who piqued his interest in podiatric medicine.
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Dr. Thomas Pokabla |
Tom practiced medicine in Howland for over 50 years in the same office, with patients coming from all over northeast Ohio to be cared for by him.
Source: Tribune Chronicle [3/6/25]
03/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Steven Spinner, DPM
I had the privilege and honor of being one of Dr. Boxer's "selected" students when I was at NYCPM. That meant that you were invited to his office. I remember sitting in his office until midnight every Tuesday seeing patients. Just watching him interact and treat patients gave me a unique perspective on what it meant to be a "podiatric physician".
He was a "doctor" in a time when most podiatrists simply were not. As Director of my 2nd year residency program at Peninsula Hospital, he also taught me what is was like to be a true member of the medical staff. He was respected by all of his allopathic colleagues. He looked the part, walked the walk, and talked the talk. He elevated our profession at a critical time in our history. Rest in peace Mike.
Steven Spinner, DPM
03/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Seth Rubenstein, DPM
A fortunate gift best describes my introduction to Mike Boxer 48 years ago. At the time, I was an undergraduate student exploring several career options. Mike welcomed me into his office which was also part of his home. Because my visits were frequent, I also came to know his charming wife, Karen.
Mike was a generous mentor and devoted friend. Our relationship extended through the full measure of a professional career and beyond. Mike will be revered and remembered by the thousands of students he helped educate and the countless patients whose lives he improved. My sincere condolences to Karen and the entire Boxer family.
Seth Rubenstein, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Myron "Mike" Charles Boxer, DPM
I am sorry to hear of Mike Boxer’s passing. He was one of my mentors and I remember spending time in his office learning injection therapy and treatment of arthritic conditions. I have fond memories of rotating through Jewish Memorial Hospital in Manhattan under his guidance in the early 1970s when hospital training was limited for podiatrists. May he rest in peace.
J. Scott Davis, DPM
I was a student at NYCPM Class of 1980. Dr. Boxer was our podiatric medicine teacher. Suffice it to say he had a unique personality, but I will never doubt his love of podiatry and his desire to impart the importance of the medical aspect of our specialty to his students. In fact, although I certainly veered away from a lot of the traditional medicine that he taught us, he definitely sparked a love of medical management within me that, in part, helped lead me to a career in functional and regenerative medicine for chronic foot and ankle pain. There is no question that Dr. Boxer played a pivotal role in my professional career. It is a shame that podiatry veered so far from what he was all about and decided that we should be a purely surgically trained specialty. May he rest in peace.
Robert Kornfeld, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Myron "Mike" Charles Boxer, DPM
I was saddened to learn of the passing of one my first true mentors, Dr. Myron Boxer. As a member of the NYCPM class of 1981, Dr. Boxer was one of the first clinicians we met who was strident in his desire to uniformly elevate all podiatrists by preaching behavior consummate with having a doctoral degree enabling the privilege to make independent treatment decisions. Although rigid in his thinking, if you ever visited his office, you almost had to be glad to have chosen the profession of podiatric medicine. He was enormously respected by students. Although he was not in any way soft in his approach to people, I know for a fact he had great pride in their future success. He regularly and proudly referred to former students who had achieved with distinction all across the United States.
He left NYCPM before my class graduated, and I had limited but always cordial contact with him after graduation. In 1998, when I became Chief of Podiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, he went out of his way to send me a congratulatory message, which I cherished. Dr. Boxer was the first to instill in me the appreciation and importance of mentorship, which became my professional raison d'etre, and greatly contributed to what has been and continues to be a glorious career. My deepest condolences to his family on their loss. May he rest in peace.
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Dr. Boxer was my professor at NYCPM when he was the chairman of the medicine department. He was a link from his professor, the late Dr. Steinberg, who is considered the father of podiatric medicine. Mike Boxer did not stop at being on the faculty of a college. He invited students and colleagues to observe him in his office. He even had meetings at his office with students and doctors to discuss the latest findings in the medical aspects of our profession.
I worked closely with Mike for many years on projects promoted by the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, which traced its roots back to the 1940s. When I became president of ASPM, he encouraged me and was an open ear to me whenever I needed his help. Mike was also an acclaimed lecturer in various areas of podiatric medicine. He never turned down a request to lecture on any topic. For many years, ASPM presented lectures at the SAM conference in Florida, Mike always joined us as a speaker or participant.
I will always miss him. May his memory be a blessing.
Elliot Udell, DPM
02/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Stephen Isham, DPM (Brant McCartan, DPM)
Stephen was a true gentleman and a trailblazer with his skill set and innovative procedures that he pioneered. He was always there to give advice and consultation on my cases when I needed it. I always enjoyed going to the yearly cadaver lab and lecture series of the Academy of Minimal Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgeons (MIFAS) where Stephen would work his way around the lab helping new practitioners and seasoned veterans in MIS technique and procedures. Steve was one of the several true pioneers of MIS surgery, not only in North America (Canada, USA, and Mexico) but he reached out to introduce and advance MIS techniques in Europe and South America. He will be sadly missed. Rest in Peace Stephen.
Robert Chelin, DPM
02/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Our profession has lost a great surgeon, teacher, and innovator. In my opinion, Dr. Isham was the most under-appreciated person in our profession. His contributions and innovations in MIS surgery have enabled thousands of surgeons in podiatry and orthopedics to improve the outcomes and lessen recovery times following foot and ankle surgery for hundreds of thousand off patients worldwide. Thank you Dr. Isham for your generosity in sharing your great wealth of knowledge and innovative techniques for these many years. A posthumous Podiatry Hall of Fame induction should be considered, way overdue.
Burton J. Katzen, DPM
01/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1 C
RE: The Passing of Ed Fazekas, DPM (Matt Werd, DPM)
I am in shock. Ed was a friend who, unfortunately I did not see as often as I'd have liked. Matt Werd, DPM writes a beautiful tribute to Ed so I will try not to repeat, but only say I agree with all the deserved accolades.
When I became president of the FPMA, Ed was there to help me understand much of what would be needed. He would always lend an ear when I needed it, and give advice. He was the most humble guy you could know. He has done so much for the FPMA as a past president and APMA as a long-time delegate from Florida. I have always known Ed to be kind and generous in all he did. I nearly joined his podiatry team 33 years ago but decided to take a different path on my own. We were in touch while involved with the FPMA, as both of us are past presidents. I recently moved away and unfortunately lost touch. I am so devastated yet feel so fortunate to have known such a great man and physician as Ed. I am honored to have been able to call him my friend.
My heartfelt condolences to Maria and their 4 children (Juliana, Nicholas, Gabriela, and Christy). Ed, you will ALWAYS be missed but NEVER forgotten. Rest in peace my friend. You deserve it.
Roger G. Beck, DPM
01/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1 B
RE: The Passing of Ed Fazekas, DPM (Matt Werd, DPM)
I am truly saddened reading about the passing of Ed Fazekas, DPM. Some 35+ yrs. ago when I opened my practice, Ed called me and congratulated me on my new endeavor. He gave me great advice that aided in my success.
I looked forward each year, knowing I would get to see and speak with him at SAM in Orlando, Fl. This year will not be the same without Ed. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace dealing with their loss.
Martin T Girling,. DPM
I'm just learning of the passing of Ed Fazekas, which greatly saddens me. Ed was such a wonderful gentleman and a great podiatrist. Although we have not spoken in many years, when I was active in practice, he communicated with me frequently. He was such a sincere advocate for his patients, with great insight and judgment. RIP Edward; sincere condolences to his family.
Harold W Vogler, DPM, Sarasota, FL
01/09/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Richard “Rick” Cullen, DPM
Richard “Rick” Cullen, DPM, sports medicine podiatrist, passed away in Boston, MA on December 14, 2024 aged 73 years. A gifted doctor, he will be remembered for his expertise and dedication to his patients, for over 40 years.
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Dr. Richard Cullen |
He attended Fairfield University class of 1974, Fairfield, CT and Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, class of 1983, Philadelphia, PA. After graduation, he joined Sports Medicine Brookline, MA, where he became one of the top sports medical podiatrists in the Boston area. He was a consultant to the Boston Celtics, working closely with the team physician. His long career in sports medicine included his private practice in Needham, MA. A yearly highlight was volunteering at the Boston Marathon.
Jonathan Kaplan, DPM
12/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I am totally saddened at the news of SuEllen's passing. I have been in this profession since the late 1970s. Few people have had such a positive and consistent impact on aspects of my practice as SuEllen and her husband, David. Yes, she was there to greet me when I came to so many conventions and quickly let me know if they had any new products to benefit my patients. Samples would be in the mail if I asked for a new product. It was that personal and professional relationship that made it so special.
A couple of months ago, I shed a tear when they announced they were retiring and closing Gordon Labs. They wanted to enjoy their lives doing other things. I had no idea that she was ill. It was a blessing to have known and worked with SuEllen and David for so many wonderful years. May SueEllen's memory be a blessing.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
12/17/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I’m totally saddened and devastated at the loss of my awesome personal friend SuEllen! We’ve been close ever since we met over 45 years ago, when she was a super pharmaceutical rep for Pedinol Laboratories. She subsequently purchased Gordon Laboratories with her husband, David, when its owner retired. I was there celebrating with them when their son Andrew was born… what a beautiful family!
SuEllen was one of the most ardent and active supporters of our profession and its students, along with her close friend Kim, from McClain Laboratories. And they frequently exhibited at conferences together, like the upcoming NYSPMA Clinical Conference next month, where they were right up front as soon as you walked into the exhibit hall.
It's just heartbreaking. SuEllen will be so, so missed! My deep sympathy and condolences to her wonderful family, and after her tough last three years, may my friend finally now R.I.P.
Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
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.
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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
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
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
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