05/24/2017
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Kenneth Canter, DPM
I had the pleasure to have been a resident trained by Dr. Canter. He was a true professional who represented the podiatric profession well. He was a high energy individual who always focused on high quality patient care and resident education and training. Rest in peace my friend.
Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH
09/06/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Gregory Nellis, DPM
Is with a heavy heart today that I communicate with you the passing of Dr. Gregory Nellis. Dr. Nellis, a 1984 graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, passed away on August 21, 2013 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Dr. Nellis literally worked up until his last days providing care for the underprivileged and underserved in the central New York area.
I first met Greg as a student in my freshman year at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. Student Dr. Nellis served as our anatomy teacher's assistant in our anatomy lab. My team and I found him to be incredibly supportive, caring, and helpful, not only in class or with school-related issues, but also as a friend. He will be sorely missed by his patients and friends. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.
Joe Crisafulli, DPM, Albany, NY
04/04/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Michael Krajick, DPM
Mike came to my office as a college student interested in podiatry. His family were my patients. I am shocked by his passing. I would see Mike every year at the Clinical Conference in NYC. He was a warm, caring person. I will miss him.
Larry Jacowitz DPM, Kingston, NY, President Mid Hudson Division, NYSPMA
04/02/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Michael Krajick, DPM
I am very much upset at the passing of my classmate, Michael. During my time at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, Michael was an individual who was always quick with a smile and laugh. He was humble, friendly, and always considerate in his demeanor. I had last seen him at the recent New York Clinical Conference. His unexpected passing is a shock to me personally. I wish to extend my condolences to his family and friends.
Gino Scartozzi, DPM, New Hyde Park, NY, Gsdpm@aol.com
03/29/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of John Burke, DPM
This is to notify you of the passing of John Burke, DPM this past weekend. John was an officer and past president of Queens Division, NYSPMA, and a former delegate to NY Houses of Delegates. He was also Chief of Podiatry at Metropolitan Hospital. John was just a really nice guy, and will be missed by all who knew him. Condolences to his family.
Arthur Gudeon, DPM, Rego Park, NY
03/26/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM
I was sad to hear about Jack Morris. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jack when he was head of the Biomechanics Department at CCPM. I remember coming on as Dean during tumultuous times at the school and how graciously he welcomed me. My fondest memories were working with him in "Special Problems Clinics." It was one of the best venues for learning for both students and faculty alike. We assembled representative faculty from all departments and we would collaborate on complex cases referred in from outside clinicians. Jack was an integral part of that group, always reinforcing the concept that the better foot surgeons were the ones who best appreciated the function of the foot. I still remember him proudly demonstrating cuboid manipulations to students for those vague lateral forefoot pain patients that no one else could explain.
Lawrence Oloff, DPM, Redwood City, CA
03/25/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM
I was saddened to read about the passing of Jack Morris, DPM. When I was a student at CCPM and had a sprained ankle, he performed the "crack the whip" adjustment on my cuboid, with great results. I will always remember his enthusiasm as a teacher and his insistence on our studies in anatomy. The quote that I read earlier in another post isn't exactly as I remember him saying it. My memory was, "know your god damn anatomy!" Dr. Morris wasn't one to mince words; that's the Jack Morris that I remember.
Tawnya Pfitzer, DPM, Avondale, AZ
03/23/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM
I was saddened today to read of our loss of Jack Morris, DPM. “Captain Jack” as he was known in those days at CCPM was a fountain of knowledge. I will always remember Captain Jack as one of the professors who stressed the practical application of biomechanical principles in surgery. He had a way of explaining application of principles that was just ---practical. Condolences to his family. May you find comfort in the many people the Captain helped over the years and who are proud to have known him. I consider myself blessed to be in that group.
Tip Sullivan, DPM, Jackson, MS
During my biomechanics fellowship at CCPM, from 1984-1985, a new faculty member of the Biomechanics Department was introduced to me, Dr. Jack Morris. Jack had been in private practice for 15 years before coming back to be a biomechanics professor at CCPM along with Drs. Chris Smith, Ron Valmassy, Paul Scherer, and Lester Jones. The CCPM Biomechanics Department was never the same after Jack showed up at our doorstep.
During the year, I worked daily with Jack at CCPM, I can honestly say that I have never met anyone that had a better grasp at the biomechanical and surgical treatment of foot and lower extremity pathologies than he did. Jack was just one of those rare individuals who had an uncanny gift for critically analyzing a patient's problem and devising a workable conservative and/or surgical solution to heal it. The story about Jack's treatment with a ball-peen hammer to the plantar heel for plantar heel spurs is true. I was the one who first convinced Jack, after considerable prodding, to show me this technique on a patient at CCPM for her plantar heel pain in 1984. The patient's heel pain improved dramatically after Jack's ball-peen hammer treatment...and this was over a decade before extra-corporal shock wave therapy became a treatment for plantar heel pain.
The intellect, clinical skills and humorous personality of Dr. Jack Morris greatly influenced the professional development of numerous podiatry students and podiatrists, including myself. We will miss you, Jack.
Kevin A. Kirby, DPM, Sacramento, CA
03/22/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM
"You got to know your anatomy!" probably was Dr. Morris' best mantra. One time, while I was in biomechanics class at CCPM, he said plantar fasciitis could be fixed with a ball-peen hammer. 15 years later we had ESWT- a ball-peen hammer is a lot cheaper, but insurance companies would not be involved. Podiatry has lost a biomechanics genius.
Gregory K. Eirich, DPM, Tustin, CA
As a podiatry student at the California School of Podiatric Medicine, I was privileged to meet Dr. Jack Morris and listen to his lecture on cuboid syndrome. His love for teaching students and the profession continued throughout the later years of his life. His contribution to the profession definitely deserves recognition. He will be missed by many and no one could perform a mean black snake whip like him.
Nhu Quynh Do, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
03/21/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack Morris, DPM
It is so sad to hear of the passing of Jack Morris. He was my professor and friend. He taught me much about biomechanics, and was very kind to me while I was a student and resident. The world has lost a kind person and brilliant mind. My condolences to his wife Joni and his colleagues, friends, and family who will surely miss him.
Estelle Albright, DPM, Indianapolis, IN
I first met Jack in 1968, and we became close classmate friends at CCPM. Seeing the news of his passing is indeed heartbreaking. He had a beautiful practical medical mind, and was often consulted on difficult cases including interpretation of lab results by both podiatrists and medical doctors. He was gifted, and upon graduation went confidently directly into practice in Yakima, Washington. My wife Bea and I visited there in 1970 and were impressed with his status in the medical community. I know Jack is now a podiatric medical consultant in heaven. And, of course, I will always remember his colorful language.(bleeps) We will miss you Jack.
Stanton C. Southward, DPM, Colorado Springs, CO
03/21/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: 104 Applicants Not Matched for Residency Positions
From: (Kyle Duncan, David Applegate, Byron Peck-Collier), Richard Simmons, DPM
With the announcement yesterday that this year’s match will leave 104 qualified applicants without a residency position, it may be time for the field of podiatry to take a look at its collective self in the mirror. In times like this, it’s easy to quickly point fingers in an attempt to blame. This letter, unlike the many that will undoubtedly be received in response to this crisis by the editor of PM News, will point no fingers.
Yes, a large number of qualified students will not be receiving a residency program this year. Yes, there are things that we could have all done differently; but...
Editor's note: The complete text of this letter can be read by clicking here.
This is a very sad commentary for our entire profession.
Richard A. Simmons, DPM Rockledge, FL RASDPM32955@gmail.com
03/16/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Charles Bradley, DPM, MA
The late Charles Bradley, DPM was President of APMA from 1983-1984. He followed me to the Chair. The profession has lost a great leader and one of the finest individuals to ever walk the face of this earth. His humility, integrity, knowledge, and ability to communicate were superior. His dedication and concern for all were as fine as one can remember. If you had the opportunity to know and work with "Brad", you were a very lucky person.
Arthur Helfand, DPM
The profession has lost a true giant. Charles was a graduate of CCPM and served on its board for many years, as well as serving as president of the APMA and CPMA. He was a member of the Council of Education at the time when the profession needed his strong leadership. Charles was also a founder and board member of PICA. His spirit and many accomplishments, that were unselfishly achieved for the profession, will last on through the students, residents, and colleagues whom he touched. Rest well Brad, you did good.
Paul R. Scherer, DPM
03/16/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Charles Bradley, DPM, MA
Sadly, another good man leaves us. May he rest in peace.
H. F. "Bunny" Brown, III
"Brad" was a giant in our profession. His work at PICA and APMA is memorable to me personally and has had historic value to our profession. I will miss his warmth, his smile, and his leadership. As we start the annual APMA House of Delegates, his presence will be sorely missed.
Lloyd S. Smith, DPM
I just learned of "Uncle Brad's" passing. I had the pleasure to literally grow up running around his ankles at CPMA and APMA meetings. It is hard to actually accept that he's gone. His quiet service over two generations in no small part shaped our profession. His smiling countenance and enthusiasm were consistent, unchanging forces over the years. I type this note in an academic office waiting for a case to start in an operating room three floors below. It is not at all lost on me that I would never have been able to enter either of these rooms were it not for this great and good man.
May he rest in peace and may everyone take a minute to remember him and the great generation of docs that he joins in that placid podiatric Elysian field up there... RIP, Charles Bradley.
David G. Armstrong, DPM, MD, PhD
03/07/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Michael J Valletta, DPM
As many have already stated, Dr. Mike Valetta was a compassionate Dean at NYCPM. I had the pleasure and honor of being one of his students, and will remember him fondly and with great respect. He was always kind, cordial, helpful, and professional. He cared about his students, and wanted us to succeed. If we had a problem, he was the "go-to guy", and he loved that role. He gave a lot to his students and to the profession, and for that I will be very grateful. May he be bound up in eternal peace.
Jeffrey A. Ross, DPM, MD, Houston, TX
I was saddened to learn of my classmate's passing. I will never forget the good times that we shared together while at NYCPM as well as immediately thereafter. When he learned of his MS, Mike took it in stride. He worked his practice until he could no longer do so, continued his duties as Dean at NYCPM until he couldn't make the commute, and never did he complain of his gradual slow decline in health. When, he was visited at the nursing home that he lived in for many years, again, he never complained. He always had a smile and a positive attitude that I feel kept him going all of those years.
His leadership was evidenced even by his being the president of the nursing home patients group, representing his fellow patients (which he was proud to talk about). He continued with that until he could no longer. Ultimately, he fought this disease for about 30 years until he could no longer. Podiatry has lost a representative of professionalism and fortitude, whose legacy will be hard to replicate. R.I.P."Doctore."
Marc Hudes, DPM, Monticello, NY
03/06/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM
We all meet thousands of people in our professional lives. There are always some people that touch us in a way that leaves an indelible impression in our minds forever. Dr. Valletta was one such person. I remember him from when I was a student at NYCPM. He always impressed me as being honorable, dedicated, and committed to the advancement of not only the profession but all of the students whom he dealt with. Our profession has lost a good man.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
I’m saddened to hear about Michael. I too was a classmate. Our class was very cliquish. Michael was part of the "Goyim". We had lots of fun with that. He was always one of the good guys and shared with the others in the class. His illness was a difficult cross to bear, but he did it well. Condolences to his family.
Tom Neuman DPM, Class of 72, Northridge, CA
03/06/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM
Dr. Valletta was a friendly, caring teacher in the Foot Clinics when I was a student. I remember him fondly. Best wishes to his family and friends.
Michael A. Robinson, DPM, MPH, JD
Dr. Valletta was the Dean of Clinical Sciences when I was a student at NYCPM. As the student council president, I spent a lot of time with Dean Valletta. He mentored me and guided me on how to be a successful leader. It was my early guidance from Dr. Valletta that helped make me realize that I needed to be involved. Throughout my career, I have remembered many of the things that Dr. Valletta taught me. I am thankful to have had the good fortune to have someone take an interest in me when I needed it. He made me feel as if I was a very special student. In retrospect, I believe he made everyone feel special. That was his gift. What an opportunity I was given, to learn how to be a leader from Dr. Valletta. Podiatry and NYCPM have lost a great man. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
Ira H. Kraus, DPM, Chattanooga, TN
03/05/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Michael J. Valletta, DPM
I was fortunate to have known and been able to call "Mike" a friend. He was a capable, competent, and dedicated member of our profession. He was always ready to show and explain treatment methods to the students as they entered into the clinical phase of their training. Mike was a true humanitarian, an educator, and a service-above-self contributor to the academic community of our profession. He was loved and respected. I will miss him as I'm sure so many of his colleagues, former students, and patients will. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Joe Addante, DPM, Rome, Italy
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Micheal Valletta. Mike was Director of Clinics at NYCPM when I was a student. Dr. Mike and Dr. David George made life at NYCPM a warm, family learning experience. No question about anything went unanswered. Mike taught us to work hard, smile, and enjoy every day - no matter how hard life seemed to be. I understand Dr. Valletta did not have it easy, but he never complained. I know many of us have lost a friend, a mentor, and an example of how we should all appreciate our lives. My prayers for Dr. Michael Valletta, his family, and friends.
David Schofield, DPM, NYCPM Class of '76
03/02/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Harry Shapiro, DPM
It was with sadness and nostalgia that I learned of Harry’s death. While I could not be considered a close friend, I have fond memories of our intermittent relationships. When I first started my practice in 1965, Harry was one of the first of my colleagues to invite me to his office, to assist in procedures, and learn the skills to run my practice. He was cordial to everyone and was always welcoming both in his practice and his home which was the site of many podiatry meetings. He was always the gentleman. My condolences to his family and to the profession which is enhanced by his participation.
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD
02/07/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Richard P. Reinherz, DPM
While a student, my PCP told me about Dr. Reinherz. Apparently, he spent some time as director of medical residents while in Milwaukee. The sign for his father's old clinic still stands on Sheridan Road in Kenosha that I pass by regularly. My encounters with Dr. Reinherz were limited, but I will forever be grateful for the time he afforded me. My deepest condolences to those closest to him. May he rest in peace.
Jacob Panici, DPM, Zion, IL
02/06/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Richard P. Reinherz, DPM
I was informed of the death of Richard on January 29th. I was shocked by this as he was still a very active man with a wonderful practice and family, taken by illness far too young. I knew Richard best during my surgical residency at American International Hospital in Zion, IL (1988) as he was the acting residency director at that time. He was also the editor of the Journal of Foot Surgery for many years. While we hadn't spoken in some time, I will miss him, and I will always remember how he helped educate me as a young podiatrist.
Bruce Krell, DPM, Chandler, AZ
02/05/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Richard P. Reinherz, DPM
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Rick Reinherz on January 29th. Rick succumbed to a long battle with cancer. Rick was one of my co-residents at Kern Hospital -1976-77. Rick contributed to our profession immensely. He served as Editor of The Journal of Foot & Ankle Surgery in the early '80s. May you rest in peace, my friend.
James E. Rogers, DPM, Nashville, TN
01/30/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Joseph Perlow, DPM
I had the privilege of treating Col. Perlow while I was stationed as an Army podiatrist at Fort Meade, MD. He was a serious runner and had some foot problems. He was looking for another career after retiring from the Army. During our sessions, he developed a keen interest in podiatry, and I encouraged his pursuit of that goal.
I saw him soon after he graduated from school, and he was recovering from a hemi-implant arthroplasty. He stated that he always wanted to experience first-hand “what the troops felt.” Later on, he looked me up when I was in private practice in New Mexico to thank me for my encouragement and support. He was a great person and I am saddened to learn of his death.
Evan F Meltzer, DPM, San Antonio, TX
01/28/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Howard Lazar, DPM, JD
The board of directors of ABLES would like to thank Dr. Richard Benjamin for his extraordinarily personal expression of sympathy on Dr. Howard Lazar’s passing. Dr. Benjamin, a past director of the ACCPPS, has expressed the feelings of every member of the board of directors of ABLES as well as its entire membership. Thank you Dr. Benjamin and Thank you Dr. Lazar. If a tear could be held forever, his memory will be a joy.
Irina B. Vasserman, DPM, ABLES/ACLES secretary
01/25/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Joseph Perlow, DPM
From: Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH
I am saddened to inform the profession that my former associate, Joe Perlow DPM, passed away peacefully this last weekend from cancer. Joe was a West Point graduate and had a 25 plus year career in the army as a full colonel before he entered podiatry school. Joe was an extremely nice, gracious person who represented our profession well to all who met him. Joe will be missed.
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
01/22/2013
RESPONSES / COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Howard Lazar, DPM, JD
I too am deeply saddened by the loss of my dear friend of 20 some years. I will remember him as a loyal and fierce friend and as an advocate of podiatry and of podiatrists, even by those who fought with him. I already miss him, but am consoled that he has been released from his discomfort and debilities.
N B Pickell, DPM, Gainesville, GA
