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01/20/2014
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Martin Mussman, DPM
Martin Mussman, DPM died at his home on January 13, 2014. Dr. Mussman proudly served the Veteran's Administration over 40 years, including serving as the Director of Podiatry Service for the Central Office from 1987 through 1997. Marty was a true pioneer for podiatric medicine in the Department of Veterans Affairs and worked tirelessly to carry the podiatry service to its rightful place. He was a strong, dedicated and passionate advocate for podiatric public health, achieving board certification in The American Board of Podiatric Public Health and was at the forefront of podiatric residency education.
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Dr. Martin Mussman |
He was a member of the National Academies of Practice as a Distinguished Practitioner. He was a founding member of the Federal Services Podiatric Medical Association. During his tenure as National Program Director, he increased the number of VA residency positions and almost single-handedly solved the residency genesis crisis of that generation. His pursuit of excellence in all aspects of his life inspired many. He will be sorely missed.
Jeffrey Robbins, DPM, Cleveland, OH
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03/24/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Lynn Homisak
The passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein – an immeasurable loss. It's hard to add anything to the accolades posted on PM News by Peter Paicos and Bret Ribotsky of Hal’s personality, inspiration and influence that he so generously and unconditionally gave to everyone in and out of our profession. Together, they captured the true persona that was Hal.
He was a student and I was a podiatric medical assistant when we first met (That was a long time ago!) Unsurprisingly, I was immediately drawn to his enthusiastic attitude and zest for life. Since then, we’ve been through a lot together, culminating in a valued long-time friendship.
I regarded him as my mentor, my educator, a younger “brother”, a scarecrow to my Dorothy, and...
Editor's Note: Lynn's extended-length letter can be read here
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Andrew Schneider, DPM
On behalf of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our past President and former Chairman, Dr. Hal Ornstein.
Hal was a larger than life figure who could raise the energy of any room the moment he walked in. He was deeply engaged with and respected by leaders throughout the profession. But Hal’s true calling, where he shined brightest, was in connecting with new practitioners and podiatrists who were struggling in practice. He would take them under his wing and serve as a mentor, asking for nothing in return. That was Hal’s enduring spirit: what can I do?
Hal’s presence in exhibit halls around the country was unforgettable, as if a...
Editor's note: Dr. Schneider's extended-length can be read here.
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
I am writing with a very heavy heart on the passing of my friend and colleague, Hal Ornstein. Hal’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to others made him an extraordinary person and his impact on so many people, including me, will never be forgotten. He was truly a remarkable man whose kindness and generosity made a lasting difference in my life.
As a respected mentor, the advice he gave me was invaluable in helping my practice grow, thrive, and prosper. His positivity was infectious and he believed that life only gets better with each passing day. As a friend, he was always genuinely concerned for the well-being of my wife, me, and my family. He always said his hello's and goodbye's with a warm loving hug.
I want to express my deepest condolences to his family and to all those who were fortunate enough to know and work with him. I hope they find comfort in the love Hal shared and in the many memories he created. I will keep his family in my heart during this incredibly difficult time. May his memory be forever a blessing as I know it will be. Rest in peace, Hal, I will miss you deeply.
Marc Haspel, DPM
03/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Robert Frimmel, DPM, Elliot Udell, DPM
Hal was a classmate, colleague, and friend. I always appreciated his help with setting up practice management lectures at SAM. Hal was instrumental in referring Dr. Craig Conti to our practice, ultimately becoming a partner at Sarasota Foot Care Center. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. Rest in peace.
Robert Frimmel, DPM, Sarasota, FL
It has been said that a person is remembered not by what they take from this world but by what they give back to their fellow humans. Hal Ornstein was the epitome of this. He lectured at seminars all over the United States but did not bask in his glory. He did not have a shred of arrogance. He was a people person. I vividly remember attending a presentation he gave at a SAM conference in Orlando. He burst into a lecture hall, direct from the airport. Everyone clapped. He had a pile of books under his left arm, covering different topics relating to human behavior. He gave them as gifts to attendees. He lectured for half an hour or so, then ran out to catch the next plane to another city to make another group of people happy. I once wrote to his society with a practice management problem. I was shocked when he and another respected colleague called me and spent an hour figuring out a solution to my problem.
Podiatry and humanity lost a kind soul. Hal was a good man.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
03/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM
The world of podiatric medicine lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein — a Hall of Fame practitioner, a master of practice management, and a man whose infectious spirit transformed every room he entered. To those who knew him, Hal was more than a colleague. He was the living embodiment of what it means to practice medicine with joy, purpose, and an unrelenting commitment to lifting others along the way.
Within our profession, Hal occupied a singular place — our own Patch Adams. Much like the legendary figure immortalized by Robin Williams on screen, Hal understood something that many practitioners spend entire careers searching for: that humor, humanity, and healing are not separate pursuits but deeply intertwined ones. He walked into every lecture hall, every consulting room, and every professional gathering with that same...
Editor's note: Dr. Ribotsky's extended-length tribute can be read here.
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
When you achieve life to age 99, you must not only be lucky but perhaps you did good things during your professional life. Carlos was very active in advancing the podiatric profession not only in North Carolina but also with the APMA in the earlier days. I personally had the opportunity to work with him when I was President of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association in the 1970-'80s. He will be greatly missed in this profession. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Neal Kruman, DPM
I would like to report to PM News the loss of Dr. Neal Kruman, a 1966 graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and a past resident at Civic Hospital, which was one of the first podiatry hospitals in Detroit, Michigan to have a surgical residency program. Neal was quite active in the Michigan area for many years. He was my roommate for our freshman and sophomore years at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and needless to say will be greatly missed.
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Dr. Neal Kruman |
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Shirley and family and to state he was a great friend and colleague and will be missed by many of his classmates. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
03/04/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Lynn Homisak
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Don Chantiles, DPM, from Yorktown, PA. Don was not only a respected individual but also a compassionate physician, deeply committed to his practice and his patients. I had the privilege of visiting Don at his office, where I witnessed firsthand the gentle and professional connection he had with his patients. He made sure that each one felt heard and well cared for.
Don also fostered an admirable and respectful bond with his staff, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. His genuine, caring nature was evident in every aspect of his practice. Throughout my years and experiences in the podiatry profession, I had the privilege of making many valued friendships. Don was truly one of the special ones. His good nature and kindness will always be remembered and cherished by those who were lucky enough to know him. My deepest sympathies to his family.
Lynn Homisak, Cape May, NJ
03/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I will miss Ben greatly; he had such a wonderful presence. He was such a pillar of our podiatric program and curriculum since 1976. Ben was a true professional, knowledgeable, and kind individual. I had the pleasure of having him as an instructor in general medicine at CCPM, a longtime colleague as a faculty member at the podiatry college, mentor, and dear friend for many years. We will miss his smile, sense of humor, passion, and kindness.
Ben was always interested in what was going on in our lives, how the family was doing, and we always talked sports (of course basketball was a priority). Ben was such a passionate educator and a true promoter of the podiatric profession and our podiatric students for so much of his career. My deepest condolences to Cindy and the family. He will be truly missed by all. Rest in peace Ben.
Tim Dutra, DPM
02/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Stefan Feldman, DPM
From: Rich Blake, DPM and the KevinRoot Medical staff
Today, all of us here at KevinRoot Medical are mourning the death of a great individual, Dr. Stefan Feldman. Stefan was part of the KevinRoot Medical family for almost 20 years, beginning as one of our early clients in 2007, just months after we opened our doors. Over the years, that professional relationship grew into something much deeper. A mere 3 years ago, and almost to the day, I was introduced to Dr. Feldman, and we became instant friends. We shared weekly meetings and collaborated on the medical education for the clients of KevinRoot Medical.
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Dr. Stefan Feldman |
I knew early on of his health struggles, which he never let bring down that incredible energy and passion for what he did. I am so sorry for his loss and my greatest sympathy goes out to his family. May he rest in peace, and find strength from his love that he poured out to you all.
How do you capture the essence of a man in a few words? For one, his love for...
Editor's note: Dr. Blake's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/23/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Ben Zier. Ben was a true champion for the podiatric profession. He supported us at the local and state level. He had a great rapport with the students and taught us what we needed to know for our medicine rotations. Personally, Ben helped me through a minor health crisis while in school. I will never forget his kindness, thoughtfulness, and support.
My favorite Ben story was how he decided to go into general medicine. He was a medical student doing a surgical rotation. The surgeon asked Ben to cut the suture while closing. "Too long" the surgeon commented on the first suture. "Too short" on the second suture. Before cutting the third suture, Ben asked, "How would you like this one - too long or too short?" The surgeon asked Ben to leave the OR. That's how he decided to become an internist. I've told that story to every resident that I worked with. RIP Ben.
John M. Giurini, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B
RE: The Passing of Bennett Zier, MD
I am sorry to hear about Dr. Bennett Zier’s passing. As a student in San Francisco, I had the chance to learn from him and also saw his care firsthand as a patient. He was a steady, thoughtful physician and a dedicated teacher who had a real impact on many of us in podiatric medicine. I’m grateful for what he taught and the example he set. My condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who knew him.
Philip Radovic, DPM
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A
I remember taking Gen Med from Dr. Zier in podiatry school, which we jokingly called Ben Med, with affection. The course left me well prepared for residency rotations in general medicine and emergency medicine, in which I was able to function at the same level as the medical residents.
Dr. Zier related a story about when he was a resident. He told the staff that he was beginning his residency, and was there to learn as much as he could. As a result, the staff taught him a great deal. Another resident at that time came across as knowing it all, which resulted in his rotations being much more difficult to get through. I carried this advice into residency and private practice.
There are two things that I learned from Dr. Zier by direct observation of patient care in rounds with him. The first was how to determine if a patient has liver disease when the patient's hands are extended. The second was the work-up necessary to diagnose Addisonian crisis. Although I never saw either of these in private practice, I never forgot them. His passing is sad to hear, but what he has done teaching podiatry students is immeasurable.
Bart Holt, DPM, Missoula, MT
02/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Fran was the valedictorian of his class at TUSPM. He was brilliant, funny, a bit of a tough guy, and a talented surgeon. He always performed with 110% energy and intensity. I knew him from his Temple U days and we practiced at the same hospital for years. He left podiatry to become a successful financial advisor. That was a definite loss for the profession. He was a family man and a good friend and will be missed by all.
Martin Pressman, DPM
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 3
It was with sadness that I read of the passing of Dr. Zier. Whether he knew it or not, the man was my mentor. He was perhaps the perfect example of what the relationship between podiatry and the allopathic profession can and should look like.
He taught me what it means to be collegial, kind, and patient. His kindness is what I will always remember him for. His generous nature touched his students and his patients. I am forever grateful for his example of human compassion and dignity.
Daniel Jones, DPM, Casper, WY
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Fran was one of my legendary attendings and I remember how the residents would contend with one another to cover his surgeries. It was never dull! The first case I scrubbed with him, it was just the two of us. It was a tibial nail, something not in the common cases we were used to back then. But for him it was just another day in the OR.
I remember that we had a great discussion about the literature that day. He taught me to have confidence if it was backed up by skill and knowledge. Wise words from a man who had all these qualities.
V. Kathleen Satterfield, DPM
02/19/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Tom was a classmate of mine at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, along with his brother George and my brother Gary. You couldn't find a nicer guy than Tom. He will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 3
The passing of Ben Zier brought back incredible memories of working with him for 39 years until I retired. Ben came to the California college of Podiatric Medicine following his residency in primary care at UCSF to assume the role of Chaiman of the Department of Medicine. He was dedicated to the medical education of podiatric students so they could hold their own when practicing our profession.
He was a role model as a medical educator and our profession is the beneficiary of his relentless role of providing the necessary medical knowledge we needed to succeed in practice. He was a friend as well as being the primary care provider for me and my wife until we retired. Our condolences to his wife Cindy and their family.
Joshua Gerbert, DPM, Kamuela, HI
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Fran Lynch was a good guy, a very capable surgeon, a thought leader in his day, and a person with a great sense of humor. He trained under James Ganley, DPM. When he left podiatry to follow other career options, it was a loss to the profession.
Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Arnold Signer, DPM, The Passing of Stuart Alan Courtney, DPM
It’s a sad day to see two friends and colleagues listed in the obituaries. Arnie Signer served in the APMA delegates with me for many years. He was a friend and trusted individual. It was always fun to reunite at the HOD and elsewhere.
Stu Courtney was a classmate at NYCPM 1974. When I needed emergency orthopedic surgery, his son arrived. We chatted a bit and established my connection. Stu and I talked several times thereafter. His son is still my orthopedist.
May they both rest in peace.
Lloyd Smith, DPM
02/18/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
This most recent publication of PM News was very disturbing to see so many very active podiatrists I have been familiar with pass away. I have regularly spoken to and emailed Dr. Arnold Signer who I have been good friends with for 50 years. He was a genuine individual and an excellent podiatrist. He will be greatly missed by the Florida Podiatry Association. I would like to send my deepest sympathy to his wife and family.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I was very sad that my dear friend Arnie Signer passed away last week. I have known Arnie for over 63 years when we started college together at Emory University in 1963 in Atlanta. We became close friends and fraternity brothers. After College, Arnie went to OCPM in Cleveland and I went to PCPM in Philly. Arnie ended up practicing in Jackson for many years and I in DC.
In 1996, Arnie and his good friend Biff Kramer helped me get elected to the APMA Board of Trustees. He was a dear friend and colleague. We kept in touch all these years. Arnie was active in Florida PMA and a Delegate to the APMA House of Delegates for over 20 years. I will miss him very much. May you Rest in Peace my dear friend, rest in peace.
Harold B. Glickman, DPM
02/17/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: John Mozena, DPM, Ira R. Cohen, DPM
My wife was Dr. Zier’s office manager and she said that he was a great boss at CCPM. He was always so hospitable, inviting us to meals at Dr. Boyce Smith’s home. I used to play and get obliterated by him in basketball. He was always smiling like the photo shown. I wish I could thank him now for all the great things he did for us and the profession! RIP to a truly good man!
John Mozena, DPM
What an amazing individual. I learned a lot from him. He was kind, humorous, and dedicated to the students. So young. Such a loss.
Ira R. Cohen, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
02/16/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Michael Lee Simons, DPM
It is with heartfelt sadness that I share the loss of a beloved colleague on Sept. 28, 2025. Dr. Michael Simons, a graduate of the California College of Podiatric Medicine, practiced in Orange County, California for over 50 years. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all. He was considered by many to be the godfather of podiatry in Orange County due to his hospital and podiatry political activism.
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Dr. Michael Simons |
He was a man of great character and wit who was loved and respected by his patients. He is survived by his wife, Judy Simons, children and grandchildren. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and he will be missed by all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.
Richard Jaffe, DPM
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
I recognize that I am advancing in age when my friends depart this world and leave behind their loved ones. John Bergmann was a biomechanical prodigy and a devoted family man. I have utilized his laboratory for 43 years, with returns less than 1% for adjustments. His demeanor and guidance enabled the production of a wide range of orthotics. His family business will continue to thrive with the expertise imparted by his father and the tutelage provided to his children.
Nancy, his wife who collaborated with him, will remain to oversee this remarkable podiatric company. Having dedicated countless weekends to fulfilling prescriptions, he is now in a position to finally relax and witness the next generation’s achievements. It was an honor and a privilege to know him as a person and a friend.
Ian S. Goldbaum, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
It was with great sadness that I learned of his passing. He was a second-generation podiatrist who loved the profession. At great cost to his lab, he developed the first office-based optical scanner for podiatrists. In 1989, I purchased the 9th machine (in the world) from him for the price of a new car. I flew to Chicago and spent several days with him. He was a most pleasant gentleman.
It was a great machine and accurate. Years ahead of its time! Still, having been trained in California, I was very good with plaster and I was not using the machine much. He called me and said he saw that I was not using the technology much and offered to buy back the machine without me even asking him. The profession will miss him.
Jack Reingold, DPM
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