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 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
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
05/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Gerald Peterson, DPM, Harold Glickman, DPM, Steven J Berlin, DPM
Many hours were spent together during the annual House of Delegates over the years discussing the business of the House and getting his perspective on the issues. His wisdom and insight was always invaluable to me, let alone his friendship. You will be missed my friend. RIP
Gerald Peterson, DPM
I can’t think of a more iconic figure on the Board of Trustees than Jack George. He had the leadership skills to transcend podiatric generations. Along with Arthur Helfand, DPM, Jack had a profound effect on my career as a podiatric physician.
Harold Glickman, DPM, Past President, APMA
I will miss Jack George. He was a fun guy to be with and he was a wonderful asset to our great profession. My condolences go out to Jack and his family.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
05/27/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: David Alper, DPM
For those of you that did not have the good fortune to know Dr. Jack George, he was more than just a past-president (1992) - he was a true force to be reckoned with, both within the House of Delegates and out in the medical community. His presence in the HOD was at the level of Drs. Kanat and Kaplan - when he spoke, the room got quiet and people listened as he helped drive our profession forward.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Jack committed himself to elevating and protecting the profession of podiatry, first in Massachusetts, and later on a national level. He was instrumental, through advocacy and legal action, in breaking through prejudice by organized medicine, ultimately convincing key hospitals in Worcester, MA to allow, for the first time, podiatrists to perform surgery on site, and qualified podiatrists to be included in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts and Medicaid. He helped Lloyd Smith and me successfully sue our hospitals for privileges after his success in Worcester.
And he was a "King Maker" - Lloyd Smith, Mike King, myself and others became deeply involved in our state society and APMA because of being chosen and guided by Jack. He firmly believed in the need to ensure that leadership was in place. He was a dear friend to podiatry - and to me. I will miss his wisdom, his passion - and his presence in my life.
David Alper, DPM
05/07/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Richard A. Buratti, DPM
I was one of the many 1st and 2nd year podiatric residents at the Southern California Podiatric Medical Center, which was an independent clinic and teaching institution where outside attending podiatrists and surgeons, including Richard Buratti, DPM, volunteered their time without pay to advance our profession by lecturing and teaching clinical skills and forefoot and rear-foot surgery, both in Los Angeles and at our two Mexico clinics in Tijuana and Mexicali that ran under the name of the Baja Crippled Children's Program.
In addition, Dr. Buratti would allow the residents to come to his office and shadow him with his patients, and also scrub in on his private patient cases as well. We considered him to be a very progressive surgeon during that period of time in the early 1980s. He looked at the foot from a biomechanical perspective and was an excellent teacher of mid-foot and rearfoot anatomical surgical dissection for procedures that were considered advanced at that time, including calcaneal osteotomies, peroneal tendon balancing, and cuboid osteotomies.
I am certain that I am not alone in saying that I enjoyed his teachings and I learned some of my surgical skills and clinical skills from him. He was a pleasure to have known, and to have worked with. He always had a calm and reassuring demeanor. To his wife Ilona who I have met many times, your husband was a fine man and a great teacher. To Dawn, and Ilona I send my condolences and best wishes.
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
05/07/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Richard Buratti. As a teenager, I worked as a nurse’s aide in the operating room at Van Nuys Community Hospital where Dr. Buratti performed and taught surgery. I have fond memories of Dr. Buratti who treated all with kindness and respect. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dawn and the entire Buratti family.
Ross E. Taubman, DPM
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Buratti. I worked for Dr. Buratti in his Northridge office in the nineties. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. He was passionate about podiatry and loved to teach and was incredibly methodical in his approach to surgery. I was fortunate enough to earn a ride on his Cessna where he flew us to Catalina Island for a burger. My condolences to his wife Ilona and his daughter, Dawn. He was an asset to the profession.
Randi Margolis, DPM, Delray Beach, FL
05/01/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Marshall G. Solomon, DPM, Howard Dananberg, DPM
It is with great sadness that I learned of Michael Forman, DPM passing. He was a great mentor at OCPM in biomechanics and the College podiatry clinic. Truly a caring person and outstanding DPM. May his memory be a blessing.
Marshall G. Solomon, DPM
I was a 1975 graduate of OCPM and Dr. Forman was my first professor of biomechanics. My pursuit of this knowledge was based on the joy with which he presented. He will surely be missed.
Howard Dananberg, DPM
05/01/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Mark H. Feldman, DPM, MS
Our loss of Dr. Michael Forman leaves our profession without an exemplary teacher, me without a lifelong friend and colleague, and our students with the loss of a dedicated professor. His White Coat is unlikely to be soon, if ever, filled. I knew him in 73-74 when I was privileged to be Co-Director of Surgery at then OCPM.
He made me feel welcome and helped me through the maze of my first teaching appointment. We became lifelong friends. That unholy illness has taken a wonderful man that I will deeply miss the remainder of my days. Rest well Michael, you are much loved.
Mark H. Feldman, DPM, MS, Pompano Beach, FL
04/30/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Jack Ressler, DPM, Stephen Musser, DPM
I am saddened to read of the passing of Michael Forman. I was fortunate enough to be under his guidance in clinical rotations while attending OCPM in the early ‘80s. Michael was always helpful in his teachings and guidance and would do it in a way that he would never talk down to his students. For those of you that were fortunate enough to have him as a clinician, we learned so much about patient care. Who can forget the cool way he would open up a Coverlet bandage from the middle instead of the edge. My condolences to the Forman family.
Jack Ressler, DPM
My condolences to Dr. Forman's family. I had the privilege of being one of his students at OCPM back in the mid- to late eighties. I found him very knowledgeable and respectful. He even allowed me to shadow him on Saturday mornings at his office where he shared additional knowledge and wisdom. Thank you Dr. Forman. You will be missed.
Stephen Musser, DPM, Cleveland, OH
04/30/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Gene Sherwood, DPM, Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM
I had Dr. Forman as a teacher for biomechanics during my time at OCPM. He was a great teacher and able to convey the concepts, especially to new students. He had a wonderful personality and was easy to talk to... a great teacher.
Gene Sherwood, DPM (retired)
There are just some people who really make a difference in your life. Mike Forman was one of those people...first as my biomechanics instructor at OCPM where he brought a sense of humor and sparked curious minds to a difficult subject, then as a colleague and friend. He had a way to make you feel good about yourself in any situation.
He was always glad to see you and made sure you knew it. He was a leader, although I don’t think he saw himself as such. He just felt you needed to be involved and involved he was in education, post doctoral training, continuing medical education, and podiatry politics. I aspire to be like him.
Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM, National Podiatric Medical Director, VA Central Office
04/30/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Greg Caringi, DPM, Richard Jaffe, DPM
When I moved to Cleveland in 1976, I honestly didn't know that much about podiatry. It turned-out to be a good 4 years. There were many professors who left an imprint because of their special interests. Dr. Forman will always be remembered not for any one thing that he did well, but for everything he represented. He was smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor. He cared about his patients and his students. He made me want to succeed in this profession. He likely was the first podiatrist who was a positive role model for me and many others. RIP Mikie.
Greg Caringi, DPM, North Wales, PA
Mike Forman was a bright light during my days as a student at OCPM in the late '60s. Always optimistic and caring, he was just a few years older than the students. Yet, he radiated hope and encouragement for the future at a time when the school was in tremendous turmoil. His devotion to our profession was total.
I had the pleasure to meet with him and his lovely wife, Blanche, when they visited Israel a few years ago. It was great to see that his positive views continued throughout his life. Podiatry never had a better representative or supporter than Mike Forman and he will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him. RIP Mike.
Richard Jaffe, DPM
04/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: Passing of Dr. Tom Azzolini (Joe Boylan, DPM)
I was a resident at St. Mary's Hospital at the Franciscan Health System Program when Dr. Azzolini first became our director. He was an asset to our program. With his wealth of surgical knowledge and his eagerness to teach us residents, he turned the program into a 3-year surgical program. We all benefitted from his medical and surgical knowledge.
I remember as residents sitting in the on-call room the night before cases. We all looked at the board to see who was operating the following morning. When Dr. Azzolini (we would call him AZZ), had a case, we would all jump to scrub in on his case. If there was no room to scrub, we would go just to watch him operate and teach us residents.
He opened his doors to us residents at the OR and his office. He was all about teaching and promoting the profession, in every way possible. He never turned any of us down and was always there with a helping hand. He will be missed by all his residents who went through the program. My condolences to his wife, daughter, and family.
Joseph Cione, DPM
04/22/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
The sadness of a loss such as this is unwavering, but with loss comes reflection. All of us who had the privilege to train under the guidance of Dr. Azzolini are better physicians, surgeons, spouses, sons/daughters, parents, and human beings because of his mentorship and what he expected from us each day. Strict but fair, kind but stern, demanding but understanding, tempered but funny, all characteristics of a true leader and one that completely resonated with me.
Simply put, you were prepared every day during residency without him ever telling you that you need to be prepared, that’s how he operated. His graduates are shining examples of the presence he had on all of us and for it, we are forever grateful, but deeply saddened that he is no longer here.
Jeffrey Baker, DPM, Chicago, IL
04/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
It was sad to read of Dr. Azzolini's passing. We met when I took a mini-residency at Doctors Hospital and Tom was a 2nd year resident. He spent an inordinate amount of time educating us on the way and why they do things at Doctors Hospital. He was a great teacher. That carried over to his being a residency director who turned-out well-trained podiatrists. Dr. Boylan said it best about Tom: A Podiatry Hall of Famer. This is a big loss to our profession. Rest in peace.
Chris Robertozzi, DPM, Newton, NJ
04/19/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
It is with a heavy heart I write to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Tom Azzolini, a remarkable and truly memorable figure in the medical community. Dr. Azzolini was not just a skilled surgeon but also a mentor, a colleague, and a friend to many, including me.
During my time as a resident at Atlanta Hospital, Tom served as one of my senior residents, and his impact on my professional life is immeasurable. His dedication to his craft was evident in every surgery he performed, his skill unmatched and his confidence unwavering. But beyond his surgical prowess, Tom was a gifted teacher, always willing to impart his knowledge and experience to those around him.
One of the qualities that truly set Tom apart was his sense of humor. He had a way of lightening the mood in the operating room with his witty remarks and infectious laughter. I can still hear him saying “bright lights and cold steel baby” as he entered the OR. The loss of Dr. Azzolini leaves a void in the medical community that cannot be filled. His legacy will live on, not only through the countless lives he touched as a podiatric surgeon, but also through the lessons he taught and the memories he created with those fortunate enough to have known him. May his spirit continue to inspire us all to strive for excellence in everything we do. With deepest sympathy,
Kevin Pearson, DPM
04/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
From: Mark Stempler, DPM
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Ira Tartack. I got to know him during my podiatric residency through the New York College of Podiatric Medicine way back in 1991. I found him to be so knowledgeable and approachable that I would always call him with difficult podiatric cases throughout the years. He always provided me with his sage and warm advice. I will really deeply miss him. He was my mentor but also a friend. Goodbye Ira.
Mark Stempler, DPM, Lakewood, NJ
04/18/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Tom Azzolini, DPM
From: Joe Boylan, DPM
Sadly, I report that on 4-15-2024, Tom Azzolini, DPM passed after battling recurrent lymphoma cancer. My deep condolences to his wife Helen and daughter Montana.
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Dr. Tom Azzolini |
I met Tom when we were students at NYCPM. I was in the Class of 1987 and he was in the Class of 1988. As a student, Tom had a very clear vision of getting the finest surgical training and then practicing where he could use his skills to their fullest extent. He graduated from NYCPM in 1988, then completed 2 years of residency training at Atlanta Hospital. In 1990, he began in private practice in...
Editor's note: Dr. Boylan's extended-length letter can be read here.
