From: Jon Purdy, DPM
This was really sad news to hear. I have been a friend of Hal (He preferred that over Dr. Ornstein) for the better part of 25 years. I can definitely say I’m a better person with a better practice because of him. I reiterate everything that has been said about him thus far. He was that special kind of person one feels grateful to have known. There’s just no way to forget him.
My best to his family always.
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA
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
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
01/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Podiatry has lost one of its greatest doctors. Dr. John Bergmann and his orthotic laboratory and its innovations will be greatly missed. He was an old friend for many of us that are still around. My condolences to his family and may his energies in orthopedic footwear and orthotics be a continued direction for orthotics and its continued success in treatment.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I first met John when he was about 5 or 6 years old when I was in high school and worked a summer job for his father Dr. Carl Bergman in his laboratory in Chicago at 1327 North Clark Street. His father was responsible for encouraging me to follow a career in podiatry. To this day, I have only fond memories of those times and am still enjoying pursuing my professional career.
Bill Beaton, DPM, Saint Petersburg, FL
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Bruce Blank, DPM, Jerry Peterson, DPM, Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I absolutely agree with Dr. Barry Block. Publishing obituaries of DPMs in PM News is important for all the reasons cited by Dr. Block. It is also a sign of respect and appreciation for those who are part of our special family and for those who have fought many of the battles on behalf of our profession.
Bruce Blank, DPM
I agree with PM News. Keep reporting the obits. Every so often, it is a classmate like Don Grim who I knew from school at ICPM and from practicing in the northwest like me. It is always nice to recognize their life and contributions to podiatric medicine.
Jerry Peterson, DPM
I would like to commend Dr. Barry Block for including the obituary information about our brother podiatrists in the PM News. First, it is in homage to each and every one who practices in our profession and Barry is correct - what is written in responses is very telling. I read each one of them carefully and reminisce on what that person contributed in their lifetime. Again, keep up the great work Barry.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
Dr. Irwin Mann was an old friend who helped promote podiatry and teach foot surgery as a past resident of Kern Hospital and its residency program in the early 1960-1980s. The profession can only thank him and the early podiatrists who went out of their way to teach foot surgery. He will be missed.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Irwin Mann. He was a mentor to dozens of us and strongly influenced me to apply for a residency at Civic Hospital.
He was a force for good in podiatry. May his memory be a blessing.
Joel Feder, DPM, (Retired), Sarasota FL
06/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I am extremely saddened by the news of the passing of Dr. Joseph Carbone. Not only was he a dedicated podiatric practitioner but was elected and re-elected to the Monroe County Legislature.
His big heart and smile are equally matched by his wonderful sense of humor. I so enjoyed our get togethers at both the Rochester and Buffalo Seminars over the last 35+ years. RIP my friend .
Kenneth T. Goldstein, DPM
So sad to learn of the recent passing of my friend Joseph Carbone, DPM. Joe was more than a colleague, he was a truly remarkable person, a friend, and a dedicated doctor who brought compassion and integrity to everything he did. His sharp mind, kind spirit, and infectious humor made him someone everyone gravitated toward.
During our years at the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, Joe, Hartley Miltchin, Stanley Blondek, Severko Hrwynak, and I always sat together in lectures, forming a bond that lasted far beyond graduation. Our breakfast and lunch outings in Chicago were moments of laughter, support, and genuine friendships, some of the best memories I carry from those formative four years. I will miss him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Thomas Bembynista, DPM
06/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Many of us are not aware of how much Dr. McGlamry did for the entire profession. At his prime, most podiatrists were first learning how to do the very basics in foot surgery. Residencies were rare and most of our colleagues graduated from podiatry school and went directly into private practice. He lectured all over the country at seminars.
Dr. McGlamry wrote a text which for many was the bible of foot surgery. In addition, he ran a mini residency in Atlanta where doctors, including me, would spend several weeks in order to learn anything from basic podiatry to advanced foot procedures. Dr. McGlamry also made himself available to any of us who needed guidance on how to handle a case. May his memory be a role model for others.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
06/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Michael S. Downey, DPM
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of one of my life-long mentors, Dr. E. Dalton McGlamry. I was first introduced to podiatry as a pre-med junior at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. When I expressed some doubts about entering the field of medicine, his daughter, Glynn, suggested spending the day observing her father in Atlanta. That visit in 1978 changed my life. I decided on the day of that visit to enter the field of podiatry and I have never regretted that choice.
Dr. McGlamry epitomizes the dedication, fortitude, compassion, grit, and care necessary to be a great podiatric physician and surgeon. After completing my 4 years of podiatric medical school training, I was fortunate to be selected for the Doctors Hospital residency program with Dr. McGlamry. I observed firsthand this giant in our profession not only as an outstanding surgeon, but as an individual committed to the betterment of everyone in our profession.
In my opinion, he was the originator of nationwide podiatric education accessible to all. He was a devoted family man, and a steadfast contributor to his local community. Dr. McGlamry not only strengthened my skills in treating the lower extremity, but was a role model on which I hopefully have honed my personal character. Although I have met and spent time with many of the outstanding leaders in our profession for which I am thankful, I will always consider Dr. McGlamry the GOAT podiatric physician and surgeon, and I will always be thankful for his guidance and mentorship. I know Dr. McGlamry’s passing is a great loss to many in our profession. I share my deepest condolences to all who shared in his light, including his family and many friends. RIP.
Michael S. Downey, DPM
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Lloyd Smith, DPM, Joe Boylan, DPM
There were several giants in our profession during the transition from routine care podiatry to hospital based foot and ankle surgery. Dalton was among those precious few. My generation (graduated in 1974) was among the first beneficiaries of surgical residency training, either led by these giants or their recently trained DPMs. I was fortunate enough to get to know many of these men and was inspired by their leadership to volunteer almost daily to enhance our profession. RIP, Dalton.
Lloyd Smith, DPM, Newton, MA
I was fortunate to have met him when I was a resident when he visited NYCPM in the mid- to late 1980s. Dr. McGlamry would speak in the old Joint Disease Hospital auditorium. He was charismatic, optimistic, genuine, and humble. A great man and a great life.
Joe Boylan, DPM, Ridgewood, NJ
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
03/07/2025
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 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 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
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
09/09/2024
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
08/05/2024
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 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 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 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 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 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
04/22/2024
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
