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03/31/2022
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Kevan Kreitman, DPM
It is with profound sadness that APMA shares the news that Kevan Kreitman, DPM, speaker of the APMA House of Delegates, passed away suddenly this week. Dr. Kreitman earned his DPM from the then Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He served as chief resident during his surgical residency at North Detroit General Hospital. Dr. Kreitman was a diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
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Dr. Kevan Kreitman |
He was a partner with Shores Podiatry Associates in Roseville, MI, for 20 years and was a leader of the Michigan Podiatric Medical Association, serving as president from 2002–2003. He was active with APMA and the APMAPAC and served as speaker of the House of Delegates for the first time in 2022.
Source: APMA Update [3/29/22]
Other messages in this thread:
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
03/23/2026
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 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.
03/10/2026
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
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 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 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
02/18/2026
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
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
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
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
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
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Ira Cohen, DPM, Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
I respectfully disagree with Dr. Robert Gottlieb's characterization of the reporting as an obsession and a regularly reported headline. As a retiree, I find it informative to find out about the passing of colleagues whom otherwise I would not have known about. Occasionally, there is a classmate or someone I trained with or I trained. On a few occasions, I was able to send condolences to the family. Thank you and continue to post these.
Ira Cohen, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Block for printing obituaries sent to you. Unless passings are in the same city, there is little chance of learning that someone we knew in school or residency has passed on. The schools are not in the business of informing alumni of deaths.
It’s a wonderful tradition and a fine service to the profession. We easily lose contact with those podiatrists we swore we would stay in touch with when we graduated. It gives readers an opportunity and excuse to call members of a study group or fraternity to touch base again after all these years. And then we promise to stay in touch again until we read another familiar obituary. Maybe Dr. Gottlieb hasn’t been through many of those Schadenfreude moments. I’m grateful to you for printing the obituaries and the thoughtful podiatrists around the country who are kind enough to take the minute needed to send the notice to PM News.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
I’m so glad to see your response to the podiatrist questioning the need to post obituaries in PM News. First of all, I give you credit for taking the high road in your explanation. I’m not sure I’d have that “self-control” if it were me responding!
Our profession is comprised of many who are friends, colleagues, fellow classmates, and residents living around the world. While we may not be in contact with them on a regular basis, it is an appreciated service of PM News to share the passing of our fellow podiatrists so that we might reach out to family and offer our condolences.
While we may be professionals to our community, we are all human beings who deserve recognition of our accomplishments in our lives and our passing at the end of life. I sincerely hope this newsletter continues to do both. Celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow podiatrists and give them a final farewell from all who knew them and cared for them.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM
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
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Irwin Mann, DPM. He was the residency director at Kern Hospital during my time there as a resident in the 1970s. I will never forget the time they staged a simulated "code blue" in the middle of the night. I happened to be the junior resident on call.
I had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach, heart racing, and a cold sweat on my forehead when I ran into the patient room, only to find Dr. Mann and a couple others standing there waiting to grill me on what to do to save the patient's life. That moment was the first time I ever felt like a real doctor.
Rest in peace Dr. Mann.
Stefan Feldman, Spring Hill, TN
09/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Dr. Eckles was truly an exemplary individual and a devoted educator who consistently strived for the betterment of his students and residents. His kindness was truly exceptional, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
Reem Sheikh, DPM
Dr. Trepal has well-expressed the impact Dr. Robert Eckles had on NYCPM and the profession. As a close friend of mine, I will add that Bob’s loss is the world’s as well. When Bob first arrived at NYCPM, we worked side-by-side in clinic and I came to know him very well. I immediately appreciated his teaching style with our 3rd year students: knowledgeable, patient, and humorous. As we became friends, I also enjoyed and respected his well-roundedness. As we discussed topics as diverse as neurologist Oliver Sacks and the movie Koyaanisqatsi, I always walked away feeling Bob was more than a teacher and podiatrist. He was a humanist and freethinker in the best sense.
As deans, I got to know him as a true leader. He was always reflective, diplomatic, and succinct. He was one who got the job done in the most effective way, with the least amount of fuss. Always clear-thinking and on-target, Bob was an asset on any project or interaction. As a friend, I got to know his family: Jeanne, Maude (Frances), and Freeman. My heart goes out to them but I'm comforted that they were able to be with Bob near the end. As similar free-spirits, I know they will carry on Bob’s incredible zest for life.
Dr. Eckles leaves a legacy of students and residents who no doubt are aware of how well he trained them and how much he cared about them, all while being approachable on a personal level. Anyone who knows him, knows beer was his relaxation drink of choice. Bob wouldn’t want anyone to mourn his loss but rather celebrate his life, so at this sad time, raise a glass to a truly one-of-a-kind person. I will miss my friend dearly.
Laurence J. Lowy, DPM
09/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Robert Arthur Eckles, DPM, MPH
It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Bob Eckles following an acute and serious illness. Upon his arrival at NYCPM in 2003, Bob quickly established himself as a popular professor and noted clinician in the Department of Orthopedic Sciences. His command of the subject area and his ability to explain in comprehensible terms allowed him to train generations of students and residents. Bob's administrative skills were put to good use in his later roles of Dean for Clinical Education, Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Residency Director.
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Dr. Robert Eckles |
Upon his retirement from NYCPM in 2021, he returned to where he had lived in New Zealand and remained active in education and the biomechanical arena. NYCPM and the entire podiatric profession have been blessed through the efforts and contributions of Dr. Eckles. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jeanne and two children, Frances and Freeman. May he rest in peace.
Michael J Trepal, DPM, Dean, NYCPM at Touro University
08/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM
I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Alan Shaw, DPM, a Past President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, an icon in our profession.
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Dr. Alan Shaw |
When we speak of the podiatrists upon whose shoulders we stand in the advancing of podiatric surgery, Alan will be remembered by his peers as a surgeon of immense talent, an innovator, an educator, and a podiatrist dedicated to the advancement of podiatry's standing within the practice of medicine.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
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
06/27/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Joseph Carbone, DPM
Uncertain of what I wanted to do with my biology degree (and being rather confused) in what medical degree I should attain after graduation from St. John Fisher College (SJFC), Rochester, NY in 1984, I needed some guidance. After attending a required monthly college colloquium while attending my senior year at SJFC, a local podiatrist spoke to our class regarding choosing this profession as an occupation. I found that it might be an option as a medical career. However, it was Dr. Joseph Carbone (alum of St. John Fisher College,’75/Scholl College ‘79 and not the speaker) that I was referred to by my pre-med counselor (Bachelor of Science). He certainly set me straight on what the profession was all about and how I could make a good living without sacrificing family and a good work-life balance.
Many times, he let me visit his office prior to entering podiatry school, allowing me to observe everything podiatry. I was intrigued not only by the day-to-day operations of the practice, the variety of foot and ankle conditions he treated, but mostly by the...
Editor's note: Dr. Borreggine's extended-length letter can be read here.
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
06/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Paul Kesselman, DPM
Over the past several days since the announcement of Dr. McGlamry's passing, many national officials from podiatry organizations have written to bestow amazing tributes to this great man. Today, I would like to share some comments from a time when I was a solo practitioner newly in practice who was confronted with a very challenging case. Dr. McGlamry bestowed a collegial helpful hand to someone with little surgical experience just shortly after my completing post-graduate training. The patient was an IDDM male in his mid-50s with bilateral Charcot foot who was told by HHS and Joint Disease here in NY that he required a BKA.
With much anticipation and with a bit of anxiety, I called Dr. McGlamry's office, informed them of my patient's issues, and shortly thereafter he called me back. I expected someone with his professional reputation to be rather obnoxious, conceited, and difficult to deal with. What I found was exactly the opposite. I found a man who was...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here.
06/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Mark Feldman, DPM
And so now 54 years later, we gather together to honor and attempt to find some way to express our gratitude to our founder Dr. E Dalton McGlamry (EDM), his 2 partners and 10 colleagues ...names….who through his individual leadership and individual lifetime devotion to the education of podiatric surgeons has produced the 170 podiatric surgeons present here. Our podiatric Halstead, Thomas Hale Ham, Gray, Osler, Ilizarov, Koefoed, and so many others in whose company he belongs.
Because of EDM, we became chiefs of surgery at several of the 11 colleges. We opened podiatry slots in the Division of Research in Medical Education at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, for the M.S. in medical education, developed podiatric surgical residency opportunities in the Czech...
Editor's note: Dr. Feldman's extended-length letter can be read here.This letter was part of a Podiatry Institute tribute to Dr. McGlamry earlier this year.
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
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