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07/28/2022
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM
ABFAS mourns the loss of Past President Samuel S. Mendicino, DPM, who passed away July 23, 2022. Sam served the community and the profession throughout his career. He has been a mentor, a leader, a teacher, a colleague, and most importantly, a friend to countless individuals in our profession. ABFAS applauds Dr. Mendicino for his years of dedication and service to the podiatric profession. His impact and influence will always be present.
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Dr. Samuel Mendicino |
Dr. Mendicino’s publications, appointments, and elected roles are too numerous to list. In 2019, Podiatry Management inducted Dr. Mendicino into the Podiatric Hall of Fame and bestowed on him a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Mendicino is survived by his children, Hannah Mendicino and Sammy Mendicino; and his brothers Robert “Bobby” Mendicino, DPM, D.ABFAS, and Johnny Mendicino; and his parents Sam and Margaret.
Alan Ng, DPM
Other messages in this thread:
05/05/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Peter George Poulos, DPM
Dr. Peter Poulos, the third-generation owner of the fabled North Side confectionery and ice cream shop Margie's Candies, died of cancer April 26 at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston. He was 86. Dr. Poulos became a podiatrist after graduating from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Peter Poulos |
He moved his podiatry practice to an office across the street from Margie’s and for several years juggled operating his medical practice and running Margie’s. After seeing patients, he’d leave his office, always in black pants, a shirt and tie, and a Mickey Mouse watch on his wrist, and head to work at Margie’s.
Source: Mitch Dudek, Chicago Sun-Times [5/4/23]
03/13/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
Wednesday, alongside Drs. Ralph Rabin and Ira Kraus, I had the honor to be a casket bearer at Dr. Franklin Kase’s funeral. I have been to many funerals before, but Frank is my first really close buddy who has passed away. For that reason, I knew it was going to be tough, but what I didn’t realize is that in the midst of the tears, there was going to be so many laughs and so much love for this man that it was one of the most uplifting days of my life. All of this people that spoke had a common theme about Frank. It was his positivity through his love for God and his Jewish faith, his family and friends, and his profession.
There were so many of his colleagues that had come from all distances to pay their respects, and all of them felt that Frank had shown them...
Editor's note: Dr. DeSantis' extended-length letter can be read here.
03/13/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
Frank's relationship to my family began with my father. Frank represented CPMA regarding insurance issues and my dad did some work for Blue Shield. When I finally met Frank, he was so excited to talk about his relationship with dad. After dad passed, Frank regularly said prayers for my dad, especially on his runs to the beach. If you knew Frank, while intensely driven to make things better for our specialty, he cared more about each person he encountered on a personal level. Frank is the definition of a mensch. RIP, my friend.
Ross E. Taubman, DPM, Franklin, TN
03/10/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
There is not much more that one can say that has not already been said about my dear friend and colleague Frank Kase. The monument of accolades already written of this giant of a person are no doubt a demonstration of what this person meant to all of us professionally as well as to his friends and family. He taught me a great deal about public policy and what he taught me was only a snippet of what he knew.
He embodied my grandfather's mantra- Zay a Mensch. If nothing else, be a Mensch. Frank was no doubt a Mensch, a noble and righteous person and someone to emulate in more ways than I can put into words. My condolences to Beth and all of Frank's family and friends.
Paul Kesselman, DPM
03/10/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
At 87 years of age, and having practiced podiatry for over 55 years, I can think of only a handful of California podiatrists who have given as much of themselves to our profession as Franklin Kase, DPM.
Every podiatrist in the state of California owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Kase for his tenacious efforts on our behalf with the private insurance companies of our state and with the California Insurance Commission itself. His pursuit of professional equity with the CMA, the COA, the California political structure (both state and local), with Medicare and Medi-Cal, have benefited every podiatrist in the state of California. In fact, every state has benefited by his endeavors by simply following his lead. He deserves more than a twenty-one gun salute. God love you Frank. Heaven needs a leader like you.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
03/09/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
It’s hard to concisely describe Dr. Frank Kase’s influence on the world. One word that comes to mind when describing Frank is devoted. Another is advocate. Another is friend. Another is healer. He was a devoted family man, but I mostly knew him as a friend and advocate for his patients and for our profession. He was a leader in California and nationally. He was tireless when seeking to correct wrongs or injustices that affected the practices of podiatrists.
It seemed that he had insurance company executives on speed dial and that he had befriended many of these executives. It was easy to like this good-hearted man. I also know that he had the rare quality of someone who could advocate for our profession tenaciously while still gaining the respect and friendship of those whose minds he was trying to change. As Mike King stated, he was a Titan and as Mike Levi said, he was a mensch. He will be missed by his innumerable friends. May his memory be a blessing.
Bruce G Blank, DPM, St. Clairsville, OH
03/09/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
It’s very sad to hear of the passing of Frank Kase, and last week Leonard Levy. Our field has lost two major opinion leaders who had a significant impact on propagating podiatry and moving it forward in many ways. It is an unfortunate loss, and both will be greatly missed professionally as well as by their families. I share my sadness with my colleagues who knew them.
Steven Kravitz, DPM
I was very sad to hear of Frank’s passing. Frank was an undaunted optimist of this profession. He really cared sincerely about future generations of podiatric physicians. He was a very kind, warm man. May he rest in peace.
Marc Haspel, DPM
03/09/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
Frank Kase was a gift to us from above and his passing is a very painful loss for all of us in the profession. We were friends when I was practicing in California and became even closer in the 1980s when I was struggling with establishing a podiatry licensure in Israel. He always helped by presenting a different approach to every problem that I would run by him. And he always contacted me when he came to Israel. He was insightful, perceptive, generous, warm, and down to earth. He had many personal attributes from which we all benefited including his great devotion to the profession. Farewell, Frank. You will always be loved and remembered by all of us who were honored by having had you in our lives.
Richard Jaffe, DPM, Jerusalem
Just look at how many people are commenting about the passing of Frank Kase. He was a class act all around, both in practice and in person. I always liked seeing him and talking to him.
Arnold Ross, DPM
03/09/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
On Saturday, APMA lost a giant, Dr. Franklin Kase, and I lost a dear friend. Over my 33-year career, I have been blessed to have had many mentors; none like Frank Kase. When my father passed in 2007, Frank became someone that I could speak to and get sage advice as I did from my dad, and for that I will be forever grateful. For those who knew Frank, there were 4 things that were most important to him: his family-wife Beth, daughters- Alison and Marissa and their families—his faith-his friends-his profession. Very few people gave as much as this man without expecting anything in return. He was a fiercely loyal individual and protective of the people he loved.
I had the pleasure of awarding him with the President’s Award when I finished my term as APMA president. With the help of former APMA President Jeff DeSantis, we were able to organize it as a surprise and have his family present. I believe it was the first time I saw Frank Kase speechless. Those who knew him know that that was nearly impossible to do.
There is no doubt that Franklin Kase left his mark on the world, both personally and professionally, and I will miss him greatly. My condolences to the Kase family. I want to thank them for sharing Frank with the podiatric world. Rest in peace Frank and see you on the other side.
Ira Kraus, DPM
03/08/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
I am so very sad to learn of Frank’s passing. He was a true champion of podiatry. Frank was always active and tenacious in breaking new ground for our profession. We were one of the first podiatry students to rotate through San Francisco General hospital which soon became a sought after rotation.
Frank was all about developing relationships as he did with the California Medical Association during his term as President of the CPMA. This positive collaboration still exists today due to Frank’s charisma and desire to work with the CMA on common goals to advance our profession. His Herculean efforts in taking on the insurance companies in their disparity of reimbursements for podiatry spoke volumes as to his tenacity as well as his strong belief in rectifying a wrong. Frank will be missed. May he Rest in Peace.
Mark Wolpa, DPM
03/08/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Frank. He cared greatly for the profession and was a wonderful man.
Gene Spector, DPM
On March 4, our profession lost a titan and someone who will be difficult to replace and will be horribly missed. Eileen and I not only lost a colleague but a friend and a neighbor. Frank and I met in 1976 as clinicians at the Foot Health Center, one of the top residency programs in the country. We remained friends for the last 47 years. Frank left behind his beautiful wife, Beth and 2 wonderful daughters, Marissa and Allison and their families.
Frank was the leading crusader for podiatric equality. His personal relationships with presidents of the California Medical Association and insurance companies led to some of the most significant changes that happened and are still happening in our profession. How sad that Frank is no longer with us. I hope we will all celebrate his life and how he had touched each and every one of us. I will miss his calls on his way home from work and our quarterly meetings on Sunday at my home. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Jack Morgan, DPM
03/08/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
I am so saddened to hear Frank Kase has passed. He was always kind, generous, and especially helpful. A true treasure to the profession will be missed.
Philip Radovic, DPM, San Clemente, CA
Frank and I met at the AAPSM meetings 40 years ago. Podiatry was just learning about sports medicine and Bob Barnes and the founding fathers guided us along. Years later, we met again at the House of Delegates at APMA and forged our relationship with a joint commitment to our profession. We both thrived in the insurance reimbursement world controlled by the AMA, Medicare, and the private insurance world.
For several years, Frank refused to join the key committees in that area. I asked him several times but his love and dedication to his family did not allow him to pursue that path. Later on, he did and his contributions at the state and national level were enormous. On a personal level, we talked about our families, our lives, and our interests. We talked several times during his illness and his passion and enthusiasm never wavered. Frank was genuine. He was generous with his time. He always had a story about his beloved family. Podiatry lost a giant. I lost a friend.
Lloyd Smith, DPM
03/08/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM (Michael Levi, DPM)
Although we've known of Frank's infirmity for some time, I must say that it is no less of a shock to realize that he is actually gone. This is a great and good man who quietly did more for the specialty in the state - and consequently, by extension, for the country - than virtually anyone I can think of. We are all better because of him. Rest in peace, Dr. Kase.
David G. Armstrong, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
We all knew it was coming, but the news of Frank’s passing still hits like an earthquake. I had the pleasure to know Frank as a colleague, mentor, CPMA Past President, APMA Delegate, and a partner at Upperline Health. He taught me so much about how to be an effective leader and how to work for the advancement of our specialty. I never made an important professional decision without consulting Frank. Words can’t convey how much I will miss him. Podiatric medicine will miss him more.
John Chisholm, DPM, San Diego, CA
03/07/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM
Frank Kase has passed after a 22 month battle with glioblastoma. It is a sad day for podiatry, losing yet another titan.
Mike King, DPM
03/07/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Franklin Kase, DPM
It is with a saddened heart that I learned of the passing of my friend Frank Kase. He was one of the most influential people in our profession, especially in the state of California. He was the first podiatrist I visited some 45 years ago. When I was in college, I cold called him and he never hesitated in welcoming me to his office. From that point on, he treated me like a son, and one day a colleague. He and his partner Robert Barnes taught me about podiatric sports medicine. When I started my own practice, Frank would open up his home and teach me how to navigate through the challenges of private practice.
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Dr. Franklin Kase |
There was no question he wouldn’t answer; albeit sometimes a lengthy answer which would make me smile. On a state level, he created an equal playing field for podiatrists, making sure we were represented fairly. No issue was too small. He fought many battles with major insurance companies and made great headway on a local and state level. In our chapter meetings, I’d always wait for Frank to speak, as I knew I would be given a bevy of information which I could always rely on. I will miss you Frank, especially your editorials, long conversations, and kind smile. You were a true mensch. My condolences to the entire Kase family.
Michael Levi, DPM
02/28/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
The podiatry world is shocked at the news of Len's passing. Over the years, I worked on projects with Len involving the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, an organization that he co-founded and was its past president.
Len touched all of us in some way. He was famous yet humble. His tenure included being Dean of Podiatry as well as general medical colleges. He published papers as well as a text on podiatric medicine. He was one of the leaders of our profession but never put himself above any of us. If there was any breaking news in our profession, Len was there to post it on PM News. He will be missed by all of us.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
It was heartbreaking to hear of Dr. Leonard Levy’s passing. He was a quintessential flag bearer for our profession. When we were students at CCPM in the early ‘70s, Dr. Levy was the dean and never hesitated to take time to stop and chat with students. He was always so very nice, never arrogant, and treated every student with equality and respect.
Over the decades, he would constantly be writing articles, and I always felt proud to see yet another piece written by him. It was comforting knowing that he was doing so much for the podiatric profession at state and federal levels in continually working with other professional associations. I look forward to reading more tributes and anecdotes in PM News from those that knew him well. It would be fitting if a podiatry school were renamed in his honor!
Lloyd Nesbitt, DPM, Toronto, Canada
02/28/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
Leonard's passing leaves a large vacancy in my heart and in the profession that he loved. I first got to know him when he was dean at Des Moines, and I had become dean at Barry. He was a great mentor to me and always picked up the phone when I called, regardless how petty the issue. He was a progressive advocate for podiatric medicine, always stressing the primary care aspects of our profession and our roles therein. He was involved in the late '80s and early '90s in the evolution of the podiatric primary care residency concept that was funded by the government for many years. Many people are not aware that he was instrumental in developing the board certification process for podiatric public health.
Though the board did not last long, it was key to getting the profession recognized through the Podiatric Health Section of the APHA, for which he served as...
02/28/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
We stand upon the shoulders of giants. I never had the opportunity and honor to meet Dr. Levy. Anytime that he commented on my various public letters, he was always kind, considerate, and added value to my thinking. Just recently, I accompanied my wife to medical appointments at various orthopedic group practices here in Vegas. DPMs were included in virtually every practice I encountered! The degree of public acceptance of DPMs among other medical providers astonished me. Dr. Levy had a lot to do with this. Perhaps the most.
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, Henderson, NV
Dr. Levy was a gentleman, a friend, and a role model to and for everyone lucky enough to be a student, resident, or faculty member on his watch.
Dave Mullens, DPM, JD
02/27/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
Drs. Tilden Sokoloff and Josh Gerbert very nicely described Dr. Leonard Levy. This is a very sad moment in our profession when one of the most accomplished and visionary leaders of our profession has passed on. When Dick Lanham left as president of the California College, I was the Academic Dean of the school. A search for a new president was initiated. I witnessed many accomplished applicants for this position.
When Dr. Levy applied, was there ever a thought as to who in our profession was better suited for that position? Was there any person in our profession who was more accomplished in the field of podiatric medical education than Dr. Levy? The choice was simple. He added the title of president of CCPM to his many leadership positions in our profession. It is unlikely that anyone will ever fill his shoes.
Lawrence Oloff, DPM, Burlingame, CA
02/27/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
When I was president of the International Federation of Podiatrists (FIP), we approached Dr. Levy and a few others on creating the International Model of Podiatric Practice which still is relevant today. He was a real gentleman and a pleasure to work with, and has left his mark globally.
Robert Chelin, DPM, Toronto, Canada
Permit me to add my shock of Dr. Leonard Levy's passing. He was an honest and devoted individual to his family and our profession. Deepest sympathy to his family. We have lost a great educator and contributor to the profession. May he rest in peace.
Arthur E. Helfand, DPM
02/24/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1E
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
Leonard was a true visionary for the future of our profession. When he became the Academic Dean of the California College of Podiatric in in the early 1970s he immediately began to lay a plan for our profession that would equate us with the education and training of allopathic and osteopathic medicine. I was one of the young fortunate residents at Highland Alameda County General Hospital in Oakland, California, the main trauma teaching center in the area.
As I continued my training both at that facility and the Podiatry Hospital at the California College of Podiatric Medicine, Leonard proposed a Masters program in medical education. His belief was that our profession needed to not only train well qualified podiatric residents but to give them the necessary tools to hopefully become...
Editor's note: Dr. Gerbert's extended-length letter can be read here.
02/24/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
Last night, I read the tribute to Dr. Levy written by another giant of our great profession of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, Dr. Tilden Sokoloff. I was a very young man, 22 years old, when interviewed by Dr. Levy in December 1970 to begin studies for the DPM degree in September 1971. I visited his office to say hello during the 1st and 2nd years and always found him at his desk writing grant proposals, articles, or challenging editorials forever elevating this profession. He was a living and breathing role model. Yes, he indeed had the ability to make you smile, as so eloquently stated by Dr. Sokoloff. I have so many stories to tell about the incredible achiever, so I limit my responses to a single event from the past decade.
When Dr. Lawrence Harkless and I began consulting on the development of Western University of Health Science College of Podiatric Medicine in September 2006, the first person we called was Dr. Levy who without hesitation agreed to selflessly give of his time to promote our success. He served for years and became the constant driving force on our Dean’s Advisory Committee; always developing challenging tasks to improve education and growth potential of the new college. He attended the very first White Coat Ceremony for the class of 2013. I am so glad we had a chance to acknowledge his importance to the college and profession. Over the past half century, he was ever present in my life, never changing. Yes, he had the ability to just make you smile! Rest in peace dear friend. You will never be forgotten.
Lester J. Jones, DPM
02/24/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
I'm so very disappointed and with a heavy heart to learn of Leonard's passing. He was an understated elite giant and educator in our realm and one of my greatest heroes. It would be impossible to overstate his importance to the profession of podiatric medicine and surgery. I came to know Leonard (through my dear friend Dr. Harvey Lemont) in the academic arena over the years--going back at least 50 years. In those days, he was one of the very few voices recognizing the critical importance of physician definition as well as advanced residency medical training, competency, and scope of practice. His medical knowledge, competency, and sense of vision were incredible.
We engaged in numerous long conceptual discussions over the years about our podiatric identity and where we needed to go as a sub-specialty. In hindsight, he was always right in his views and inspiration. He was a teacher extraordinaire. I could go on and on about this incredible and inspiring podiatric physician. I will leave it to others to fill in the blanks on this brilliant man and gentleman. Today, I have a deep sense of loss. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, my magnificent soldier and friend.
Harold W. Vogler, DPM
I was lucky enough to have Dr. Levy as a mentor in podiatry school at what was then the College of Podiatric Medicine at The University of Osteopathic Medicine in Iowa. I was in the second class there and he was Dean and a teacher. I still use some of the pearls he taught me in clinic. He helped me through my entire four years as friend and mentor. I will never forget his kindness and insight.
Steven Gershman, DPM, Auburn, ME
02/24/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Leonard A. Levy, DPM, MPH (Tilden Sokoloff, MD, DPM)
We have lost a giant of the profession, a true gentleman and scholar. Our conversations were always about moving the profession forward. He was a pioneer in podiatric education, podiatric public health, and podiatric research. He never retired, as it was not in his nature. His countless contributions to research and publications are legendary and his name is immortalized in our history. May his memory serve as a source of comfort and solace for his family, friends, and the profession he loved.
Jeffrey M. Robbins, DPM
Hearing of the loss of Leonard Levy, DPM, MPH hit me like a ton of bricks. Much will be said about his well lived life and awesome contributions to our profession in the days ahead. No one was as impressive a role model and a greater inspiration to me than Leonard Levy was. The opportunities that I had to stop and speak with him at conferences will forever be precious to me and etched in my memory. He was always the first person that I mentioned when speaking about the growing group of our colleagues who showed us what else a podiatrist could do and what they could achieve. What a great man we lost, but what a fine legacy he left behind. RIP.
Alan Sherman, DPM, Boca Raton, FL
02/24/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Thank you, Dr. Sokoloff for that history on our dear colleague, Dr. Leonard A. Levy. I have known him for several decades but did not know many of his accomplishments. He was also a major force in podiatry with regard to getting us included in the American Public Health Association. Thank you, Len for all you have done to move our wonderful profession forward and assume a larger role in the healthcare of America.
Chris Robertozzi, DPM, Newton, NJ
One of our GREATS has passed on. I just got chills when I read of Dr. Levy’s passing. I made it my business to get to know this incredible human being who was dedicated to podiatry like no other that I know. What a kind and sharing friend and physician he was. I will truly miss him, and I know so will the profession. I salute you Dr. Levy. You were truly an inspiration to me about what a person can do in life.
Ivar E. Roth DPM, MPH, Newport Beach, CA
I had the pleasure to work with Leonard in California. A great teacher and a gentleman.
Gene Spector, DPM
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