08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
I was saddened to see the article announcing the passing of Dr. Helfand. From June 1975 until May 1976 Dr. Helfand was my director of residency at St. Luke’s and Children’s Hospital Philadelphia. He gave all his residence great advice and was always ready to listen to the newest podiatrists to our profession.
Joseph Sidone, DPM
I was saddened to learn of Arthur's passing. I worked with him at PCPM for many years; he was a tireless champion of Podiatric Public Health and a very prolific health care writer for the profession while at PCPM. He was the consummate gentleman. He served the profession with rare enthusiasm, hard work, and honor. RIP Arthur.
Harold W. Vogler, DPM
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B
I am saddened by the loss of Biff Kramer. He was a major force in the APMA. We served many years together at the APMA House of Delegates. Together we formed the Mid-States Coalition to facilitate elections and passage of key Resolutions. We have lost another pioneer.
Joel A. Feder, DPM
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A
RE: The Passing of Bruce "Biff" N. Kramer, DPM
Biff Kramer was so many things to so many people in more ways than most - a mentor to some and a hero to others. He was a major part of so many communities, including our own. For me, Biff was a mentor in the world of APMA politics. I got to know Biff during my early years at the HOD where I spent (what seemed like) hours standing at the back of the House with him. I always looked forward to his advice, counsel, and friendship over the years. My condolences to Heather and family as well as all of Biff's extended families within the communities he built.
Marlene Reid, DPM
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
RE: The Passing of Arthur Erwin Helfand, DPM
“Illustrious career” does not begin to capture the totality of contributions Dr. Helfand made to advance our profession. As students at PCPM in 1972, we all were aware that Dr. Helfand was passionate about public health and geriatric medicine. I remember so well how, in 1972, he told our class that the future of podiatry would be in diabetes and geriatrics. This was in 1972! I remember thinking how ridiculous this was. Diabetes? Geriatrics? What was this guy thinking about? Well, here we are in 2026. And he was correct, as he always was. He was highly respected in the general medical professions as he was in podiatry. He was an inspirational teacher, a scientist, an effective leader. Our inclusion in Medicare, the ability to prescribe physical therapy, the development of residency education, were to a large extent the result of his work and the respect for his accomplishments by those outside of podiatry.
If there were a Mount Rushmore of podiatry, his likeness would be gracing the entity. He was a powerful, pragmatic, humble but effective force which in no small way advanced our profession to its current state. Thank you for all you had the foresight to have done for podiatry Dr. Helfand. Those of us old enough understand and are forever grateful for your devotion and accomplishments for all of us.
Allen M. Jacobs, DPM
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Arthur Erwin Helfand, DPM
I write with a heavy heart to mark the passing of Dr. Arthur Helfand. I first encountered him in 1984 as a student at the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, and again from 1988 to 1989 as a resident (in my first residency) under his direction at the James C. Giuffre Medical Center — the oldest podiatric residency program in the country. As class president in 1987, I dealt with Arthur directly and often. One thing was never in question: he held the student and the educational process above all else, often above the interests of other faculty. That priority shaped how he led.
Arthur and I did not always agree. In fact, we found ourselves on opposite sides of more debates than I can count, including years later when I served as president of what is now the American College of Podiatric Medicine. But disagreement with Arthur was never petty — he argued from conviction, from decades of study, and from a genuine love of this profession. I always respected where he stood, even when I stood elsewhere.
His record speaks for itself: a past president of our national association, a champion of geriatric care for over sixty years, and for much of his career a quiet hand guiding many of our profession’s leaders from behind the scenes. He was a well-educated, deeply engaged contributor — a true harbinger of where podiatry needed to go.
Bret Ribotsky, DPM, Fort Lauderdale, FL
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Arthur Erwin Helfand, DPM
I am totally saddened by this bad news. So many of us worked with Dr. Helfand in so many different capacities. As president of the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, which was the oldest subspecialty group affiliated with the APMA, Dr. Helfand was active on our board of directors. He attended every meeting and helped guide us in every aspect of our existence. Of course, his pet projects dealt with podiatry and aging, and Dr. Helfand strongly expressed the fact that dentistry and so many other branches of healthcare have societies dedicated to the aging patient. To this end, we sponsored and gave lectures at various podiatric conferences on podiatry and aging.
In memory of Dr. Helfand we will devote our resources in the American Society of Podiatric Medicine to foot care and the aging patient. My last conversation with him was exactly on this. I invite anyone interested to contact me directly so that we can fulfill what meant so much to Dr. Helfand and may his memory be a blessing for all of us.
Elliot Udell, DPM
07/31/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Arthur Erwin Helfand, DPM
Dear friend, mentor, and colleague, I learned so very much from you over the years and will greatly miss your advice and counsel. Thank you. Rest in Peace.
David George, DPM
I count myself fortunate to have been among the scores of podiatrists who trained under Art Helfand. He was a podiatrist for all podiatrists. Whether it was teaching, lecturing, writing and publishing, or holding various leadership offices within the profession, Art was always available to chat and inspire. He was a straight shooter and his advice was always welcome and spot on. Without a doubt, he was a giant in our profession. My deepest condolences to Myra, Louis, and Jennifer.
Jeffrey S. Gerland, DPM
07/29/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 3
RE: The Passing of Larry Jay Grossinger, DPM
Dr. Larry Jay Grossinger, 81, Scranton, died Sunday morning at home after a long illness. In 1971, upon graduation from the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, he returned to Scranton to establish an active podiatry practice.
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Dr. Larry Grossinger |
Dr. Grossinger was a founding member of the Rap House, now the Community Intervention Center, and was a recipient of its Fern Smith Tepper Award. He served as past president of B’nai B’rith Amos Lodge, and was a member of the Jewish Home. He served as chairman of the Lackawanna County Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse, a role and organization he held in especially high regard.
Source: Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home
07/29/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Bruce "Biff" N. Kramer, DPM
We are sad to report the recent passing of Brice "Biff" N. Kramer, DPM of Winter Park, Florida. Dr. Kramer was a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Following a rigorous surgical residency at Beth Israel Medical Center, he relocated to Central Florida, where he spent decades providing essential foot and ankle care to patients across Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Winter Park, and Kissimmee. He was a highly respected clinician within Upperline Healthcare and the Orlando Foot and Ankle Clinic, holding staff privileges at both AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health ORMC.
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Dr. Bruce "Biff" Kramer |
Perhaps his most profound and lasting impact was born out of his own personal journey. As a recovering addict, Dr. Kramer turned his private battles into a beacon of hope for others in the medical community. Understanding the unique pressures and isolation faced by healthcare professionals struggling with substance abuse, he became a pivotal force in establishing the Professionals Resource Network (PRN) / Physicians Recovery Network. Through this vital initiative, he championed advocacy, peer support, and confidential rehabilitation, helping countless physicians, podiatrists, and healthcare workers navigate their own paths to recovery and reclaim their lives and careers.
07/29/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Arthur Erwin Helfand, DPM
Dr. Arthur Erwin Helfand, 91, of Narberth, PA, beloved husband, father, doctor, mentor, and friend, passed away on July 25 in Haverford, PA. He devoted his professional life to podiatry, public health, aging, and caring for others. During Dr. Helfand’s illustrious career, he served in various capacities at the James C. Giuffre Medical Center, Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, was a consultant for the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, served on the boards of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the Pennsylvania Diabetes Academy, and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Arthur Helfand |
Dr. Helfand wrote numerous articles and contributed as the editor for several textbooks. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Podiatry Management magazine and earned a fellowship from the American College of Physicians. He also served as President of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Aside from helping others, his passions were music, travel, and photography.
Source: Legacy.com
07/21/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Joseph Martin Quezada, DPM
It is with great sadness that we report the recent passing of Dr. Joseph Quezada, 80 of Laredo, TX. Dr. Quezada served in the military as an Army doctor from 1972-1974 and earned the National Service Defense Medal.
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Dr. Joseph Quezada |
Dr. Quezada earned with podiatric medical degree from the California College of Podiatric Medicine. He practiced podiatry for almost 50 years, offering care in Laredo, TX, for the past 10 years.
Source: Hernandez, Lopez, and Sons Funeral Home
07/21/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Spencer Dubov, DPM
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Dr. Spencer Dubov on July 19, 2026 at the Age of 90. Dr. Dubov earned his podiatric medical degree at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1960.
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Dr. Spencer Dubov |
"Spence" practiced in Key Gardens and Commack, NY for more than 60 years. He served on the Executive Board of the Queens Division of the New York State Podiatric Medical Association for many years and contributed to professional discussions regarding podiatric medical practice management. He will be missed by those who knew and loved him.
07/20/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Michael Chambers Porter, DPM
Michael "Mike" Chambers Porter, age 79, of Summerfield, NC, passed away on July 7, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro. He was very proud to have served several years as a Reserve Officer in the Navy Medical Service Corps.
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Dr. Michael Porter |
Mike earned his podiatric medical degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine. For most of his career, Mike practiced medicine in Jacksonville, NC, providing skilled and compassionate medical and surgical care to his patients until retiring at the age of 60.
Source: The Daily News [7/16/26]
07/17/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of John Marcus Warren, Sr.. DPM
Dr. John M. Warren Sr., born in St. Louis, Missouri, and longtime resident of Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100. Dr. Warren was a trailblazer, recognized as one of the first African American podiatrists in the State of Minnesota. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy in World War II (1944-1946).
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Dr. John Warren Sr. |
Throughout his life, he was admired for his dedication to his profession, his service to his country, and his unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Source: Washburn McReavy Funeral Home
07/15/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Rayburn Roetman, DPM
Dr. Rayburn Lee Roetman, 90, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on July 4, 2026. Ray was surrounded by his family. Rayburn completed his doctoral degree at the California College of Podiatric Medicine. In 1960, Ray and his wife Jan moved to Owatonna Minnesota to begin his podiatry practice. Ray immersed himself in the community as chairman of the Steele County Heart Fund, Junior Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club.
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Dr. Rayburn Roetman |
In 1970, the Roetman Podiatry Clinic was built. For the next 34 years, the practice grew to locations in Waseca and Faribault. Dr. Roetman mentored and worked with several other doctors, nurses, and staff members in a job he loved. In addition, Dr. Roetman spent several years as President of the Minnesota Podiatry Association.
Source: The Globe [7/13/26]
07/14/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Enoch Mixon, DPM
Dr. Enoch Mixon, a lifelong resident of Washington, DC, passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, DC, on July 8, 2026, at the age of 101. He graduated from the Temple University School of Chiropody in 1959. He had a thriving private practice in podiatry in Washington, DC for 30 years. His commitment to his profession also included serving on the District of Columbia Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners for thirteen years.
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Dr. Enoch Mixon |
Dr. Mixon was a charter member of the National Podiatric Medical Association, a lifetime member of the Academy of Ambulatory Foot and Ankle Surgery, the American Podiatric Medical Association, and the District of Columbia Podiatric Medical Association. During his career, he was instrumental in training numerous podiatric residents at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Washington, DC.
07/10/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of James R. Hegarty, III, DPM
James R. Hegarty, III, 71 of Berkeley Township, passed from this life peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. He was a podiatrist and the owner and operator of Cliffside Footcare in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
He was an avid reader, loved history, and was a simple man who enjoyed keeping active with his spouse and dogs. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.
Source: Ryan Funeral Home
07/09/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I was also sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Kay Hara. He was one of the early doers promoting podiatry in California when I was a student at OCPM over 60 years ago. The profession will miss him and so will I.
Steven Berlin, DPM
07/09/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Craig Owen Jacobs, DPM
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Craig Owen Jacobs, 74, on July 4th, 2026.
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Dr. Craig Jacobs |
He attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, receiving the Most Proficient in Podiatric Surgery Award upon graduation.
Source: Legacy.com
07/08/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Thomas Martin Sullivan, DPM
Thomas M. Sullivan, DPM, Age 97, of Oshkosh died Friday, July 3 at Aurora Medical Center. Tom served in the medical department in the U. S. Army from 1950 to 1952 with the 397th Evacuation Hospital Semimobile.
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Dr. Thomas Sullivan |
Tom graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago in 1954 and practiced in Detroit, Michigan and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin before retiring in 1990. Tom was a life member of the American Podiatric Medical Association as well as the Wisconsin Society of Podiatric medicine.
Source: Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes
07/06/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Kay Satoshi Hara, DPM
Kay Satoshi Hara, DPM, 88, of Santa Paula, passed away at his home on Saturday, June 27, 2026. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Panama.
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Dr. Kay Hara |
Dr. Hara was a podiatrist for over 50 years with his office in Santa Paula, CA.
Source: Ventura County Star [7/2/16]
07/04/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of E Ronald Wright, PhD
Dr. E Ronald Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on June 27, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Ron leaves behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to live on through the thousands of students he taught, the nurses, physicians, and podiatrists he mentored, and the family and friends who loved him dearly.
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Dr. E Ronald Wright |
He received his PhD in microbiology from Purdue University in 1970. Following graduate school, Dr. Wright served as Assistant Dean of Pre-Clinical Education at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine, where he helped shape the education and careers of countless podiatric physicians.
Source: Legacy.com
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