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03/21/2024
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Allan Spencer, DPM
Allan Spencer, DPM passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on March 17th surrounded by his family. Dr. Spencer served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He then attended the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine graduating in 1958. He went on to private practice and to teach at OCPM for 39 years, giving his students an understanding of biomechanics and his uniquely dry sense of humor.
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Dr. Allan Spencer |
Dr. Spencer served as President of the American College of Podiatric Orthopedics (now ACPM). He lectured at a myriad of seminars on biomechanics of the foot and ankle throughout his career and influenced thousands of podiatrists.
Scott Spencer, DPM
Other messages in this thread:
04/20/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Andrew “Drew” Black, DPM
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Andrew “Drew” Black, who passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 69, surrounded by his loving family. Drew’s passing comes after a sudden and unexpected diagnosis of a rare and aggressive cancer.
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Dr. Andrew Black |
He graduated from Temple University School of Medicine in 1983. He was a board-certified podiatrist and certified wound specialist with surgical training from Kern Hospital.
Source: Star Gazette [4/17/26]
04/14/2026
REPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
It is with sadness that my wife and I received the news of Ed Smith's passing. When I relocated to Claremont, NH, a neighboring community, Ed was a welcoming colleague. We send prayers and warm thoughts and wish his family well.
John A. Parent, DPM
04/13/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Robert "Bob" Garber, DPM
Robert "Bob" Garber, age 78, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and podiatrist, passed away on April 5, 2026. Before his medical career, Bob answered the call of service, proudly serving in the United States Air Force, with postings in Denver, Colorado, and Dover, Delaware.
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Dr. Robert Garber |
Dr. Garber earned his podiatric medicine degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, embarking on a career defined by quiet dedication and genuine care for others. He served as a podiatrist for approximately 2.5 years at the New Orleans VA Hospital before beginning a remarkable 30-year tenure at the VA Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware — a career built on serving those who had served their country.
Source: Delaware Online
04/13/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Edward Patrick Smith Jr., DPM
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Edward Patrick Smith, Jr., age 75, on April 5th, 2026. Ed received his doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. In 1980, Ed, his wife Claudia and their first child, Meghan, moved to Springfield, VT due to a shared love of the mountains and to begin his podiatry practice.
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Dr. Edward Smith, Jr. |
Ed proudly gained surgical privileges at Springfield Hospital, the first podiatrist in Vermont to do so. He served as president of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Board for several terms, as well as holding other executive positions within the organization over the years. Ed was a member of OPEIU (Office and Professional Employees International Union), Local 45. He, working along with VPMA and OPEIU, was instrumental in getting the scope of medical practice expanded for podiatrists in Vermont.
Source: Legacy.com
04/09/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Patrick A. McShane, DPM
Patrick A. McShane, age 72, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026. He lived a life defined by dedication to his profession, service to others, and a tireless commitment to advancing medical care for patients and physicians across Missouri and beyond.
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Dr. Patrick McShane |
Dr. McShane graduated from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in 1991. Following graduation, he established a private podiatric practice that served communities throughout Springfield, Bolivar, West Plains, and Mountain View for more than 33 years. He served as President of the Missouri Podiatric Medical Association, working alongside state leaders, including Governor Mel Carnahan, to help pass legislation that advanced medical care and strengthened the practice of podiatry within the state.
Source: Legacy.com
04/08/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
I read of the passing of Hal Ornstein with tremendous sadness. Like so many in the podiatry world, Hal had a tremendous impact on my career in my early professional years. Whether it was making you feel comfortable at your first AAPPM show by a piano in the Pittsburg Airport Marriott or talking management strategy with his dog in his lap and a smile by the pool at Lago Mar, Hal possessed an innate gift for connecting people and sharing his passion for podiatry. He will forever be a pillar of the podiatry community (both for physicians and vendors alike), and his impact was immeasurable. Cheers and RIP.
Nick Turner, Co-CEO of Remy Laser
04/08/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Clay was a roommate of mine in the early 1970s. He was a quiet gentleman. He was also a chef. As students, we ate very well during that time. He was willing to cook, as long as we cleaned up.
Paul Taylor, DPM
04/08/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of David P Steed, DPM
David Steed passed on March 19, 2026 at the age of 88 at the Savannah Memorial Hospital located in Savannah, Georgia. David served in the Navy from 1956 to 1959 as a Navy diver.
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Dr. David Steed |
After college, he attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. His residency was at Northlake Hospital in Chicago, IL. He loved skydiving and logged over 100 jumps.
Source: Legacy.com
04/07/2026
OBITUARIES
The Passing of William Clayton "Clay" Cooper, DPM
Dr. William Clayton "Clay" Cooper, of East Sandwich, Massachusetts, has passed away at the age of 80. In his early years, Clay developed a strong work ethic while spending long days working and driving tractors on his family's apple orchard. This dedication carried throughout his life and into a distinguished career in podiatry, where he faithfully served his patients for more than 50 years.
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Dr. William Cooper |
Clay's unwavering dedication to his patients and his profession reflected a man who found deep meaning in caring for others. He will be remembered as a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, known affectionately as Papa, Poppy, and Captain.
Source: Legacy.com
04/06/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENT (OBITUARIES)
I grew up in Rochester, NY and as a youngster, I became friends with David’s younger brother Richard. I kept in touch with Richard over the years, and when I established my podiatry practice in Ithaca, NY, I began to get to know David through professional meetings. I also practiced in nearby Cortland, NY with my then brother-in-law and still close friend Andrew Chernow, DPM. Podiatrists in that community did not have surgical privileges at the local hospital.
When I applied for surgical privileges at Cortland’s hospital, David made a special trip to Cortland to meet with the administrative staff and spoke to them on my behalf. Thanks to David Chazan, both Andy and I received surgical privileges at Cortland’s hospital.
My deepest condolences go to the Chazan family who have lost a beloved family member and to the Rochester community who will miss David’s valuable contributions and podiatric services.
Evan F. Meltzer, DPM (retired), Rio Rancho, NM
04/03/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of David Vigdor Chazan, DPM
David Vigdor Chazan of Rochester, NY passed away on March 30, 2026 at age 84. David received a DPM degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He had a 50-year career as a podiatrist in the Rochester area, always providing exceptional care to all of his patients.
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Dr. David Chazan |
David was dedicated to advancing the field of podiatry. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He also served as president of the American College of Foot and Surgeons and New York State Podiatric Medical Association.
Source: Legacy.com
04/02/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: Celebrating the Wonderful Life of Hal Ornstein, DPM
Sunday April 26th at Howell High School Indoor Gymnasium, 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727, Doors open at 12:25 PM. Ceremony at 1 PM.
03/27/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Nicole Freels, DPM
Our profession has lost one of its most formidable and charismatic figures. To say Hal was a firecracker is an understatement... Hal was the fire and the cracker. He carried a spirit and passion that was undeniable and powerful. It was truly a privilege to be in his presence. When I first met him in 2000 as a student, I was immediately enamored with his enthusiasm and overall vigor for our profession. The amount of sun that radiated from him, and the desire to help literally anyone (and everyone), is to be admired. The gravitational pull he exuded is incredibly rare in our profession.
I recall how nervous I was to meet him and how honored I felt that he even paid attention to little ol’ me. If you know Hal, you know. As per Hal, he immediately took me under his wing. I nearly fell over when he gave me his personal cell and email and encouraged me to contact him as I was building my private practice out of residency, during the Great Recession. I gladly took him up on his offer, and our professional friendship grew. I was one of his “groupies.” However, being a groupie and having access to his brilliance came with one caveat:...
Editor's note: Dr. Freel's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
I would like to add my voice to the chorus of those acknowledging Hal Ornstein’s contributions to the profession of podiatry and the greater world. My relationship with Hal dated back to his 3rd year in podiatry school when he was trying to raise money for an OCPM yearbook. When Hal and I left that initial meeting, an idea was hatched that led to the creation of the APMSA Corporate Advisory Board, a Residency Program Corporate Advisory Board and, later, to the AAPPM and its Corporate programs.
The idea of inviting companies to invest in educational endeavors fed Hal's appetite, and what started as an ask for $150 turned into a lifetime of teaching and giving. He will be missed but his legacy of lifting podiatry will keep him alive for those who knew him and everyone else who has benefitted from his important work.
Jason Kraus
03/26/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
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
03/25/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES
From: Richard H. Mann, DPM, Bruce G. Blank, DPM
Hal was a truly kind, generous, loving, charitable soul. I am deeply saddened by his passing. The world is a lesser place for it.
Richard H. Mann, DPM
I was shocked and am very saddened by the recent passing of my friend, Dr. Hal Ornstein. He would be so thankful for and humbled by the thoughtful words of his friends and colleagues that have been posted on PM News and on Facebook. The posts concerning Hal were so well expressed and they were messages written from the heart about the type of person Hal was and the impact he had on others. I can tell you that he loved each of you.
He always appeared most satisfied when he was able to help anyone in need. As mentioned by those who’ve known and worked with Hal for years, he received many well-deserved accolades during his career. But what he appreciated most was simply the deep love shared with him by family and friends.
Hal and I first met at OCPM during...
Editor's note: Dr. Blank's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/25/2026
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of John Mwando, DPM
PM News is saddened to report the passing of John Mwando, DPM on March 9th. Dr. Mwando attended the University of Nairobi, Kenya and earned his medical degree with concentration in infectious disease. After moving to the United States, he attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, graduating with honors in 2007. Dr. Mwando completed a 3-year residency at St. Vincent's Hospital. Dr. Mwando was an attending physician at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Fifth Avenue Surgery Center, and Westchester Medical Center.
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Dr. John Mwando |
Dr. Mwando was a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and was board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Outside of medicine, Dr. Mwando's other interests include a love of soccer.
03/24/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Lynn Homisak
The passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein – an immeasurable loss. It's hard to add anything to the accolades posted on PM News by Peter Paicos and Bret Ribotsky of Hal’s personality, inspiration, and influence that he so generously and unconditionally gave to everyone in and out of our profession. Together, they captured the true persona that was Hal.
He was a student and I was a podiatric medical assistant when we first met (That was a long time ago!) Unsurprisingly, I was immediately drawn to his enthusiastic attitude and zest for life. Since then, we’ve been through a lot together, culminating in a valued long-time friendship.
I regarded him as my mentor, my educator, a younger “brother”, a scarecrow to my Dorothy, and...
Editor's Note: Lynn's extended-length letter can be read here
03/24/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 3
RE: The Passing of Richard F. Ambrose Jr., DPM
Richard F. Ambrose Jr., age 74, a longtime resident of Northville, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. Rick graduated from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he received his doctorate in 1980. He began his career as a podiatrist, working in several offices before opening his own practice in Adrian, Michigan, in the early 1990s.
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Dr. Richard Ambrose |
Through his dedication, intelligence, and warm personality, his practice quickly flourished. He later expanded, opening additional offices in Westland and Livonia. Over the course of more than 35 years, Rick built not only a successful career but also meaningful connections with generations of families in the communities he served.
Source: Casterline Funeral Home, Inc.
03/24/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Nicholas "Nick" Przystawski, DPM
Nicholas "Nick" Przystawski, DPM, 66, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 10. Dr. Przystawski served the Leesburg community as a podiatrist for 30 years. He was deeply committed to his patients and took great pride in his work, often spending long hours at the hospital and his office to ensure those in his care received the attention they needed.
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Dr. Nicholas Przystawski |
Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Przystawski lived an active and fulfilling life centered around family, community, and service. He had a deep love of the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, and cycling. He was especially passionate about Scouting and spent many years involved as a scout leader and mentor.
Source: Beyers Funeral Home
03/24/2026
OBITUARIES - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Howard "Heshy" J. Kattler, DPM
Dr. Howard J. Kattler, known to just about everyone as “Heshy,” passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the age of 91. He went on to Temple University, where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Howard Kattler |
He built a long career in podiatry and took real pride in his work, not just in caring for his patients but in being a leader in his profession. Over the years, he stayed active with the Delaware Podiatry State Society and was well known and respected by his colleagues.
Source: Delaware Online
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.
03/23/2026
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 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
03/20/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Bret M. Ribotsky, DPM
The world of podiatric medicine lost one of its brightest lights with the passing of Dr. Hal Ornstein — a Hall of Fame practitioner, a master of practice management, and a man whose infectious spirit transformed every room he entered. To those who knew him, Hal was more than a colleague. He was the living embodiment of what it means to practice medicine with joy, purpose, and an unrelenting commitment to lifting others along the way.
Within our profession, Hal occupied a singular place — our own Patch Adams. Much like the legendary figure immortalized by Robin Williams on screen, Hal understood something that many practitioners spend entire careers searching for: that humor, humanity, and healing are not separate pursuits but deeply intertwined ones. He walked into every lecture hall, every consulting room, and every professional gathering with that same...
Editor's note: Dr. Ribotsky's extended-length tribute can be read here.
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