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08/12/2024
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Frank Donald Tomasello, DPM
Dr. Frank Donald Tomasello (July 15, 1934 - July 27, 2024) recently celebrated his 90th birthday and passed away on the day of his 55th wedding anniversary, July 27. He was a graduate of UC Berkeley, and CCPM. Don practiced in Castro Valley, CA (East Bay area) for 40 years, where he was Chief of Podiatry at Eden Hospital. Don was my mentor and an excellent podiatrist, person, and friend. I met Don while I was in high school, and he introduced me to podiatry as a career.
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Dr. Frank Tomasello |
He assisted me in starting my private practice and in surgery, as well as other young podiatrists in the area. He was the ultimate professional and had a heart of gold, always willing to help and give advice. He was very well liked by his patients, medical staff, and the community. He enjoyed nature, hiking, skiing, and cooking. May he rest in peace. My condolences to his wife Penny and his children David and Vanessa, who he was so proud of.
Tim Dutra, DPM, Castro Valley, CA
Other messages in this thread:
07/12/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
I am saddened, like so many of us, to hear of the passing of Dennis Shavelson. Dennis and I lectured at many seminars. What strikes me about him is how dedicated he was to the art of biomechanics. For many years, he owned his own lab and would run seminars at his lab. My last conversation with him was when he called me and let me know that he would coach me on biomechanics.
He also let me know that he no longer had his lab, but was solely interested in promoting all that he had learned about it to as many of his colleagues as possible. That was real dedication.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
07/10/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Paul Kesselman, DPM
I am saddened by Dr. Shavelson's death. He helped so many students learn about our fine podiatry profession.
Daniel Chaskin, DPM
I am quite saddened to hear about the passing of Dennis Shavelson both as a friend from yesteryear and a mentor. Back in the late seventies and early 1980s, as everyone knows, there were way more graduates of podiatry school than there were residency programs. Dennis opened his office to a surgical/biomechanical preceptorship through NYCPM. This enabled many students who did not match but nevertheless were in the top of their class to receive post-graduate training of one- or two-years duration. His program prepared many who eventually either went on to match in residency programs, or prepared them to thrive in private or institutional practice. Due to his diligent teaching and the caseloads preceptors handled, most of his students were taught the skills needed to eventually log sufficient cases, enabling them to receive surgical or orthopedic board certification.
In 1981, he had two practices in the South Bronx which catered primarily to the...
Editor's note: Dr. Kesselman's extended-length letter can be read here
06/30/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. Not only were we classmates; we had recently become reconnected while at conferences in Chicago. He was a gentle soft-spoken man, but he spoke his mind when necessary and made his point clear. He will be missed by all that were fortunate to have known him. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. RIP Joe.
Thomas A. Graziano, DPM, MD, Clifton, NJ
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.
06/27/2025
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
06/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Joseph L Carbone, DPM
Dr. Joseph L Carbone, passed away this June 23, 2025. He was a dedicated MIS podiatric physician and surgeon who practiced in Rochester NY for 42 years. Dr. Carbone was president of the American College of Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons. He served as president of the Monroe county legislation, Chief of Podiatry, Podiatric Residency Director, and Division Chief at all Rochester hospitals.
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Dr. Joseph Carbone |
He was very active politically, fighting for a plenary license for podiatric physicians. A valued community member, his legacy of compassion and excellence will be deeply missed.
Hartley Miltchin DPM, Stanley Blondek, DPM, MD and Severko Hrwynak, DPM, MD
06/24/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
A light-hearted story: I did not know Dr. McGlamry personally but I remember attending one of his lectures where he introduced himself in his classical southern drawl as follows:
"My name is Dalton McGlamry and I'm from Atlanta. Some of you may not know where Atlanta is, so I will tell you. When you leave Atlanta, then you're in GEORGIA!" I have always treasured that opening.
Joel Lang, DPM (retired), Cheverly, MD
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.
06/20/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Elliot Udell, DPM
Many of us are not aware of how much Dr. McGlamry did for the entire profession. At his prime, most podiatrists were first learning how to do the very basics in foot surgery. Residencies were rare and most of our colleagues graduated from podiatry school and went directly into private practice. He lectured all over the country at seminars.
Dr. McGlamry wrote a text which for many was the bible of foot surgery. In addition, he ran a mini residency in Atlanta where doctors, including me, would spend several weeks in order to learn anything from basic podiatry to advanced foot procedures. Dr. McGlamry also made himself available to any of us who needed guidance on how to handle a case. May his memory be a role model for others.
Elliot Udell, DPM, Hicksville, NY
06/19/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 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
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
From: Jay A. Wenig, DPM
I graduated from podiatry school in 1981 and went into the Air Force in October 1981. Back then, the Air Force had its own podiatry CME seminar held at Brooks Air Force Base. My first encounter with Dr. McGlamry was in January 1982 when Dr. McGlamry being the Air Force civilian liaison, came and lectured us for an entire eight-hour day. There were 33 podiatrists in the Air Force back then. The number is much smaller now and there is no longer a dedicated military CME meeting. Dr. McGlamry continued to do this for several more years and we had the magical experience of learning from Dr. McGlamry for an entire day all to ourselves.
He showed up with enough slide carousels to equal his height, as well with well edited 16mm movies with narration. For those of you who have never taken a picture or movie except with your cell phone, taking slides and making movies back then was real work. With the technology then available, taking a picture that was centered, in focus, and properly exposed took..
Editor's note: Dr. Wenig's extended-length letter can be read here.
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Michael W. Lawrence, DPM
It is with an abundance of sadness I write at the news of the passing of Dr. McGlamry. I first heard him speak as a student at ICPM in 1978 and he made an immediate impact. What a consummate professional! my first seminar that I attended after entering practice was the 1980 Podiatry Institute in Atlanta and I was blown away at the quality throughout. The lectures were excellent and few dared to violate their given time and the "stoplight" keeping things right on time.
A number of times I wrote to him, yes pen on paper or perhaps typewriter, with various questions pertaining to the profession or to patient care. He ALWAYS took the time to write back! One time I was going to be in the Atlanta area and conveyed this to him and asked if it would be possible to stop by his office. My letter had got there late, and the day before my departure, he had his office manager call and tell me he had several cases at Atlanta hospital the next morning and he would like me to meet him there and scrub in with him! Was I dreaming? I was so high I hardly needed the plane to fly me to ATL!
The word "great" is so overused but not in this case. The profound impact that this man (and his family) has had on our profession as a whole, and on individuals like me, cannot be overstated.
Michael W. Lawrence, DPM (retired)
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Joe Agostinelli, DPM
It’s with great sadness to hear of the passing of one of the giants of our profession, E. Dalton McGlamry, DPM. Others will comment on his singular accomplishments in advancing doctors of podiatric medicine and surgery, but I will comment on an aspect that many may not know.
Military DPMs have Dr. McGlamry to thank for their careers which have only been possible by the efforts of this giant of our profession - He was a reserve brigadier general in the armed forces. His determination and persistence led to the commissioning of DPMs in the USAF as Captains and ensured that military DPMs should be residency trained. Initially when military DPMs were assessed into the armed forces, residency training was not required and untrained podiatric surgeons for the most part were entered into the armed forces, especially in the USAF. Dr. McGlamry was responsible for making sure that those DPMs entering...
Editor's note: Dr. Agostinelli's extended-length letter can be read here.
06/18/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Lloyd Smith, DPM, Joe Boylan, DPM
There were several giants in our profession during the transition from routine care podiatry to hospital based foot and ankle surgery. Dalton was among those precious few. My generation (graduated in 1974) was among the first beneficiaries of surgical residency training, either led by these giants or their recently trained DPMs. I was fortunate enough to get to know many of these men and was inspired by their leadership to volunteer almost daily to enhance our profession. RIP, Dalton.
Lloyd Smith, DPM, Newton, MA
I was fortunate to have met him when I was a resident when he visited NYCPM in the mid- to late 1980s. Dr. McGlamry would speak in the old Joint Disease Hospital auditorium. He was charismatic, optimistic, genuine, and humble. A great man and a great life.
Joe Boylan, DPM, Ridgewood, NJ
05/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Mark J. Hanna, JD
It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our Legal and Legislative Counsel, Mark Hanna, JD, on Friday, May 23, 2025.
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Mark Hanna |
Mark’s dedication, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to our mission left a lasting impact on our organization. He represented TPMA for over 35 years with integrity and passion, advocating for the podiatric profession. His legal guidance and legislative insight were instrumental in shaping our direction, and he will be greatly missed both personally and professionally.
Melinda Daise, Executive Director and CEO, Texas Podiatric Medical Association
05/22/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Hugh Bryant, DPM
Recently, we lost one of our very own who served as Clinical Instructor in General Podiatry, now called Medicine Clinic at NYCPM. A son of Savannah, GA, he earned his DPM degree in 1975 and began teaching at The College (1979—2003), while running a private practice in Harlem and later relocating his practice to Brooklyn, NY. He was an avid lover of golf, photography, fixing cars, and most importantly, the practice of podiatry. Dr. Bryant devoted his life to bringing out the best in every student while coordinating extra-curricular basketball competition games between students and faculty.
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Dr. Hugh Bryant |
He leaves behind his wife (Grace) of 56 years, son (Hugh Jason), daughter (Kiera) and grandson, Elijah. Dr. Bryant will surely be missed by many in the profession who remember his stern teaching style and serious demeanor in clinic. His dedication to the success of every student and our profession will never be forgotten.
Wilma Hunt-Watts, DPM, Garden City, NY
05/16/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
William Van Pelt's passing is a loss to this profession. He was a real doer and not a talker. He was also a good friend! He will be missed by many of his friends and family.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
05/09/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
So sorry to hear about the passing of Bill Van Pelt. I just wanted to share some of Bill's highlights with his time spent with the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine (AAPSM). Bill became involved with the academy at its peak in popularity which was the decade of the '80s. It was during this time that he "rode the wave" and immersed himself into sports, which changed his life, personally and professionally. With his strong commitment to pursue sport medicine and sports, he literally became the "running foot doctor of Houston" and he himself completed 30 marathons during his career.
With the academy, he progressed from member to fellow, then board member and ultimately to the 12th president of the AAPSM in '89-'90. Bill also originated the annual AAPSM Dive Seminar which spanned a period of 30+ years. These seminars allowed Bill to pursue his passion for diving but also provided an opportunity for him to share his sports medicine expertise. He will be missed by many!
Rich Bouche, DPM, Brier, WA
05/08/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I first met Bill in 1990. I was able to attend a ACPSM SCUBA/Dive seminar. It was a great educational experience as well as world-class diving. Bill was an innovator as well as visionary in our profession. I kept up with his seminars for over forty years. This was great for my dive improvement and professional development.
My deepest sympathies to his wife Judy and family.
Ken Hatch, DPM, Annapolis MD
05/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Sad to see the news about Bill. We shared many days and nights together as members and presidents of the AAPSM Board. He was a leader in the world of podiatric sports medicine during its early days.
Over the years, we lost touch; but his passion and legacy will live forever in my heart. RIP, my friend.
Lloyd Smith, DPM
I worked with Bill Van Pelt for several years on the board of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. He was a joy to work with, and his enthusiasm for podiatry and sports medicine was contagious.
Paul Taylor, DPM
05/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Jack Rice from Connecticut. During my time as a delegate and on the Board of Trustees of the APMA, it was always a pleasure to see Jack and interact with him. He was an natural optimist and of course a great advocate for our profession and the APMA. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wonderful son Andrew and the rest of his family, rest in peace, my dear friend.
Harold Glickman, DPM
05/02/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Jack S. Rice, DPM
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Jack S. Rice, DPM, on April 27. A life member of CPMA and APMA, Dr. Rice was a past president of CPMA and served as a national delegate representing our association to APMA. He enjoyed a remarkable 60-year career in podiatry in Norwalk, Connecticut, with the final 30 years spent practicing alongside his son, Dr. Andrew Rice. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, and all those who had the privilege to know him.
Source: CPMA 2025 Spring Newsletter
04/26/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Fiffick’s passing. I came to know him through various roles I have had at the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine when he served on our board. He was always cheerful and had nothing but positive things to say whenever I encountered him, making it a pleasure to see him. I always found it interesting that he was a referee in the NFL for a number of years back when they barely got paid and it wasn’t a full-time job.
Podiatry has lost another giant who bettered the profession without seeking attention for all he did.
Scott Spencer, DPM
04/23/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
I am sorry to hear of Moe’s passing. He was a fixture in the community for years and was loved by his many patients. When I started practicing in Lewiston, he offered guidance and would send me his surgical patients. After he retired, he would take time to stop by my office to chat about the profession. Rest in peace Moe.
Christopher Sacco, DPM, Auburn, ME
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