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
04/22/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Ronald F. "Ronnie" Carroll, DPM
Dr. Ronald "Ronnie" Carroll, 68, passed away on March 15, 2025. Dr. Carroll received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Carroll completed his post-graduate training in Podiatric Surgery at Lawndale Community Hospital in Philadelphia where he served as chief resident. Dr. Carroll is Board Certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Source: Goldstein's Funeral Directors
04/21/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Maurice R. Gardner, DPM
Dr. Maurice R. Gardner, "Moe", 73, of Lewiston, Maine, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025 at Andwell Hospice House in Auburn after a quick decline in his health.
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Dr. Maurice Gardner |
He graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During his working years, Moe had his own podiatry practice in Lewiston, Maine.
Source: Legacy.com
04/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
Bob Russo was a remarkable healer, a compassionate leader, and a deeply loved member of the podiatric community. He had an impactful presence on the lives of so many—patients, colleagues, friends, and family. Dr. Russo led a life in the service of others. Through tireless work, long hours, and unwavering commitment, he brought comfort and healing to countless people. Whether it was through a kind word, a careful diagnosis, or simply the gift of presence, Dr. Russo reminded us what it means to truly care.
He was to me a wonderful mentor, a patient teacher, a thoughtful listener, and a friend. Many of us remember his musical talents on display at the annual conference. The legacy Dr. Russo leaves behind is one not just of professional excellence, but of deep humanity. Rest in peace, Dr. Russo. You have touched more lives than you could ever know, and your memory will forever be a blessing.
Michael R Borden, CAE, NYSPMA Executive Director (2013-2017)
04/11/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 3
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Manzo's passing. He was a professor of anatomy back in 1969 and also a clinician when I was a first year student at NYCPM. May he rest in peace.
J Scott Davis, DPM
04/11/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
RE: The Passing of Sanford Kaner, DPM
Dr. Sandy Kaner, 81, of Arizona and Michigan where he practiced for 38 years, passed away on Feb. 28, 2025. He graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1970 and was residency director and involved with training for many years in Michigan.
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Dr. Sanford Kaner |
Many podiatrists looked up to him as a devoted mentor. I was one of his residents and have appreciated his training and advice for most of my life. Rest peacefully, Sandy. You will be loved and remembered by many.
Richard Jaffe, DPM
04/10/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Andrew A. Manzo, DPM
Dr. Andrew A. Manzo, 93, of Bethpage, NY, passed on March 29, 2025. He was formerly of Farmingdale, where he had his podiatry practice for over 70 years.
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Dr. Andrew Manzo |
Dr. Manzo graduated from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in 1954.
Source: Legacy.com
03/25/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Martin Conserva, DPM
Dr. Martin Conserva, 102, of Clifton, New Jersey, passed away on January 14, 2025. He practiced as a podiatrist for over 55 years.
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Dr. Martin Conserva |
Dr. Conserva was a member of the NJ Podiatry Society and received a Distinguished Recognition Award from the American Podiatric Medical Association in grateful appreciation for his professional dedication.
Source: Morocco Memorial Chapel
03/21/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Louis J. Giordano, DPM
Dr. Louis Giordano passed away peacefully on March 2, 2025, at age 90. He was a proud alumnus of The New York College of Podiatric Medicine. Lou devoted his life to helping others, beginning his practice in 1963.
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Dr. Louis Giordano |
As a podiatrist, he was known not only for his expertise, but also for his unwavering kindness and generosity, treating both his patients and employees like family. His dedication to his practice and his community left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Source: Falvo Funeral Home
03/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Brent Peck Nixon, DPM
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Brent Nixon. I knew him when he was a resident at Kern Hospital, and remember him as smart, compassionate, and kind. He had a gift for bringing out the best in others, a true class act. My heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues.
Shawna Shapero, Bako Diagnostics
My very first rotation as a fourth-year podiatry student from SCPM was with Dr. Brent Nixon at the Tucson Arizona VAMC in 1990. Dr. Nixon was a wonderful mentor to me. He was always patient and generous with praise. His example has made me a better doctor!
Daniel Waldman, DPM
03/14/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
I am sitting in shock, processing the passing of my former partner at the Southern Arizona VA, Brent Nixon. To me, Brent was the most interesting man alive. From Truk island to the Merchant Marine Academy, to becoming a self-described “helicopter driver” in Vietnam to the footwear master for the US Corps of Cadets at West Point, he was a man like Odysseus who was never at a loss. With all that, he was a master clinician. He was beloved by his patients, his residents, his mentees, and me. RIP to a great and good man.
David G. Armstrong, DPM
03/13/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Brent Peck Nixon, DPM
Brent P. Nixon, DPM died at 77 on March 2, 2025. Dr. Nixon served as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. After serving in the Army, he received his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine in 1975. After a year residency at Kern Hospital near Detroit, he spent three years running his private practice from several offices in the Seattle area.
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Dr. Brent Nixon |
Brent rejoined the Army as a podiatrist, serving two tours. The first was at the Keller Army Community Hospital in West Point, followed by the Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. While he enjoyed both tours, he decided to settle down in Tucson with the VA Hospital as the Chief of Podiatry in 1987, until his retirement in 2006.
Source: Legacy.com
03/12/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Joseph Leonard McCarthy, DPM
Joseph Leonard McCarthy, DPM, 60, passed away on March 3, 2025. As a young man, he was a National Wrestling Champion who raised enough money to travel for competition in Iraq and Germany. He later went on to graduate from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine (1990) with a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine.
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Dr. Joseph McCarthy |
He began his podiatric career at Motor City Podiatry, for his brother-in-law, at both Warren & Dearborn locations. Joseph fostered the "visiting podiatrist" sector until 2007. He then decided to open his own homecare podiatry practice, which served Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. He enjoyed caring for his patients, as much as they loved having him for a doctor.
Source: Legacy.com
03/11/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
I am sad to learn of Dr. Boxer’s passing. Although he was no longer on NYCPM faculty when I was a student, I had the privilege of being a student of his through his co-directing of my residency program. He had a profound influence on me with my visits to his office. I was first amazed at the efficiency of his practice with the small footprint of the physical space.
What he left me, more importantly, was his contrasting approach to a podiatry practice that I witnessed from other practices. From his consultation room that he used extensively with his new patients to his use of diagnostic testing that he performed without being used for superfluous billing. To the idea of thinking like a problem solver as any physician will do for our patients’ concerns. May his memory be a blessing.
Charles Spatz, DPM (retired)
03/11/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Thomas M. Pokabla, DPM
Dr. Pokabla was one of 60 attendings who brought cases to the very busy Austintown Surgery Center covered by the Youngstown PSR-12 residents when I was there 1988-89. He was always cheerful, funny, and often times turned his whole case over to the residents. The five residents schemed and fought to scrub his cases.
I also rounded with him at the Warrentown rehab hospital where he provided routine foot care and the staff and patients loved him. I regret that I never made the effort to thank Tom and all the other attendings that took time out of their busy lives to train residents.
Ernest Louk, DPM, Las Vegas, NV
03/10/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2B
From: Joseph D’Amico, DPM
I have been fortunate in my life to have had many great mentors, including Drs. Richard O. Schuster, Justin Wernick, and Herman R. Tax in orthopedics, Renato J. Giorgini in surgery, and Myron C. Boxer in medicine, so it was with great sadness that I learned of his passing.
I first met Dr. Boxer as a New York College of Podiatric Medicine student in his podiatric medicine course. I immediately recognized him to be always organized, always meticulously prepared, and always professional in his demeanor and attire. Little did I dream that in the not-too-distant future, I’d be director of the NYCPM orthopedics department and get to know and work side by side with “Mike”, the iconic director of...
Editor's note: Dr. D'Amico's extended-length letter can be read here.
03/10/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2A
RIP Dr. Boxer. Great mentor. I had the privilege of training with Dr. Boxer, Dr. Barkin and Dr. Shapiro at Peninsular hospital. They were like family to me.
Damaneon Smith, DPM
Like Dr. Spinner, I too remember Mike well from my days at Peninsula Hospital as a resident. In fact, my uncle was his patient. Mike would hold office hours in the evening one or two nights per week for those who could not come in during the day due to work. I spent many days in his office. He certainly was a stickler for appropriate protocol; in fact he kept an actual timer at the scrub sink at the hospital and he would set it for 5 or 10 minutes depending if it was the first case or not and you had to scrub for the entire time until the timer went off.
He was learned and a great resource and I never found him to be arrogant, just demanding that all students and residents act like the professionals whom we swore an oath to be. He certainly contributed to where I am now. May he rest in peace.
Vince Marino, DPM, Novato, CA
03/10/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Thomas M. Pokabla, DPM
Dr. Thomas M. Pokabla passed away Monday morning, March 3, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic, surrounded by loved ones. He then went on to podiatry school at The Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine after a chance encounter with a local podiatrist who piqued his interest in podiatric medicine.
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Dr. Thomas Pokabla |
Tom practiced medicine in Howland for over 50 years in the same office, with patients coming from all over northeast Ohio to be cared for by him.
Source: Tribune Chronicle [3/6/25]
03/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Steven Spinner, DPM
I had the privilege and honor of being one of Dr. Boxer's "selected" students when I was at NYCPM. That meant that you were invited to his office. I remember sitting in his office until midnight every Tuesday seeing patients. Just watching him interact and treat patients gave me a unique perspective on what it meant to be a "podiatric physician".
He was a "doctor" in a time when most podiatrists simply were not. As Director of my 2nd year residency program at Peninsula Hospital, he also taught me what is was like to be a true member of the medical staff. He was respected by all of his allopathic colleagues. He looked the part, walked the walk, and talked the talk. He elevated our profession at a critical time in our history. Rest in peace Mike.
Steven Spinner, DPM
03/07/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Seth Rubenstein, DPM
A fortunate gift best describes my introduction to Mike Boxer 48 years ago. At the time, I was an undergraduate student exploring several career options. Mike welcomed me into his office which was also part of his home. Because my visits were frequent, I also came to know his charming wife, Karen.
Mike was a generous mentor and devoted friend. Our relationship extended through the full measure of a professional career and beyond. Mike will be revered and remembered by the thousands of students he helped educate and the countless patients whose lives he improved. My sincere condolences to Karen and the entire Boxer family.
Seth Rubenstein, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Myron "Mike" Charles Boxer, DPM
I am sorry to hear of Mike Boxer’s passing. He was one of my mentors and I remember spending time in his office learning injection therapy and treatment of arthritic conditions. I have fond memories of rotating through Jewish Memorial Hospital in Manhattan under his guidance in the early 1970s when hospital training was limited for podiatrists. May he rest in peace.
J. Scott Davis, DPM
I was a student at NYCPM Class of 1980. Dr. Boxer was our podiatric medicine teacher. Suffice it to say he had a unique personality, but I will never doubt his love of podiatry and his desire to impart the importance of the medical aspect of our specialty to his students. In fact, although I certainly veered away from a lot of the traditional medicine that he taught us, he definitely sparked a love of medical management within me that, in part, helped lead me to a career in functional and regenerative medicine for chronic foot and ankle pain. There is no question that Dr. Boxer played a pivotal role in my professional career. It is a shame that podiatry veered so far from what he was all about and decided that we should be a purely surgically trained specialty. May he rest in peace.
Robert Kornfeld, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Myron "Mike" Charles Boxer, DPM
I was saddened to learn of the passing of one my first true mentors, Dr. Myron Boxer. As a member of the NYCPM class of 1981, Dr. Boxer was one of the first clinicians we met who was strident in his desire to uniformly elevate all podiatrists by preaching behavior consummate with having a doctoral degree enabling the privilege to make independent treatment decisions. Although rigid in his thinking, if you ever visited his office, you almost had to be glad to have chosen the profession of podiatric medicine. He was enormously respected by students. Although he was not in any way soft in his approach to people, I know for a fact he had great pride in their future success. He regularly and proudly referred to former students who had achieved with distinction all across the United States.
He left NYCPM before my class graduated, and I had limited but always cordial contact with him after graduation. In 1998, when I became Chief of Podiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, he went out of his way to send me a congratulatory message, which I cherished. Dr. Boxer was the first to instill in me the appreciation and importance of mentorship, which became my professional raison d'etre, and greatly contributed to what has been and continues to be a glorious career. My deepest condolences to his family on their loss. May he rest in peace.
Bryan C. Markinson, DPM
03/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
Dr. Boxer was my professor at NYCPM when he was the chairman of the medicine department. He was a link from his professor, the late Dr. Steinberg, who is considered the father of podiatric medicine. Mike Boxer did not stop at being on the faculty of a college. He invited students and colleagues to observe him in his office. He even had meetings at his office with students and doctors to discuss the latest findings in the medical aspects of our profession.
I worked closely with Mike for many years on projects promoted by the American Society of Podiatric Medicine, which traced its roots back to the 1940s. When I became president of ASPM, he encouraged me and was an open ear to me whenever I needed his help. Mike was also an acclaimed lecturer in various areas of podiatric medicine. He never turned down a request to lecture on any topic. For many years, ASPM presented lectures at the SAM conference in Florida, Mike always joined us as a speaker or participant.
I will always miss him. May his memory be a blessing.
Elliot Udell, DPM
02/24/2025
OBITUARIES
RE: The Passing of Joseph John Rusin, DPM, MD
Joseph John Rusin, DPM, MD of Maumee, OH, passed away at home on Sunday, February 16, 2025. Joseph was a graduate of the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, and the Chicago Medical School.
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Dr. Joseph Rusin |
After completing his 5-year orthopedic residency at the University of Toledo Medical Center, he completed 3 fellowships. They included Foot and Ankle in Oakland, CA, Spine at Northwestern University in Chicago, IL, and the AO fellowship in Trauma in St. Galen, Switzerland. Before his fellowships, he practiced in Mequon, WI, and was a director of a podiatric residency program in Milwaukee, WI.
Source: Legacy.com
