|
.png)
|
|
|
|
Search
04/19/2014
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Roy Corbin, DPM
From Jeff Ross, DPM
When I heard the sad news of Roy's passing, I was overcome with grief and could not write these words until today. I feel as if AASPM (and I personally) have lost more than just a colleague and friend. I got to know and befriend Roy during my junior year at NYCPM when he was my resident. As so many have stated, Roy reached out and became everyone's friend. Roy loved Bangor - the ice fishing, the skiing, the people, and his patients. He adopted Maine as his home, and with it, were all his down Eastern lobstermen jokes. Roy could make you laugh so easily. It was there that Roy raised Garrett and Brandon. He loved them and was so proud of them. He would bring them to meetings so he could share his family with us. Roy also contributed so much the field of podiatry in Maine. He often shared with us his work with the teams and with Special Olympics.
I remember our days on the board together. Mark Julsrud said it best when he referred to Roy as Roy Boy. He was truly a young spirit, and wanted to share laughter and camaraderie with all his friends. We were his family as well. He was truly a good soul. Friday night, I said kaddish (memorial prayers) for Roy, and will continue to say them for the 30-day mourning period. As an Academy, we have lost a brother and friend. May God grant him eternal peace. Our deepest sympathies to Garrett, Brandon, Susan, and his family.
Jeff Ross, DPM, Houston, TX
Other messages in this thread:
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1D
RE: The Passing of Arthur Ervin Helfand, DPM
I am deeply saddened hearing the news of the passing of Arthur Helfand He was both a mentor and friend over many years. He brought our profession to a higher standard in the medical community in the 1960s and 70s. He was instrumental in guiding and encouraging me to apply to the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. I was the first podiatrist who was accepted for an MPH degree when only medical doctors, dentists, and nurses were accepted there.
He gave me the opportunity to open up our profession to a higher standard of acceptance throughout the medical community. An MPH degree for podiatrists is now encouraged and sought after by many graduates, becoming of part of the mainstream healthcare community.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Joseph S Fox, DPM, MPH
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
RE: The Passing of Arthur Ervin Helfand, DPM
The profession lost one of its greats. Unfortunately, many of the younger podiatrists likely never knew him or even heard of him. Dr. Helfand was also my teacher. I still remember his “hey Doc” salutations, his slight smile, his love of teaching. He was one of our professions’ leaders. He was critical part of the St Luke's Residency in Philadelphia. He one of the first podiatrist to enter the hallowed halls of allopathic medicine in Philadelphia. Truly a pioneer. He was one of the luminaries of our profession. He was always around others bigger than life podiatrists such as Dr. Irv Kanat.
One personal story. When I graduated Temple, my first job was at the VA in Washington, DC. Out of the blue comes a letter from Dr. Helfand. He said the APMA attorney had a beautiful daughter and I should call her. We’ll that letter went in my wallet. Several months later, I was cleaning out my wallet and found that letter which I thought I threw away. I was never a big fan of blind dates but decided what the heck!. Well, now 46 years later, that girl still has the same twinkle in her eyes, with plenty of kids and grandkids, all the result of Dr. Helfand. I still have that note.
Lawrence Oloff, DPM, San Francisco, CA
08/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Arthur Ervin Helfand, DPM
Very simply, Arthur Helfand was a mensch! May his memory be for blessings.
Arden Smith, DPM
Arthur Helfand DPM, was a legend long before there was such a field called podiatric medicine and surgery. Art was a chiropodist by training and if it wasn’t for Arthur, I would never had applied to the Giuffre College of Podiatry at St. Luke’s Hospital. I was in the First class of what became the Pennsylvania College of Podiatric Medicine. He along with Jim Bates, DSC assured me that we would graduate as podiatrist, and a new day was arising from the ashes of Temple University College of Chiropody.
Art was smart, a graduate of Central High in Philly, that had more Mensa people come out of that high school than most. He was a passionate, caring human being. Always pushing students to do better. Through his close relationship with...
Editor's note: Dr. Sokoloff's extended-length letter can be read here.
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
07/09/2026
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
05/01/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
My deepest condolences to Dr. Gerry Gorecki, my past Director at the West Haven VA Hospital Podiatric Residency program, and still serving with the Yale New Haven Hospital Podiatric Residency program, on the passing of his brother Richard. I had the pleasure of working with Richard in the past years, both at the West Haven VA during my residency, and in his office in Madison, CT. Richard was dedicated to his practice and the VA Hospital.
R.I.P. Richard and thank you for leaving your accomplishments in our profession.
Glenn C. Vitale, DPM, West Haven, CT
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
04/02/2026
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
03/24/2026
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
03/23/2026
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.
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
When you achieve life to age 99, you must not only be lucky but perhaps you did good things during your professional life. Carlos was very active in advancing the podiatric profession not only in North Carolina but also with the APMA in the earlier days. I personally had the opportunity to work with him when I was President of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association in the 1970-'80s. He will be greatly missed in this profession. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
03/10/2026
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Neal Kruman, DPM
I would like to report to PM News the loss of Dr. Neal Kruman, a 1966 graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and a past resident at Civic Hospital, which was one of the first podiatry hospitals in Detroit, Michigan to have a surgical residency program. Neal was quite active in the Michigan area for many years. He was my roommate for our freshman and sophomore years at Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and needless to say will be greatly missed.
 |
Dr. Neal Kruman |
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Shirley and family and to state he was a great friend and colleague and will be missed by many of his classmates. May he rest in peace.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
|
| |
|
|
|
