|
|
|
|
|
Search
01/10/2020
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES)
RE: The Passing of Ronald J. Kaplansky
Ronald J. Kaplansky, age 75, passed away on January 8, 2020. He graduated from the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1972.
 |
Dr. Ronald Kaplansky |
Ron founded The Kaplansky Foot and Ankle Centers and has practiced podiatry for 35 years. He was well respected and was the first podiatrist to serve as the President of the Ohio State Medical Board.
Source: Columbus Dispatch [1/9/20]
Other messages in this thread:
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1C
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
I’m so glad to see your response to the podiatrist questioning the need to post obituaries in PM News. First of all, I give you credit for taking the high road in your explanation. I’m not sure I’d have that “self-control” if it were me responding!
Our profession is comprised of many who are friends, colleagues, fellow classmates, and residents living around the world. While we may not be in contact with them on a regular basis, it is an appreciated service of PM News to share the passing of our fellow podiatrists so that we might reach out to family and offer our condolences.
While we may be professionals to our community, we are all human beings who deserve recognition of our accomplishments in our lives and our passing at the end of life. I sincerely hope this newsletter continues to do both. Celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow podiatrists and give them a final farewell from all who knew them and cared for them.
Howard Zlotoff, DPM
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
From: Ira Cohen, DPM, Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
I respectfully disagree with Dr. Robert Gottlieb's characterization of the reporting as an obsession and a regularly reported headline. As a retiree, I find it informative to find out about the passing of colleagues whom otherwise I would not have known about. Occasionally, there is a classmate or someone I trained with or I trained. On a few occasions, I was able to send condolences to the family. Thank you and continue to post these.
Ira Cohen, DPM
Thank you, Dr. Block for printing obituaries sent to you. Unless passings are in the same city, there is little chance of learning that someone we knew in school or residency has passed on. The schools are not in the business of informing alumni of deaths.
It’s a wonderful tradition and a fine service to the profession. We easily lose contact with those podiatrists we swore we would stay in touch with when we graduated. It gives readers an opportunity and excuse to call members of a study group or fraternity to touch base again after all these years. And then we promise to stay in touch again until we read another familiar obituary. Maybe Dr. Gottlieb hasn’t been through many of those Schadenfreude moments. I’m grateful to you for printing the obituaries and the thoughtful podiatrists around the country who are kind enough to take the minute needed to send the notice to PM News.
Rod Tomczak, DPM, MD, EdD
11/05/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
From: Bruce Blank, DPM, Jerry Peterson, DPM, Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
I absolutely agree with Dr. Barry Block. Publishing obituaries of DPMs in PM News is important for all the reasons cited by Dr. Block. It is also a sign of respect and appreciation for those who are part of our special family and for those who have fought many of the battles on behalf of our profession.
Bruce Blank, DPM
I agree with PM News. Keep reporting the obits. Every so often, it is a classmate like Don Grim who I knew from school at ICPM and from practicing in the northwest like me. It is always nice to recognize their life and contributions to podiatric medicine.
Jerry Peterson, DPM
I would like to commend Dr. Barry Block for including the obituary information about our brother podiatrists in the PM News. First, it is in homage to each and every one who practices in our profession and Barry is correct - what is written in responses is very telling. I read each one of them carefully and reminisce on what that person contributed in their lifetime. Again, keep up the great work Barry.
Ivar E. Roth, DPM, MPH
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1B
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Irwin Mann, DPM. He was the residency director at Kern Hospital during my time there as a resident in the 1970s. I will never forget the time they staged a simulated "code blue" in the middle of the night. I happened to be the junior resident on call.
I had a hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach, heart racing, and a cold sweat on my forehead when I ran into the patient room, only to find Dr. Mann and a couple others standing there waiting to grill me on what to do to save the patient's life. That moment was the first time I ever felt like a real doctor.
Rest in peace Dr. Mann.
Stefan Feldman, Spring Hill, TN
10/29/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1A
RE: The Passing of Irwin Mann, DPM
Dr. Irwin Mann was an old friend who helped promote podiatry and teach foot surgery as a past resident of Kern Hospital and its residency program in the early 1960-1980s. The profession can only thank him and the early podiatrists who went out of their way to teach foot surgery. He will be missed.
Steven J Berlin, DPM
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Irwin Mann. He was a mentor to dozens of us and strongly influenced me to apply for a residency at Civic Hospital.
He was a force for good in podiatry. May his memory be a blessing.
Joel Feder, DPM, (Retired), Sarasota FL
09/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
I was fortunate enough to spend time with Terry Lichty in my senior year at ICPM. He was very generous with his time as he tutored me in his office and at the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet. With his leadership, I and several of my classmates were able to perform more procedures than most people did in a year of residency. I fondly remember the dinners that we enjoyed after our rotation at the penitentiary. RIP Terry.
Michael DiGiacomo, DPM
09/06/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
Dr. Eckles was truly an exemplary individual and a devoted educator who consistently strived for the betterment of his students and residents. His kindness was truly exceptional, and his absence will be profoundly felt.
Reem Sheikh, DPM
Dr. Trepal has well-expressed the impact Dr. Robert Eckles had on NYCPM and the profession. As a close friend of mine, I will add that Bob’s loss is the world’s as well. When Bob first arrived at NYCPM, we worked side-by-side in clinic and I came to know him very well. I immediately appreciated his teaching style with our 3rd year students: knowledgeable, patient, and humorous. As we became friends, I also enjoyed and respected his well-roundedness. As we discussed topics as diverse as neurologist Oliver Sacks and the movie Koyaanisqatsi, I always walked away feeling Bob was more than a teacher and podiatrist. He was a humanist and freethinker in the best sense.
As deans, I got to know him as a true leader. He was always reflective, diplomatic, and succinct. He was one who got the job done in the most effective way, with the least amount of fuss. Always clear-thinking and on-target, Bob was an asset on any project or interaction. As a friend, I got to know his family: Jeanne, Maude (Frances), and Freeman. My heart goes out to them but I'm comforted that they were able to be with Bob near the end. As similar free-spirits, I know they will carry on Bob’s incredible zest for life.
Dr. Eckles leaves a legacy of students and residents who no doubt are aware of how well he trained them and how much he cared about them, all while being approachable on a personal level. Anyone who knows him, knows beer was his relaxation drink of choice. Bob wouldn’t want anyone to mourn his loss but rather celebrate his life, so at this sad time, raise a glass to a truly one-of-a-kind person. I will miss my friend dearly.
Laurence J. Lowy, DPM
09/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
The T-Screw, the ultimate compression screw. A great invention by TK Lichty, DPM. It was an honor to be one of his residents.
 |
The T Screw |
I'll always consider T as one of the greatest teachers in podiatric medicine.
Jeff Pellersels, DPM
09/04/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Robert Arthur Eckles, DPM, MPH
It is with profound sorrow and sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Bob Eckles following an acute and serious illness. Upon his arrival at NYCPM in 2003, Bob quickly established himself as a popular professor and noted clinician in the Department of Orthopedic Sciences. His command of the subject area and his ability to explain in comprehensible terms allowed him to train generations of students and residents. Bob's administrative skills were put to good use in his later roles of Dean for Clinical Education, Dean for Graduate Medical Education, and Residency Director.
 |
Dr. Robert Eckles |
Upon his retirement from NYCPM in 2021, he returned to where he had lived in New Zealand and remained active in education and the biomechanical arena. NYCPM and the entire podiatric profession have been blessed through the efforts and contributions of Dr. Eckles. He leaves behind his beloved wife Jeanne and two children, Frances and Freeman. May he rest in peace.
Michael J Trepal, DPM, Dean, NYCPM at Touro University
08/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 2
Brett was someone who was always trustworthy, someone who could be depended on, someone who made work feel more human. May we remember him with love because our lives have become richer and more meaningful for having known him. His memory lives on with his amazing wife Mary Ann and loving family, the community he uplifted, and the countless lives he touched.
ζω? σε σας, may his memory be forever eternal!
Zacharia Facaros, DPM
08/15/2025
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (OBITUARIES) - PART 1
RE: The Passing of Alan Shaw, DPM
I am profoundly saddened by the passing of Alan Shaw, DPM, a Past President of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgery, an icon in our profession.
 |
Dr. Alan Shaw |
When we speak of the podiatrists upon whose shoulders we stand in the advancing of podiatric surgery, Alan will be remembered by his peers as a surgeon of immense talent, an innovator, an educator, and a podiatrist dedicated to the advancement of podiatry's standing within the practice of medicine.
Gary Dorfman, DPM, Dana Point, CA
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
06/24/2025
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
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.
 |
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
|
| |
|
|
|
