S. Mitchell Freedman M.D.

S. MITCHELL FREEDMAN, M.D., (SEPTEMBER 6, 1946- JANUARY 18, 2025), beloved physician, teacher, father, grandfather, brother and husband, died on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at UNC Rex Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Dr. Freedman practiced neurology in Raleigh from 1978 to 2021.

The son of a family doctor, Dr. Edward Freedman, and a nurse, Frances Metter Freedman, Dr. Freedman was born and grew up in Philadelphia. He was an outstanding student at Upper Darby Senior High School, and graduated from Haverford College and the School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1972 he began his long career in North Carolina as an intern and neurology resident at Duke. He was chief resident in neurology, and was awarded the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching by the Student AMA at Duke Medical School. In 1976, as a Berry Plan “obligated volunteer”, he served for two years as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Womack Army Hospital, Fort Bragg.

In 1978, after passing his board exams in neurology, he began practicing in Raleigh. He developed a special interest and skill in treating patients with multiple sclerosis. He was active in both Rex and WakeMed’s medical staff executive committees. He loved the collegiality of the Raleigh medical community. He continued to teach medical students and residents, and was awarded the Harry E. Dascomb Award for Excellence in Clinical Teaching and Care by Wake Area Health Education Center at WakeMed.

Dr. Freedman loved his patients, and they loved him. He spent time getting to know them, their families, and their medical needs, and advocated for them constantly. He loved teaching medicine to doctors, medical students, nurses — anyone who wanted to learn how to care for patients.

Dr. Freedman loved classical music, especially the programs of Chamber Music Raleigh and the Durham Chamber Arts Society at Duke. A perfect weekend might include a concert, a Duke basketball game or a Carolina Hurricanes game, and the New York Times crossword puzzle (in ink).

Dr. Freedman is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara, sons Michael (Morissa) and David (Rian), his brother Carl (Beverly Ehrich), and his sister-in-law Janet Lentz (Ben). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Gavin, Katie and Leslie, whom he adored. He was an enthusiastic uncle and cousin to his extended family in the US, Canada and England.

The family would like to thank Dr. Steven Liebowitz, Dr. Bruce Usher, Dr. Walt Chmelewski and Dr. Kirk Woelffer for their friendship and outstanding medical care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh NC 27612, or to the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2610 Wycliff Road, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27607, or to a charity of your choice.

Friends and family are invited to his funeral service at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, NC. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at the Raleigh Hebrew Cemetery, 450 N. State Street, Raleigh.