Morris Joseph Fogelman

Pioneering surgeon and medical educator, Dr. M.J. Fogelman died peacefully at his home on April 3, 2016. He was 94 years old. Known worldwide for his innovative medical and diagnostic skills, he was often referred to as “The King of Surgeons”. A precocious student, he earned A.B. and M.D. degrees from the University of Illinois by the age of 22, and also was awarded an M.S. in Physiology for his work on Electrolyte Metabolism and Fluid Balance. Dr. Fogelman was the author of a seminal medical textbook on Fluid Balance, numerous articles on surgical techniques and was also recognized as an expert on the history of surgery. A native of Chicago, IL he knew from an early age that medicine was his calling and pursued it and its practice with unyielding passion. Yet despite his intellectual gifts, it might be said that his interpersonal skills with his patients may be the thing for which he could be best remembered. “Always sit down when you come into the patient’s room and listen” is something he said and did always. Often referred to by his nickname “Fogie”, he brought a joyous and active outlook to his work that would have made Hippocrates smile. Dr. Fogelman was a contemporary Renaissance Man who applied that same spirit to his personal life. He was a sailor, tennis player, chef, golfer, musician, art collector, world traveler and unabashed home do-it-yourselfer. When he was an undergraduate student, he was a sprinter on the Illinois track team and his physical vigor seemed to stay with him throughout his life. He served his country as a Captain during WW II in the United States Army Medical Corps in Japan, he learned fluent Japanese, and even remained active with Veterans Affairs. Many years later President Gerald Ford appointed him to a position as a Pentagon Medical Consultant. Indeed, his resume bespeaks the depth of his skills. After completing his internship and Wayne County General Hospital in Michigan and teaching at the University of Illinois Medical School, he took a surgery fellowship at UT Southwestern and rose to become Clinical Professor of Surgery. As a private practitioner in Surgery and Diagnosis in Dallas, he was President of the Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas Medical Staff, Director of Surgical Research at Baylor Hospital of Dallas and maintained surgical staff privileges at numerous hospitals throughout the United States. Dr. Fogelman was a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and was elected to New York Academy of Science, the American Academy for Advancement of Science, The American Trauma Society, The Dallas Council of World Affairs and numerous other medical societies and fellowships. While the Dr. Fogelman on paper was outstandingly impressive, the “Fogie” that his family, friends and patients knew was even more so. He saved many lives in the operating room and made many lives better – especially those of his family – outside of it with his good cheer and joyous heart. He is survived by his wife Karen, sons Evan and Joe Fogelman and sister Charlotte Schner. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 o’clock noon, Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at Sparkman Hillcrest Funeral Home with a reception to follow in the L.N. “Bill” Sparkman Family Lounge. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dr. Fogelman’s memory to Amity Hospice Services, www.amityhospice.com or a charity of your choosing.