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February 4, 2005/Shevat 25 5765, Vol. 57, No. 23
Time Capsule
IRA MORTON
Special to Jewish News
Dr. Melvin Cohen is the real-life Marcus Welby, M.D.
Like the fictional character on television, he believes that a gentle, friendly, compassionate demeanor and a physician's willingness to become emotionally involved are as vital to the healing process as scientific knowledge and expertise.
Since a humanistic approach is particularly important when treating a sick child, it explains why, in addition to the challenge, Cohen chose to specialize in pediatrics and became so good at it.
A 1953 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh Medical School, he especially remembers taking classes from two young professors named Benjamin Spock and Jonas Salk.
Over the years, hundreds of patients, interns, residents, hospital staff and the medical community as a whole have attested to Cohen's medical skills, accomplishments and humanitarian deeds.
Included among the many honors bestowed upon him for extraordinary medical care and service are the Arizona Kidney Foundation's Virginia Piper Humanitarian Award, Blue Cross/Blue Shield's Ageless Hero Award and the Robitussin, Dimetapp and Wyeth Pediatrics Miracle Maker Award.
The latest and most tangible tribute came in December 2003 with the dedication of the 3,300-square-foot Melvin L. Cohen M.D. Conference Center, located within the new Rosenberg medical office building on the campus of the recently renovated and enlarged Phoenix Children's Hospital. Established in 1983, the PCH now ranks as the 10th largest children's hospital in the nation.
Cohen, who as the first pediatric nephrologist (kidney specialist) in the Valley pioneered the renal transplant program for children throughout Arizona, was a founding physician of PCH. Over the years, he has headed just about every key department and program at the hospital including chief-of-staff and director of the Medical Education Program for pediatric residents.
Prior to joining the full-time staff of Phoenix Children's Hospital, Cohen spent 10 years (1958-1967) in private practice, and served as chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at St. Joseph Hospital and clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona's medical school.
Cohen still serves as director of the Medical Education Program at PCH and clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona Medical School. By continuing to pass on his knowledge, wisdom, gentle strength and humanitarianism, he is helping ensure that doctors of his ilk do not become a vanishing breed.
Preserving the memories and recording the accomplishments of those who have come before us and those now in our midst is the sacred mission of the Arizona Jewish Historical Society. Call 602-241-7870 or visit www.azjhs.org.
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