Marcia Gottfried, M.D.

posted August 11th, 2008

A message from Dean Nancy Andrews to the School of Medicine community:

I wish to share with you the very sad news that our distinguished colleague, Marcia Gottfried, M.D., died Wednesday, August 6 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

As many of you know, Dr. Gottfried was an accomplished and beloved member of the Department of Pathology, as well as an internationally respected physician-scientist in the field of gastrointestinal pathology.

But even more than that, she was a wonderfully warm and engaging educator. Dr. Salvatore Pizzo, our pathology chairman, has said that she possessed all the ingredients required to be a great educator – personal warmth, a passionate intellect and an excellent command of the facts.

I’m told that Marcia was a favorite among residents and was one of the finest teachers of residents anyone can remember.  I’ve heard also that she had a warmth and closeness with the people she taught, almost as though they were family.

The students recognized her for this many times. In addition to other honors, she received the Bernard F. Fetter Teaching Award in Pathology in 1992, 1996, 1997 and 2002. Last year, the Pathology Sign Out Room in Duke South was named for her.

Dr.Gottfried came to Duke as a fellow in pathology in 1982. She then moved through the ranks to associate professor (tenure). She also served as director of surgical pathology.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Gary Greenberg, and two sons.

The family will gather for a memorial service at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, at the Judea Reform Congregation in Durham.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you contribute in Dr. Gottfried’s honor to the charity of your choice.

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