Richard P. Lewis M.d.

Richard P. Lewis, M.D., age 71, died suddenly Sunday, May 18, 2008 at OSU James Cancer Hospital after a brief illness. Dr. Lewis was an Emeritus Professor of Medicine in The Division of Cardiology at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, where he served for the past 39 years. He was a world renowned academician, teacher and clinician. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1957, Dr. Lewis obtained his M.D. from the University of Oregon in 1961, and interned and served a residency at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston. Thereafter, he was a fellow in cardiology at the University of Oregon and served as a Senior Resident and Instructor in Medicine at Stanford University. Dr. Lewis was commissioned a captain in the US Army Medical Corps in 1966 and completed a two-year tour of duty as associate chief of cardiology at the Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. Madigan began his military career, but he remained in the US Army Reserve and ultimately reached the rank of Colonel. Dr. Lewis began his career at the Ohio State University School of Medicine. Arriving in 1969 as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology, he quickly established a reputation for clinical and academic excellence, assisting with the growth of the division through publishing many peer reviewed papers. Progressing to full professor, he was Director of the Division from 1971 through 1986. During his tenure, the Division grew dramatically, and became known for its exceptional faculty and staff and quality research. He and his peers continued the tradition of excellent patient care established by their predecessors. He remained a Professor and then Emeritus Professor in the Division, continuing to write, teach, and see patients until a few weeks before his death. Dr. Lewis was a leader in national associations in cardiology and medicine, most notably the American College of Cardiology, for which he served as President in 1996-97. The hallmark of Dr. Lewis’ contributions to the ACC was his dedication to innovations in cardiovascular education. He was the founding editor of the ACC Foundation’s Adult Clinical Cardiology Self-Assessment Program (ACC-SAP) and remained editor until his death. He was instrumental in expanding ACC Educational Products into international markets. He established the Ohio Chapter of the American College of Physicians and served as Governor in 1976-80. Although a native Oregonian, Dr. Lewis loved Columbus and was a true Buckeye at heart. He was also an avid, if frequently frustrated, golfer, and loved to travel both for pleasure and as part of his service in various medical organizations. Dr. Lewis was a devoted husband to Penny, his wife, friend and partner of 25 years. He was a loving father, imparting wisdom and the love of learning to his children, Richard P. Lewis, Jr., a prominent lawyer in New York City, and Heather N. Brown, MD, of Portland, Oregon. He took a special joy in spending time with his grandchildren (also avid Buckeye fans), Nate and Sasha. Dr. Lewis will be missed by the generations of physicians whom he trained, the patients whose lives he touched, and his family and friends who loved him deeply. Family will receive friends from 5-8PM Thursday, May 22, 2008 at RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME AT POWELL, 450 W. Olentangy St. (Powell Rd./St. Rt. 750/1/4 mile east of Sawmill Pkwy) Powell, OH 43065. (614) 792-1471 where a Memorial Service will be held 10:30AM Friday, May 23, 2008. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Richard Phelps Lewis, M.D. Scholarship Prize Fund to benefit students at the OSU College of Medicine. Contributions can be made to: The Ohio State University Medical Center Development and Alumni Affairs, Attn: Richard Phelps Lewis, M.D. Scholarship Prize Fund, 660 Ackerman Rd., 6th Floor, P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, OH 43218-3112. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com