A legacy that will be felt for generations
Michael Ehrlich, MD, a pioneer in the field of orthopedics, passed away on July 21.
Michael Ehrlich, MD, former chief of the department of orthopedics at Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital, and a pioneer in the field of orthopedics, passed away in Providence on July 21.
The youngest student in college and medical school, he attended the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where he received his MD. He later served as the chief of pediatric orthopedics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was an associate professor of orthopedics at Harvard Medical School for nearly 20 years.
One of the most sought after orthopedic surgeons in the United States, Dr. Ehrlich came to Rhode Island Hospital as Surgeon-in-Chief of the Department of Orthopedics in 1990. Leaving Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital after 18 years, he saw a challenge in the rare opportunity to build a clinical program, shape an academic department and continue his research at Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University.
The recipient of multiple awards and honors, Dr. Ehrlich attained international recognition – known as a “triple threat” for his ability to excel as a physician and surgeon, educator, and researcher – not to mention his quick wit which routinely helped put people at ease. He mentored some 180 orthopedic residents in RI alone – plus pediatric and Brown Medical School fellows and associates alike. The research he did here and at Massachusetts General Hospital inspired scientists across the world. He was the first scientist in 1977 to identify the human articular cartilage collagenase, one of the enzymes that destroys the joint’s surface – a major factor in joint osteoarthritis.
Characteristically warm and caring toward the children and families he treated, a respected leader and consensus builder among colleagues, and forever supportive of residents and young trainees, Dr. Ehrlich stood out as a champion, a giant of orthopedics. He will be sorely missed but his significant impact will be felt for generations to come and his legacy will prevail.