Neil Williams Swinton Jr.

A Physician at the Lahey Clinic for thirty-seven years died September 4, 2007 of lung cancer. A man of calm & even temperament & a great listener, Dr. Swinton communicated support & empathy to family, friends and patients. An avalanche of letters from patients and their families extoiling his kindness and caring arrived at his retirement in 2003. Many were from people whose loved ones he treated early in his career. Friends & colleagues valued both his patient listening and his thoughtful responses. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, and a fourth generation physician Dr. Swinton was a graduate of Phillips Academy Andover, Haverford College and the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University. He trained at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City & spent two years in the Cardiology Service at Walter Reed General Hospital. Drafted during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the U.S. Army Certificate of Achievement Award, an honor unusual for a draftee. He greatly admired the cardiologists he served with at Walter Reed and considered it one of the best experiences of his medical career. Vice-Chairman of the Department of Medicine, with his colleague Donald Breslin Dr. Swinton essentially established Vascular Medicine as a department independent of cardiology at the Lahey Clinic. When the Lahey Clinic moved from Kenmore Square, Boston to Burlington, MA, he was Director of the Primary Care Clinic (1974-80) that opened before the new medical center was completed. As chairman of a newly established Professional Affairs Committee, he developed a peer review system that anticipated regulations later established throughout the field. He also used the committee as a vehicle for assisting the staff to deliver improved medical care. In an era when women were rarely allowed flexibility to work out family and professional responsibilities, he argued for accommodating the needs of women doctors. He leaves his wife of fifty years Elizabeth de Sabato Swinton, his son Neil W. Swinton, III of Longmeadow, MA, three daughters Elizabeth S. Schoen of Marietta, GA, Barbara S. deButts of McLean, VA, Anne S. Ruggles of Weston, MA, and 9 grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, September 15 at the Church of the Redeemer, 379 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be sent to the Neil Swinton Jr. Endowment Fund, Vascular Medicine Dept, the Lahey Clinic Foundation, 41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA 01805 Att: Philanthropy Dept.