Martin Conway M.D.

1935 - 2015

Conway, Martin J. MD



Martin J. Conway, MD, husband, father, brother, grandfather, clinical endocrinologist, researcher, educator and administrator passed away May 22, 2015 at the age of 80. Martin was born April 29, 1935, in Hancock, Michigan. He was married to his wife Susan, whom he met at the University of Michigan, for 54 years. He was the proud father of children Ann Conway Samora and Tim M. Conway and doting grandfather to Trevor and Avonlea Samora. He is also survived by his sisters Sharon (Barrie) Shipman and Mary (Douglas) McDonald as well as many nephews and nieces.

He was an avid alpine skier, fly fisherman, tennis player and enjoyed the New Mexico outdoors when time permitted. He loved attending the Santa Fe Opera and traveling the world. He was an art patron and a zealous reader who enjoyed historical novels and mysteries. Music was another joy, especially American Jazz and Opera.

Martin loved to teach people who were eager to learn. He was very involved in educating diabetic patients as to how to make diabetes a small, controllable part of a full, meaningful life. His willingness to work tirelessly with his patients allowed them to take charge of their health. As part of that effort, he made perhaps the first video instructing patients how to live a well-rounded life with diabetes. He had no time for people who were not truly ill or willing to make healthier life choices. His forte was the very ill patient with multiple diagnoses to be managed concurrently; many of his patients were in the ICU.

His belief in doctors communicating with each other promptly to arrive at a correct diagnosis for the patient was central to the way he practiced medicine. He loved being a doctor and a teacher and looking ahead to what new research could bring to medicine. His ability to incorporate that information and his joy in training medical students, residents and nurses made for more progressive and compassionate care for the patients of New Mexico.

For many years he hosted a symposium of current research as it might apply to clinical medicine. He served as Regional Governor of the College of Physicians; among his proudest moments was receiving the Khatali Award from appreciative medical students. He attended the University of Michigan on a Regents Scholarship and graduated with Honors from medical school. He served in the US Navy both active duty and reserves. In 2004, he received the Hancock High School Distinguished Alumni Award.

The family wishes to thank all the caregivers that worked with Martin, especially Mindy, Gabe and Marcos as well as the many friends who loyally supported them in the last difficult months. Private family services will be held in accordance with Martin's wishes. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.

FRENCH â€" Wyoming

7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE

(505) 823-9400