Thomas "Tom" Grade MD

Grade, Thomas MD
"Oh baby," was the traditional greeting of Tom Grade, regardless of your gender, your title, or your position. He was the antithesis of predictable, enjoying everything from Michael Jackson concerts in Hawaii, to Barbara Streisand in the Staples Center, hiking deep in the woods to sailing across the ocean, dining at the best restaurants to insisting on using his own brand of tabasco sauce always stashed in his pocket. Dr. Grade was unconventional, more comfortable in natural fibers than blue jeans, a big proponent of porcelain fillings to maximize health even if it meant having all the silver ones removed first. For most of his life, he was the poster boy for following your passion and living life to the fullest. A resident of Gilbert, AZ for most of the past 25 years, Dr. Thomas Grade passed away suddenly at the age of 62 in Milwaukee, WI on 04/18/2013. He is survived by his children Madeline, Neenah, and Tavish Grade, Megan Carson, former wife Emily Grade, his mother Shirley, 5 brothers Sam, Matthew, Benjamin, Andrew , Charles and 4 sisters Johanna, Margaret, Mary and Jean. He was a graduate of Northwestern and received his medical degree at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Following a near fatal hang gliding accident in 1984 which caused injuries and persistent pain throughout the rest of his life, Dr. Grade set his sights on mastering how to manage pain. He practiced traditional pain control techniques as well as integrated holistic approaches. He was Board Certified in 4 National Boards including Internal Medicine (specialty training in AZ at Maricopa County Hospital), Pulmonary Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pain Management. He also became board certified in Homeopathic Medicine and had extensive experience and expertise in ACMOS Energy Medicine, Acupuncture and other modalities of therapy. Dr. Grade never just treated the pain, but always centered his attention on the patient, their stories and their lives. Despite his own personal challenges, Tom had a very successful practice for many years in Arizona and accomplished much of what he tried to give to his patients---the ability to live life well despite the pain that comes from injury, disease, or emotional stress. He was a loving father, son, brother and friend. So many of us will miss Tom and the good things he brought into our lives. He was truly a unique and generous man. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged for the James M. Cox Foundation Center for Cancer Prevention and Integrative Oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center whose work reflects Tom's lifelong passion of integrating medical therapies to achieve the best outcomes. Donations may be mailed to 2025 N. 3rd Street, Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85004.