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Felicien Steichen Obituary
Famed Surgeon Dies at Summer Home in Brittany
Dr. Felicien M. Steichen of Mamaroneck, NY died on Monday, June 27 of a presumed heart attack. He was 84. In 1978 he was appointed Professor of Surgery at New York Medical College in Valhalla, achieving emeritus status in 2008. He previously had been on the faculty of the Johns Hopkins' School of Medicine, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine.
He was an internationally recognized pioneer in the use of mechanical suturing devices for safety and efficiency in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Steichen co-authored the three seminal works in surgical stapling with his mentor and colleague the renowned Mark M. Ravitch. Noted for his clinical research acumen Steichen also produced over 200 scientific papers, book chapters and monographs. In addition to English, he was fluent in French and German and as a result he was invited to lecture all over Europe.
Dr. Steichen was born in Luxembourg City on October 13, 1926 and graduated in 1953, first in his class, from the Medical School of the University of Lausanne. In addition to his scholarly pursuits, he was recognized as a virtuoso surgeon by all who saw him work.
His patients and students revered him for his empathy and compassion.
He was elected to a score of European and American surgical societies; as well as being honored by the governments of France, Luxembourg, Germany and New York City (Mayor's 1986 Liberty Medal). A grant from the United States Surgical Corporation established an Endowed Chair of Surgery in his honor at New York Medical College.
Dr. Steichen is survived by his wife Michele and his three children, Anne Steichen-Arrigoni (Maurice), of Paris France, Francois of Old Greenwich and Claire Steichen-Flynn (Sean) of New York City, as well as two granddaughters and two grandsons.
Mass of Christian burial will be held in Brignogan-Plages in Brittany, France on Saturday, July 2nd at 10:00AM
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Felicien Steichen
1 Entry
Kenneth Forde
July 20, 2011
We mourn the loss of this elegant giant among surgeons, a paragon of loyalty, a faithful friend, an energetic and inspiring teacher. He will be missed by so many of us.
We extend our sincere condolence to his entire family.
Ken and Kay Forde.
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