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ADRIAN GREENSTEIN Obituary

GREENSTEIN--Adrian, J., MD, FACS, FRCS. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Dr. Adrian Greenstein. Dr. Greenstein was a Professor of Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai since 1968. Through most of his long career, Dr. Greenstein maintained one of the busiest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgical practices in New York City. Dr. Greenstein received his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. He completed his postgraduate training as a surgeon in the United Kingdom and became a fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and England. He went on to complete his residency at Boston University in 1968, after which he joined the Mount Sinai Medical Center as a member of the full-time faculty and quickly established himself as a world authority on IBD. His patients and colleagues adored him, as did the generations of residents and medical students that were fortunate enough to learn from him. We send our deepest condolences to Dr. Greenstein's family. To donate to the research fund created in Dr. Greenstein's name, or for more information, please call 212-241-3797. Michael L. Marin, M.D., Chairman, Department of Surgery, Surgeon-In-Chief, Mount Sinai Health System.

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Published by New York Times on Apr. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for ADRIAN GREENSTEIN

29 Entries

Robert Pitocco

April 19, 2025

Dr. Greenstein performed a colectomy on me on January 25, 2010 and saved my life. I shall always remember his compassion, his warmth, and his commitment not only to me, but to all of his patients. I know that he changed the lives of thousands of people, and for this all of us are grateful.
Every time I think of Dr. Greenstein, I smile.

Laura Reinhardt Berish

May 30, 2023

Dr Greenstein operated on me when i was 21....ileostomy for Crohn's in 1975. He was wonderful and kind. When I moved to England at 28 he helped me find a doctor there. I was so lucky to have had him as my surgeon.

Robert Pitocco

April 19, 2023

Dr. Greenstein saved my life in 2010 when he removed my colon. I think of him often and always remember how kind and caring he was before, during, and after my surgery.
I shall hold his memory in my heart forever.

Debra L.

May 28, 2022

I was 19 when I had all 3 surgery for ulcerative colitis. As a young girl it was an emotional journey but Dr. Adrian Greenstein made it easier with a bed side manner no one can replicate. I am so happy I got the chance to to see him again years later. He was retired from surgery but still in his office and he introduced me to his son who seemed to be following in his footsteps. I shall miss him but what a legacy he has left behind. My son will be 21 in a few weeks. His name is Richard Adrian.....Adrian his middle name. It was only fitting to name my son from such a remarkable person. I can still hear his voice and that very distinguished accent. Forever in my heart. Debra L.

Robert Pitocco

April 18, 2022

Dr. Greenstein will forever have a special place in my heart. He saved my life. His compassion, his grace, and his ever present positive and engaging manner provided me with the confidence that he would be the Doctor who would ensure I have a long life.
The world needs more Dr. Greenstein´s. I shall never forget this wonderful man.

Christopher Anner

November 28, 2021

DR ADRIAN GREENSTEIN , Saved my life in 2005 he is an Angel . Rest In Peace . Thank you , you never will be forgotten

MOSHE HAIMOV

April 18, 2021

Adrian still and always lives in my heart and memory. He was part of my life as a young and then mature and eventually old surgeon.

Chet

January 26, 2021

Dr Greenstein saved my Life and gave me New and Better life. 25 years ago I went through 4 major surgeries with Dr Greenstein, he was brilliant person who influenced medicine in more ways then we can imagine. May he Rest In Peace

Dimple Anand

February 21, 2019

Im very saddened to read about Dr Greensteins passing. He saved my life after UC diagnosis & was like an angel for me. His passing is a great loss to the world because he was a very rare gem of a human being & was an excellent surgeon. May he always continue to help others from the heavenly abode.

Keith Childers

October 4, 2018

In my 10 years at Mount Sinai, it was my great pleasure and honor to pass instruments to Dr Greenstein. In short, he made you better, a gentleman and a scholar who loved his work and his patients. I was saddened hearing of his passing.

Andy Gold

August 1, 2018

Dr. Greenstein saved my life in December of 1997. I was very sick for most of my 20s with Ulcerative Colitis, and after fighting it for 7 years the colon was close to rupturing. Dr. Greenstein's gentlemanly personality, and cool, calm, collected demeanor made it easier for me to process all that was happening around me when I went to see him for a consultation. Shortly afterwards, he performed the first of 3 J Pouch surgeries during a physically and emotionally challenging 6 month period. I'll always remember Dr. Greenstein for his patience, warmth, and how he'd remove his old style writing instrument that he kept in the pocket of his distinctive vest. Dr. Greenstein once said to me that he is most at home in the operating room, that he's not a good office doctor. The compassion and humanity I experienced from Dr. Greenstein will always remain in the back of my memory. You left an indelible mark on my life, may your soul be at rest from the knowledge of all the good you did for so many.

SJP

September 19, 2017

I can never thank Dr. Greenstein enough for his life saving help 20 years ago. His surgical genius gave me new life and I am eternally grateful. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

Kathleen Seidel

September 15, 2017

Dr. Greenstein saved my life in 1989. I was bleeding to death due to ulcerative colitis and his surgery saved me. I will always be deeply grateful to him for his kindness, understanding, compassion, humor and tremendous skill. God bless you, Dr. Greenstein. I will always remember you with tremendous gratitude and love. And just so you know, 28 years later, thanks to you, I am healthy, strong and doing really, really well. Love you eternally. ~ Kathleen

abraham klein

August 3, 2017

He was Gd's messenger to save my life. I shall always remember you Dr. Greenstein ,May you rest in peace

debbie Golub

August 2, 2017

I am sorry to have just heard of the passing of Dr Greenstein. He performed surgery on me 12 years ago and I will never forget him. A great man.

Theresa Pridgen

July 25, 2017

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Adrian Greenstein for five years in the Department of Surgery. He was always kind, patient and loved to share his knowledge with others. Thanks to Dr. Greenstein, I furthered my education and continue to work in the healthcare industry. Rest in peace kind sir.

Robert Pitocco

April 28, 2017

I shall forever remember the caring, sensitivity, and compassion of Dr. Greenstein. From the very first time I met with him, I knew that this was the man that would make my life better and more enjoyable. My J pouch surgery was a success and I have been living a much more fulfilling life ever since. I shall never forget the day that I was sitting having lunch in Connecticut and he called just to see how I was doing. Dr. Greenstein simply had the ability to brighten my life and enable me to believe in my recovery. He was a man of amazing grace and I shall never forget him.

April 27, 2017

So sorry to have learned of Adrian's death. A great teacher, mentor and friend. Michael Drew MD

Rhondell Domilici

April 27, 2017

Dr. Greenstein was a true hero for IBD patients. He will be sorely missed by the NYC community. Sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues

Donnette Williamson -Smith

April 27, 2017

It is with deep sadness when I heard of Dr.Greenstein passing . I will miss his kind smile , laughter, his patience with his patients , great bedside manner and his choice of beautifully tailored vests. He was a great artist always drawing to make sure the patients understood their disease process and what the surgery entailed . I have not met a second doctor like that . You will be missed by all the RN's who had a personal contact with you.

abi babcock

April 27, 2017

We didn't meet Dr. Adrian for surgery until last fall, 22 years into my daughter's IBD journey. Surely already ill, he had a lilt in his step and brightened any room he was in, even the recovery room. His charm, kindness and wealth of experience gave us great confidence; he took special care of us caregivers, as well. The father/son team was truly beyond description; their level of involvement, frank details, calm and can-do attitude is beyond expression. The office was a place of peace and caring, filtering down to all who worked there. God bless you Dr Adrian as you blessed all who knew you. Abi Babcock

Rebecca Babcock

April 27, 2017

I am so honored to say that I Dr.'s Alex and Adrian Greenstein just successfully completed my j pouch surgery in February 2017 and their 6 months of endless care, compassion, patience and hands-on approach, not to mention their support of both me and my family members will never be forgotten. Dr. Adrian was a smart, kind, sweet, caring angel of a doctor, and the type that truly stood out in my 23 years of having IBD as as the definition of what a doctor should be and a role model to all. He will be deeply missed but will live on through my healthy new "designer colon." With profound gratitude and respect.

April 26, 2017

I Am so sad to hear about Dr. Greenstein's passing.. it is rare to find someone that truly cares for other the way he did. He will be missed.

Richard Gallis

April 25, 2017

As a patient of Dr. Greenstein for 17 years I will truly miss him.
His bedside manner and surgical expertise were most appreciated.

Moshe Haimov

April 25, 2017

We were deeply saddened to read about Adrian death.We were friends for many years and worked together on multiple occasions since 1968.Adrian was a great surgeon and precious friend to have.My sinserest condolescences to Alex,Viviana and family.
Moshe Haimov

April 25, 2017

I read with profound sorrow the obituary about the death of Adrian.We have been friends for many years and have worked together since 1968.He will be deeply missed by all who new the kind and skilled professional and generous human being that he was.To Alex,Vivian and the family my sensere condolences.
Moshe and Esther Haimov

Robin Gregory

April 25, 2017

I am so saddened to lose this great physician. He was one of the kindest individuals I knew and he cared deeply for his patients. Rest In Peace.

Vorina Massiah

April 24, 2017

May you Sleep In Peace Dr. Greenstein

Rubye King

April 24, 2017

LOSS!it is quoted that "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a TREASURE" MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. Dr. Greenstein

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