Carl Fuhrman, M.D., age 67, of Pittsburgh, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at UPMC Presbyterian.

He was born in Erie, Pa., on August 11, 1952, to the late Carl and Ann (Voleski) Fuhrman.

He is survived by three sisters, Barbara Pugel (late Lud Pugel) of Cleveland, Ohio, Mary McIlroy (Bill) of Huntingdon, Pa. and Carol Hagen of Tucson, Ariz.; nieces, Stacey Serafini (Chris) and Elizabeth Pugel Runevitch (Scott); nephews, Paul Hagen (Laura), Jeff Pugel (Alina) and John McIlroy (Katie); great-niece, Sophia Pugel; and great-nephews, Will Pugel and John McIlroy.

Carl graduated from Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pa. in 1970 and completed his medical education and training at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, graduating Cum Laude in 1979, and completed a residency in diagnostic radiology in 1983. He became an assistant professor in radiology at the University of Pittsburgh, rising through the ranks to reach full professor in 1994. Carl was chief of thoracic radiology, a position he held almost continuously for the past 27 years.

He was a leader in the field of thoracic radiology. Through his clinical work and research activities, made substantial contributions to the imaging of lung diseases, including emphysema, lung cancer and interstitial lung disease.

As a highly respected radiologist, Carl was frequently invited to give lectures both in the United States and abroad and served as a visiting professor at multiple institutions.

His commitment to patient care and his teaching ability were recognized and he was named to the prestigious 2014 and 2018 "Best Doctors in America" list; an honor reserved for the top 5% of U.S. doctors as decided by peer review.

His teaching ability was highly recognized; and he was the recipient of the Ronald J. Hoy Excellence in Teaching Award from the department of radiology, a total of 15 times. In 2016, the Ronald J. Hoy Excellence in Teaching Award transitioned to the Carl R. Fuhrman Excellence in Teaching Award to recognize Carl's passion and dedication to educating the next generation of radiologists.

Carl's teaching contributions were recognized by medical departments outside of Radiology and Carl won the University of Pittsburgh Golden Apple Award 9 times. Presented by the senior medical class each year, this award recognizes the faculty member chosen by the students as their best teacher. The Office of the Provost bestowed Carl with the President's Distinguished Teaching Award, deemed the highest teaching award at the University of Pittsburgh. Carl served as the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education. He directed the medical school Advanced Radiology Course and co-directed the Anatomy Life Science Course. Carl served on a wide array of committees that served both the hospital and the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. He recently completed his tenure as the President of Alliance of Medical Student Educators in Radiology (AMSER).

He enjoyed his extensive travels and meeting people during his time at conferences and lectures. In addition to his devotion to radiology, he enjoyed photography, his Corvette, and his family. Carl was a dedicated and loving son, brother, and uncle.

Friends are invited to attend a funeral mass at St. Luke Church, 421 E. 38th St., Erie, Pa., on Thursday July 9th at 11:00 a.m. Covid-19 social distancing and face covering guidelines will be enforced. Private interment will be at Calvary Cemetery.

In addition to the funeral mass in Erie, a memorial service will be held for Carl in Pittsburgh at UPMC Presbyterian on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 12 noon outside of the hospital.

At a future date, the family will host a memorial service in Erie, Pa. to celebrate Carl's life with friends and family.

In memory of Carl a Radiology Education Fund has been established. To make a donation to the fund, checks should be made payable to UPMC with a note in the memo section that reads "Carl Fuhrman Radiology Education Fund (MH866)" and addressed to the Division of Philanthropic and Alumni Engagement, UPMC / University of Pittsburgh, 128 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

Please send condolences to www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Erie Times-News from Jul. 5 to Jul. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Carl Fuhrman

Sponsored by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLP - West 38th St..

13 Entries

Ed Schneider

September 2, 2022

A corvette! Alas, his life was complete!

Ed "The Sled" Schneider, Class of '71

Joe Liput

June 25, 2022

I still think of Carl. A true gentleman.

Si Pham, MD

July 16, 2020

Carl was a wonderful teacher. As a, medical student, resident, and fellow and attending cardiothoracic surgeon at the University of Pittsbuehr and UMPC Presbyterian (from 1979-1998) resident in Cardiothoracic Surgery at UPMC, I knew him very well, and interacted with him almost on a daily basis when I was a resident/fellow. He was a wonderful teacher. Thank you Carl for teaching us and for taking your time to go over those Xrays with no matter how busy you are. Rest in Peace, Carl.

Rita Zuley

July 15, 2020

Carl was my mentor and dear friend. He had an incredible sense of humor and a photographic memory. Most radiologists in the Pittsburgh area and many elsewhere owe a huge debt to Carl for his incredible teaching and passion for his craft. He made us better doctors. There are few people who have touch so many so deeply. He will be missed greatly for a long time.

David McAdams, MD

July 15, 2020

Carl was the best radiologist I have ever encountered. He always gave of his time freely, and was happy to teach at a moments notice. He will be missed. -Dave

Michelina Fato MD

July 14, 2020

Dear Family of Carl. I knew Carl as a medical student, resident and faculty at UPMC. He was such a wonderful teacher and colleague. He was always kind and patient and absolutely loved teaching and sharing his knowledge. It is sad that so many patients have no idea how he must have impacted their lives with his diagnostic skills as a radiologist. I am sad I did not see him for the past many years prior to his death. I would love to have thanked him. Carl I am thinking of you and thank you for sharing your immense knowledge. Fondly, Miki

Catherine Warhola

July 8, 2020

I will miss you along with all the others at Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church. You were a big part of our Church family and sharing our Slovak traditions. We will miss all your home cooked meals you brought to many of our events, your Easter basket, singing, talks about your trips, helping change candles, and your assistance with all of our parishioners that needed medical advice. Much more to write about, but those are the most striking to me. Thanks for sharing your Life with us!
You are Loved Forever and Sadly Missed!
Vecna Pamat! Eternal Memory!

Michael A Allgeier, Sr., R.Ph.-C.I.P.

July 5, 2020

To the family of Carl, I would like to share my deepest sympathies to you all. As our golf-outing "reunions" continued over the last few years I got to speak with Carl more each time we gathered. He was always kind and enjoyed visiting. As classmates of the Class of 1970 from Prep and alumni of the University of Pittsburgh, I always felt a unique connection with Carl. I admired his position as a professor at Pitt Medical School and looked up to him as a fellow health care provider (I graduated from Pitt Pharmacy School in 1975) who offered general advice without being aloof about it. With Covid, I reached out to him via email just recently on Tuesday, June 23rd, about our upcoming golf outing and how he felt about this activity at this time. He responded quite quickly on Wednesday, June 24th, and agreed with my decision to refrain from attending at this time. He said he was doing well and working every day. He was disappointed about so many cancellations of events he had looked forward to (as we all are!) but accepted the current situation. Since I asked for his phone number to keep in touch if he wanted he did provide his home and cell numbers. I re-emailed him Wed, 6-24-20 in the evening to thank him for his quick response and spoke of my family with another question to him but no response came. I was totally shocked to see his name in the obituaries on Monday, 6-29-20. I will always remember him and hope your family can heal from his loss. As a fellow health care practitioner, I looked up to him as teammate in this crisis we all are struggling with. May God Bless Him and Your Family!

Marg (Zalas) and Bill Mechlenburg

July 5, 2020

Mary Ellen, Carol, Barb and family...I will always remember visiting at your home and climbing the garage roof with Carl to pick dewberries! That and eating peirogies with my mother, your mother and all of you during the middle of the day when we had off from school and playing monopoly for hours. Those were treasured times. Carl had evolved into a fine human being and will be missed not only for his medical contributions, but his kindness and concern for others. Peace and love to you all.

Mary Stephany Theiss Lyons

July 5, 2020

Dear Barb, Carol, Mary Ellen and Families: You are all in my prayers!! I fondly remember when "Carl Robert" was born!!! Reading of his lifetime accomplishments is dizzying!! What a mentor he has been to so many! Love to you all!!

Azza Elgendy

Planted Trees

Joseph Liput Jr

July 2, 2020

I have known Carl since medical school. We had more than a few beers. He was funny, kind and really smart. A gentleman. He will be missed.

Arlene Baratz

July 2, 2020

Carl was one of the finest radiologists I have ever known. As a teacher and co-worker, he was kind, generous and patient. His death is an enormous loss.

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