Kenneth Dressler

DRESSLER Kenneth Dressler, MD, age 52, of Harrison, New York, passed away on Saturday, July 28 at St. Vincent's Medical Center, a place he loved, following a courageous battle with cancer. His family was a source of constant support throughout his illness. A well known and highly respected physician in the area, Dr. Dressler was on active staff at St. Vincent's Medical Center, where he served as Chief of Hematology/Oncology since 2007. Dr. Dressler was a member of the private practice Medical Specialists of Fairfield since 1998. As Clinical Trials Coordinator at St. Vincent's, he was responsible for bringing research trials to the community, offering novel agents and treatment strategies to patients with cancer. Dr. Dressler was also committed to teaching medical residents the complexities of cutting edge cancer care, and stressed the importance of clear communication between physicians and their patients. He was instrumental in bringing the multi-disciplinary approach to cancer care to St. Vincent's. Named 2012 Physician of the Year at St. Vincent's, with a record-breaking 19 nominations from fellow physicians, nurses, staff members and patients, the popular oncologist played a huge role in the remarkable progress of cancer care at St. Vincent's and in saving countless lives in the community since his arrival 16 years ago. Known for his extraordinary clinical skills, intellect, knowledge, wit, guitar and hockey-playing, Dr. Dressler was well-loved by his patients and colleagues, but will also be remembered for his friendly verbal sparring with fellow physicians. But more important, he will be remembered by all for his courage, honesty and solidarity in the face of his final illness, and for possessing the qualities essential in a physician: a hard, skillful work ethic, intellectual integrity and compassion. Dr. Dressler graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in chemistry with a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University. He then went on to receive his medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1985. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, a Fellowship in Medicine at Cornell University Medical College, and a Fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Dressler won numerous awards in his field including the Charles A. Dana Research Fellow Award, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Clinical Scholars Award, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Fellowship Award. He held many clinical and academic posts at institutions including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Yale University Department of Medical Oncology, and the Columbia University School of Physicians and Surgeons. He also performed clinical research and published in his field. He was board certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Board of Internal Medicine. He was a member of the American Societies of Hematology, and Clinical Oncology. Dr. Dressler also served as the internal medicine physician for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey team, and was an avid hockey player himself. Dr. Dressler is survived by his wife Nancy, son Andrew, daughters Danielle and Jillian, and beloved dog Max. Funeral services were held on Monday at Congregation Emanu El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Avenue, East Rye, New York. Donations in Dr. Dressler's honor may be made to St. Vincent's SWIM Across the Sound, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606.