Dr. Josef E. Fischer

In the early 1970's, I had the privilege of being Dr. Fischer's secretary. I was a young 20 something learning how to maneuver in the adult world. While working for Dr. Fischer, I learned about fidelity and integrity in dealing with all individuals, especially family and friends, and how to demonstrate compassion to all of the patients we interacted with on a daily basis. He made it clear that I was integral to the daily work performed in the office which made me feel happy to be there...

Joe was a great story-teller, having been tutored by some of the great surgeons in American history. He would smile, laugh and tell a story with great passion for the memory he was sharing. It was terrific fun to see this side of him as he recalled some awkward moment in his young surgical career. Now an elder sharing tales, he would laugh at himself. That was when he was at his best.

In 1973 Dr Fischer came to Melbourne Australia as a guest speaker at an international Conference on Parenteral Nutrition. He kindly arranged for me to spend a few months working in the pharmacy department at the Massachusetts General Hospital. I arrived in Boston In October 1974 with wife Trish, and two children aged 4 and 2 years. John Webb was Director of Pharmacy at MGH at that time, and I spent a productive 3 months working in his department. Dr Fischer and his wife Karen were very kind...

Dr Fischer took care of my Mom for years.. their personalities were similar! I had the most respect for him.... Reminding me of Bobby Knight we´re I went to undergrad at IU.. saddened to have just seen this... a true Medical Hero!

I am so sorry for your loss. I just saw this on the internet. Dr. Fischer literally saved my life at UC Hospital in 2000. I was 28 at the time and my small intestine busted inside of me. I am proof that he cared so deeply about his patients. I am so sad to see that he passed away. Prayer's to his family and friends.

Joe's relentless pursuit of excellence reached all of us privileged to join his team. I will remember him for his drive and passion for taking on the most difficult of challenges that were laid before him.

Joe will be missed. Always enjoyed working together on ACS projects.