Joel D. Mack

1936 - 2024

JOEL D. MACK M.D. F.A.C.S

August 26, 1936 - August 8, 2024

Orthopedic Surgeon, Partner, and Animal Advocate

A private interment was held for retired local physician Dr. Joel D. Mack, who died peacefully in Bakersfield on Thursday, August 8, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Dr. Mack was a native of Boston, Massachusetts where he attended Boston Latin School. He graduated Magna cum laude from Harvard College with a degree in Psychology. In 1962 he graduated from Harvard Medical School. He interned in General surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospitals before enlisting in the military.

Dr. Mack served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Medical Corp. Following his service, he held residencies in General Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospitals.

He entered private practice for orthopedics in Chelmsford, Massachusetts in 1969. Three years later he moved across the country and settled in Bakersfield where he served as Chief of staff at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital. He also served on Memorials executive committee as vice chairman of the board and as its Chief of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Mack was also part of the teaching staff in Orthopedics at Kern Medical Center

Dr. Mack was certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and held fellowships with the American College of Surgeons, the International College of Surgeons, and the North American Spine Society. He was also a member of the Pan Pacific Surgical Society, the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Society, and the Kern County Medical Society.

He is survived by his brother, Dr. Bruce Mack, and his longtime partner and love, Sandra Tognini Bays. They spent 48 years together traveling, entertaining, and making a difference in the community as animal advocates rescuing and caring for thousands of animals. Sandra was his beauty queen, companion, strength, and the love of his life.

Heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Robert Laughlin, Dr. David Hair, Cindy Lynch, and Dr. Mark Holland for their friendship and care. Thank you to his loving caregivers Veronica, Silvia, Ashley, Janneth, Kathy, Around the Clock, and Hoffmann Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, Dr. Mack's memory may be honored with a donation to The Cat People, The Cat People, 4120 East Drive, Bakersfield, CA, 93308, thecatpeople.org.

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