Dr. Edward A. Plonka

I'm only learning about Dr. Plonka's untimely death in 2022, and am so sorry. He was not only my physician, but also my parents' longtime physician. I am grateful to him for supporting my parents, Abe and Natalie Goetz, when my mom got and later died from colon cancer. His kindness and patience, particularly with my father, a fellow physician, who was so distraught, was something I'll always remember. Allison Goetz Davis

I'm so sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Ed. I first met Ed in the late 80's and was very moved by his compassion and caring for his patients. He always went the extra mile for his patients. I was a VNA nurse in the late '80's and he took care of many very sick patients. I was blessed that he also helped my own family (both my parents visiting from the UK). Later in life our paths crossed again in hospice and palliative care. Ed's patients fully trusted him to provide the very best care. Ed practiced medicine the way it should be done and was a fine physician. Denise my heart goes to you and your family.

Ed and I met during our early years as primary care physicians at Valley Medical Center. We supervised medical residents together in a teaching clinic. Ed was an outstanding doctor who gave so much to his patients and colleagues. He was compassionate and really bright and knowledgeable while being soft-spoken and humble - a true gentleman. Ed had a great sense of humor and was a pleasure to be with. We stayed in touch through Christmas cards after he went into private practice, and then, a few years ago and to my delight, our paths crossed again at El Camino Hospital where we were both teaching programs in mindfulness and self-compassion. We looked forward to meeting for lunch in the New Year but, very sadly, it wasn´t meant to be.

Ed was a very special friend and colleague who really dedicated himself and his abundant talents to helping other people. I feel very blessed to have known him.

I'm sending all my best wishes to Denise and Eugene and your family.