STEPHEN JAY LIPSON

1946 - 2013

STEPHEN JAY LIPSON

1946 - 2013

BORN

1946

DIED

2013

STEPHEN LIPSON Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, 2013.
LIPSON, Stephen Jay Of Weston, died peacefully at home with family by his side on December 17, 2013, following a long battle with multiple sclerosis. He was 67. Born in Staten Island, N.Y., on Sept. 25, 1946, he attended New York City Public Schools before earning a bachelors degree cum laude from Yale University in 1968 and a medical degree from Harvard Medical School in 1972. After completing the Harvard Combined Orthopedic Residency Program and a research fellowship in London, England, he joined Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston in 1979 as an attending physician specializing in spine surgery. In 1992, Dr. Lipson became Orthopedic Surgeon-In-Chief at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston at the age of 45, where he oversaw surgical, resident, and medical student teaching and research activities until 2001. When multiple sclerosis slowed him down, and he could no longer perform sur-gery, he continued his passions for medicine by seeing patients at clinics at Harvard Vanguard and focusing on teaching and alumni affairs at Harvard Medical School. He was active as an editor for the medical journals Spine, Journal of Spinal Disorders, Perspectives in Orthopedic Surgery, and New England Journal of Medicine. He was also active in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and Cervical Spine Research Society. He published 52 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 25 book chapters, and gave countless lectures to make valuable contributions to the areas of degenerative disc disease, lumbar stenosis, spinal manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, and in medical education. Dr. Lipson was known for his empathic and caring approach to his patients, to teaching and to the medical community at large. He had a gentle humor, incredibly positive attitude, and was happiest enjoying a long dinner with friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Jenifer (Burnes) Lipson, his two sons, Adam Lipson and his fiance Alexis, and Daniel Lipson and his wife Sarah, and two grandchildren, Luke and Lucy. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Lipson and his wife Rachelle, two nephews, and many cousins. Services will be at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard St., BROOKLINE, on Thursday, December 19, at 11:00AM. Burial will be at Sharon Memorial Park, Sharon. Following the burial, memorial observance will be at his late residence until 5:00pm & continuing 7-9:00 pm & Saturday evening 6-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Brigham and Womens Hospital to establish the "Stephen J. Lipson, M.D. Lectureship" at Brigham and Womens Hospital. Please send your memorial contribution to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, c/o BWH Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02116. Levine Chapels, Brookline 617-277-8300 www.levinechapel.com

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December 25, 2018

Rosemary Campobasso posted to the memorial.

December 31, 2014

Merry posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2014

Larry Lief posted to the memorial.

Rosemary Campobasso

December 25, 2018

I was shock to learn of Dr. Lipson's passing. I was his patient for about twenty years. I had spinal stenosis in the lumbar L4-S1 area. Each time I visited him, I spent a lot of time talking with him about my disease and others that came up. He was very kind, caring and supportive. In fact, there was a motto taped to his desk which read, "we may not be able to cure, but we can care". Dr. Lipson spent so much time with each patient and when I left, I felt better mentally. He was so talented and he was very reluctant to do surgery on me. On my last visit with him, I noticed that he was losing his balance, and asked him if he was okay. He looked at me and said, "all of these diseases suck". After that, I tried to visit with him at Harvard Vanguard but my insurance company did not cover HV. I never saw him again, but started seeing Dr. Mansfield, who was a friend of Dr. Lipson. I know that Dr. Lipson will be missed by so many people in the medical community, his family, patients and friends. My
My sincere condolences to his family.

Merry

December 31, 2014

He was my surgeon. He was such a talented man. He helped me when no one else would. I remember my first visit with him in BWH in 1990 and I was waiting in the waiting room and someone came to see him from Africa! I was so impressed. Then, I met with him and couldn't believe how nice and caring he was and he believed me! So sorry to hear of his passing.

Larry Lief

October 28, 2014

I was a patient of Dr. Lipson on and off over a ten year period which covered his positions at Brigham and Womens and at the BI. I was not aware of his illness and for many, many years I tried to learn why he was no longer practicing and just today, 10/28/14 did I learn the sad truth. I have seen many doctors over my 68 years. Dr. Lipson was the best. I trusted him immensely. At my first appointment with him in the late '80's, I was incapacitated by a herniated disc. He immediately sensed my fear and comforted me by saying that he only operates on one half of one percent of his cases. He was both a gentle man and a gentleman. I never felt as close to any doctor as I did to him. Visiting him was like seeing an old friend. He was so warm and down to earth. He was the most humble doctor I ever met and he truly cared about his patients. He always asked me personal questions about how my parents were doing or how my job was going. One anecdote which may seem of minor significance but to me says volumes about the man occurred on my last appointment with him. After testing the reflexes of my feet, he picked up both of my shoes and gently placed them on my feet. What doctor would ever touch his patient's shoes! To me, Dr. Lipson was truly a great man. My belated condolences go out to his family and friends. I'm sure he is greatly missed by everyone who knew him. Today is a very sad day for me. I hope his family reads my message. I wish I could have expressed more deeply how much I liked him and how highly I regarded him. If I could have, I would have liked to directly tell his wife and children how great I thought he was.

[email protected]

Roberta Straus

August 14, 2014

I have only just learned of Dr. Lipson's death last December. I was a patient of his for a long time when I fractured my coccyx. Also, I was a fellow M.S. sufferer. I have never met a kinder or more competent Dr., and I am deeply saddened, Jenifer and family, for your loss.

January 8, 2014

Steve was a year ahead of me all the way through medical school and residency. He was a constant source of mentorship, leadership and friendship. It is with great alarm I learn of his passing and I extend sincerely to his family my most sincere condolences and wishes for strength during this difficult time. William P. Thorpe M.D.

Dick Peinert

January 8, 2014

So sorry to hear that Steve has passed on. Steve was a year ahead of me at HMS and I remember him most for a quiet but cutting wit, as well as his great kindness. I would see Steve yearly at class agent meetings and catch up on mutual friends. In fact, one of the reasons I rarely missed these meetings was because it was my chance to see him and re-connect. I knew he was not doing well medically, but he would NEVER bring it up. He would just talk about his work and his family.

I will keep you and Steve in my thoughts and prayers

Saul Kaplan

January 4, 2014

I was very sorry to hear that Steve had died. I was one of his residents in the mid-80's. He always treated us with respect and as colleagues, and I remember him fondly.

December 27, 2013

Jennifer

We were saddened to hear that Steve had passed away after his long battle with MS. I have known Steve since college and medical school, and even visited him in Staten Island. He was a very talented and dedicated physician and made great contributions to his specialty. Most of all we will miss him as a classmate and friend.

Herb and Kathy Cantrill

Bob Nishimura

December 23, 2013

Jenifer and family,

I am deeply saddened by the passing of a wonderful person and physician. Steve had a great intellect and grasp of medicine and was wonderful to be around with his wit and sense of humor. He will be missed by all. My condolences to the family.

Lisa Carusone

December 22, 2013

Jenifer, my deepest sympathies to you, and to your family. You are in my thoughts.

kumkum bhasin

December 19, 2013

Dear Susan,

My heartfelt condolences. You have been such a good partner and I wish Steve's departed soul rest and comfort and pleasant memories for all of you.

love and best wishes,

KumKum & Shally

Kevin Fox

December 19, 2013

I was fortunate enough to have worked with Dr. Lipson as a social worker on the orthopedic and trauma service at Beth Israel Hospital. He treated people with dignity and respect and was a kind, gentle, and funny man. The work was always quite emotionally taxing and Dr. Lipson never lost sight of that fact.

Kevin Fox

December 19, 2013

I worked with Dr. Lipson as a social worker on the orthopedic and trauma unit at Beth Israel Hospital. He always treated people with dignity and respect. It was a pleasure knowing him and having the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful team at the BI.

Alex G

December 19, 2013

Dr. Lipson, thanks to you I was hired at Harvard Vanguard and I was working next to your side till the bitter end that you left, I never have forgotten about you, you where the Man no matter what and I enjoyed working with you during your time here at Harvard Vanguard. it trully saddens me that you are gone, your attitude was always always positive no matter how you felt. I always will miss you
:*(

~alex G

December 19, 2013

We are sad to learn of Stephen's passing. Knowing that he is no longer suffering, however, is of some comfort to us.
Jenifer, we are here for you, so please reach out to us if there is anything at all that we can do for you.
Linda and Barry Davidson (Weston, MA)

Steven Wishner

December 19, 2013

Jenifer- I am so sorry for your loss. As I am currently in Florida I am unable to "sit" with you, but know that you are in my thoughts. With my condolences,
Steve Wishner

Gary Hager

December 18, 2013

While I did not know Dr.Lipson personally (I was introduced to him through his son Adam). I was consulted by Adam about a trust his dad created, not knowing he was as ill as he was. I could tell that his father was not only a caring physician but a person who took his responsibility to his wife and chldren seriously. I know he will be greatly missed. My condolences to his immediate and extended family.

Susana & Mark Gorstein

December 18, 2013

Mark, Susana and Sam are so sad to learn of Steve's death. He was a lovely man and we have many happy memories of his wonderful salads at 4th of July parties. Most of all we remember all of the kindness and wisdom he extended to Sam and us over the years.
Sincerely,
Susana Mark and Sam Gorstein

Neil Block

December 18, 2013

What a loss to his family, friends, patients, and world. He was a fine human being, a credit to his humanity. He will be sorely missed.

NB cousin by marriage

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Sign STEPHEN LIPSON's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 25, 2018

Rosemary Campobasso posted to the memorial.

December 31, 2014

Merry posted to the memorial.

October 28, 2014

Larry Lief posted to the memorial.