Carl Levinson

Carl J Levinson, M.D. On Monday, November 21, 2011, Dr. Carl J Levinson, Pioneering Gynecologist in minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of women's diseases and infertility, passed away in Menlo Park, CA from complications of a fall he suffered on November 19, 2011 at the age of 84. Dr. Levinson, born in New York City, began his practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1957 in Milwaukee, WI after finishing his residency at Beth Israel Hospital, New York, NY. While in Milwaukee, he practiced at both Mt. Sinai and St. Luke's Hospitals. In addition to his private practice, he was actively involved in clinical teaching at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette Medical School) and began publishing his clinical research. In 1970, he became the first full-time chairman of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mt. Sinai Hospital, established an infertility center and specialized in developing laparoscopy and other minimally invasive surgical techniques, which were in their infancy at that time. While laparoscopy was initially used for strictly diagnostic purposes, Dr. Levinson worked with other pioneers in the field to create more advanced procedures, including fallopian tubal sterilization, treatment of ectopic pregnancies and management of various infertility conditions. Subsequently, he and several colleagues were invited by Jordan Phillips, MD to establish the American Association of Gynecological Laparoscopy (AAGL) which has grown since its inception 40 years ago into a significant international medical organization with a membership of more than 5000 gynecologists. As a member of the AAGL Board of Directors and subsequently, its President in 1979, he presented and published numerous clinical research papers, contributed to gynecological textbooks and participated in several AAGL training programs and meetings. Dr Levinson joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tx. As Associate Professor in 1973. His old friend and colleague from Beth Israel, New York, Raymond Kaufman, MD had become the Chairman of the Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynecology and invited him to develop a training program in laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery as part of the resident training program. In 1980 Dr. Levinson became the first full-time Chairman of OB/GYN at Children's Hospital (currently California Pacific Medical Center), an affiliate of the University of California Medical School, San Francisco. As Chairman, he was responsible for training residents minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, infertility treatment and clinical research, as well as continuing clinical practice. In 1991, Dr. Levinson was invited by Dr. Paul Wetter to participate in his establishment of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS), a multi-specialty society which included gynecologists, urologists, and general surgeons involved in developing various minimally invasive surgical procedures. As member of its Board of Trustees for several years and President in 1996, he saw it evolve over 20 years into a significant surgical minimally invasive surgical society and forum for national and international members to present their work in leading edge surgical techniques and technology and creating more accessible skilled surgical training and mentoring standards for residents and practicing physicians. Upon retiring from active surgery in 1993, Dr. Levinson joined the faculty of Stanford University Medical School as Professor where he developed an Endoscopy Center for the training of Stanford residents and accredited workshops for local and other practicing surgeons. Upon retirement in 1996, Dr. Levinson became a consultant in a number of startup medical device companies. In addition to his medical career, he was a an afficienado of jazz, good theatre and film, an active tennis and basketball player and sailor who viewed life through an irreverent lens. He is survived byhis wife, Naomi, sons, Marc Andrew in Marina del Rey, and, Neil David and three grandchildren, Paige, Drew and Jamie in Santa Barbara, and sister, Joan Levinson, New York.