Lester Isenstadt

Lester Isenstadt M.D.
09/29/2024
Lester Isenstadt M.D., born to Abraham and Charlotte Isenstadt, passed away on September 29, 2024, aged 82. He was surrounded by his family, to whom he was devoted. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Catherine, and his sons Alex and Joseph.
Lester grew up in Cambridge, MA. He suffered illness as a child, and determined to become a doctor in order to provide the same deep care and dedication that he received from his own doctors.
He attended Boston University and then enrolled at the University of Arkansas Medical School to train to be a psychiatrist. He told colorful stories of the culture shock of being one of the few Jewish people in Little Rock. After medical school he moved to San Francisco for his psychiatric residency, and when that was completed trained as a child and adult psychoanalyst. He found deep purpose in his work and in helping his patients.
He became passionate about neuroscience as the field of psychology became increasingly informed by it. He loved to spend his time studying neurobiological literature to better help his patients. He was particularly interested in how people react to mistakes and showing his patients that mistakes are a gift and a gateway to learning. He was devoted to learning, and used to say that a day was wasted if he hadn't learned something. Even in his final weeks, he continued to study and remained devoted to his patients and their emotional wellbeing.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.