Donald P. Swartz M.D.

Swartz, Donald P., MD DELMAR Donald P. Swartz, MD, 86, professor and past chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Albany Medical College died Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Albany Medical Center Hospital. Dr. Swartz was born and educated in Kitchener and London, Ontario, Canada, University of Western Ontario. After receiving an M.D. cum laude, he completed a thesis in endocrine research and received an MSc. cum laude. His four years of clinical residency in obstetrics and gynecology was at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md. Dr. Swartz was awarded a John and Mary Markle scholarship in Medical Science for five years - 1958-1963. After teaching on the faculty of his Alma Mater in London, Canada for four years, he was named Clinical Professor and Chairman, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Harlem Hospital, N.Y. with his Professorship at Columbia University while filling that post between 1962 and 1972. He was then appointed Professor and Chairman, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Albany Medical College, Albany, N.Y. He has published and lectured in many areas of obstetrics and gynecology. His major clinical research was involved with the new fields of oral and injectable hormonal contraception and the intra-uterine device. For the past 22 years, he has been deeply involved in exhibiting and lecturing in the field of postmenopausal hormone replacement, risks and benefits. Dr. Swartz has directed the training of almost 100 residents in the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology and assisted extensively in the training of many more since relinquishing departmental chairmanship. He has received five awards as the Outstanding Attending Gynecologist from his residents. He has held many positions, nationally and regionally including President of the American Association of Planned Parenthood Physicians, Chairman of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Committee for the Continuing Education of Obstetrician/Gynecologists, etc. He has edited a multi-author textbook, Hormone Replacement Therapy. Dr. Swartz served on the Medical Committee and Board of Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood Assn. for the allowed terms. Dr. Swartz enjoyed golf, downhill skiing and theater. He and his wife, Liz have been longtime members of Normanside Country Club, Delmar. He is survived by his wife, Liz Swartz; son, Ian D. Swartz of Rutherford, N.J.; daughter, Rhonda L. Peterson, MD of Almond, N.Y.; stepdaughter, Bonnie-Jo Hall of Colonie; brother, Bud Swartz and sister, Norma Kennedy, both of Ontario, Canada; grandchildren, Beth Hall, Tommy Peterson and Rachel Swartz and great-grandson, Brodyn Courter. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2008 at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 49 Killean Park, Colonie. Friends and family are welcome to a light luncheon at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Donald P. Swartz and his Residents Medical Student Award Fund" at Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.