Dr. Michael Gary Fine

03/27/1951 - 07/20/2024

Dr. Michael G. Fine, a leading podiatrist in Arlington, Virginia, who practiced for 37 years before retiring and moving to the San Francisco Bay Area to be near family, died of Covid complications on July 20, 2024, in San Francisco.

Dr. Fine took pride in his commitment to providing patient care to thousands of people from across the Washington, D.C., area. He saw as many as 40 patients a day at his office, and he lightheartedly referred to himself as "the Cal Ripken of podiatry" -- a reference to the legendary Baltimore Orioles player who holds the Major League Baseball record for consecutive games played.

Dr. Fine provided specialized wound care services at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, bringing relief to many patients suffering the painful and dangerous effects of advanced diabetes and other circulatory problems. After conducting a survey of health professionals, Washingtonian magazine named him one of the top podiatrists in the national capital area.

His resiliency and love of life carried him through countless medical challenges in the last 10 years, which he faced with humility and humor. In his retirement, he cherished time with his family, enjoying holidays, sports, food, and laughs. His warmth and friendliness allowed him to bond with people wherever he went.

After receiving a liver and kidney transplant in 2015, he studied for and completed a second bar mitzvah at Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek, California, to express gratitude for his medical renewal and build a community of friends in his new home.

Born and raised in humble circumstances in Baltimore, Dr. Fine graduated from the University of Maryland and attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. He entered private practice in 1978 in Arlington, seeing patients in a Colonial-style single-family home that was remodeled as a podiatric medical clinic. He maintained the same office until health challenges prompted him to retire in 2014.

His favorite hobbies were travel and attending cultural events centered around music and history. He was a passionate sports fan who carried the torch (and maintained season tickets) for Baltimore's baseball Orioles and football Ravens, the University of Maryland men's and women's basketball programs, and Washington's football Redskins (later renamed the Commanders).

He is survived by two children and their families: his daughter, Lisa Fine Goldstein of El Cerrito, California, along with her husband Avram Goldstein, and their sons Danny and Eli; and Dr. Fine's son, Steven Fine, of San Carlos, California, along with his wife Joelle Pauley-Fine, and their child Charlie. Dr. Fine's two marriages ended in divorce, and he remained friends with his first wife, Diane Fine.

Memorial services for Dr. Fine were held in Oakland, California, on August 5, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Fine's name can be made to a summer camp for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease, a medical condition that he endured throughout his adult life. Contributions can be made to IBD Summer Camp Foundation, c/o Mel Heyman, MD, P.O. Box 210521, San Francisco, CA 94121.