In Memoriam: Hillel S. Panitch, MD (1940-2010)

Abstract

Presents an obituary of Hillel S. Panitch (1940-2010). He was a neurologist, neurovirologist, and neuroimmunologist who participated in the introduction and characterization of novel pharmacotherapies for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The professional accomplishments of Panitch are numerous. Not only was he exceptional at observing, diagnosing, and treating patients with a broad variety of neurological conditions, he possessed a warmth and empathy that made it easy for him to connect with his patients, medical students, and neurology residents. In 2000, Panitch was awarded the Golden Hammer Award for Clinical Neurology, Resident Teaching, and Patient Care by the Department of Neurology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. As a scientist, Panitch was prolific over many decades, with his work published in the most prestigious scientific journals. He was also principal investigator and participant in many international and national trials that evaluated disease-modifying and symptomatic therapies for patients with MS, including in the pivotal Betaseron and Copaxone trials. He was an extraordinarily gifted physician and a mensch. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)