[Rx2021] From Dr. Levine: Tree of Life Synagogue and Our Pitt Health Sciences Community

[Dean, School of Pharmacy]

We ask that you share this message with staff in your area.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Like all of you, I am struggling to make sense of the terrible events that transpired this weekend in our city. I am deeply saddened that such violence and hate should erupt in a house of worship in Squirrel Hill, a warm, welcoming, and peaceful neighborhood that many of us have called home.

With great sadness, I’m writing to confirm that at least two of the victims shot and killed Saturday at the Tree of Life Synagogue were members of our Pitt Health Sciences community.

Dr. Richard Gottfried was a graduate of our School of Dental Medicine who also earned his undergraduate degree at Pitt. He was a volunteer faculty member who regularly provided free dental care to those in need. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret Durachko, another graduate of our dental school.

Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz was a valued and greatly respected teacher in Shadyside Hospital’s family medicine residency program, from which he also graduated as a young doctor. Jerry’s colleagues, students, and devoted patients are devastated by this loss and heartbroken for Jerry’s family. Dr. Rabinowitz was the beloved physician for many years for members of my own family.

My most heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by this tragic event, particularly those who knew and worked closely with Drs. Gottfried and Rabinowitz.

I’m especially grateful for all the Pitt medical professionals who did an outstanding job of caring for the heroic first responders and injured victims of this heinous act. Interprofessional teams, including those in emergency medicine and trauma surgery, responded brilliantly. Their dedication and courage provide sorely needed light in a very dark time.

Finally, it’s very important that all members of our Pitt family know this: If you are affected in any way by recent tragic events, the University of Pittsburgh has resources available for you<http://www.emergency.pitt.edu>. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need help.

Sincerely,
Arthur S. Levine, M.D.
Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences
John and Gertrude Petersen Dean, School of Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Molecular Genetics
University of Pittsburgh
3550 Terrace Street, Suite 401
Pittsburgh, PA  15261, USA
Phone 1-412-648-8975
Fax 1-412-648-1236
alevine at pitt.edu<mailto:alevine at pitt.edu>

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