In Memory
As many of you know, Dr. Joseph Weiss passed away October 25, 2015. Dr. Weiss was deeply involved with organized medicine for several decades. In addition to serving as Chair of the Education and Scientific Committees at the Michigan Rheumatism Society, Dr. Weiss was past President of the Michigan Society of Internal Medicine and Chief of Staff at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia.
“Dr. Weiss was a true role model. His commitment to medicine, our specialty, care of patients, teaching and self- improvement was unwavering. He was a delightful person who is deeply missed by many and respected by all,” said Michigan Rheumatism Society President Amar Majjhoo, MD. The Michigan Rheumatism Society unanimously voted to name its scholarship program for fellows in training in his memory.
A native Detroiter and 1961 University of Michigan Medical School graduate, Dr. Weiss served as both President and Treasurer of the Wayne County Medical Society of Southeast Michigan.
After medical school, Dr. Weiss served in the U.S. Public Health Service, travelling to rural areas across the country providing care to underprivileged patients. He then served two years in Afghanistan with Care-Medico and additional time in South Vietnam caring for war victims.
After completing an internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship, Dr. Weiss worked as a staff physician at Wayne County General Hospital, where he served as Director of Emergency Services for five years before opening a solo rheumatology practice in Livonia in 1981.
Dr. Weiss maintained his practice until shortly before his death. He also continued his tireless activity with the Michigan Rheumatism Society and the Wayne County Medical Society during his later years, including serving as Editor of the Detroit Medical News and writing numerous columns on current issues affecting medical practice.
Dr. Weiss was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Louise Weiss (nee Beck). He is survived by his sister Edith King, his sons Steven Weiss (Sharon) and David (Linda), and his grandsons Samuel Weiss and Broderick Weiss. He is also survived by his companion Marilyn Shapiro and the three children and six grandchildren of her long marriage to Irwin Shapiro.
Contributions in memory of Dr. Weiss can be made to:
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
733 Third Ave., 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10017
http://www.nationalMSsociety.org
