Obituary: Marvin E. Levin, professor emeritus of clinical medicine, 91
Physician advocated for patients with diabetes, helped start School of Medicine’s foot clinic
Marvin E. Levin, MD, a renowned endocrinologist and teacher for many years at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, died of complications from pneumonia April 30, 2016, in St. Louis. He was 91.
Levin, a professor emeritus of clinical medicine, was an advocate for patients with diabetes. He specialized in the treatment of the diabetic foot and helped start the School of Medicine’s foot clinic. His goal was the prevention of lower leg and foot amputations in people with diabetes.
He co-edited “The Diabetic Foot,” currently titled “Levin and O’Neal’s: The Diabetic Foot,” with Lawrence O’Neal, MD. The classic textbook has been published in several languages. Levin also was the author of more than 150 articles and book chapters. He lectured internationally on the problems of the diabetic foot.
Levin became professor emeritus in 1995 but continued to contribute to the university through teaching and committee service. As a member of the medical school admissions committee, he particularly enjoyed interviewing applicants.
He received his bachelor’s degree in 1947 and his medical degree in 1951, both from Washington University. Levin then completed a residency in medicine at Barnes Hospital and an endocrinology and metabolism fellowship at the School of Medicine before joining the clinical faculty in 1955.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Barbara; his children Lynn, Judy and Michael; and three grandchildren. His former wife, Gloria, is deceased.
Internment was private, followed by a memorial service May 4 at Congregation Shaare Emeth in St. Louis.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Washington University or the charity of the one’s choice.
