Very sad to learn that my beloved endocrinologist “The Father of PCOS,” Walter Futterweit passed away 2/2/21. May his name & memory always be a blessing to those who knew & loved him.
https://www.legacy.com/amp/obituaries/nytimes/197651401
He retired in 2017. In the last two years of visits, I suspected he was sick. The last I heard from him was 2018. He had been on my mind a lot since then. His cell phone was turned off in 2018, thereabouts. Recently I was thinking of sending a card to him to reconnect. But had been checking periodically for his obit. He retired at age 86, so I knew it was an eventuality.
It is an understatement to say he was a huge support to me. I saw him 4 times a year for close to 14 years, and was a steadfast and trusted advocate, and friend.
Not that I am proud of this detail, but, some years I saw him more than I saw my mom. I saw him 4x a year for nearly 14 years.
I would plan on spending the entire day in NYC, usually stacking other appointments for the day, and he would be the first appointment.
The entire experience was ritualized, certain habits like showing up very early, so I would settle down after the anxiety of mass transit and walking to the office. I’d sit and crochet in the waiting room, admire the Miro lithographs on the wall, and listen to classical music which was always playing. I’d review my lab reports before going into his office for a discussion and then on to the exam room. (And of course pleasant chit chat with his secretary Roni, his nurse Luba, and Ricky the doorman.)
I need a lot of predictability in my life, and for four times a year for fourteen years, Dr. F. provided that foundation for me. And to be honest, ever since he retired in 2017, I have been chasing that experience like chasing a unicorn. The depth and quality of care he provided, I am afraid to say, might never come my way again.
During the pandemic, I have been revisiting those ritualized office visits, as they were the central part of my self care for 14 years.
His recommendations were solid gold. He recommended the surgeon for my gastric bypass, as well as other doctors, some of whom I continue to see to this day. His legacy continues through those doctors he respected enough to recommend to me, who have also become trusted advocates for my health.
He was the solitary reason why I am discerning about my care. He got me involved, making me an active participant in my care.
He got me involved and educated me on how to read the lab reports for blood tests. He got me hooked on reading peer reviewed medical journals. We talked endlessly about supplements and other things related to my issues.
He was always “just an e-mail” away—my emails were always met with a timely, friendly reply and loaded with guidance.
He truly was a wonderful person. A fantastic health advocate and educator, and friend.
My words don’t do him justice.
I always quipped to him how he lived his life like that old Irish proverb: If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. He was the personification of that.
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