BUFFALO, NY- Roswell Park is mourning the loss of a doctor. Dr. Meir Wetzler, Chief of the Leukemia Section and Medical Director of Clinical Services in the Department of Medicine at Roswell Park, died Monday following a ski accident.
Wetzler began working at Roswell Park in 1994.
Alex A. Adjei, MD, PhD, FACP, Professor and Chair, Department of Medicine Senior Vice-President for Clinical Research Katherine Anne Gioia Chair in Cancer Medicine Roswell Park Cancer Institute issued this statement:
"Meir joined Roswell Park in 1994, and has been a colleague and friend to many of us. He was selflessly dedicated to RPCI and cared about the success, vitality and growth of the Institute with great passion. He was integrally involved in all aspects of institutional activity. Meir was dedicated to the teaching of medical students, residents and fellows. Here are some highlights of the many roles he played in our lives: He oversaw clinical activities departmentally and co-chaired the Ambulatory Services Executive Committee. He co-chaired the Scientific Review Committee and Chaired the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee. Meir also oversaw the leukemia tissue bio-repository and ran a research laboratory. In addition to doing all of this, he carried a full clinical load and took outstanding care of his patients.
"Meir touched us all in so many different ways; Roswell Park has lost a dedicated son. All of us who worked with him and interacted with him are better people because we knew Meir. He will be sorely missed."
Kara Eaton-Weaver, Executive Director, Patient and Family Experience Roswell Park Cancer Institute statement:
"Meir embodied patient- and family-centered care. He gave a piece of himself in everything he did, from his research to his care for patients to his interactions with his team of colleagues. Meir was a transformational leader who built a culture of empathy, compassion and integrity and innovation. His character is an inspiration to us all. We are forever grateful for the gifts he shared with us."