OBITUARIES: Oksana Korzeniowski, 57, physician, professor of medicine (04/14/02)

OBITUARIES

Oksana Korzeniowski, 57, physician, professor of medicine

by Daria Blackwell

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Dr. Oksana Maria Korzeniowski, professor of medicine at the Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP) - Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, who spent a lifetime saving lives and shaping those of countless medical students, died on March 29 at her home in Glenside, Pa. At age 57, she succumbed to a prolonged and valiant battle with cancer.

Known for her exceptional ability to diagnose infectious diseases, she was an avid researcher and teacher. Among numerous publications, she recently co-edited the definitive textbook, "Cardiovascular Infections," with Gerald L. Mandell MD. Among her accomplishments were numerous awards for excellence in teaching presented by her students and her institution, including the Golden Apple Award in 1987 and 1994, the Lindback Award in 1988, and the Harry Gottlieb M.D. Award in 2000. She was elected president of the Medical/Dental Staff in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1999. Dr. Korzeniowski was a fellow of the American College of Physicians and served as secretary of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Subspecialty Board on Infectious Diseases. She stepped down from her responsibilities at the end of 2001.

Dr. Joan A. Lit reflected: "Dr. Korzeniowski taught me how to be a good doctor, proved to me that my voice makes a difference, and showed us all how to live with courage and grace." A resounding thread that her students recount is that she taught them not only how to practice good medicine, but also how to be a good doctor, the kind that helps the staff, the patients and their families make it through whatever crisis they are facing.

"She was a favorite teacher to medical students, a stellar attending [physician] to countless residents and fellows, and a steadfast colleague and friend," remembered Dr. Andrew Roberts, president of the Medical Staff, MCP Hospital.

"Kindling the flame of knowledge and sparking enlightenment in others so that it can be passed to the next generation is probably what everyone recognizes about her best," said Dr. Robert Mackay.

"She was incredibly smart," Dr. Marla Gold recalled, "and she could just about get any diagnosis at any conference, anywhere. On rounds, she would often lovingly tell patients - many of whom were very ill - that they might be able to go home once they could spell her name. Her passion for medicine and love for patients was clear in all she did. I carry that in my own heart as I practice medicine and live up to the ideals of our profession. Her contribution to the legacy of the MCP community - is unmeasurable."

Dr. June F. Klinghoffer expressed her sentiments, "Oksana was a friend, teacher, physician, leader, and honest human being who has given so much and who has so enriched us all."

Dr. Korzeniowski was a graduate of Philadelphia High School for Girls and the University of Pennsylvania. She received her medical doctorate from the University of Rochester in 1971, and completed her post-graduate training at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, where she trained in medicine and surgery. After a year studying the infectious causes of gastroenteritis in Brazil, she completed a fellowship in infectious disease at the University of Virginia School of Medicine and served as chief resident for the Department of Internal Medicine in 1978-1979. Dr. Korzeniowski returned to Philadelphia in 1979, where she assumed the post of assistant professor of medicine and rose through the ranks to the appointment of Professor.

Among her many institutional appointments, Dr. Korzeniowski served as the medical director for the inpatient medical services of the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (1985-1993), chairman of the Resident Evaluation Committee (1985-1995), Chairman of the Committee on the Impact of AIDS (1986-1994), assistant medical director of the medical college hospitals (1993-2001), medical director for quality assessment (1993-2001), hospital Epidemiologist (1993-2001), chairman of the Infection Control Committee (1993-2001) and chairman of the Quality Council (1993-2001).

After returning to Philadelphia, Dr. Korzeniowski settled in Glenside, Pa. and married Lee Rudakewych, a journalist, in 1982. She devoted her private life to her family, especially their daughter, Alexis Rudakewych, who recently graduated from Cheltenham High School and now attends Boston University. Much of Dr. Korzeniowski's drive in the past few years was fueled by her desire to see her daughter graduate and settle independently.

Dr. Korzeniowski contributed greatly to the knowledge of medicine, even helping to identify and publish reports of anaphylactic reactions to her own chemotherapy regimens throughout her illness, perhaps saving other lives in the process.

Born in Ukraine on April 11, 1945, to Marian and Irena Korzeniowski, Dr. Korzeniowski spent the first seven years of her life in displaced persons camps fighting for survival and fleeing the ravages of war. The family arrived in the United States via Italy in 1952 aboard the S.S. Constitution and settled in Philadelphia.

Dr. Korzeniowski is survived by her mother, Irena, husband, Lee, and daughter, Alexis, as well as her brother, Walter Korzeniowski, and sister, Daria Blackwell.

A wake was held at the Lamb Funeral Home in Huntington Valley, Pa. A Ukrainian Catholic memorial service, followed by presentation of eulogies, took place at the funeral home on April 4 followed by a small reception for family and friends.

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