Nemours Loses Dedicated Physician

Wilmington, Delaware
Friday, August 31, 2007 @ 11:37 AM EDT

Our community was stilled yesterday upon learning of the sudden and tragic death of Philip J. Wolfson, M.D., a beloved member of the Division of General Surgery at Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Professor of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College.

Described as a true gentleman, Dr. Wolfson was always positive, kind and compassionate to both his patients and his colleagues. He so valued the partnership between Jefferson and duPont that, despite the geographic distances involved, he would frequent both campuses nearly everyday. He served as an early model on how to form the bridge between our organizations long before cell phones and electronic records made this more possible.

Dr. Wolfson joined Jefferson in 1982 as Chief, Section of Pediatric Surgery.

In 1985, Dr. Wolfson started the Neonatal ECMO program at Jefferson, one of the first of its kind in the country. In 1993, Dr. Wolfson joined the medical staff of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children as Chief of the Division of General Pediatric Surgery. During his tenure, he served as a pediatric surgical leader in Wilmington, as well as at the Jefferson/duPont Children’s Health Program, Bryn Mawr/duPont Children’s Health Program and other satellite locations as required by children’s needs.

Phil’s passion was for teaching the next generation of surgeons. He was a remarkable teacher and beloved by his students. Phil possessed a unique blend of surgical skills and temperament that was both unflappably patient and able to instill the confidence and trust needed for medical students to mature and grow into skilled pediatric surgeons.

In 2002, Dr. Wolfson received the Samuel D. Gross Pin – named for the professor of anatomy famed in the Eakins painting -- and was honored by the Jefferson Medical College Class of 2002 for his unwavering commitment to his students. A faculty portrait of Dr. Wolfson was commissioned by the students as a gift to the University. His commitment to medical student education was evident in his service as the Chairman of the Curriculum Committee for the College to ensure continued academic excellence. He was a national leader in surgical education serving on the National Board of Medical Examiners and most recently was elected as President of the Association of Surgical Educators. Dr. Wolfson’s involvement as a teacher did not come at the expense of patient care. In fact, he saw teaching as an outgrowth of care in helping to mold the next generation of surgeons.

Dr. Wolfson brought an optimism and confidence to his work that truly distinguished him. He was not daunted by obstacles nor challenged by complexity. This integrity, dedication and “inner peace” made Phil a provider of comfort not only to his patients but to his colleagues, as well. His counsel, friendship and expert care of children will be deeply missed by all of us in the Nemours community.

Finally, he taught students and colleagues alike that few accomplishments in life are possible without the support of those you love. He demonstrated that love for his family each day. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Ginny, and his daughters, Erin and Carrie.

A private funeral will be held for Dr. Wolfson. Memorial services celebrating Dr. Wolfson’s life are being planned on both campuses and more information will be provided as these plans are known.

modified: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 @ 09:16 AM EDT
created: Thursday, September 06, 2007 @ 11:38 AM EDT