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Richard J. Fleming, 1931–2003

The Stamford Hospital Stamford, CT 06904
The Stamford Hospital Stamford, CT 06904
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center New York, NY 10021

Richard J. Fleming died of cancer on February 6, 2003. He grew up in Massachusetts and received his medical degree from Tufts University in 1956. He interned at Ohio State University and served as a captain in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. After completing his radiology residency at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in 1962, he joined the staff there under Dr. William Seaman.

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Dr. Fleming was chosen to be the first radiologist in the department to perform vascular procedures at Columbia Presbyterian. One of the authors, then a research fellow at Columbia Presbyterian, recalls being told in the mid 1960s that only one young radiologist could obtain necessary blood samples from delicate adrenal veins, and, of course, that radiologist was Dick Fleming. The great skill of those golden hands was readily apparent to her, but she was struck even more by his warm, easygoing, and collegial nature. In addition, colleagues found that he had a quick eye: Once while just passing through the chest room, he casually observed, "That patient has a sharp distal clavicle. Maybe he has hyperparathyroidism." And, of course, the patient did indeed have hyperparathyroidism.

In the mid 1960s, Dr. Fleming moved on to the New York Cornell Medical Center where he became the head of cardiovascular angiography, performing coronary arteriography as well as peripheral angiography. In 1970, he became chief of radiology at The Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT. Fleming and two colleagues from Columbia Presbyterian, Arnold J. Schwartz and Harvey L. Hecht, founded Stamford Radiological Associates. Together with Marsha Bull, Dick Fleming developed a cardiac catheterization laboratory at The Stamford Hospital that is known for its excellence.

Dr. Fleming's interventional expertise was phenomenal, and he was a true pioneer in what has now become the burgeoning and critically important field of vascular and interventional radiology. He was passionate about his work but always calm and careful. He took great pride in what he accomplished but was never boastful or arrogant. When his help was needed, Dick Fleming offered it gladly. He showed compassion and respect for his patients and treated everyone with dignity. He saved limbs and lives and made life better for many. Dr. Fleming enjoyed teaching and developed an excellent school for radiology technologists. His good nature and sense of humor endeared him to all.

A respected leader, Dr. Fleming was elected chairman of the medical staff and the medical board at The Stamford Hospital as well as president of the Connecticut State Radiological Society. In addition, he became a fellow of the American College of Radiology.

A fine athlete, Dick Fleming will be remembered for his ability to race through an entire team of residents for a touchdown at the Saturday touch football games between the residents and the attending physicians. He was also an avid golfer.

Integrity and excellence were Dick Fleming's constant companions. He was a true gentleman who lived life fully. Dick is survived by his wife Jo Anna, his son Douglas, his daughter Pamela Horan, and his stepdaughters Gillian and Jessica Hoffmann.

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This Article Figures Only Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Bull, M. Articles by Hecht, H. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Bull, M. Articles by Hecht, H. L. Social Bookmarking                      What's this?