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Obituary for Paul R. Packer
Dr. Paul R. Packer (1927-2016) Renown OB/GYN Pioneer dies at 89
Dr. Paul R. Packer, of New Rochelle, NY, died on November 10, 2016 from complications following a surgical procedure. The well-loved doctor, former President of the Westchester Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and Associate Clinical Professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, was in the forefront of medical innovation and education. Four times in past years he was chosen by the chief residents at Albert Einstein as “Teacher of the Year” and recipient of the “National Faculty Award for Excellence in Resident Education.”
In 1964, at then New Rochelle Hospital, he was the first obstetrician to perform an amniocentesis for a pregnant woman with an RH sensitization, resulting in the delivery of a healthy baby. Today the procedure is routine. In 1973 he performed the first laparoscopic procedure for an ectopic pregnancy there; and in 1974, in conjunction with the New Rochelle Hospital Department of Surgery, he performed the first laparoscopic procedure on a male, aiding in the diagnosis of colon cancer without a major operation.
Paul was born on October 27, 1927 in Lawrence, Mass. Grew up in nearby Lynn, and moved back to Lawrence to play football for Lawrence High School. One of his most prized accomplishments was achieving designation of “Eagle Scout.” He entered Purdue University in 1945 as an engineering student, took one look at the size of the football players, and became a member of the varsity swim team. His impressive time in the 100 meter freestyle almost qualified him for the 1948 Olympics. After his first year at Purdue, he joined the Navy and was assigned to the Hospital Corps where his interest in medicine evolved. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to Purdue as a premed student and reported for the school magazine, was president of his fraternity, TEP, graduated as a Distinguished Student, & elected to Alpha Epsilon Delta, the National Premedical Honor Society.
In 1951, Paul entered New York University School of Medicine and was President of the Freshman class. Upon graduation, he was selected for internship by the founding group of house officers and then the first man chosen for residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Bronx Municipal Hospital (now Jacobi), the major teaching hospital for the then newly established Albert Einstein College of Medicine. After completing his residency Paul was asked by Dr. Lawrence Felmus, his professor at Einstein, to join him in private practice in New Rochelle.
Dr. Packer was a member of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a fellow of the American College Of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and of the College of Surgeons, a member of the Society of Pelvic Reconstructive Surgeons, the Society of Laparoscopic Surgeons, and the American Urogynecological Society.
Paul was an avid skier, windsurfer, kayaker & lover of opera. He was a member and minyanaire of Congregation Anshe Sholom in New Rochelle, NY. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Wendy, adoring daughters Samantha (Stephen Finkelstein) and Rebecca (Andrew Fabian), grandchildren Calista and Eli Finkelstein, and canine companions Charlie and Cody. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Congregation Anshe Sholom, New Rochelle, NY. Services will be at Zion Memorial Chapel, Mamaroneck, NY. Shiva: Monday 11/14, 1-4PM and 6-8PM
