Dr. Michael G. Fine, a leading podiatrist in the Washington, DC, area who practiced for 37 years before retiring and moving to the San Francisco Bay Area to be near family, died of Covid complications on July 20 in San Francisco. He was 73.
Dr. Fine took pride in his commitment to providing patient care to thousands of people from across the DC area over many decades. He saw as many as 40 patients a day at his office, and he lightheartedly referred to himself as "the Cal Ripken of podiatry" - a reference to the legendary Baltimore Orioles baseball player who holds the record for consecutive games played.
Dr. Fine also provided specialized wound care services at Virginia Hospital Center that brought relief to many patients suffering the painful and dangerous effects of advanced diabetes or other circulatory problems. After conducting a survey of health professionals, Washingtonian magazine named him one of the top podiatrists in the national capital area.
His resiliency and love of life carried him through countless medical challenges, which he faced with humility and humor. In his retirement, he cherished time with his family, enjoying holidays, sports, food, and laughs. His warmth and friendliness allowed him to bond with people wherever he went. After receiving a liver and kidney transplant in 2015, he studied for and completed a second bar mitzvah at Congregation B'nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek to express gratitude for his medical renewal and build a community of friends in his new home.
Born and raised in humble circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Fine graduated from the University of Maryland and attended the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine, where he earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree. He went into private practice in 1978 in Arlington, Virginia, a suburb of Washington. He saw patients in a Colonial-style single-family home that was remodeled as a podiatric medical clinic, and he maintained the same office until health challenges prompted him to retire in 2014.
His favorite hobbies were domestic and international travel and attending cultural events centered around music and history. Above all, he was a passionate sports fan who carried the torch (and maintained season tickets) for Baltimore's baseball Orioles and football Ravens, the University of Maryland basketball program, and Washington's football Redskins (later renamed the Commanders).
He is survived by two children and their families: his daughter, Lisa Goldstein along with her husband Avram Goldstein, and their sons Danny and Eli; and Dr. Fine's son, Steven Fine, along with his wife Joelle Pauley Fine, and their child Charlie.
Dr. Fine's two marriages ended in divorce, and he remained friends with his first wife, Diane Fine.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 5, 2024, in the chapel at Home of Eternity Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, California. Dr. Fine will be laid to rest alongside his older brother, Howard Marshall of Coral Gables, Florida, who predeceased him in 2005.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Fine's name can be made to a summer camp for pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease - a condition he endured throughout his adult life. Contributions can be made to IBD Summer Camp Foundation, c/o Mel Heyman, MD, P.O. Box 210521, San Francisco, CA 94121.