Michael S. Aldrich, MD (1949–2000)

Abstract

Michael S. Aldrich, MD, Professor of Neurology and Director of the Sleep Disorders Program at the University of Michigan, died on July 18, 2000 at the age of 51 from the effects of a recurrent osteosarcoma. He left behind a wonderful family: Leslie Brown Aldrich, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan and a gastroenterologist; three children, Brian, Matthew, and Jennifer; a sister, Carol Barkin; two brothers, Bob and Tom; and parents, Knight and Julie. I first met Mike when he came to Ann Arbor as an applicant to our neurology residency program. He was then a medical student at the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville. He made a strong impression upon me. He was clearly a highly intelligent student with many interesting life experiences, but he presented himself in a quiet, humble, and somewhat shy manner. He had a sterling academic record and an intense interest in academic neurology. Later, I was very pleased when he matched to this program, and indeed, he proved to be an exceptionally fine resident. As he progressed here, he developed into an outstanding clinical neurologist—kind and considerate to his patients, and adept in diagnosis, management, and treatment. He was also academically productive, writing a succession of papers on stroke, epilepsy, and cortical blindness from observations he made during his residency. Upon completing his residency, he entered a fellowship in electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology in this department, but he requested permission to receive special training in clinical sleep disorders at Stanford University Medical School. This was granted, and he spent several months …