The New York Academy of Medicine mourns the passing of William C. Stubing, a visionary leader who helped guide the transformation of the Academy to its current organizational structure. 

During his years as the Academy’s director—1986 to 1989—he expressed the belief that “the public’s need for physician leaders to look beyond the profession’s interests has never been greater,” an idea that is recognized as increasingly important to the public’s health today.

Although he was the Academy’s first and only non-physician director, Mr. Stubing initially joined the organization in 1978 as Executive Secretary of the Committee on Medical Education. He made an immediate and memorable impact—curating symposia focused on many issues still important in medicine today, such as “The Academic Physician: An Endangered Species,” and “Care of Private Patients in Teaching Hospitals: The Role of Residents.”

Known among his colleagues, family, and friends for his warmth, generosity, and graciousness, Mr. Stubing was also an outstanding fundraiser who secured endowed funds for awards and lectures that are still an important part of the Academy, including the Glorney Raisbeck Award in Cardiology, the Paul Klemperer Award, the Lattimer Lectures in the History of Medicine, and the Brock Lectures in Pediatrics.

He also worked with the Academy’s Fellows to organize approximately 90 meetings, conferences and workshops annually, attracting as many as 10,000 attendees.

A 1994 recipient of the Academy Plaque for exceptional service to the Academy, the significant changes in management and governance Mr. Stubing instituted were described as the most profound changes in the Academy since its establishment. He went on to become President of the Greenwall Foundation in 1989, but his legacy endures in the both the structure and the scope of the Academy’s work today.

The Greenwall Foundation and the New York Academy of Medicine  are planning a memorial service Wednesday, November 18th at 5 PM at the Academy, 1216 Fifth Ave, New York.

Please respond to steigen@greenwall.org or 212-679-7266 so we can be sure to accommodate all guests. We hope to see you then.

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