Franklin Square Mourns the Loss of ER Doctor
Dr. Michael Pipkin, the longtime chairman of the hospital's emergency department, died Thursday following a battle with esophageal cancer.
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Dr. Michael Pipkin, the longtime Emergency Department chairman at Medstar Franklin Square Hospital Center died Thursday following a long battle with esophageal cancer.
Dr. Pipkin joined the hospital in 1999 before becoming associate chair of the emergency department in 2002 and chairman in 2004, according to Franklin Square’s website.
Hospital officials also have credited him through the years for being instrumental in the development of Franklin Square’s new patient tower, which opened in November 2010. Dr. Pipkin was diagnosed with cancer not long after that opening.
Last May, Franklin Square dedicated the hospital’s emergency department in his honor.
More than 200 people, including hospital employees and members of the Baltimore County Fire Department turned out to that event to show their respect for Dr. Pipkin. The fire department even made Dr. Pipkin an honorary fire surgeon.
"Mike [Pipkin] is known to everyone here at Franklin Square," said now-former Franklin Square president Adrienne Kirby at the time of the dedication. "I can't help but think what a gift, what a great human being ... and how lucky we are to have him."
Funeral plans for Dr. Pipkin have not been made public and his family is asking for privacy at this time, hospital officials said.
What impact did Dr. Pipkin have on your life? Tell us in the comments section below.
Babu
9:47 am on Saturday, April 7, 2012
Wonderful person and my role model! Deeply saddened by the loss..
Pat Foster
4:49 pm on Saturday, April 7, 2012
Dr. Pipkin was a dedicated physician who deeply cared about the patent's he served. He worked tirelessly on every detail of the new Emergency Department. His passing is so very sad, but his legacy at Franklin Square will always remain. My prayers go out to his wife and children.
Roger
8:33 am on Sunday, April 8, 2012
Michael was pure joy and love and kindness to all. He made our health better and our spirits soar. He was a king amongst kings. A giant amongst giants. Let's remember and always celebrate his life. And learn from it. I miss and love him.
J. Brown
9:04 am on Monday, April 30, 2012
I worked with Dr. Pipkin for many years at Franklin Square. I had personal experience of his care with my grandmother I will never forget! He was so tender and caring. He was a true inspiration and very special person. His dedication was unlike any other I've seen. His name will carry on not only in the Emergency Department dedicated to him but in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Mike! My prayers go out to his family. The lives of those he touched will forever remember his smile and compassion. He will be sadly missed.
Lori Casey
5:49 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
I worked beside mike for over a decade~ he inspired and taught me as a new graduated nurse when he first came to our ER. He was our friend , our co- worker , and for the nurses~ our superman. I love you and cherish the wonderful memories I have of you...Lori Casey