Michael Epstein

Michael J. Epstein, MD died unexpectedly on Sunday, August 14, 2022, in Houston, Texas after a brief illness. He was born on March 30, 1938, in Kingston, New York, to the late Louis and Blanche (Kenick) Epstein. Dr. Epstein graduated from Union College and the State University of New York Downstate Medical School. Following his graduation, he trained in Houston with Dr. Michael DeBakey in general surgery. Dr. Epstein then trained as an orthopedic resident at St. Luke's Hospital and the Hospital for Joint Diseases both in New York City, followed by fellowships in the United Kingdom and Sweden. He also served in the US Navy and Naval Reserves retiring as a Naval Captain. Dr. Epstein settled in Houston in 1972 with his late wife, Kathryn Zucker Epstein. He then formed a private practice in hand surgery with Dr. Frederick Kessler. Together they developed a well-known fellowship in hand surgery and trained many future hand surgeons. Dr. Epstein also served for two years as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff of St. Luke's Hospital, Houston, TX. Due to his passion for advancing medical knowledge, he joined several medical missions in both Africa and China. After his private practice of 25 years, he joined the faculty of Baylor College of Medicine as a Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. In retirement he was active in The Houston Philosophical Society and the Harris County Medical Society Retired Physicians Organization and served on the boards of The American Hand Therapy Foundation and Congregation Emanu El. Dr. Epstein amassed a wide variety of interests including a love of dogs, running marathons, photography, gardening, and appreciation of fine British tailoring. His meticulous attention to detail reflected his sense of dignity in all aspects of his life. His esteemed career is only equaled to the love and dedication he gave to his family. He is survived by his wife Janice L. Poplack, his daughter Tracy Leigh (Epstein) Pesikoff and son-in-law Joshua A. Pesikoff, his sister Sheila (Epstein) Schlesinger and brother-in-law Richard Schlesinger, and grandchildren Jonah Oliver Pesikoff and Lily Louise Pesikoff. The family wishes to thank the dedicated doctors and staff at DeBakey Heart and Vascular Center, Houston Methodist Hospital, Walter 9 and 19. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Hand Therapy Foundation www.ahtf.org or The Rabbi's Good Works Fund at Congregation Emanu El, Houston, TX. A celebration of his remarkable life was held on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at 4:00 pm in The Proler Chapel of Congregation Emanu El, 1500 Sunset Blvd, Houston, TX 77005.

Michael Epstein

March 30, 1938 - August 14, 2022