Dr. Michael Feinstein and Sharon Feinstein Give Back Through Their Estate
My connection with Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine (ICPM), now Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, was simple. Through my research, conversations, and observational visits with practicing podiatrists, I confirmed that ICPM offered the best clinical education of the five podiatric colleges at the time and was the only college I applied to. My acceptance to ICPM was certainly life changing and possibly lifesaving as it allowed me to defer my second choice at the time, which was to enlist in the service during the height of the Vietnam war. I credit ICPM and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) with saving many lives by including podiatry students with medical students for draft deferment as part of the Berry Plan during the war.
Choosing podiatry over medicine was ‘the road not taken,’ my graduating class of 1971 only numbered 38, but following that road resulted in professional and personal success beyond my dreams! My education landed me in one of the few surgical residency programs available in the country, leading me to join a group practice in Baltimore which is where I met the greatest person in my life, my wife of 47 years, Sharon, who also happened to be my nurse in that practice. Thank you ICPM—Scholl—and podiatry!!
Sharon’s and my story really began when I was accepted to ICPM and obtained the tools required to go on to be a respected and skilled health care provider. The evolution of ICPM to Scholl College at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU) motivated us to support the continued growth and success of my alma mater by designating Scholl as the primary recipient of our estate. Our commitment was reaffirmed when we had the privilege of meeting RFU CEO and president, Dr. Wendy Rheault and Scholl dean, Dr. Stephanie Wu, and learned of their incredible vision for both the college and university.
Sharon and I are so grateful for the part Scholl and podiatry have played in our lives that we wanted to give back and help the college recruit outstanding students who truly have a desire and passion to become podiatric medical professionals. Statistics demonstrate that podiatric physicians have great earning potential and many of us have achieved outstanding financial success that provided us with a rewarding lifestyle. Why not give back to ensure that future generations have the same opportunities afforded us beginning with Scholl?
As one of the most respected institutions of podiatric education in the country, with visionary and energetic leadership at the helm, we are helping pave the road less traveled to support outstanding Scholl students who will go on to residencies in great institutions and become consummate practitioners. As Robert Frost penned in his poem The Road Not Taken, ‘I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.’ Join us in helping support those who dream to travel this road, while making a difference along the way!