When hearing of this award, which honors the illustrious lifetime achievements of Dr. Mieczyslaw Finster, or Mike, as he is known to all of us, the first thought to occur is how superfluous introductions are. He is, and has been a familiar figure on an unusually wide stage, not only in anesthesia and obstetrical circles, but also across many generations within those fields. There is by this time almost nowhere in the world where he would not be professionally recognized and welcomed by old friends.
It was in 1967, when I came to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital that I first met Mike, and 1974 when I joined him to work in the labor room. Since then, we have maintained a long relationship, during which my trust in, and respect for his great abilities have only grown with the years.
Having both spent our early lives in Europe, we would talk at times about our experiences in the Second World War. While mine involved evacuation from home because of the danger of bombing raids, and a certain disruption of education, Mike spent a very important part of his youthful years fully immersed in a nightmare. In spite of isolation, family losses, hunger and a horrific journey, in which immediate survival was his only goal, Mike did eventually step out of one of civilization's worst atrocities. He came via a long winding road from Poland to Israel, then on to Switzerland, where he studied medicine, and at last to the United States in 1958.
One might think that such experiences would have produced an unreconstructed misanthrope, but that most certainly has not been the case. The most prominent feature of his personality has been his capacity to reach out to people to establish an exchange and effect a camaraderie which crosses cultural, language, professional and idealogical lines. His office over the years has had an open-door policy; no colleague, resident or student was ever turned away. Countless generations of those within the hospital community could come in with their problems, be they related to career, academic goals, research or personal woes and be sure to receive encouragement and help or just reassurance that things could not be as bad as they seemed.
Mike's energy, exuberance, and optimism seem boundless, so I need only highlight his professional achievements. Being an Attending-in-charge of the Obstetrical Anesthesia Service at Sloan Hospital for Women since 1962, Professor of Anesthesiology, and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University since 1975, and 1978, respectfully, is only a beginning.
In his many years of research, publishing, editing, educating, and advising, Mike has truly evolved into something of a grandfather in his field, though like many modern-day grandfathers, he remains very young, and abreast of developments. As a lecturer he has a reputation and scope, which has moved well beyond New York City to an international audience. His polished, clearly articulated style is enhanced by his linguistic talents, which allow him to communicate fluently in several languages - with smatterings in a few more.
Mike's dedication to SOAP has been unfailing since its infancy, serving as he has on its Board of Directors from 1992-97, and as President in 1995-96. In the developing years of this new field of specialization, Mike soon came to be respected as one who could maintain his standards and hold his own, at a time when trans-disciplinary relations could be contentious, and sometimes downright volatile. His diplomatic and upbeat style was indispensable in defusing negative situations.
I believe that the fulcrum of Mike's life is his family; Lily his wife of more than forty years, a warm, charming, engaging woman, their son Victor, and daughter Evelyn both recently married; all are the spinal column on which his career has been built.
It is reassuring and in a way inspiring to see Mike, still today, active and in such good health. I would like to thank the editors for allowing me to jot down a few impressions of a very interesting and complex man - a scholar, lecturer, writer, mentor, administrator, and my friend.
Hilda Pedersen, MD