Summer 2013 COM Outlook | NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine

“To my husband, best friend, and soul mate forever, there are no words to describe how much you are loved and missed. Not only was Al a brilliant physician, but he was the most compassionate and genuine person. Regardless if he was recovering from surgery or not at his best, he was always available to offer consultation and support to others and was genuinely concerned. He never complained and had this amazing strength and positive attitude that enabled him to achieve and excel at whatever goal he pursued. He was so learned in many areas that he could converse on almost any topic and win the debate. Our vast library is a testament to that. He even bought books on how to take care of books. Not only was Al an avid sports fan, but he was great at sports. As a top college basketball player at PCOM, he was featured in the local newspapers for making a half-court shot backwards over his head in the last second, winning the game. He later funneled his interest in sports to handicapping sports, which of course he excelled at and enjoyed as a hobby with friends. Needless to say, he was full of love, life, compassion, knowledge, talent, and drive. But for those who knew him, you already know that. My husband always said how I was his rock, but he truly was my mountain and will always be. I love you, Al.” – Mary Greber, Psy.D., spouse of Dr. Greber “I first met Dr. Alvin Greber when I joined the NSU-COM faculty in the late 1990s. I was placed on several committees he chaired and quickly became a friend and admirer of this incredible physician and human being. Dr. Greber’s commitment to educating our future osteopathic physicians never wavered. He was a role model for so many of us.” – James T. Howell, M.D., M.P.H., assistant dean for professional relations and chair of the Department of Rural Medicine “Where do I begin to speak of someone who was very dear and meant so very much to me? Dr. Greber, who possessed a gentle spirit and humanitarian heart, was rich with knowledge and wisdom. I came to know him as my doctor, medical advisor, and a genuine, caring individual. In spite of his own health problems, he always extended his knowledge and expertise to ensure that I and everyone else were okay. I had the honor and privilege of knowing Dr. Greber as a kind, humorous soul who ungrudgingly gave good advice and loved my guacamole. Although he was not a fan of guacamole in the beginning, after tasting my guacamole, he loved its taste and complimented me for the culinary care and love I placed in making it. He used to tell me he would start eating it on the way home because he could not wait to get home to eat it. In his later years, he claimed it was so delicious that it had healing properties. I and the HPD Executive Office staff will always love him, miss his presence, and keep him in earnest remembrance.” – Marie P. Joseph, M.S., HPD administrative assistant “Dr. Alvin Greber was an incredible physician, a wonderful human being, and a consummate academic intellectual. He was also a mentor to many health care professionals and as such was able to cross the barriers between the professions that for some reason over the years saw each other as adversaries rather than advocates for their patients. His primary responsibility as a physician was to provide his patients with not only care but with a sense of belonging and comfort. He was, and still is in the hearts and minds of many, a significant member of the human community.” – Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. HPD Chancellor “I knew Al Greber longer than most anyone at our college, perhaps even more intensely than most. I first met him when he finished his residency in the early 1960s, so we went back some 50 years. I worked closely with him at Parkview Hospital in Philadelphia medically, administratively, and personally. He was an ideal internist and friend. I was on the phone with him at the moment when Mort Terry and I decided to bring him down to Florida to head the internal medicine department—a move neither of us, or anyone else, ever regretted. He contributed greatly to our development and growth and showed the same humanity throughout as he always did. Among my many memories is an Al Greber, living in the same building, who never hesitated to come up to our apartment— even in the middle of the night—when my wife Anita or I needed him. I shall never forget his kindness. A number of my family members in Philadelphia became his patients. When he moved to Florida, they always remembered to ask me about him. You see, they loved him—and so did I. They miss him—and so do I.” – Arnold Melnick, D.O., M.Sc., FACOP, founding dean of Southeastern College of Osteopathic Medicine “I walk by his office, number 1504, and I still do not have the strength to look at his door. The magnitude of our loss is too great to bear. I am ashamed, but I must be honest and say that I have stayed in denial because the pain of his absence in our daily lives is so difficult for me to come to terms with. Dr. Alvin Greber, the epitome of a healer, will forever remain in my heart. I can honestly say that Dr. Greber imbedded in me an influence that taught me the importance of trusting in the medical profession. As a result, he gave me the confidence to make life-changing decisions that have improved my health and created for me a better quality of life. He was so easy to love, and he stole my heart before I even knew what an extraordinary and gifted physician he was. Always…a kind word, always…a gracious smile, always…a genuine caring and compassion for anyone who was in his presence. There will never be another Dr. Greber, but I know the legacy of his spirit will live on forever. I can personally say I am a better person due to the privilege and honor of him having been a part of my life. He will never be forgotten.” – Karen M. Reinford-Perez, HPD executive assistant and special projects coordinator “I’ve been blessed with some great bosses in my career. However, the one that has most impacted my life was Dr. A. Alvin Greber. I first met Dr. Greber over 10 years ago. Dr. Lippman introduced me to him, saying ‘This young lady is Alnora, and she will take care of you.’ I hope I did. It was with great pleasure 24 COM Outlook . Summer 2013