Emeritus Professor, Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University
By Katie Caviness-Crolley, Communications Specialist for the Johns Hopkins Division of General Internal Medicine and the Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology and Clinical Research
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David M. Levine, MD, ScD, MPH, Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Levine passed away peacefully at Gilchrist Center on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the age of 86. His pioneering work in community-based participatory research helped address health disparities, particularly in cardiovascular disease, and left a legacy in academic medicine and public health. He was a dedicated physician, researcher, mentor and leader who profoundly impacted the field of medicine over the course of his 50-year career.
“Although David was not the first director of the General Internal Medicine (GIM) Division, he is widely regarded as the father of Hopkins GIM. Above all, he was a true mentor. He had a way of treating everyone the same, from first year students to the Dean, giving each his undivided attention and full support,” Dr. Jeanne Clark, former GIM division director. “He set a longstanding precedent in the division of the importance of mentorship, from which we all benefited. He and his impact will not be forgotten.”
Dr. Levine was a trailblazer in training the next generation of clinical researchers. His kindness, generosity and unwavering support made him one of the most sought-after mentors and advisors at Johns Hopkins. He was the principal investigator of one of the longest-standing, continuously funded T32 training grants from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, which formed the foundation of the Clinical Research Fellowship in GIM in 1985. Through this program, he trained more than 100 researchers who have gone on to become leaders in their academic medicine and public health.
“David was unique. There has never been anyone like him. He always was accessible, kind, interested, generous with his time and listened intently. He helped clarify goals and challenges before offering guidance that always was supportive and impact-oriented,” Dr. Martha Hill, Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing from 2001 to 2014, said in a written statement.
As Director of the Office of Postdoctoral Fellows for the Department of Medicine (DOM), he influenced the careers of hundreds of fellows, and as the inaugural director of Nathan’s College, he impacted countless medical students.
“David set the standard on what it means to be a clinical researcher in an academic medical center. Besides leading some of the earliest and most influential studies on community-based hypertension control, he was an extraordinary mentor. He generously shared his wisdom and time with his mentees,” Dr. Larry Appel said, recalling Dr. Levine as “a caring, conscientious and gifted mentor who made an indelible impact on hundreds of students and colleagues.”
Dr. Levine received his bachelor's degree from Brandeis University in 1959, his medical degree from the University of Vermont in 1964 and completed his residency at Montefiore Hospital and Waltham Hospital. He served in the U.S. military from 1965 to 1968, including a deployment in South Korea at the Seoul Military Hospital. After his service, he completed a preventive medicine residency, earned his Master of Public Health and Doctor of Science at Johns Hopkins and joined the faculty in 1972 at the School of Hygiene and Public Health in the Department of Behavioral Sciences; and became acting chairman in 1981.
In 1985, Dr. Levine transitioned to GIM in the School of Medicine, serving as Division Director from 1986 to 1996 and again as interim director from 2002 to 2004.
The Division was small when Dr. Levine assumed the role of director. Under his leadership, GIM expanded and moved toward becoming one of the most prominent divisions at Johns Hopkins, known for its research, teaching and clinical excellence. During his tenure, the fellowship program grew into one of the nation’s most competitive, with many past graduates now holding prominent positions in medicine and public health.
After a dynamic decade, Dr. Levine stepped down as Division Director in 1996. He was succeeded in his directorship by Drs. Michael Klag, Fred Brancati and Jeanne Clark.
Dr. Levine’s impact extended beyond the School of Medicine. He held joint appointments at the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the School of Nursing, and he was a core faculty member at the Berman Institute of Bioethics. His work in public health education and ethics left a lasting imprint across the disciplines.
Dr. Levine received numerous honors, including the International Society of Hypertension Award for Outstanding Research (1990), the Johns Hopkins Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Community Service (1998) and in 2005, a professorship was established in his name by contributions from colleagues, family and friends. Two awards are named in his honor: the DOM’s David M. Levine Excellence in Mentoring Award and GIM’s Housestaff Lisa A. Cooper — David M. Levine Award.
Dr. Levine retired in October 2022, concluding a remarkable 50-year career. He is remembered as an extraordinary mentor and leader, deeply committed to fostering the growth of students, trainees and faculty across Johns Hopkins. His contributions to the field of medicine and his mentorship of countless individuals will be cherished.
“While Dr. Levine’s accomplishments in medicine and research are remarkable and enduring, what I will remember most is his kindness and the unwavering support he showed to everyone around him," said Dr. Bimal Ashar, GIM interim director. "He had an incredible way of making each of us feel seen and valued, and his generosity of spirit touched countless lives. That, to me, is his greatest legacy.”
Our hearts go out to his wife Diane and his children, Adam and Jennifer. David’s contributions to medicine and public health will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know and work with him. Services will be held at Sol Levinson's Chapel on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, at 1 p.m. Interment is private; please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to Berman Institute of Bioethics, gift designation "Ethics in Clinical Practice" online only at bioethics.jhu.edu.
