Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., of Orchard Lake, Mich., died Feb. 26 in his home. He was 60.
Dr. Ginsburg, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology, joined the Wayne State University School of Medicine as a clinical instructor in 1985. He rose through the ranks of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, continually serving as a teacher and mentor for medical students, residents, fellows and community physicians. He served as curriculum coordinator for third- and fourth-year medical students and in 1998 became director of clinical curriculum development and management. In addition, he was co-developer of an objective structured clinical examination for evaluating third-year medical students in obstetrics and gynecology, supervised resident clinics at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and Pontiac General Hospital, and developed a national ovulation induction training program for physicians. He provided patient care in reproductive endocrinology, infertility and general gynecology at University Women's Care in Southfield, Mich.
He served as assistant dean for Clinical Science Education from 2001 through 2006. In that position he was responsible for directing and overseeing the clinical courses and experiences of more than 1,000 undergraduate medical students at the School of Medicine.
"Ken Ginsburg was the person who was responsible for putting the School of Medicine curriculum on line," said Robert R. Frank, M.D., professor emeritus and former interim dean, executive vice dean, and associate dean for Academic and Student Programs. "He had the vision and the foresight to see where digital medical education was headed."
Dr. Ginsburg joined the Department of Women's Health, Obstetrics and Gynecology at Henry Ford Hospital as a senior staff member in 2007 and in 2009 was appointed division director of the Center for of Reproductive Medicine, a position he held for four years.
"Dr. Ginsburg was a great clinician, devoted teacher, compassionate provider and last, but not least, a very sensitive human being," said Adnan Munkarah, M.D., chair of Women's Health Services at Henry Ford Hospital. "He cared immensely about every individual he interacted with, be it a patient, an employee, a colleague, a friend or family member. He was committed to his patients, his students and the health system."
After earning his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School, Dr. Ginsburg completed an internship in obstetrics and gynecology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, residency training at Baylor Affiliated Hospitals in Houston and a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Wayne State University.
He was an ad hoc reviewer for many journals, including Fertility and Sterility, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Journal of Andrology and the Journal of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. He belonged to numerous national and international boards and committees, including the American Fertility Society, the Committee on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology for the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the Committee on Continuing Medical Education for the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Bonnie Sowa; daughter, Katherine (Patrick) Kempany; son Kevin (fiance Veronica Perera) Ginsburg. Dr. Ginsburg was the brother-in-law of Cynthia and Russ Ditusa, Jill and Bruce Johnson, Dan and Jan Sowa, Larry and Diane Sowa, and Laura and Rob Wierzba. He also is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
The funeral will be held at the Ira Kaufman Chapel, 18325 W. Nine Mile Road, Southfield, on Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Rabbi Paul Yedwab and cantorial soloist Neil Michaels will officiate. Interment will be at Beth El Memorial Park.
Dr. Ginsburg's family will gather for Shiva through the evening of March 2 at 4395 Hickory Court, Orchard Lake. Call 248-681-8519. Religious services will be conducted at 7 p.m. March 2.
The family suggests contributions in honor of Dr. Ginsburg may be made to the Ginsburg Family Fund, Jewish Community Foundation, 4950 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92123. Call 858-279-2740 or visit http://www.jcfsandiego.org.