Chris Firlit, M.D., a senior resident in the oral maxillofacial surgery program at Ascension Macomb Hospital and a member of the Wayne State University School of Medicine’s Class of 2018, died April 3, presumptively of complications due to COVID-19. He was 37.

The Berkley, Mich., resident received a bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University and earned his doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Nova Southern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., before joining the WSU School of Medicine.

Below are some excerpts from Dr. Firlit’s Year 3 clerkship supervisors that reflect his character:

“Chris was a hard-working student with a good grasp on medicine. He was a pleasure to work with and I am certain he will become an excellent oral maxillofacial surgeon in the future. Chris was a phenomenal student with an excellent fund of medical knowledge.  He has a positive attitude, embodies professionalism and was well liked by everyone. I wish I could have Chris every month as a medical student.”

“Working with Christopher was a pleasure.  He was very intelligent and had likeable-great people skills. Dr. Firlit was a very intelligent and personable doctor. All my patients he interacted with said only good things. He was great to work with and was very helpful.”

He is survived by his wife, Sylvie; his sons, Alexander and Viktor; daughter, Katerina; brothers, Brian Firlit (Courtney) and Neil Firlit (Monica); and sister, Regina McDougal.

Visitation will be private. A memorial service will be held in Chicago this summer.

A fund has been established in Dr. Firlit’s name for his children’s education. Contributions can be directed to Sylvie Firlit at 208 E Columbia Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126.