Family, friends and co-workers of the late Dr. Edwin Berstock, former physician at theWorkforce & Technology Center, recently gathered at the WTC. They reminisced about his kindness, professionalism and unfailing passion for helping individuals withdisabilities, especially those with diabetes and vision loss, return to work. His colleagues also dedicated the Edwin Berstock, M.D. Medical Conference Room in his memory. Dr. Edwin Berstock will be remembered for developing and advancing the Blind Diabetic Program at the WTC. Dr. Berstock believed that individuals who had become blind or had vision loss due to diabetes need not end their careers, said Dr. Mark Young, a WTC physician. He adds that his own transition to WTC was instantly enhanced by Dr. Berstock’s mentorship and friendship. On a practical level, Dr. Berstock educated individuals with vision loss about diabetes management. He taught the use of tools that included “talking” glucose meters to help individuals with vision loss take personal responsibility for health maintenance. On a personal level, he encouraged people to resume their careers and was a steadfast friend to each staff person in the WTC Medical Unit. Friends, family and colleagues of Dr. Edwin Berstock gather in the newly named Edwin J. Berstock M.D. Medical Conference Room at the WTC.
Dr. Edwin Berstock was the youngest son of Jewish refugees who had found their way to Ireland. He received his medical degree from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ireland in 1954 and came to Baltimore in 1956 to work for the Hospital for the Women of Maryland (at John & Lanvale St.) Shortly afterward, Dr. John Eager Howard recruited Dr. Berstock as a resident at the Union Memorial Hospital. Dr. Berstock’s lifetime of association with Union Memorial, as well as his passion for treating patients with diabetes, began at that time.Rose Garin, a WTC clinic nurse (2nd from l), says that Dr. Berstock had an impact on every patient that came through the door. “Every patient he ever talked to or touched said ‘He is the best doctor I have ever seen’.” She is pictured here with Bonnie Isaacs, Sheryl Bontuyan and Lula Guthrie.Dr. Berstock worked on a part-time basis for the Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) beginning in 1993 until September 2007. He passed away on February 1, 2008.