Dr. Martin Gleich, a Pulmonologist and Critical Care Physician, and a good person, was killed early in the morning on April 28, 2001, doing two of his favorite things - hiking in the mountains, and spending time with a friend. While hiking by Stairs Gulch, Martin and his medical school buddy were caught up in an avalanche that, according to rescuers, was of mammoth proportions.  

Many things can be said about Martin - his compassion for all, his unquenchable thirst for the out of doors. Martin was a good friend and a good person. Martin did not measure his life by the fact he was a doctor. Being a doctor simply provided the means to an end.  

Not that his being a doctor was something trivial. He had great knowledge and compassion for his patients, and the other health care providers whom worked closely with him. Max Eskelson is a member of the ARDS Survivors website. Being associated with that website, Max receives questions from folks around the world. When a person would write with specific questions about drugs, therapies, etc, Max would ask Martin for his thoughts and opinions on that particular matter. Martin would take the time to review the question right then or would arrange a time when the problems could be addressed. By participating with the website, Martin not only affected those at the LDS Hospital, but also offered hope, knowledge, and compassion for ARDS patients and families around the world. (Following this article is e-mail from the mother of a young girl in Canada, whom Martin consulted on log distance). 

Martin was an integral member of the Pulmonary department, and served as the medical director for the Respiratory Special Care Unit. 

Martin leaves behind his wife Gitte, and many people who, while sad at Martin's passing, are proud to have called Martin a friend. 

(It should be pointed out that it was Loren Greenway who reviewed this case with Martin and Howard Mann, a radiologist from LDSH). 

Dear Mr. Eskelson, 

Sue Peterson notified me yesterday of the sudden, tragic death of Dr.Gleich. I am the mother of Lindsey, from Ottawa, Canada, whose case you reviewed with Dr. Gleich. 

It is difficult to express how much it means to a parent to know that world class experts will take the time to assist their child. Dr. Gleich must have been an extremely kind and compassionate man and I'm sure his presence will be sadly missed, both at LDS Hospital and at the ARDS Support Center. Dr. Kovesi commented to me that it was clear that a great deal of time and effort had been spent in reviewing Lindsey's data at your hospital. 

Lindsey had a PFT last week, which showed her FEV1 are 45% predicted. As this is the first significant improvement we have seen in nearly a year, I am somewhat encouraged. 

I will remember Dr. Gleich and his family in my prayers, and will always be grateful for the efforts from LDS. 

Sincerely,

Anne Stankovic