Dr. Michael David Freed
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Freed, Dr. Michael David, of Brookline, MA, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family after a long illness at the age of nearly 82 on December 11, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Marsha B. Freed, and current wife, Elizabeth W Geist. Devoted father of Jennifer Freed (Brian Dalton), Joshua Freed, and Steven Freed (Emily Maple). Loving step-father of David Geist (Kristina), Mark Geist, and Daniel Geist (Erica). Proud grandfather of Sophie, Jake, Anya, Maggie, Mia, Eli, Matty, Greta, Arthur, and Eleanor. Loving brother of Howard Freed (Rachel Michaud). Brother-in-law to Gail Brown and Jules Lynn (Myriam)
Mike graduated from Brandeis University and received his MD from the New York University School of Medicine. After completing his pediatric training at NYU, he joined the fellowship program in Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital in 1970 and remained there for his entire 50-year career. Remarkably, he continued to see patients and teach fellows in the ambulatory clinic until just a month before his passing.
Mike was a consummate clinician whose opinion was sought by pediatric cardiologists worldwide and who influenced national treatment strategies and policies in congenital heart disease. He had a seminal role in bringing prostaglandin treatment to newborns with duct-dependent lesions. He contributed essential insights into the physiology of congenital heart disease in the newborn, infective endocarditis, valvular disease, exercise restrictions, and manpower needs in the field.
Mike had an exceptional record of leadership in professional organizations nationally, including the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, and the American Board of Pediatrics Sub-Board of Pediatric Cardiology. He chaired or served on 14 different American College Of Cardiology (ACC) committees and was ultimately honored with a College Master award. Among his accomplishments was the initiation and implementation of “the match” process for the determination of pediatric cardiology fellowship positions nationally.
At Boston Children’s Hospital, Mike held many leadership positions, including Chief of the Division of Inpatient Cardiology, Chair of the Boston Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Committee, leadership roles at the Boston Children’s Heart Foundation, and Chair of the Admissions Committee of the Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Training Program.
A man of sharp intelligence, logic and wit, Mike was a frequent session moderator and invited speaker at national meetings, as well as a favorite protagonist or antagonist in debates at society meetings. He was especially renowned for his clarity of thought and broad perspective. His sense of humor diffused many tense situations, and he could summarize the gist of a debate or controversial topic in a few compelling sentences. He spoke directly and clearly about the professional landscape and was a great raconteur who taught us about the history of congenital heart disease and Boston Children’s Hospital. These attributes, together with his passion for teaching physiology, made him a favorite teacher of the fellows, house staff, and medical students. Finally, Mike was a role model always taking the high road at work and cherishing his family as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.
Service at Temple Shalom, 175 Temple St., Newton, MA, on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:00 pm. Following interment at Sharon Memorial Park, 40 Dedham St., Sharon, MA, memorial observance will be at the home of his wife, Liz Geist on:
Sunday, December 15, 4:30-6:30 pm, Minyan Service 6:00 pm
Monday, December 16, 1-3 pm & 6-8 pm, Minyan Service 7:30 pm
Tuesday, December 17, 6-8 pm, Minyan Service 7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 18, 4-6 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Freed’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust Attn: Kate Civetti 401 Park Drive Suite 602 Boston, MA 02215-5301 *Please include ‘Dr. Michael Freed and Department of Cardiology’ in the memo line.