Obituary

Edward Bromfield, MD, Chief of Epilepsy and Sleep Neurology

BWH mourns the loss of Edward Bromfield, MD, a superb clinical neurologist, a gifted mentor and teacher, and a clinical research collaborator whose passion for improving the lives of epilepsy patients permeated the Department of Neurology and inspired his colleagues. Dr. Bromfield, the chief of the Division of Epilepsy and Sleep Neurology, died May 10. He was 58.

"During Dr. Bromfield's 15 years at BWH, his vision, initiative, creativity and humor guided him on a path devoted to making a difference in the lives of others," said BWH President Gary Gottlieb, MD, MBA.

Unwavering dedication to patients and expertise in epilepsy earned Dr. Bromfield the prestigious J. Kiffin Penry Award for Excellence in Epilepsy Care in 2007 from the American Epilepsy Society, recognizing that his work "has had a major impact on patient care and improved the quality of life for persons with epilepsy."

His large following of devoted patients at BWH attest to that. "Dr. Bromfield saved my life," one of his patients wrote in a nomination for the award. "He did the basic tests, but then we developed this unspoken language…he didn't just give me medicines, he understood what it means to have epilepsy."

The genuine concern Dr. Bromfield always expressed for each of his patients served as an example to his colleagues. "His incredible memory for patients was legendary," said Tracey Milligan, MD, director of the Faulkner Hospital Epilepsy/EEG Program. "He listened and remembered specific details about patients he hadn't seen for years. Even after his diagnosis, he continued to ask about his patients and counsel me on their care. Every patient of his that I followed asked about him during their clinic visits. He was very special to them and he cared about them even in his illness."

Even beyond hospital walls, Dr. Bromfield's passion for serving those with epilepsy manifested itself in a way that touched the lives of hundreds of children. In 1999, he and his colleagues founded Camp Wee-Kan-Tu, the first overnight summer camp in New England solely for children with epilepsy. Dr. Bromfield, the camp's medical director, took a personal interest in making the children's experience unforgettable. He often joined them in shooting hoops, playing baseball or singing around the campfire.

"He stayed up through the night to care for one particular child, and he would repeatedly go out of his way to attend to details to improve a child's experience at camp, such as making sure someone got French fries at the baseball game outing," Barbara Dworetzky, MD, his long time colleague and assistant chief and director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship, said.

Despite his demanding schedule of patient care, research, teaching and serving on committees and boards, Dr. Bromfield was a role model for neurology fellows, residents, and medical students, as he demonstrated the ideal life balance in his devotion to family and friends, jazz music and sports.

His mentorship, sense of humor and contributions to epilepsy care and research have left an indelible mark on the Department of Neurology. "Dr. Bromfield's spirit is clearly woven into the fabric of the Department of Neurology, and his leadership and dedication through the years have helped to guide its ascent onto a national stage of distinction," said Martin Samuels, MD, chairman of Neurology.

A passionate teacher and mentor, Dr. Bromfield was chosen as Teacher of the Year in 2007 by the residents in the Harvard-Partners Neurology program. He was a member of the American Epilepsy Society, the American Academy of Neurology and the American Neurological Association. He also served on the Professional Advisory Board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

Dr. Bromfield lived in Newton. He is survived by his wife, Terry; sons Daniel and Benjamin; father Zangwill; and sister Marcia.

There will be a service at BWH to remember Dr. Bromfield on Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. in the Bornstein Amphitheater with a reception to follow in Cabot Atrium. The event is scheduled to coincide with the national meeting of the American Epilepsy Society Dec. 4 to 8 at the Hynes Convention Center.

Remembrances may be made to Facing Cancer Together, Inc., PO Box 600666, Newtonville, MA 02460; Epilepsy Foundation of MA & RI, 540 Gallivan Blvd., Boston, MA 02124; or The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, 1111 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, NY 11714.