It is with deep sadness that Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center announces the untimely death of our friend and colleague Steven C. Elbein, M.D., Professor of Internal Medicine, and Chief of the Section on Endocrinology and Metabolism. Dr. Elbein died unexpectedly early this week while bicycling.
Steve’s phenomenal career as a clinical scholar and physician-scientist was a model of dedication and achievement as an investigator, educator, and clinician. His original and rigorous work on polymorphisms that contribute to the risk of diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, broke new ground in the field and helped to elucidate previously unappreciated concepts in the pathophysiology and genetic susceptibility to this devastating disease.
Dr. Elbein’s illustrious academic and scholarly work included over 90 original articles and numerous chapters in texts, and his research program was continuously funded by the NIH. This work will endure and will be a living memorial to his perseverance and intellectual curiosity.
While Steve was with us for only 11 months, he had a major impact on both research and clinical programs and advocated and supported the career development of young faculty in the Section and Department. Steve’s tremendous vision and dedication to those patients afflicted with diabetes was expanding substantively the involvement of our institution and of the Salisbury VAH in the comprehensive care for those with this disease. He collaborated widely and through his initiative and enthusiasm encouraged new areas of research by a number of groups throughout the medical center. It is very rare to see so much progress in such a brief period, but certainly his energy and enthusiasm will be a lasting example for all of us. Steve will be missed greatly by all his friends and colleagues in the department and throughout the medical center.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Steve’s family.
Media Relations
Paula Faria: pfaria@wakehealth.edu, 336-716-1279