A lasting legacy: The Spitz family's tribute to Dr. Werner U. Spitz

For someone who led a dynamic career as a forensic pathologist and professor as Werner U. Spitz, M.D., did in his lifetime, there is no shortage of stories about the lives he changed.

From times he guided lost medical students into well-fitting specialties, the investigations he led on high-profile cases, to the answers he gave to grieving families and communities, there is one thread that ties these stories together: a passion for medicine and education.

Dr. Spitz’s family, in explaining the driving force behind their longstanding philanthropy, shared their desire to honor and continue his lifetime of work. Dr. Spitz’s achievements extend far beyond the classroom, into the very fabric of modern medicine and pathology.

“My father loved his work and felt fortunate to be able to go to work every day and do something that he loved. When we were kids, he always said, ‘It’s important to do what you love, and then it doesn’t feel like going to work,’” his children said. 

Dr. Spitz’s drive for advancing pathological research and practice in pathology inspired his family to establish the Werner U. Spitz, M.D., Endowed Chair in Pathology at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. Through the generosity of the late Dr. Spitz’s wife, Anne Spitz, and their children, Rhona Dempsey, Jonathan Spitz, M.D., and Daniel Spitz, M.D., Dr. Spitz’s dedication to advancing medicine lives on at the School of Medicine.

His vision for a better future in medicine is now an enduring legacy, as the philanthropy empowers medical students and professionals to follow in his footsteps and focus on being compassionate physicians and cutting-edge researchers.

With the creation of the Werner U. Spitz, M.D., Endowed Chair in Pathology, a distinguished faculty member will be supported in advancing innovative research, further solidifying Dr. Spitz’s impact on the field and expanding the research prowess of the WSU Department of Pathology.

The Spitz family shared their hope that the chairholder contributes to research that ultimately aids in the development of new treatments.

“The possibilities are so great, it’s hard to imagine what the impact can be. It can spread in an unlimited manner, and it’s exciting to consider that the research done by people who hold the chair could have implications that last for generations,” the family shared.

By investing in the future of medical education and research, his family has ensured that Dr. Spitz’s remarkable legacy will inspire and guide the leaders of tomorrow.

“He loved education. He thought that was one of the most important things you could get out of life. Sharing his knowledge was his passion,” his family said.

The family’s gift builds on past support. Dr. Spitz’s desire to invest in students prompted him to establish the Werner U. Spitz, M.D., Endowed Scholarship in Pathology in 2015.

Dr. Spitz first joined the Wayne State University School of Medicine faculty in 1972, dedicating his time and expertise until his death in April. Throughout his long career serving as the medical examiner for both Wayne and Macomb counties and working on thousands of criminal cases, Dr. Spitz remained a passionate advocate for WSU students.

When asked to reflect on how he would wish to be remembered, his family said: “When people would ask him about retirement, he was always horrified at the thought that he’d have to do something other than what he loved the most. After his passing, we found some notes in his office. In one, he wrote that he hoped to be able to continue working until the age of 100, and then he planned to ask God for an extension.”

Through Dr. Spitz’s passion for student success and driving medical research, he made a powerful and lasting impact on nearly every facet of the Wayne State University School of Medicine. He will continue to support generations to come thanks to the Spitz family’s extraordinary generosity.

To learn more about how to support the School of Medicine, contact Kelley Denk in the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at kdenk@med.wayne.edu.