A legacy of healing: Dr. Patricia Lebensohn retires after 30+ years of service
After an incredible 30-year career with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Department of Family and Community Medicine, Professor Patricia Lebensohn, MD, retired on May 31. Dr. Lebensohn created a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. A beloved and respected faculty member, she has positively impacted her patients, colleagues, medical students, residents, fellows and the FCM staff.
Dr. Lebensohn earned her medical degree from the National University of Rosario in Argentina, going on to complete residencies in family medicine and psychiatry. She then completed a faculty development fellowship at FCM, followed by a fellowship in integrative medicine at the UArizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine.
Throughout her career, Dr. Lebensohn has demonstrated unwavering dedication to providing exemplary patient care. Her clinical excellence is a testament not only to her expertise and experience, but also to her remarkable compassion, empathy, and attentiveness to her patients' needs and concerns. As a result of her steadfast commitment to her patients, she has established herself as a trusted and highly respected physician.
As a devoted educator, Dr. Lebensohn has taught countless medical students and residents the principles of family medicine and integrative medicine. Her dedication and passion for teaching have earned her numerous honors and awards, including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, the Vernon and Virginia Furrow Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education, and many more. These accolades are a testament to Dr. Lebensohn's unwavering commitment to educating the next generation of family and integrative medicine providers.
“Dr. Lebensohn has dedicated her career to teaching, mentoring, and caring for the underserved,” said colleague and friend Professor Mari Ricker, MD. “She embodies the true spirit of family medicine and integrative medicine. She is always there for her learners and colleagues — as a coach, colleague, mentor and friend.”
Dr. Lebensohn has held many leadership roles throughout her career, including the FCM residency program director, co-director of the behavioral science curriculum for the Family Medicine Residency Program, and director of the Integrative Family Medicine Fellowship and Residency Programs. Additionally, as the former director of the Cancer Survivorship Clinic at the University of Arizona Cancer Center, Dr. Lebensohn developed an integrative medicine approach to cancer survivorship. She most recently served as the medical director of the Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) Program, a College of Medicine – Tucson program that organizes student-run community clinics to address health disparities in Tucson.
“Dr. Lebensohn is a humble leader who has never sought recognition for her tireless work. Her moral compass is always a true north for herself and others around her. She continuously advocates for those who have the quietest voice — from patients who have been marginalized in our community, to students and residents who are underrepresented in medicine,” said Dr. Ricker.
“In retirement, Dr. Lebensohn will be greatly missed by all who’ve had the honor of working with her,” said Kristen Rundell, MD, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. “Dr. Lebensohn's legacy as a champion for equitable health care access and compassionate patient care will continue to inspire future generations of medical professionals. She has been and continues to mentor many of our FCM faculty. We wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life and express our deepest gratitude for her service and contributions to the field of medicine.”