March 11, 2004

Obituary: Michael M. Ravitch

Michael M. Ravitch, who stepped down as director of the office of medical education at the Feinberg School of Medicine six years ago, died Feb. 27 in his Evanston home.

Mr. Ravitch, 61, joined the staff of the Feinberg School and the School of Education and Social Policy in 1984. He previously worked in medical education at the University of Rochester and Michigan State University.

At Feinberg, he helped implement the school’s shift from teaching through lectures to problem-based learning where students solve simulated problems within small groups.

After suffering a stroke in 1997, Mr. Ravitch took physical therapy and hired a music therapist to come to his house once a week so they could sing together. He also volunteered his time to talk with stroke patients at Evanston Hospital, register voters with the local League of Women Voters and participate in a book club.

He enrolled at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa., and majored in biology in hopes of becoming a doctor. After taking a year off school to teach in Lancaster public schools, he decided to pursue a career in education. He earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College in 1968 and a doctorate from Stanford University in 1977, both in educational psychology.

Survivors include his wife, Myrnice; two daughters, Lara and Katie; and two sisters, Nancy Schwentker and Binnie Ravitch.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 15 at the Unitarian Church of Evanston.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael Ravitch Invited Lecture Series in Rehabilitation Medicine at the Office of Medical Education at the Feinberg School, Ward Building 3-130, 303 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago campus.