Steven Lee Berk Obituary (1949 - 2023)

Born Mar 12, 1949, Steven Lee Berk attended Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, NJ. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Steven Lee Berk.

Graduation Year	Class of 1967
Date of Birth	Mar 12, 1949
Date of Passing	May 26, 2023
About	Dr. Steven L. Berk, a dedicated physician, esteemed educator, and visionary leader, passed away peacefully in his home on May 26, 2023, from presumed heart complications. He was 74 years old. The loss of this exceptional individual leaves a void in the medical community and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Steven is survived by his devoted wife Shirley, his sons Jeremy Berk (Jen) and Dr. Justin Berk (Natalie) and his cherished granddaughters, Maya and Maggie. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Marc Berk (Helene). Steven was preceded in death by his parents. Steven graduated from Brandeis University in 1971, Boston University School of Medicine in 1975 and completed his medical and infectious disease training at Boston City Hospital. In 1979, he helped establish the Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University. Steven earned a respected reputation as a skilled clinician and educator, becoming a prominent authority in HIV/AIDS care and was appointed Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine in 1988. In 1999, he joined the faculty of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He served as the Regional Dean for the Amarillo campus. and became the dean of the School of Medicine in 2006 in Lubbock, TX and then the executive vice president and provost in 2010. Throughout his career, Steven made valuable contributions to the medical community including over 150 publications, 4 textbooks, 3 Board certifications, and several active society memberships (Phi Beta Kappa, Gold Humanism, Alpha Omega Alpha). Dr. Berk's literary endeavors were equally noteworthy. He published his memoir, Anatomy of a Kidnapping, which recounts his 2012 abduction. Recently, he authored a historical fiction novel, In Search of the Animalcule, exploring the story of the discovery of bacteria. Dr. Steven Berk was a revered figure in the community, known for his visionary leadership and lasting contributions at the medical school, creating the Family Medicine Accelerated Track (FMAT) program to address primary care shortages, as well as proudly supporting the Barbershop Hypertension Program, student-run Free Clinic and other organizations. For decades, he served as Counselor for the Student National Medical Association (SNMA). His legacy extends far beyond his professional achievements as a compassionate and caring mentor. Dr. Berk's unwavering support and guidance inspired the lives of countless aspiring physicians, leaving an indelible mark on their journeys. He will sadly be missed by all those who knew and loved him.