A Tribute to Steven M. Levine PT, DPT, MSHA, FAPTA

By Terry C. Brown, PT, DPT

On March 3, 2015 the physical therapy profession lost a dear friend and colleague Steven M. Levine. It is difficult to express the magnitude of what has been taken in this tragic accident. Those of you who knew Steve understand the gifts that he brought to our profession. He was a true visionary that had the clarity to see this profession for what it could be, never satisfied with where we were. In response to his vision he was tireless, demanding, and relentless in pushing us out of the comfort zone, driving us to make practice better. Steve spent 18 years in private practice in Maryland, understood what it takes to run a business, and spent the rest of his career looking for ways to improve the process. He was always willing to take the time to mentor, educate, and share with anyone who asked. He had a gift for making the complicated regulatory jargon understandable and relating it to your practice situation. We as a section and as a profession were so blessed to have had this generous man as a colleague.

Some of us were fortunate enough to get to see another side of Steve—the kind, sensitive, and generous friend. He loved his husband Bruce passionately and they enjoyed so many times together. He respected and loved his partner, Helene, who together built Fearon and Levine, a national consulting firm. He spoke proudly of and loved his sister Wendy and his two nephews, Andrew and Ryan. Steve was always one to enjoy a good meal, a good glass of wine (as long as it wasn’t pinot noir), and the company of good friends. Many of us have been privileged to share these times with Steve and Bruce.

I believe what Steve would ask of us is to look beyond our immediate needs and see the profession that we can become. Reach for the heights that he could always see.

Good bye Steve and thank you for all you have given.