Dr. E. Malcolm Field, a distinguished neurosurgeon and medical pioneer, passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on November 3, 2023. According to a statement from MyMichigan Health, his contributions to the field have left a profound impact on countless lives throughout his extensive career.
Over more than 65 years as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Field treated over 315,000 patients and performed nearly 60,000 surgeries. His career began in 1961 at what is now known as MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, where he served as chief of staff. His dedication extended beyond Saginaw to hospitals across Bay City, Midland, Flint, Alma, Tawas City, Alpena, West Branch, and Standish.
Contributions to Medicine and Community
Dr. Field’s influence was not limited to direct patient care; he was committed to advancing the field of medicine through numerous initiatives. He worked tirelessly to remove financial barriers for patients, helping them secure funding for essential surgeries. In recognition of his dedication, a donation from his family led to the establishment of the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI), which focuses on clinical care, research, and educational programs. The institute is located at 4677 Towne Centre Road, Suite 101 in Saginaw Township.
“Dr. Field created FNI on a foundation of compassion, innovation, and faith,” said Shari Kosciuszko, FNI Executive Director. “He believed the true purpose of medicine is not only to treat illness but to restore hope and dignity to every patient.” As the institute’s founder and medical director, Dr. Field played a crucial role in advancing research on conditions like Huntington’s disease through collaborations with institutions such as the University of California-Davis.
“Dr. Field is the founder of neurosurgery in mid and north Michigan,” stated Joseph Adel, M.D., FNI Medical Director. “His legacy will live through FNI, which is dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis, care, and cure of neurological diseases.”
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Field’s philanthropic efforts extended to Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where he contributed $3 million to establish the Clifford H. Spicer Endowed Chair in Engineering and the E. Malcolm Field Endowed Chair in Health Science. He also set up scholarships to support nursing students at SVSU, highlighting his belief in education as a vital component of community health.
In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Field was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by SVSU in 2023. “We appreciate Dr. Field’s extraordinary generosity and unwavering faith in the value of a college education,” said George Grant Jr., SVSU President.
Born on a farm in Brighton, Michigan, Dr. Field earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1956 and completed his residency in general surgery at the former Saginaw General Hospital. He was board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and maintained an active Michigan medical license through 2027.
In addition to his medical career, Dr. Field was a talented musician and the namesake of the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts at SVSU, further enriching the cultural landscape of the community.
Visitation services for Dr. Field will be held from 16:00 to 20:00 on November 7 at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Homes, located at 4480 Mackinaw in Saginaw Township. A private funeral service will follow. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Field Neurosciences Institute at mymichigan.org/fni.
