Dr. David A. Lipschitz

Dr. David A. Lipschitz

Mar 26, 1943 - Mar 6th, 2023
  • Birth Date: Mar 26, 1943
  • Death Date: Mar 6, 2023
  • Funeral Date: Mar 8, 2023, 3:00 pm
  • Location: Temple B'nai Israel
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Biography: Physician, author, television host and devoted family man, Dr. David A. Lipschitz, most affectionally known as “Dr. David,” passed away on March 6, 2023 surrounded by his family.
 
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. David was the oldest and naughtiest of four children. Ever the entrepreneur, he once dug up all the plants in his father’s garden and attempted to sell them on the roadside. Luckily, he moved beyond his mischievous ways and went on to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand.
 
Following in his father’s footsteps, David left his home country in search of a better life, emigrating to the United States in 1972 to escape Apartheid era policies. Upon arriving in America, he trained as a hematologist at the University of Washington and did the seminal research in the development of the serum ferritin assay, a tool that is still used to help evaluate iron levels in blood. (A fact he never let his children forget.)
 
After stints at Montefiore Medical Center and Kansas University Medical School, he joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) as director of the Division of Hematology/Oncology.
 
Dr. David flourished in Little Rock. He began research on the effects of nutrition on aging, which led to a lifelong focus on the unique medical needs of older people. In 1995, he assumed the position of director of the Center on Aging at UAMS. Under his leadership, UAMS received $30.2 million from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to establish the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatrics and the Institute on Aging. He went on to facilitate the development of a statewide network for geriatric care, ensuring that every older Arkansan had access to high quality medical care.
 
While Dr. David was an exceptional leader in medical research and administration, his greatest passion was educating his patients and the public about healthy aging. He often said, “Everything you’ve been told about growing older is wrong!” Through his weekly newspaper columns, radio shows and television segments, he empowered people to live each day to the fullest. Well before “body positivity,” Dr. David told people to love their bodies, embrace the wrinkles and appreciate being “pleasantly plump”! He truly loved every single one of his patients and dedicated his life to their care.
 
“Dr David” the personality was just “Dad” at home, where he took his job as “Most Embarrassing Dad in the World” very seriously! He never missed an opportunity to crack a corny joke, hum a made-up tune, or dance as if no one was watching (though clearly everyone was!). Any dinner at Trio’s was preceded by a deliberate schmoozing ritual of hugs, kisses and over-the-top flattery of fellow diners. This voracious appetite for life also meant he was never afraid to put a fork on someone else’s plate – resulting in a whole generation of speed eaters. He was endlessly devoted to his three French bulldogs, Barkley, Mochi and Peaches. They were expertly trained to sleep in a pile on his lap while he watched murder mystery shows for hours.
But most of all he loved his family, his wife Francie, who he said was the most brilliant mother and physician in the world, his six children Andrea, Elan, Howard, Riley, Forbes and Evan, and his grandchildren Nicola, Ella, Sydney, Parker, Zoe, Amon and Rowan. He took every opportunity to shower his family with hugs, kisses and endless unsolicited advice. He spent hours talking with his sisters Toni Spitz and Jocelyn Wolman. They were planning one last reunion in Israel that was sadly cancelled due to illness. He is preceded in death by his brother, Arthur Lipschitz, as well as his parents Hanid Kahn and Henry Lipschitz. For all those who loved him, he will be dearly missed.
 
David lived a full, brilliant life. He loved deeply, gave of himself freely, and cried with abandon at any moving moment.
 
A memorial service will be held at Temple B’nai Israel at 3 p.m. Wednesday March 8, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to Planned Parenthood of Little Rock or the Interfaith Center of Arkansas.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(50)
David Swann
#50
Apr 18th, 2023 9:08 pm
I am so saddened by this news, I went to my appointment today hoping to see and share my results with him. I hadn’t seen him since last December on my last appointment but he was very nice and always smiling. He actually made me feel better about myself throughout our conversations about my health. I appreciate being able to say that I am blessed to have known him. Thanks Dr David Lipschitz you are a legend.
Sheila Hogan
#49
Mar 16th, 2023 10:37 am
I always enjoyed seeing him on tv. I remember seeing his mother with him once and she was a joy. So very sorry for the families loss, a great man gone to soon.
1STSGT Jeffery L. Bradford
#48
Mar 11th, 2023 9:40 pm
Dr. Lipschitz was more than a doctor to me. He was also a friend. We always discussed my numbers which were mostly bad. This lead to the pep talks which were always enjoyable. Follow up would be his thoughts concerning national and world events. He always had an interesting perspective. At times, I would hear his personal thoughts. The goal of a doctor who wanted to do the most good with the time that he had left. I often prayed for him not only because he asked me too, but because I loved him. I'm missing him already but I also realize how blessed I was to have known him. My fond memories of him will be cherished and I know that it will be the same for his family. Heart felt, J. Bradford.
1STSGT Jeffery L. Bradford, USMC, ret.
#47
Mar 11th, 2023 9:37 pm
Dr. Lipschitz was more than a doctor to me. He was also a friend. We always discussed my numbers which were mostly bad. This lead to the pep talks which were always enjoyable. Follow up would be his thoughts concerning national and world events. He always had an interesting perspective. At times, I would hear his personal thoughts. The goal of a doctor who wanted to do the most good with the time that he had left. I often prayed for him not only because he asked me too, but because I loved him. I'm missing him already but I also realize how blessed I was to have known him. My fond memories of him will be cherished and I know that it will be the same for his family. Heartfelt, J. Bradford.
P. Rivière-Mitchell
#46
Mar 11th, 2023 7:23 pm
My condolences to his family. Thankful for his contribution to a better world through his work and personality.
David & Nancy Smith
#45
Mar 10th, 2023 7:19 pm
My wife and I catered for Dr David and his wife frequently many years ago. Nothing rattled him at these parties. Both treated us like family. Later, we needed his services with my father-in-law with dementia and he was a blessing. Prayers for the whole family.
Donna Bosley
#44
Mar 10th, 2023 1:39 pm
My mother loved Dr David. He was so kind to her. He gave her his cell phone number and said to call if she needed him. She called once and he was in New York City, but took the time to help her with a problem. What a wonderful man❣️
Mary Trentham
#43
Mar 10th, 2023 7:25 am
Prayers to all the family. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. David starting in 1996 at the UAMS Center on Aging. He taught me a lot - especially during grand rounds. I was just thinking of him the other night. We have lost a very charismatic and talented person. Shalom.
Carl Goosen
#42
Mar 9th, 2023 3:35 pm
I am so sorry to hear this Francie please accept my condolences. I know he will be missed by many. The Dr and you always treated me well
Joyce Christopher
#41
Mar 9th, 2023 1:45 pm
Dr. David was my mom's doctor for years. She thought he was the greatest and most caring doctor she had ever had. He helped her and me to go through a very difficult time in her life. He will be missed. Although I did not know any of his family, I know you all have to be a very special family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in your loss.
Alice F Adams
#40
Mar 9th, 2023 8:57 am
He was my husband's doctor at the VA, Little Rock. I don't have enough words to say for this man. He was above and beyond the GREATEST. He was the smartest, kindest, most caring person we have ever met. May he R.I.P.
Hannah Phillips MD
#39
Mar 8th, 2023 11:38 pm
My condolences to you Francie. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kimberly Steed
#38
Mar 8th, 2023 9:51 pm
My deepest condolences to Francie and Evan. I am thinking about you.
Chris Richey
#37
Mar 8th, 2023 8:21 pm
Some of the best advice and conversations I have ever had have been with Dr. David at the VA… I rejoice in the fact that he is well and pain free but it still hurts knowing that we won’t meet again for conversation in life. God bless your family Dr. D you are a true gem!!
Harold G Green
#36
Mar 8th, 2023 7:20 pm
I have been a patient of Dr David for several years. It was a shock to see that he passed. My sincere condolences to the family. He will surely be missed.
Patricia Kotlicky
#35
Mar 8th, 2023 7:09 pm
Oh, my heart is with Dr. David's family at this sad time. He was literally a "rock star" for those of us in the field of elder care. I had the chance to meet him several times and will always be so grateful for his encouragement to follow my own path working with the elderly. Such a knowledgeable, gracious--and funny--human being is a pleasure to know and a treasure to remember always! Thank you for being you, Dr. David--shalom! <3
Richard Lucas
#34
Mar 8th, 2023 4:57 pm
I am so sorry the family and Arkansas has lost a great man and doctor. He was my doctor at the VA. Going to see him was more like meeting a friend than a doctor. I will truly miss him.
Nancy Svehla
#33
Mar 8th, 2023 4:21 pm
I was fortunate enough to work with Dr. David at Fairlamb Senior Health Clinic for many years. He was always so delightful and truly cared for his patients. The first couple of paragraphs makes me think he wrote this himself! Such a fun and wonderful tribute to a great man. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Prayers for peace and strength during this time for the family.
Eddie Parker
#32
Mar 8th, 2023 4:16 pm
My family always watched Dr David on TV. Dr David was leaving the UAMS Reynold's Center when I started work there through UAMS as One of the Admissions and Discharge Counselors . I met Dr David several times at the VA NLR when I would go there for my appointments. I am a Disabled Vietnam Veteran, and I always enjoyed Dr David's disposition and laughter . We have lost so many wonderful people through death, but we know that Loved one had a greater calling and was needed in another place and time. What a wonderful Doctor . Prayers for each of you. My God watch over each of you!
Sylvie Dragon et Jean-Pierre Amesse
#31
Mar 8th, 2023 2:49 pm
Nos sincères condoléances à la famille et tout particulièrement à France, en ces moments d'une infinie tristesse. Nos pensées sincères vous accompagnent tous.
Sylvie et Jean-Pierre Amesse
Mary Lewis
#30
Mar 8th, 2023 2:17 pm
I was so saddened to hear about Dr David’s death. I enjoyed seeing him on tv and felt like he was a real friend. Prayers for his family.
Ruby Barnwell
#29
Mar 8th, 2023 1:22 pm
Deepest sympathy to the family.
Dave Barker
#28
Mar 8th, 2023 12:52 pm
Doc was always patient and kind during my appointments at VA. He will be missed.
Subrinia Bogan
#27
Mar 8th, 2023 12:27 pm
I am truly sorry for your loss. He was truly a great man and physician.
NancyMathews
#26
Mar 8th, 2023 12:15 pm
What a wonderful man and doctor. Every interaction was delightful. Francine and Riley extend our love and condolences to the rest of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He will be missed.
Cindy Engleman Hazzard
#25
Mar 8th, 2023 11:52 am
So very sorry to learn of David's passing. I hope you feel surrounded by much love.
Cindy & Curtis Hazzard
Doug Linington
#24
Mar 8th, 2023 11:02 am
Never missed his entertaining show on KARK.. He was a mensch. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Jacqueline R. Jones
#23
Mar 8th, 2023 10:41 am
To: Dr. Riley Lipschitz, my condolences are extended to you and your family at this time during the passing of your Daddy, Dr. David Lipschitz. May our Lord embrace you with his comfort, peace, joy and love. Cherish the life and memories you all made and shared. Your daddy’s laughter, love for his family and the care he gave to his patients will long be remembered. His life and legacy will now continue through you all. Take care.
Michael Bisgrove, MD
#22
Mar 8th, 2023 10:18 am
New to Arkansas, I met him but once as his patient and quickly loved this renaissance man, declining a follow-up telemed visit because I so enjoyed his camaraderie. I already miss him.
Steve P. Schoettle, M.D.
#21
Mar 8th, 2023 10:12 am
Dr. Lipschitz was my first medical attending in Medical School in 1977. We were also his first students at UAMS when he first started there. He was an inspiration to us all. He instilled knowledge, humor, and hard work into us all. It has been great to watch his career continue into his leading of the Geriatrics Dept. at UAMS. I ran into him years ago at a restaurant in Little Rock, and I think he really still remembered me as one of his students. That was the kind of caring physician and teacher he was. It was an honor and privilege to serve under his guidance.
Beth Goode
#20
Mar 8th, 2023 10:05 am
I’ll never forget calling Dr Lipschitz in the middle of the night not knowing what to do in a dire situation with my dad.He helped us so much. Such a wonderful doctor and human being.
Langston Jo
#19
Mar 8th, 2023 9:57 am
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family of this wonderful person. I used to listen to his advice on the radio and I found him to be delightful. Rest in Peace
Ron Robertson
#18
Mar 8th, 2023 9:48 am
To the Family,
I want to express my sincere condolences to you for the loss of a great man, a great father, and a great physician and mentor. Dr. Lipschitz. Dr. Lipschitz was instrumental in my early training is teaching me how to care and interact with patients. He was an amazing man with many life lessons. I will never forget him for his training, his mentorship, and his friendship over the years. Truly a special man.
Sincerely,
Ron Robertson
scott neal
#17
Mar 8th, 2023 9:41 am
Dr. David was not only a great man, but he was also a great doctor. He was my doctor at the V.A. I will miss him.
Lonnie and Susie Burrow
#16
Mar 8th, 2023 9:34 am
So sorry for your loss. We enjoyed Dr. David and his antics for years. Good memories of him. Frances praying for you and your precious family.
Bill Carlisle, Jr.
#15
Mar 8th, 2023 9:15 am
I am terribly saddened with this news that my friend and doctor has left us! My deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones he left behind. I will always remember you my dear friend. I loved you as a man, a doctor and a brother in Christ. May GOD rest your sweet soul.
Janice Wilkerson
#14
Mar 8th, 2023 8:51 am
Sorry to hear about David's passing. He was really a terrific person & a gentleman. He supported what you did & loved everyone. My prayers & thoughts for you Francie, Riley, Forbes & Evan
Jo Ann McQuade
#13
Mar 8th, 2023 8:26 am
It was a pleasure knowing and working with Dr. David. He did many improvements with Little Rock Alzheimer's Association in his early years of his service to benefit everyone Alzheimer's disease.
Blessings, love and peace to all who knew Dr. David.
Paul Crosmer
#12
Mar 8th, 2023 7:39 am
Having Dr. David as my primary care physician was definitely one of the highlights of my life. His knowledge and advice were certainly very helpful, but it was the stories he interjected during the visit that were truly remarkable, funny and memorable. Sharing the joys and challenges of being parents produced some of the best times I've ever had in a doctor's office.
douglas thom III
#11
Mar 8th, 2023 6:51 am
I did not know David. I was about to write a note of condolence to dear relatives of mine.
What a delightful obituary. Thank you for sharing. I will make a donation to Planned Parenthood of Little Rock in David's memory. Shalom
Stephenie A Cooke
#10
Mar 8th, 2023 6:29 am
I am so very sorry to hear of this loss. Thoughts are with you Riley and family. Peace be with you during this very difficult time.
Susan Kuehner
#9
Mar 7th, 2023 10:44 pm
My condolences to the family in the loss of Dr. David. I worked for him for 10 years and traveled the State with Frank Broyles and him. My, do I have stories. My thoughts and peace goes out to Francie and family.
D. Wooten
#8
Mar 7th, 2023 10:39 pm
Almost like losing a member of my own family. I so enjoyed the way Dr David very patiently answered the same question day after day - what a sweetie.
Brenda Cole
#7
Mar 7th, 2023 10:36 pm
I pray god gives Mrs. Francie and the family comfort during this time of loss. I was very fortunate to get to work with Dr. David. He’s light will be greatly missed.
Richard Flowers
#6
Mar 7th, 2023 5:31 pm
David was a member of our unique Indian Princess tribe and fit the billing of uniqueness.quite well. He was loved, and will be missed, by all.
Julie Blackwood
#5
Mar 7th, 2023 4:40 pm
I sent my deepest regards to the family of Dr. David Lipschitz. He was truly a great person. Who I enjoyed having a friendship with. He will be greatly missed but his life will be remembered. I send much love to the family.
Julie Blackwood
#4
Mar 7th, 2023 4:39 pm
I sent my deepest regards to the family of Dr. David Lipschitz. He was truly a great person. Who I enjoyed having a friendship with. He will be greatly missed but his life will be remembered. I send much love to the family.
Julie Blackwood
#3
Mar 7th, 2023 4:39 pm
I sent my deepest regards to the family of Dr. David Lipschitz. He was truly a great person. Who I enjoyed having a friendship with. He will be greatly missed but his life will be remembered. I send much love to the family.
Julie Blackwood
#2
Mar 7th, 2023 4:38 pm
I sent my deepest regards to the family of Dr. David Lipschitz. He was truly a great person. Who I enjoyed having a friendship with. He will be greatly missed but his life will be remembered. I send much love to the family.
Bryan Hobbs
#1
Mar 7th, 2023 4:30 pm
DR. David was my primary care doctor for the last 8 years. I always looked forward to catching up with him during my appointment. He would always say that he just loved working with all of the veteran's with such joy in his voice that you really knew he meant every word. He will be greatly missed and the world is less without him. Rest and peace and prayers to his family for their great loss.

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