Remembering Alexander A. Levitan ’63M (MD): Physician, educator, and transformative benefactor

Throughout his life, Al Levitan combined compassion, curiosity, and service to others—values that defined his work as a physician, educator, mentor, and philanthropist.

Alexander “Al” A. Levitan ’63M (MD), a physician, educator, and philanthropist whose life’s work influenced countless people and transformed opportunities for generations of students, died in March 2026 at age 86.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Levitan earned international recognition as an oncologist, educator, and expert in clinical hypnosis. Yet those who knew him best often spoke first about his generosity—his unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, and his belief that education could change lives.

Together with his wife, Lucy, Al Levitan transformed opportunities for medical students from around the world through scholarships, research fellowships, mentorship, and expansive philanthropy. They have given nearly $10 million in support of the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. Their philanthropy places them among those leading donors who have made the greatest investments in the medical student experience in the school’s history.

For so many students, that support opened doors that otherwise might have remained closed. For the University, it created a legacy that will endure for generations.

A life guided by service

“Al Levitan embodied the University’s highest aspirations: excellence, compassion, curiosity, and service to humanity,” says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “He improved the lives of patients, and his philanthropy ensured that future generations of physicians would have the opportunity to do the same. His legacy will be felt not only across our academic health system, but throughout the communities around the world served by the students he helped educate.”

Born in Boston, Levitan earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Cornell University before receiving his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry in 1963. He later earned a master of public health degree and completed postgraduate training at Vanderbilt University Hospital and Boston City Hospital before building a distinguished medical career in Minneapolis.

For more than 30 years, Levitan practiced internal medicine and oncology, primarily at Unity and Mercy Hospitals, becoming known for his innovative approach to patient care and his compassion for those facing serious illness. He later gained global recognition for his pioneering work in clinical hypnosis, participating in surgeries in which hypnosis served as the primary method of pain control and presenting more than 165 seminars and workshops worldwide.

At the same time, Levitan devoted himself to teaching. During more than two decades on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, he mentored many physicians and healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of treating patients as people first. His commitment to service was rooted in values learned early in life.

Reflecting on his upbringing and the example set by his family, Levitan once explained their guiding philosophy simply: “We always wanted to help people.”

That belief would remain a constant throughout his life.

Expanding opportunity through education

Although Levitan’s accomplishments in medicine were considerable, he pointed to education as the most transformative force in his own life.

“Education is the most valuable thing you can give to anyone—it can never be taken away,” he said.

Levitan frequently reflected on the role that scholarships, mentors, and support played in shaping his future. “Without the generosity and the example of others, I never would have earned my degrees, and I never would have had the life nor the career I’ve had,” he said.

Such gratitude became the foundation of the Levitans’ philanthropy.

In 2006, the couple established the Levitan Family Endowed Scholarship to meet the full financial need of one student in each entering medical school class who has spent at least 15 years living outside the United States. The scholarship reflected both the couple’s global outlook and their belief that talent and potential should never be limited by financial circumstance. It also grew from a deeply personal family history.

Levitan often spoke about his father, Sacha Levitan, MD, whose own education was made possible through government support after emigrating from Russia to France. The experience profoundly shaped the family’s understanding of opportunity and responsibility. Seeing the significant impact that education had on his father shaped Levitan’s lifelong motivation to create opportunities for others.

Over time, the Levitans expanded their support to include research fellowships that enabled medical students to pursue research experiences around the world. Their philanthropy reflected a conviction that medicine advances not only through clinical care, but also through discovery, curiosity, and service.

In 2013, the School of Medicine & Dentistry awarded Levitan its Dean’s Medal. Among its highest honors, it recognizes extraordinary service, philanthropy, and service to the school. In 2025, he and Lucy were presented with the University’s George Eastman Medal, which celebrates individuals whose achievements and service embody URochester’s highest ideals.

“Al believed that a medical school education was a profound privilege,” says David Linehan, CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center and dean of the School of Medicine & Dentistry. “He made it possible for students to apply to our school and then supported these scholarship recipients by welcoming them into his family. He and Lucy are among the greatest benefactors of our medical student experience. Their extraordinary generosity has created a far-reaching legacy, transforming our school and enriching the experience of each medical class now and in the future.”

David R. Lambert, senior associate dean for medical student education, underscores Levitan’s profound impact: “Al and Lucy’s philanthropy went beyond providing the life changing scholarships and research opportunities for medical students. They brought medical student recipients of their scholarships and fellowships into their family providing support and guidance. They showed a deep interest in each student’s career goals, aspirations, and successes.”

The Levitans’ commitment extended far beyond financial support. They maintained close relationships with scholarship recipients long after graduation, offering mentorship, celebrating milestones, and building friendships that spanned continents. Many recipients described becoming part of the Levitan family.

“Dr. Levitan was more than a benefactor to me—he was family,” says Giap Vu ’21M (MD), a former Levitan Scholar and plastic surgery resident at the School of Medicine & Dentistry. “I will forever remember our time together over the past 10 years. I always thought those moments would always be there: walking through their door, seeing them sitting together, and him smiling at me and calling me over to look at a cardinal outside. I am grateful for all the support he gave me and for welcoming me into his world with open arms. I miss him dearly.”

A legacy of expansive generosity

The values that guided Levitan’s support of medical education also shaped his philanthropy across the University and community. Together, Al and Lucy also championed the University’s Memorial Art Gallery’s Free for All, Forever initiative through the Levitan Family Capstone Challenge. This $1 million gift helped the museum reach its goal of making general admission free for everyone beginning in 2027. Their commitment marked the culmination of MAG’s Free for All, Forever fundraising initiative, ensuring that access to art, creativity, and cultural education will remain free for generations to come.

Beyond his professional and philanthropic life, Levitan was remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved dancing with Lucy, cooking, traveling, gardening, and bird watching. Those personal joys reflected the same curiosity, warmth, and attentiveness that shaped his work with patients, students, and scholarship recipients. He treasured the friendships that he developed with Levitan Scholars and Levitan Research Fellows, and their families.

In every endeavor, Levitan’s goal was the same: to create opportunities for others. He believed that generosity enriches both the giver and the recipient, and he distilled conviction in simple terms: “Give to others and it will enrich you.”

*Front row: Ruiyi (Rae) Yuan ’25M (MD), William Burns ’26M (MD), Alexander Levitan ’63M (MD), Lucy Levitan, Huishan (Heather) Shi ’21, ’28M (MD). Back row: Jason Nagourney ’26M (MD), Matthew Cotroneo ’27M (MD), Ellen Chinchilli ’26M (MD), Amanda Rodriguez Orengo ’26M (MD), Carolyn Cafro ’26M (MD)

–Kristine Kappel Thompson, July 2026