April 14, 2004
Leonard Safon
Dr. Leonard E. Safon was once described as "the greatest obstetrician in the entire world."
During his 40-year career, "Doc" Safon delivered more than 10,000 babies, including some of the students he later taught at Harvard Medical School. He was also the former president of the Obstetrical Society of Boston.
After serving in the Navy, Safon graduated from Northeastern University, received his master's degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and earned a medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. He was a surgical intern for two years at Boston City Hospital and a resident in obstetrics and gynecology at Boston Lying-in Hospital and Free Hospital for Women.
From 1963 to 1997, Safon ran his own practice. Known for wearing casual beach clothes and gold chain necklaces, the physician was a comforting presence to thousands of Boston-area parents. He retired from medicine in 1998 and joined the faculty of Harvard Medical School. A lectureship fund in clinical obstetrics has been established in his honor.
Safon died on March 28. Cause of death was not released. He was 78.
Posted on April 14, 2004 11:41 PMDoctor Safon delivered my twin sons on July 2, 1977. His personal concern and professionalism in regarding us as a family unit will never be forgotten and should be the standard for all physicians.
Posted by Bill Stone on April 16, 2004 3:28 AMdr. safon was an amazing dr. i moved to boston in my 8th month of pregnancy and no dr. would take me on except him. my son was born 20 years ago today. i am so sorry to hear that he is no longer with us. i will remember his kindness always.
Posted by leni on October 10, 2006 10:57 PMwe are living in ireland and i was just looking at my twin daughters birth cert when i saw the name Leonard E Safon and so i googled his name to find that sadly he had passed away.he was a lovely man .he took great care of Ruth when she was expecting Hannah and Jane and Paul two years earlier.He was always in good form .I myself worked with him in BWH and we have very pleasant memories of him and great gratitude for Dr Safon .
Posted by michael and ruth murray on May 4, 2007 3:44 PM