Bernice Sigman, former professor, associate dean, and pediatrician at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, passed away on May 23. She was 87 years old.
Dr. Sigman’s career with the University of Maryland started in the Medical Center, where she served as chief resident in pediatrics from 1963 to 1964. In 1966, she joined the faculty of the School of Medicine as an assistant professor in pediatrics. In addition to her teaching position, she was named associate dean for student affairs in 1972. Her many contributions to the university earned her the Maryland Medical Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2000.
Outside of her roles with the University of Maryland, Dr. Sigman had a stint as chair of the group on student affairs for the Association of American Medical Colleges. In the 1990s, she helped to develop one of the first medical residency placement services, the Electronic Residency Application Service.
Dr. Sigman held a master’s degree in genetics from the University of Washington and a medical degree from the University of Maryland.
I came looking for Dr Sigman’s address and I was met with this sad news. I can only tell you that as a struggling first year medical student always on the brink of being kicked out, that I met many times with Bernice in her office. We had a special bond because we met at a retreat at Deep Creek Lake before the start of freshman year UM Medical School. I followed every piece of advice from Dr Sigman, and it worked. 4 years later she was giving me a bear hug (my parents noticed this was more than for the other students!) on the graduation stage. As on of few visible LGBT students it was great to have this support. I had been trying for years to send her a letter via the Alumini Association before finding her address through the Property Tax office in Tampa, FL.
I wish I could have described how grateful I was. Thank you for your in memoriam post.