Long Beach Jewish Life March, 2014 | Page 24

DR. EUGENE TEMKIN (Continued)

The AngioCOR was built at a cost of $307,500. It functioned for twenty-two years and required just one service call for a replacement of a $12.00 part. As it turned out, the repair technician did not know how to replace the part, and so Dr. Temkin did that, too.

Why go into such detail in describing just one of Dr. Temkin's many accomplishments? Because the thoughtfulness, meticulous attention to detail and refusal to take "no" for an answer are all common characteristics that Dr. Temkin has displayed throughout his professional career. And if the solution to a particular problem doesn't exist or isn't quite good enough? Well, then you simply have to invent a solution that is.

In 1960, Dr. Temkin served as Chairman of the Medical Department at Community Hospital. From 1975 until 1985, he was Chairman of the Heart Catheterization Lab, which he literally built. And he served as Chair of the Coronary and Intensive Care Units from 1979 until 1985.

In 1960, at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, Dr. Temkin introduced the first cardiac pacemaker to Long Beach. The pacemaker that was implated then weighed in at 3 pounds. Forty-eight years later, Dr. Temkin received a pacemaker himself. One weighing less than an ounce.

During his career, Dr. Temkin received several awards from the American Heart Association, including the Bronze, Silver and Gold Service Awards, the Distinguished Achievement Award and the Gold Meritorious Service Award. He has also been honored by the Visiting Nurse Association and in September, 2013, he was added to the Legacy Wall at Community Hospital.

In reviewing his accomplishments, Dr. Temkin maintains a seldom seen level of humility. When asked to describe the formula for his own success, he responds, "It's all about people. I have met some extraordinary people in my life, and they were the ones who enabled me to pursue something that I love. So it's all about people -- and luck. I've been fortunate that I'm able to enjoy my family. That's really the most important thing. I'm just a very lucky guy."

And that may be the only moment during our long conversation when Dr. Temkin just might have misspoke. You see, being fortunate enough to be part of a community with someone as special as Dr. Eugene Temkin in our midst, it's we who are truly the lucky ones.

COMMUNITY PROFILE DR. EUGENE TEMKIN

LBJL March 2014 | www.lbjewishlife.com