Field Neurosciences Institute Mourns the Passing of Founding Medical Director, Dr. E. Malcolm Field
E. Malcolm Field, M.D.
The Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI) and the entire medical community mourn the loss of E. Malcolm Field, M.D., a nationally renowned neurosurgeon, physician and philanthropist whose remarkable career spanned more than 65 years. Dr. Field, a pioneer in neuroscience care and trauma medicine, passed away peacefully on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the age of 95. His vision, compassion and dedication to healing transformed the landscape of neurological care in mid-Michigan and beyond.
“Dr. Field is the founder of neurosurgery in mid and north Michigan,” said Joseph Adel, M.D., medical director, FNI. “His legacy will live through FNI which is dedicated to the prevention, early diagnosis, care and cure of neurological disease, disorders and other injuries. This legacy will be carried on by the exemplary neurosurgery service at MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw where he laid the foundation.”
Born and raised on his family’s farm in Brighton, Michigan, Dr. Field earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1956 and completed his residency at the former Saginaw General Hospital (now Covenant Medical Center Harrison). In 1961, he joined St. Mary’s Hospital (now MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw), where he served as Chief of Staff and helped usher in an era of advanced neuroscience and trauma care.
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Field performed nearly 60,000 surgeries and treated more than 315,000 patients, holding affiliations with hospitals throughout Michigan, including Saginaw, Bay City, Midland, Flint, Alma, Tawas City, Alpena, West Branch and Standish. He was board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and maintained an active Michigan medical license through 2027.
A Legacy of Innovation and Compassion
In 1988, Dr. Field founded the Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, care and cure of neurological diseases through research, education and clinical care. The institute, created through a generous gift from the Field family, was named in honor of his parents, Irving E. and Alta Emma (Chamberlain) Field, whose Brighton farm was sold by their children to fund the center in partnership with St. Mary’s Hospital.
“Dr. Field created FNI on a foundation of compassion, innovation and faith,” said Shari Kosciuszko, executive director, FNI. “He believed the true purpose of medicine is not only to treat illness, but to restore hope and dignity to every patient. His vision continues to guide our work each day as we advance research, education and clinical care to prevent and cure neurological disease. FNI stands as a living legacy to his lifelong commitment to helping others.”
Under Dr. Field’s leadership, FNI became a beacon of hope and scientific advancement, with programs spanning neuroscience education, injury prevention and cutting-edge research. The FNI Laboratory at Central Michigan University’s Brain Research and Integrative Neuroscience (BRAIN) Center continues this mission, focusing on potential treatments for Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Field was known not only for his surgical excellence but also for his unwavering compassion. He often assisted patients with financial hardship, ensuring access to critical surgeries and medical care regardless of circumstance.
Philanthropy and Lasting Impact
Together with his wife, Dr. and Mrs. Lois Field, devoted much of their life to philanthropy and education. The couple’s generous gifts have provided millions of dollars in scholarships to students at educational institutions across Michigan.
At Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), their generosity established several enduring endowments, including: The Clifford H. Spicer Endowed Chair in Engineering, The E. Malcolm Field Endowed Chair in Health Science and The Field Neurosciences Institute Scholarship in Neuroscience Nursing, supporting nursing students pursuing advanced training in neuroscience care.
Dr. Field also honored his longtime colleague and surgical nurse, Patricia A. Hansel. On her passing, he established the Patricia A. Hansel Memorial Scholarship to encourage the advanced study necessary to develop and hone skills by providing assistance to students pursuing a graduate degree in nursing at Saginaw Valley State University.
A passionate musician, Dr. Field also supported the arts, inspiring the creation of the Malcolm Field Theatre for Performing Arts in Curtiss Hall at SVSU.
A Life That Continues to Inspire
Dr. Field’s life was guided by faith, compassion and a relentless pursuit of excellence in service to others. His enduring impact will continue to be felt through the countless patients he healed, the students he inspired and the institutions he strengthened.
Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 4-8 p.m. at Case Funeral Home, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw. The funeral will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the Field Neurosciences Institute at www.mymichigan.org/fni.
About the Field Neurosciences Institute
The Field Neurosciences Institute is a charitable, scientific, education, not-for-profit corporation that was created in 1988 with a gift to the Daughters of Charity from neurosurgeon E. Malcolm Field, M.D., and his three brothers. Their mission is prevention, early diagnosis, care and cure of neurological diseases, disorders and injuries.
