Michael Jeffrey Wallace, M.D., ’90
Michael Jeffrey Wallace, M.D., ’90, Department Chair of Interventional Radiology at University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, was a pioneering physician, teacher, fixer, gadgeteer, sculptor, furniture maker, dedicated husband and father. Michael was an extremely modest man. His tremendous professional achievements were always secondary to his deep love for his wife Valerie and his daughters Erin and Sydney. He was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer in September and died at home surrounded by his family on May 31, 2016, barely two weeks after his 50th birthday.
This month, the Department of Interventional Radiology, the creation of which he spearheaded, will open in its new facility at M.D. Anderson. Over 150 people strong, it is one of only two such departments in the country and was Michael’s longtime dream. Michael is a second generation Interventional Radiologist following in the footsteps of his late father Sidney Wallace who he loved and emulated. They endlessly discussed the nuances of cases and devices and new procedures. Fearlessly, he entered a profession where his father had been a founding father and made it his own, in his own way, with his own lasting trail of innovation. Quietly, Michael helped many people at the worst time in their lives. He loved helping his patients through difficult situations. For him, the beauty of working at MD Anderson was driven by the bravery of his patients. He, too, was a brave patient.
In addition to his clinical work, Michael was a powerful force behind the scenes, establishing the new department of Interventional Radiology, making significant improvement in the quality of patient care and nurturing his staff. They loved him for it. He was a genuine and enthusiastic educator, actively encouraging the development of their talents and creating an environment for innovative thinking. Michael received his Medical Doctorate at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston (now known as McGovern Medical School at UTHealth). Michael began his work in Interventional Radiology with a fellowship at the Mallinckrodt Institute at Washington University mentored by Dr. Marshall Hicks. Marshall, Division Head of Radiology at MD Anderson, was a central figure in Michael’s professional life, and their partnership and friendship continued until Michael’s death. Remembering Michael, Marshall said, “Mike embodied the highest level of clinical skill, the highest level of compassion, an unsurpassed work ethic, and an innovative spirit that could not be suppressed.” His deepest partnership was with his wife Valerie. Their relationship was rare. They loved each other unconditionally. Valerie was by his side every minute from the moment of his diagnosis, caring for him and nurturing him. She did so selflessly and tirelessly, caring for every detail, watching over him in his sleep and taking care of Erin and Sydney. Valerie didn’t want to be anywhere else. She didn’t want to lose a minute of time together, even the worst of times.
Ever since he was a child, Michael made things and fixed things. From wiring a button onto his shirt in grade school to creating innovative life saving gadgets for his work in Interventional Radiology. Michael never stopped being a problem solver. He didn’t think about how it had been done, but how it could be done better. His home was filled with his beautiful furniture and sculpture, and he was always ready to disappear into his workshop to create work saving devices for his wife and daughters.
Dr. Wallace is survived by his wife Valerie; his daughters Erin and Sydney; his mother Marsha Wallace, his brother Stewart Wallace and sister Andrea Wallace. He was a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephews Benjamin and Jeremy Friedman, Lucas Wallace, Kayla Clark, Sadie and Tyler Roosth, and Zoey and Juliette Hess; and a loving brother-in-law to Jonathan Friedman, Dianne Festa, Michael and Tina Roosth, Kelly and Clive Hess. He was devoted to Valerie’s parents Marlene Roosth and Tommy and Shirley Roosth. Where Michael stood is a gaping hole.
Donations in Dr. Wallace’s honor can be made to:
Michael Wallace Memorial Fund:
MD Anderson Hospital
Development Office
1515 Holcombe
Houston, Texas 77030