Faculty member Dr. Rittenberg dies Nov. 24
Elizabeth Douglas (Bethe) Rittenberg, M.D., who served on the MUSC faculty in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, died on Nov. 24 in an automobile accident.
Dr.
Rittenberg was born in Lancaster, S.C. on June 17, 1951. She
was the daughter of Robert A. Douglas Jr., and Barbara Weeks Douglas.
She was a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She later graduated from MUSC, where she then completed her residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr. Rittenberg then entered private practice in that field and was the medical director of the Roper Rehabilitation Hospital. She was a diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Rittenberg was a member of Synagogue Emanu-el, where she served as chairman of the Social Action Committee and regularly cooked and served meals at the homeless shelter.
She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and at the time of her death, she was president of the Lowcountry Phi Beta Kappa Association. She was a member of the Charleston Medical Society, South Carolina Medical Association, the Medical Society of South Carolina, the Widows and Orphans Society, and the American Association of Academic Physiatrists.
Dr. Rittenberg is survived by her husband, Charles S. Rittenberg, M.D., and two daughters Rachel Alice Rittenberg and Rebecca Barbara Rittenberg. She is also survived by two sisters, Barbara Schmidt of Virginia and Rebecca Finley of Tennessee, and one brother, Robert L.B. Douglas of Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bethe Rittenberg Endowment for the Roper Rehabilitation Hospital—Care Alliance Health Foundation, 316 Calhoun Street, Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Bethe Rittenberg was a gentle, caring, compassionate person. Bethe
could also be passionate about a cause or situation. These attributes contributed
greatly to her being the successful physician that she was. Her knowledge
and skills as a physiatrist benefitted many persons in our community who
required physical rehabilitation.
—Peggy Simmons, Director of Therapeutic Services, Clinical Services
Administration
Bethe and I worked together in prosthetic clinic for many years.
Her patients loved her, one patient in particular insisted on being seen
only by Dr. Rittenberg. He believed his staying healthy was dependent on
the care provided only by her. After a busy clinic she would often comment
on how much she enjoyed her work. Everyone whose lives she touched loved
Bethe—her patients, her colleagues and friends. She always greeted
you with a smile and positive words. She will be greatly missed. It was
a privilege to have known her and worked with her.
—Erica Rouvalis, Physical Therapy Manager
Our community has lost a jewel. Dr. Beth Rittenberg was a wonderful
physician, a knowlegeable role model, and a good friend. She set the standard
high for her ability to be an active listener and mentor. She made all
of her co-workers and patients feel heard and respected. Her positive spirit
and love of life were contagious and absorbed by all those around here.
Dr. Beth will be sorely missed.
—Shannon Weaver, Physical Therapist
I worked with Bethe in the Department of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation. Bethe Rittenberg was a social worker before she returned
to medical school and became a board certified physiatrist. It was evident
in the detailed care she provided that she paid attention to more than
patient's medical problems.
—Charlyne S. Butler, Certified Life Care Planner, Department of
Ophthalmology and Department of Neurology, Division of Physical Medicine
and Rehabilitation.
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