Dr. Michael Brescia

Medical Pioneer and Compassionate Healer

Our dear friend, family member, comforter, and healer, Dr. MIchael Brescia, Emeritus Medical Director – often and rightfully described as the soul of Calvary – died April 19, 2023, at home, surrounded by his family.

In the 1960s, Dr. Brescia made a significant contribution to medical science, co-developing the Brescia-Cimino fistula. This groundbreaking device enables safe vascular access for patients undergoing dialysis and is responsible for saving tens of millions of lives worldwide. Remarkably, the Brescia-Cimino fistula remains in use today, underscoring Dr. Brescia’s lasting impact and enduring legacy.

Dr. Brescia established Calvary as we know it today and helped shape modern hospice and palliative care in America, positioning Calvary Hospital as a global leader in end-of-life care.

He was a great scientist, doctor, colleague – and a deeply compassionate, faithful, merciful man. It is said that Calvary’s history is that of miracles and saintly people. Dr. Michael certainly shaped not just what we do, but who we are at Calvary. Our purpose, as he would say, was simple: to serve where the need is greatest among those who suffer most, to equally relieve their physical, emotional, and spiritual pain.

Dr. Brescia journeyed with thousands of patients, and their families, on their personal roads to Calvary. If you had the honor of knowing Dr. Brescia for five minutes or 50 years, you knew how deeply he loved and cared for others.

Dr. Brescia videos