THE ORLANDO TIMES 23 July 2004
Local Medical Society Mourns Loss of a Friend
Special To The Times


ORLANDO -- We all exist for a purpose and if we are fortunate and obedient, we fulfill our purpose and reason for being. All too often, however, many of us get off the beaten path and not only miss our calling but even the echoes attempting to pull us in the right direction. Those that heed their calling leave an impressionable mark on the lives of those they encounter. But sometimes in the midst of following that calling the "called" are abruptly taken away from the people who admire and love them and the void left in place is both palpable and painful.
Dr. LeRoy Raphael was a person called to a tremendous task and he answered by performing his duties with an infectious flair and enthusiasm. In addition to his roles as a great dad and wonderful husband, he was a model for all of us in the healthcare profession. Besides serving the medical profession well through his diligence and clinical expertise, LeRoy or Roy as we fondly referred to him, was a friend on a mission to help all who were in despair and in need. One of his passions was the Central Florida Medical Society; the only African American medical society in Central Florida. The Central Florida Medical Society, officially chartered in 1974 by nine Central Florida physicians was a prized jewel in the eyes of Dr. Raphael and he spent innumerable hours working to promote the issues of African American physicians and the concerns of minority patients. Realizing the disparities in healthcare and the need for strong interpersonal relationships Dr. Raphael was pivotal in solidifying the character and content of the organization.
A particular love of his was the Annual Scientific and Education program sponsored by the Central Florida Medical Society where member physicians prepared and presented clinical lectures to colleagues further enhancing the superior level of clinical knowledge common to Society physicians. It was through programs such as this that we saw Dr. Raphael's passion magnified and that infectious personality at work. He was a joy to watch and a pleasure to serve with. Other areas Dr. Raphael excelled at were exciting others about the work and potential of the Society while faithfully working to create policy and procedure for the Society as well as continuing in the role of an absolute first-rate physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. We had the best in our midst and he made a huge impact. That impact will be missed but it will never be forgotten.
I attended the Going Home Celebration for LeRoy and I was not at all surprised at his achievements and accolades and was simply overjoyed that the recollection of his life's journey continued to be an encouragement to those overwhelmed with the sadness of the remembrance. I could always feel his spirit when I spoke or spent time with him and that same spirit manifested itself in so many positive ways. It was that spirit and passion that led him to give of himself in so many ways and it was that spirit that will have a lasting impression on my life as well as many others. The indelible impression will not easily fade and the Central Florida Medical Society would like to acknowledge the passing of a great man, a Godly man, a colleague and most importantly, a friend. Thank you for the years and the memories and we remain in your debt for all you shared with us. Rest in peace my Brother for we shall meet and serve the great cause once more.