THE DOCTOR’S PRAYER

by Steven Mandel MD
Heidi Mandel PhD, DPM, LMSW

Today, Heidi and I had the opportunity to attend a dedication ceremony at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York.

Many years ago, after caring for a patient with a life-threatening condition, as a token of his family’s appreciation, he presented me with a plaque: The Doctor’s Prayer. It expresses a physician’s humility, compassion and a sense of duty in the practice of medicine. It’s a moral and spiritual guide for doctors, to remind them that healing comes from a higher power, compassion and humility are essential, lifelong learning is sacred, avoid pride and greed, and service to humanity is a calling.

The dedication took place in the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Synagogue, known as the “ Einstein shul “. Rabbi Zev Kaminetsky serves as the spiritual leader. Einstein has long served Jewish students, faculty, and those in the community with a daily minion, lectures, and guidance on Jewish principals, ethics and laws. He leads, a warm, student driven community, allowing students to maintain their deep connection of to those who maintain a Jewish / communal spiritual life integrated with a demanding professional/ academic environment.

We were welcomed by the rabbi, including the Chabd rabbi, students and their families, with warm hospitality, and kindness during the dedication ceremony. We feel deeply grateful to have experienced this precious moment in our lives.

The Doctor’s Prayer
Steven Mandel MD
Heidi Mandel PhD, DPM, LMSW
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Synagogue
November 9, 2025

It is our privilege to present the plaque bearing The Doctor’s Plaque, with words attributed to Maimonides, a great teacher and scholar of our tradition.

“May I never forget that the patient is a fellow creature in pain. Give me strength, time and opportunity to correct what I have acquired, and to extend its domain, for knowledge is vast, and the spirit of man can extend indefinitely .“

It speaks for our dedication, wisdom, and integrity in the treatment to our patients, seeking healing, comfort and hope. We dedicate our lives to share love and compassion, relying on the foundation of our faith.

It speaks for the mission and values of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine: scientific excellence, compassion and care, commitment to social justice and human dignity. Einstein medical school teaches to treat patients with dignity and kindness, with each patient B’itzur Elohim-the image of G-d.

For me, it’s a small token of my gesture of gratitude that shaped my professional journey and ethical foundation as a physician. Returning as a resident in neurology, I met my wife Heidi who was a Supervising Social Worker at the college hospital. She has been my biggest supporter and friend for 47 years.

I would like to thank Rabbi Kaminrtzky and the Shul Board members for welcoming us in this sacred space, accepting this plaque to be displayed in the synagogue.

With this prayer, I hope it will inspire the medical students and physicians to pursue knowledge with integrity, and strength and purpose in the healing we provide. It is our enduring connection between medicine faith and humanity.

Heidi and I say thank you for being part of this meaningful moment.