Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund
Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, M.D., husband of Cheryl Lewis, a founding board member of Reading Legacies, passed away on September 21, 2010.
Cheryl chose Reading Legacies to receive gifts in his memory.
The Board of Trustees established the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund to honor his life and support the ongoing role of the President of Reading Legacies.
Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund
Honoring a Life of Reading and Leadership
Dr. Stephen R. Lewis, M.D., the husband of Cheryl Lewis, one of the founding board members of Reading Legacies, died September 21, 2010 after battling kidney cancer for more than a year. We are deeply honored that Cheryl has chosen Reading Legacies to be the beneficiary of any gifts in his memory.
Following discussions with Cheryl and her family, the Reading Legacies Board of Trustees decided to honor Steve’s life and carry on his legacy by directing all donations made in his memory into the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund for Reading Legacies, which provides ongoing support for the position of the President of Reading Legacies.
A Passion for Reading
Whether it was as a child exploring the adventures of Treasure Island or as a medical professional seeking to remain abreast of current events, the life of Dr. Stephen Lewis was exemplified by a sincere appreciation for, and the benefits gained from, reading.
In addition to his love for reading, Steve’s personal life included a devoted marriage of 15 years to Cheryl Carter Lewis. Cheryl’s parents, Dr. Charles and Margaret Carter, and her brother, Terry Carter, embraced Steve as one of their own family. Professionally, his career included serving as a practicing physician, hospital consultant, world-wide lecturer, and Chief Medical Officer for CareFusion.
The fact that he is well thought of is no surprise as he lived life with respect and love for others as well as a desire to help them achieve their personal best. His personal belief in the value of reading is evidenced by his own words:
“The most important thing one can do for children is to read to them every day. It is more important than any school we can send them to or any other developmental need we can provide for them, beyond food, clothing, and shelter, I suppose!”
Legacy and the Presidential Chair
The Stephen R. Lewis, M.D., Presidential Chair was established by Reading Legacies in April of 2011 to honor Steve’s life and legacy through the perpetuation of his belief in the importance of reading for all children.
Professional Biography
Dr. Stephen R. Lewis was Chief Medical Officer for CareFusion, a global medical technology company focused on improving patient outcomes through medication accuracy and error reduction (CareFusion is now part of BD). He previously served as Senior Vice President of the Center for Safety and Clinical Excellence at Cardinal Health. Steve joined Cardinal Health after seven years at VHA Southeast, where he most recently served as Vice President of Medical Affairs.
He began his medical career as a practitioner in general internal medicine and held leadership positions in the medical data and clinical information systems industry, including Vice President and Principal for a hospital clinical information system and revenue management company.
Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the University of South Florida, where he also completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine. He was board-certified in Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Physician Executives
Support the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund
Join us in honoring Dr. Lewis by supporting this fund.
Reading Legacies is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, public benefit organization supported by gifts and grants from individuals, corporations, foundations, civic groups, and service organizations.
On behalf of the children, parents, and other family members served, thank you!
A Passion for Reading
Whether as a child exploring the adventures of Treasure Island or as a medical professional staying current, Dr. Stephen R. Lewis lived a life defined by a love of reading.
Family and Personal Life
Steve shared a devoted 15-year marriage with Cheryl Carter Lewis. Cheryl’s family, Dr. Charles and Margaret Carter and her brother Terry Carter — embraced him as one of their own.
His Belief in Reading
Steve’s words capture his passion:
“The most important thing one can do for children is to read to them every day. It is more important than any school we can send them to or any other developmental need we can provide for them, beyond food, clothing, and shelter, I suppose!”
Legacy and the Presidential Chair
The Stephen R. Lewis, M.D., Presidential Chair was established in April 2011 to honor Steve’s life and perpetuate his belief in the importance of reading for all children.
Professional Biography
Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the University of South Florida, completing internship and residency in Internal Medicine.
Career Highlights
CareFusion – Chief Medical Officer
Cardinal Health – Senior VP, Center for Safety and Clinical Excellence
VHA Southeast – Vice President of Medical Affairs
Hospital clinical information systems and revenue management roles
Steve was board-certified in Internal Medicine and a member of:
The American College of Physicians
The American College of Physician Executives
Support the Stephen R. Lewis, M.D. Legacy Fund
Help honor Dr. Lewis’s life and legacy by contributing to the fund that supports the ongoing role of the President of Reading Legacies. Your gift ensures children and families continue to benefit from meaningful reading programs.