Dr. Joseph Flood

Dr. Joseph Flood aged 70 passed away on July 13, 2023 due to complications of liver disease, diabetes and recurrent, metastasized liver cancer. He was at home surrounded by loving friends and family. He was born in Cleveland, OH on August 8, 1952, to Joseph Sr. and Elsie (Carpenter) Flood who preceded him in death. His siblings Jeanne Frederick and Dennis O’Brien have also passed. Joseph graduated from St Ignatius High School in Cleveland in 1970. This institution was singularly vital to his development as a servant leader. He served as a member of the President’s Visiting Committee, offering perspectives to the president on key policy issues at the school. He went on to earn an Associate in Arts (summa cum laude) from Cuyahoga Community College and then a Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) in 1975 from Baldwin-Wallace College (now Baldwin-Wallace University). While at BW, he met the love of his life, his soul mate and spouse, Jeanne M. Likins, PhD who loved him so much. She took amazingly good care of him through his many illnesses over the past several years. He loved her more than words can tell and could not imagine not being with her. Dr. Flood then went to Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC, graduating in 1979 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He stayed at Georgetown University Hospitals for his internship and residency and went on to serve as a Fellow in Rheumatic Diseases in a combined program at Georgetown and the Washington VA Medical Center. He finished all this training in 1984, when he and Jeanne relocated to German Village in Columbus Ohio where they immediately became engaged in the community. They renovated an 1890’s home and found a variety of ways to contribute to German Village, making many friends. Joseph and Jeanne hosted an endless parade of learners, neighbors, friends, and community events as they both thrived on bringing people together for good food and great conversation. Joseph was board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. He practiced Rheumatology in Columbus since 1984, including at Central Ohio Medical group, as well as in solo practice. He joined the Columbus Arthritis Center in 2012 where he found a wonderful practice community that truly was a family. He deeply appreciated the amazing support from the partners and staff during his illnesses. He and Jeanne will be forever grateful for this. Joseph was a career long educator, achieving the rank of Clinical Professor of Medicine at The Ohio State University. He served on the College of Medicine Committee on Admissions for over 30 years. He was honored with the Distinguished Educator Award and inducted into the Courage to Teach Society there. He created and served for many years as the leader of Grant Hospital’s Rheumatology Clinic as well as served as needed with the Columbus Medical  Association’s Free Clinic. Additionally, Joseph was recognized for the past many decades as one of the Best Doctors in America. He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and as a Master of the American College of Rheumatology (MACR) and a Master of the Asia Pacific League of Associations of Rheumatology (MAPLAR). Professional memberships include Master, American College of Rheumatology Fellow, American College of Physicians, Member, Ohio State Medical Association, Member, Columbus Medical Association, Member Association of Women in Rheumatology. He had several publications in the medical literature. Joseph worked in service to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in a variety of roles over the years, chairing many committees. He was key in the establishment of the Political Action Committee representing rheumatology health professionals and their patients to the Federal Government and engaging professional representation in federal policy. His service culminated in serving as the President of the ACR in 2015 and representing this organization and its educational resources around the globe. In addition to Jeanne, he is survived by his brothers-in-law William “Hank” Likins of Nashville TN and David Scott Likins of Atlanta GA and nieces and nephews including Jodene Frederick, Carlene (Frederick) Klein, Cris (Frederick) Hurst, Dennis O’Brien, Tim O’Brien, Donlee (Likins) Handley, Joseph Likins, Kylie (Likins) Petrus and William “Ike” Likins and great nieces and nephews. Joseph acknowledged the long-time support of close friends Karen and Phil Page (and their children Katie, Paddy and Allie), Nancy and Jeff Russell and their daughters Katie (Russell) Dimizio and Jen Russell, Jim and Karen Rechnitzer and a host of friends in German Village and across the ACR community. Perhaps most touching to Joseph were the many cards and letters from his patients, which Jeanne read to him aloud. These messages of support, prayers, encouragement, and good wishes for his recovery were deeply appreciated. They uplifted his spirits and affirmed his interpretation of the servant leader mission imbued in him by St. Ignatius High School. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 2 pm at The Fives, 550 Reach Blvd 43215. In lieu of flowers, we request that memorial donations be directed in memory of Joseph Flood ’70 to: St. Ignatius High School (Dennis Stonequist), 1911 W. 30th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113 or Ignatius.edu/give or to the Rheumatology Research Foundation, 2200 Lake Blvd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 or online at https://www.rheumresearch.org/donate and select “this gift is a tribute” to designate the donation in Dr. Joseph Flood’s honor. The family will match donations up to $10,000.00 total.

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