In Remembrance
Gregory Eric Gleis, MD January 2, 1952- June 29, 2025
Greg knew he wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon since he was a sixth grader. Possibly this was due to his many encounters with orthopedic doctors as a young football player at St. Pius and St. X High School!
In medical school following his second year, he spent the summer rotating at Frazier Rehab Center( formerly the Institute of PM & R). While he may have considered rehabilitation medicine for a moment, through all his rotations, orthopedic surgeon remained his choice. Following his residency and time as Chief Resident, he joined the faculty at UofL School of Medicine and was heavily involved in teaching medical students, residents and students of physical therapy. While serving as Chief Resident, he was awarded the top honor for Chief Resident. And during his time as faculty, he was awarded many other commendations for teaching.
Although Greg loved performing surgery, eventually non-operative intervention became his focus. He was appointed by the governor to the State Commission that revamped the Workers’ Compensation Guides for Kentucky. He was well-respected by his colleagues, and I would say that he was the top expert in workers’ compensation law in musculoskeletal injuries.
Greg and I met on a blind date while in high school. I was first impressed by his gentleness and good manners but later what stood out most was his dedication to his team, teammates and friends, as well as to his studies. He made a profound impression on me. Unlike Greg, I had not considered becoming a doctor. It came as quite a surprise to both of us when after six weeks of rotations as a medical technology student and on the eve of our wedding, I first verbalized that perhaps I may want to become a doctor too. Although it gave him pause for a brief instant, he never wavered in his support. Following our graduation from college, rather than me working to put him through medical school, we both went to the bank for student loans! Being able to go through medical school together was a cherished experience of ours.
Greg changed my life forever. He anchored me. His love was steadfast and loyal no matter what roller coaster ride I might be taking our lives on. He truly was and will forever be the wind beneath my wings.
-Linda H. Gleis, MD
Dr. Gleis was a member of GLMS for 41 years.
28 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE