Former Spring Arbor University Board of Trustees Member Dr. Malcom Field passed away recently at the age of 95. Field was a Board member from 1992-2001, and had been a Life Trustee since 2001. Dr. Field was most notable for his long-tenured career as a world-class neurosurgeon in mid and northern Michigan, saving the lives of thousands through surgeries, trauma care, and medicine.

Field spent his life committed to progressing medicine through surgeries, care, and finances. His dedication to removing financial barriers for patients needing crucial surgeries helped him care for more than 315,000 patients and performed almost 60,000 surgeries throughout his 65-year career. Additionally, Malcolm’s family helped create the Field Neurosciences Institute—which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding clinical research, care, and education programs. Field served as the institute’s director, which is credited for helping further research on Huntington’s disease in partnership with the University of California-Davis.

Malcolm was also deeply invested in the nursing and medical fields at Spring Arbor University. Even as a national leader in the field of neurosurgery, Dr. Field took the time to mentor several groups of students at SAU, many of whom work in the medical and neuroscience fields today. Field was a strong supporter of the Arbor Fund, generously creating four scholarships that supported students in the nursing and medical programs, as well as Christian ministries, music, and education programs. Since their establishment, the four endowed scholarships have awarded over $600,000 to nearly 400 students, helping to create strong Christian leaders in their chosen field.

Field’s passion for medicine and neurosurgery stemmed from his strong faith in Jesus Christ. His faith was evident for medical professionals and patients to see, as he ensured every patient received the necessary care they deserved.

“Dr. Malcolm Field cared deeply about the lives of students at Spring Arbor University by serving sacrificially on our Board, mentoring students, and providing significant scholarships that enabled our students to become leaders in their disciplines and faithful in their service. The SAU community is saddened to hear of his loss, and we ask that you keep the Field family in your prayers,” said Dr. Brent Ellis, President of SAU.

Field originally earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1956, then completed a general surgery residency at the former Saginaw General Hospital. Malcolm was a Commencement speaker in 2003, and also received an honorary doctorate from Spring Arbor University in 2004.