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{{short description|American physician}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
|name=Harold 'Hackie' Reitman
| name = Harold Reitman
|image=Hackie Reitman M.D.jpg
| image = Hackie Reitman M.D.jpg
|image_size=
| image_size =
|alt=
| alt =
|caption=
| caption =
⚫
| birth_date = {{birth year and age|1950}}
|alias=The Boxing Doctor
⚫
| birth_place = [[Jersey City, New Jersey]]
⚫
|birth_date={{birth year and age|1950}}
⚫
| citizenship = [[Americans|American]]
⚫
|birth_place=[[Jersey City, NJ]]
⚫
| education =
|residence=[[Ft. Lauderdale]], [[Florida]]
⚫
| alma_mater = [[Boston University School of Medicine]]
⚫
|citizenship=[[Americans|American]]
| occupation = {{flatlist|
⚫
|education=
* Philanthropist
⚫
|alma_mater=[[Boston University School of Medicine]]
* entrepreneur
|occupation=
* author}}
|years_active=1978-present
| years_active = 1978–present
|children=1
| children = 1
}}
}}


'''Harold "Hackie" Stuart Reitman''', M.D. (born March 29, 1950 [[Jersey City, NJ]]) is an American [[orthopedic surgeon]], former professional boxer, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and philanthropist. Reitman fought as a professional heavyweight boxer while working full-time as an orthopedic surgeon, and was widely referred to as the ''Boxing Doctor'' during his career.
'''Harold''' "'''Hackie'''" '''Stuart Reitman''' (born March 29, 1950 [[Jersey City, New Jersey]]) is an American [[orthopedic surgeon]], former professional boxer, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Different Brains. Reitman fought as a professional heavyweight boxer while working full-time as an orthopedic surgeon, and was widely referred to as the ''Boxing Doctor'' during his career.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Reitman, who goes by the nickname, ''Hackie'', grew up in the Greenville section of Jersey City, NJ, the youngest of four children. Reitman's parents owned a gas station where his father Phil worked as a mechanic and his mother Evelyn pumped gas.<ref name=Anderson>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Chris|title=Fight doctor in it for the children|newspaper=Sarasota Herald Tribune|date=Dec 12, 1995}}</ref>
Reitman, who goes by the nickname, "Hackie", grew up in the [[Greenville, Jersey City|Greenville]] section of Jersey City, the youngest of four children. Reitman's parents owned a gas station where his father Phil worked as a mechanic and his mother Evelyn pumped gas.<ref name=Anderson>{{cite news|last=Anderson|first=Chris|title=Fight doctor in it for the children|newspaper=Sarasota Herald Tribune|date=Dec 12, 1995}}</ref>
Reitman started boxing at the age of 13 at the [[Jewish Community Center]] in Jersey City. He graduated from [[Henry Snyder High School]] where he played varsity basketball. In the fall of 1968, Reitman entered the accelerated six-year medical program at [[Boston University School of Medicine]]. In his first year of medical school, Reitman surprised classmates and faculty by entering the 1971 [[New England Golden Gloves]] championships in Lowell, MA as a heavyweight. Reitman won all four of his fights by knockout and became the 1971 [[New England Golden Gloves]] heavyweight champion. Following the title fight, Reitman was approached by Boston promoter [[Sam Silverman]] and a New York investment group who offered Reitman a $100,000 professional contract bonus on the condition he leave medical school and turn professional heavyweight boxer.<ref name=Fitzgerald>{{cite news|last=Fitzgerald|first=Brian|title=Hackie Reitman-just call him the fight doctor|url=http://www.bu.edu/bridge/archive/2002/09-27/reitman.htm|accessdate=March 3, 2014|newspaper=B.U. Bridge|date=Sep 27, 2002}}</ref> Reitman declined the offer and completed his medical school studies.<ref name=Vecsey>{{cite news|last=Vecsey|first=George|title=The healer who hits people|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-healer-who-hits-people.html|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=15 Feb 1990}}</ref>
Reitman started boxing at the age of 13 at the [[Jewish Community Center]] in Jersey City. He graduated from [[Henry Snyder High School]] where he played varsity basketball. In the fall of 1968, Reitman entered the accelerated six-year medical program at [[Boston University School of Medicine]]. In his first year of medical school, Reitman surprised classmates and faculty by entering the 1971 [[New England Golden Gloves]] championships in Lowell, MA as a heavyweight. Reitman won all four of his fights by knockout and became the 1971 New England Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. Following the title fight, Reitman was approached by Boston promoter [[Sam Silverman]] and a New York investment group who offered Reitman a $100,000 professional contract bonus on the condition he leave medical school and turn professional heavyweight boxer.<ref name=Fitzgerald>{{cite news|last=Fitzgerald|first=Brian|title=Hackie Reitman-just call him the fight doctor|url=http://www.bu.edu/bridge/archive/2002/09-27/reitman.htm|access-date=March 3, 2014|newspaper=B.U. Bridge|date=Sep 27, 2002}}</ref> Reitman declined the offer and completed his medical school studies.<ref name=Vecsey>{{cite news|last=Vecsey|first=George|title=The healer who hits people|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/02/15/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-healer-who-hits-people.html|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=15 Feb 1990}}</ref>


==Medical career==
==Medical career==
During medical school, Reitman often worked as the house doctor at sporting events at [[Boston Garden]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Vecsey|first=George|title=The Boxing Doctor Recalls Mr. Monsoon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/10/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-boxing-doctor-recalls-mr-monsoon.html|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=10 Dec 1995}}</ref> He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1974 and began an internship at [[St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center]] in Paterson, NJ. He entered the Boston University Orthopedic Residency Program the following year and served rotations at the [[Lahey Hospital & Medical Center]], [[Shriners Hospital for Children]], in Springfield, Mass. and [[Boston Medical Center]] and as Chief Resident at [[Boston City Hospital]].
During medical school, Reitman often worked as the house doctor at sporting events at the [[Boston Garden]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Vecsey|first=George|title=The Boxing Doctor Recalls Mr. Monsoon|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/10/sports/sports-of-the-times-the-boxing-doctor-recalls-mr-monsoon.html|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=New York Times|date=10 Dec 1995}}</ref> He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1974 and began an internship at [[St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center]] in Paterson, NJ. He entered the Boston University Orthopedic Residency Program the following year and served rotations at the [[Lahey Hospital & Medical Center]], [[Shriners Hospital for Children]], in Springfield, Mass. and [[Boston Medical Center]] and as Chief Resident at [[Boston City Hospital]].


In 1978, Reitman moved to [[Plantation, FL]] where founded ''Orthopaedic Associates USA''. A specialist in Arthroscopic knee surgery and sports medicine, Reitman served as Senior Surgeon and CEO, expanding the practice throughout South Florida.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robb|first=Sharon|title=Healthsouth classic a hit|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130795_1_healthsouth-country-state-title-high-school|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=16 Sep 2001}}</ref> Reitman retired from surgery in 2004.
In 1978, Reitman moved to [[Plantation, Florida]], where he founded ''Orthopaedic Associates USA''. A specialist in arthroscopic knee surgery and sports medicine, Reitman served as senior surgeon and CEO, expanding the practice throughout South Florida.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robb|first=Sharon|title=Healthsouth classic a hit|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130795_1_healthsouth-country-state-title-high-school|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220606/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130795_1_healthsouth-country-state-title-high-school|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=16 Sep 2001}}</ref> Reitman retired from surgery in 2004.


Reitman would travel from Florida to Boston University School of Medicine as "Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomy" to deliver his annual lecture to all first-year medical students, ''Clinical Anatomy of the Upper Extremity'', a tradition that continued through 2011.<ref name="Fitzgerald"/>
Reitman would travel from Florida to Boston University School of Medicine as "Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomy" to deliver his annual lecture to all first-year medical students, ''Clinical Anatomy of the Upper Extremity'', a tradition that continued through 2011.<ref name="Fitzgerald"/>
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==Professional boxing career==
==Professional boxing career==
In 1986, Reitman's 4 year-old daughter Rebecca required emergency brain surgery and was transported by air to the [[Mayo Clinic]]. This event had a profound impact on Reitman and would serve as the driving force behind his subsequent dedication to professional boxing. Reitman made a personal vow to revive his boxing career in order to raise money for children's charities. Rebecca survived the surgery, and Reitman and another parent from the Mayo clinic, Ed Zbikowsky, whose son also underwent brain surgery, organized a charity card in Chicago that matched Reitman against Illinois Judge Mike Bolan in a three round amateur fight sanctioned by the ABF. Reitman won the fight by knocking out Bolan in the third round. The proceeds from the event were donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=David|title=Professional jabs Plantation doctor battles lawyer in Chicago charity fray|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-03-06/news/8801140266_1_charity-golden-gloves-knockout|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=6 March 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=LaBelle|first=Fran|title=Doctor re-enters the ring for his little girl|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1989-02-19/sports/8903070258_1_orthopedic-surgery-brain-lesions-orthopedic-surgeon|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=19 Feb 1989}}</ref>
In 1986, Reitman's 4-year-old son Asa required emergency brain surgery and was transported by air to the [[Mayo Clinic]]. This event had a profound impact on Reitman and would serve as the driving force behind his subsequent dedication to professional boxing. Reitman made a personal vow to revive his boxing career in order to raise money for children's charities. Asa survived the surgery, and Reitman and another parent from the Mayo clinic, Ed Zbikowsky, whose son also underwent brain surgery, organized a charity card in Chicago that matched Reitman against Illinois Judge Mike Bolan in a three-round amateur fight sanctioned by the ABF. Reitman won the fight by knocking out Bolan in the third round. The proceeds from the event were donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wallace|first=David|title=Professional jabs Plantation doctor battles lawyer in Chicago charity fray|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-03-06/news/8801140266_1_charity-golden-gloves-knockout|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220153828/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1988-03-06/news/8801140266_1_charity-golden-gloves-knockout|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 20, 2016|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=6 March 1988}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=LaBelle|first=Fran|title=Doctor re-enters the ring for his little girl|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1989/02/19/doctor-re-enters-the-ring-for-his-little-girl/|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=19 Feb 1989}}</ref>
In 1988, Reitman performed knee surgery on boxing manager and promoter Tommy Torino, a former middleweight fighter. Torino agreed to take on Reitman in his bid to become a professional fighter and became his manager and trainer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fists of a surgeon|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1990-02-23/sports/sp-1444_1_boxing|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=23 Feb 1990}}</ref>
In 1988, Reitman performed knee surgery on boxing manager and promoter Tommy Torino, a former middleweight fighter. Torino agreed to take on Reitman in his bid to become a professional fighter and became his manager and trainer.<ref>{{cite news|title=Fists of a surgeon|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-02-23-sp-1444-story.html|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=23 Feb 1990}}</ref>
At that time, the Florida State Athletic Commission only allowed boxers to fight up to the age of 35 and turned Reitman down in his first attempt to acquire a professional boxing license. On appeal, Torino traveled to Tallahassee and convinced the commission that Reitman deserved an exception, and after a thorough health exam the commission granted him a license. In 1988, at the age of 37, Reitman turned professional.<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Hackie Reitman-boxer.jpg|thumb|right|Hackie Reitman: The Fighting Surgeon (1987)]] -->
At that time, the Florida State Athletic Commission only allowed boxers to fight up to the age of 35 and turned Reitman down in his first attempt to acquire a professional boxing license. On appeal, Torino traveled to Tallahassee and convinced the commission that Reitman deserved an exception, and after a thorough health exam the commission granted him a license. In 1988, at the age of 37, Reitman turned professional.<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Hackie Reitman-boxer.jpg|thumb|right|Hackie Reitman: The Fighting Surgeon (1987)]] -->


Reitman went on to win his first three sanctioned professional fights.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schmitz|first=Brian|title=When surgery is done, fighting commences|url=http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1991-05-07/sports/9105070405_1_hackie-reitman-torino|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=7 May 1991}}</ref> As a heavyweight, he won seven of his first nine fights, including six knockouts in the first two rounds. All of Reitman's fight purses were donated to various children's charities. He gained widespread media attention around this time and was often referred to as the "''Boxing Doctor''" or ''Fighting Surgeon'', a name that stuck throughout his career.<ref name="Vecsey"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Good Morning America|newspaper=NBC|date=19 April 1990}}</ref>
Reitman went on to win his first three sanctioned professional fights.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schmitz|first=Brian|title=When surgery is done, fighting commences|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1991/05/07/when-surgery-is-done-fighting-commences/|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=7 May 1991}}</ref> As a heavyweight, he won seven of his first nine fights, including six knockouts in the first two rounds. All of Reitman's fight purses were donated to various children's charities. He gained widespread media attention around this time and was often referred to as the "''Boxing Doctor''" or ''Fighting Surgeon'', a name that stuck throughout his career.<ref name="Vecsey"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Good Morning America|newspaper=NBC|date=19 April 1990}}</ref>
Early in his career, Reitman trained out of the famed [[5th Street Gym]] in [[Miami Beach, FL]]. Former lightweight world champion [[Beau Jack]] worked as Reitman's fitness conditioner and boxing mentor. When the gym was demolished in 1993, Reitman moved his training to Gerrits Leprechaun Gym in Miami.
Early in his career, Reitman trained out of the famed [[5th Street Gym]] in [[Miami Beach, Florida]]. Former lightweight world champion [[Beau Jack]] worked as Reitman's fitness conditioner and boxing mentor. When the gym was demolished in 1993, Reitman moved his training to Gerrits Leprechaun Gym in Miami.


On Feb. 15, 1991, with a professional record of 7-1-1, Reitman fought a three-round charity exhibition match against the five-time world champion [[Roberto Duran]] at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel in Miami Beach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Names in the game|url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1991/Names-In-The-Game/id-a863a557e516d22ca7ec5314265554a0|publisher=Associated Press|accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref>
On February 15, 1991, with a professional record of 7-1-1, Reitman fought a three-round charity exhibition match against the five-time world champion [[Roberto Durán]] at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel in Miami Beach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Names in the game|url=https://apnews.com/a863a557e516d22ca7ec5314265554a0|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=5 March 2014}}</ref>
On Nov. 11, 1991, Reitman fought heavyweight Tim Anderson for the NBA Independent Cruiserweight title in a televised fight. Though Reitman scored two 9th round knockdowns, the fight ended in a draw. In March 1992, Reitman was the 12th ranked Heavyweight boxer in the world according to the International Boxing Council.<ref>{{cite news|last=Azevedo|first=David|title=The doctor's second career is a real knockout|url=http://business.highbeam.com/62468/article-1G1-12099731/doctor-second-career-real-knockout|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309141550/https://business.highbeam.com/62468/article-1G1-12099731/doctor-second-career-real-knockout|dead-url=yes|archive-date=9 March 2016|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Medical Economics|date=2 March 1992}}</ref>
On November 11, 1991, Reitman fought heavyweight Tim Anderson for the NBA Independent Cruiserweight title in a televised fight. Though Reitman scored two 9th round knockdowns, the fight ended in a draw. In March 1992, Reitman was the 12th ranked Heavyweight boxer in the world according to the International Boxing Council.<ref>{{cite news|last=Azevedo|first=David|title=The doctor's second career is a real knockout|url=http://business.highbeam.com/62468/article-1G1-12099731/doctor-second-career-real-knockout|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309141550/https://business.highbeam.com/62468/article-1G1-12099731/doctor-second-career-real-knockout|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 March 2016|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Medical Economics|date=2 March 1992}}</ref>
On Dec. 12, 1995, in a scheduled 10 round main event fight, Reitman lost to heavyweight [[Peter McNeeley]], who had only been defeated twice in his career, with one of those defeats having occurred at the hands of [[Mike Tyson]] several months earlier.
On December 12, 1995, in a scheduled 10 round main event fight, Reitman lost to heavyweight [[Peter McNeeley]], who had only been defeated twice in his career, with one of those defeats having occurred at the hands of [[Mike Tyson]] several months earlier.


In December 2000, Reitman fought Kenny Lunkins in a scheduled 10 round main event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, FL. At the age of 50, Reitman was the state of Florida's oldest active fighter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robb|first=Sharon|title=Lunkins fight against Reitman is a battle of young vs. old|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-12-14/sports/0012131411_1_six-fights-gloves-eight-round-main-event|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=14 Dec 2000}}</ref>
In December 2000, Reitman fought Kenny Lunkins in a scheduled 10 round main event at [[War Memorial Auditorium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)|War Memorial Auditorium]] in Fort Lauderdale, FL. At the age of 50, Reitman was the state of Florida's oldest active fighter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Robb|first=Sharon|title=Lunkins fight against Reitman is a battle of young vs. old|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-12-14/sports/0012131411_1_six-fights-gloves-eight-round-main-event|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303233252/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2000-12-14/sports/0012131411_1_six-fights-gloves-eight-round-main-event|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=14 Dec 2000}}</ref>
Reitman retired from boxing in 2002 at the age of 52, with a lifetime record of 13-7-6, with 11 knockouts.
Reitman retired from boxing in 2002 at the age of 52, with a lifetime record of 13-7-6, with 11 knockouts.

During his career, Reitman sparred with over 30 world champions, including: Tim Witherspoon, [[Michael Nunn]], [[Trevor Berbick]], [[Hector Macho Camacho]], Macho Camacho Jr., [[Emile Griffith]], [[Mike McCallum]] and [[Pinklon Thomas]].


==Professional boxing record==
==Professional boxing record==
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During his boxing career, Reitman donated all of his fight purses to various children's charities,<ref name="Vecsey"/> including the [[Make A Wish Foundation]], [[Kids In Distressed Situations]], The Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Children's Home Society, The Ann Storck Center for the Disabled, [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]], and others.
During his boxing career, Reitman donated all of his fight purses to various children's charities,<ref name="Vecsey"/> including the [[Make A Wish Foundation]], [[Kids In Distressed Situations]], The Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Children's Home Society, The Ann Storck Center for the Disabled, [[St. Jude Children's Research Hospital]], and others.


Reitman has been a longtime supporter of the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America|Boys and Girls Club]], and is a member of the Board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, serving as Chairman of the Board in 2001. Reitman donated the building at 3025 W. Broward Blvd that is now known as the ''Dr. Harold 'Hackie' Reitman Unit Boys and Girls Club''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Segura|first=Alex|title=The Final Round|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130198_1_girls-club-boys-daughter|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=16 Sep 2001}}</ref>
Reitman has been a longtime supporter of the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America|Boys and Girls Club]], and is a member of the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, serving as chairman of the board in 2001. Reitman donated the building at 3025 W. Broward Blvd that is now known as the ''Dr. Harold 'Hackie' Reitman Unit Boys and Girls Club''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Segura|first=Alex|title=The Final Round|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130198_1_girls-club-boys-daughter|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515075356/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-09-16/community/0109130198_1_girls-club-boys-daughter|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 15, 2014|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=16 Sep 2001}}</ref>


==Awards==
==Awards==
⚫
*Emerald Society 2000 Humanitarian of the Year;
⚫
*Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies 2002 Honorary ‘Mr. Mom' Award;
*Florida Medical Association's 2002 Harold S. Strasser, M.D. Good Samaritan Award.
*Florida Medical Association's 2002 Harold S. Strasser, M.D. Good Samaritan Award.
⚫
*Emerald Society 2000 Humanitarian of the Year;
⚫
*Reitman was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 15, 2002<ref>{{cite news|last=Rob|first=Sharon|title=Broward County honors six with induction into Sports Hall of Fame|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-10-06/community/0210030301_1_pine-crest-bill-munsey-coaching-sports|accessdate=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=6 Oct 2002}}</ref>
⚫
*Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies 2002 Honorary Award;
⚫
*Reitman was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Class of 2011|url=http://www.floridaboxinghalloffame.com/Previous-Classes.html|publisher=Florida Boxing Hall of Fame|accessdate=5 March 2014}}</ref>
⚫
*Reitman was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 15, 2002<ref>{{cite news|last=Rob|first=Sharon|title=Broward County honors six with induction into Sports Hall of Fame|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-10-06/community/0210030301_1_pine-crest-bill-munsey-coaching-sports|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212059/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-10-06/community/0210030301_1_pine-crest-bill-munsey-coaching-sports|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 3, 2016|access-date=5 March 2014|newspaper=Sun Sentinel|date=6 Oct 2002}}</ref>
⚫
*Reitman was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Class of 2011|url=http://www.floridaboxinghalloffame.com/Previous-Classes.html|publisher=Florida Boxing Hall of Fame|access-date=5 March 2014}}</ref>


==Recent business==
==Recent business==
In 2010, Reitman wrote, produced, and co-directed the feature length independent film, ''The Square Root of 2'', starring [[Darby Stanchfield]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Square Root of 2|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1238846/combined|publisher=IMDB}}</ref> In 2017, Reitman Co-Produced the feature documentary film ''Foreman'', based on the life of legendary boxer [[George Foreman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7311634/|title=Foreman|last=|first=|date=|website=IMDB|access-date=March 22, 2018}}</ref> He currently serves as CEO of ''PCE Media LLC'', the entertainment company he founded in 2004. Reitman is also a partner in ''Milestone Apartment Developers LLP'', a Colorado-based multifamily real estate development firm.
In 2010, Reitman wrote, produced, and co-directed the feature length independent film, ''The Square Root of 2'', starring [[Darby Stanchfield]].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Square Root of 2|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1238846/combined|publisher=IMDB}}</ref> In 2017, Reitman Co-Produced the feature documentary film ''Foreman'', based on the life of legendary boxer [[George Foreman]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7311634/|title=Foreman|last=|first=|date=|website=IMDB|access-date=March 22, 2018}}</ref> He currently serves as CEO of ''PCE Media LLC'', the entertainment company he founded in 2004. Reitman is also a partner in ''Milestone Apartment Developers LLP'', a Colorado-based multifamily real estate development firm.


Reitman currently lives in [[Fort Lauderdale, FL]].
Reitman currently lives in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]].


==Advocacy==
==Advocacy==
Reitman is a prominent [[Autism]] and [[Aspergers]] advocate, and active writer and lecturer on the topic of [[neurodiversity]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bernick|first1=Michael|title=California's Contingent Economy and the autistic creatives society|url=http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2016/03/californias-contingent-economy-and-the-autistic-creativities-collective/|website=Fox & Hounds|accessdate=2 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Reitman|first1=Harold|title=Understanding Neurodiversity with Author Hackie Reitman|url=http://autismshow.org/aspertools/|website=The Autism Show|accessdate=2 August 2016}}</ref> His non-fiction work, ''Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity'', included his review of the scientific community's research conducted over the last nearly 40 years, and was published by HCI Books<ref name="HCIBooks.com">{{cite web|last1=Reitman|first1=Harold|title=Aspertools|url=http://www.hcibooks.com/p-4334-aspertools.aspx|website=HCIBooks.com|accessdate=December 18, 2016}}</ref> on April 7th, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dumas|first1=Kitty|title=Doc turned author: all brains are different|work=Miami Herald|date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In the first weeks after its release, it climbed to #1 on the Amazon Best Sellers list within the Autism and Aspergers category. In 2015, he founded ''DifferentBrains.org'', a site developed to provide neurodiversity resources and inclusive support communities for those on the [[autism spectrum]] or with neurological disorders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://differentbrains.org/about-us/|title=About Different Brains|last=|first=|date=|website=Different Brains|accessdate=2 August 2016}}</ref>
Reitman is a prominent [[Autism]] and [[Aspergers]] advocate, and active writer and lecturer on the topic of [[neurodiversity]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bernick|first1=Michael|title=California's Contingent Economy and the autistic creatives society|url=http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/2016/03/californias-contingent-economy-and-the-autistic-creativities-collective/|website=Fox & Hounds|date=March 2016 |access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Reitman|first1=Harold|title=Understanding Neurodiversity with Author Hackie Reitman|url=http://autismshow.org/aspertools/|website=The Autism Show|date=6 October 2015 |access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref> His non-fiction work, ''Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity'', included his review of the scientific community's research conducted over the last nearly 40 years, and was published by HCI Books<ref name="HCIBooks.com">{{cite web|last1=Reitman|first1=Harold|title=Aspertools|url=http://www.hcibooks.com/p-4334-aspertools.aspx|website=HCIBooks.com|access-date=December 18, 2016}}</ref> on April 7, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dumas|first1=Kitty|title=Doc turned author: all brains are different|work=Miami Herald|date=April 21, 2015}}</ref> In the first weeks after its release, it climbed to #1 on the Amazon Best Sellers list within the Autism and Aspergers category.
In 2015, he founded ''DifferentBrains.org'', a non-profit organization developed to provide neurodiversity resources and inclusive support communities for those on the [[autism spectrum]] or with neurological disorders.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://differentbrains.org/about-us/|title=About Different Brains|last=|first=|date=|website=Different Brains|access-date=2 August 2016}}</ref>


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
Line 104: Line 106:
|last=Reitman|first=Harold
|last=Reitman|first=Harold
|title=Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity.
|title=Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity.
|url=https://books.google.com/books/about/Aspertools.html?id=aobaoQEACAAJ
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aobaoQEACAAJ
|year=2015
|year=2015
|publisher=HCI Books
|publisher=HCI Books
|isbn=0757318533
|isbn=978-0757318535
|ref=harv
}}
}}


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*{{BoxRec|25134}}
*{{BoxRec|25134}}
*[http://www.jewsinsports.org/profile.asp?sport=boxing&ID=334# Jews in Sports - Harold Reitman]
*[http://www.jewsinsports.org/profile.asp?sport=boxing&ID=334# Jews in Sports - Harold Reitman]
*[http://aspertools.com Aspertools]
*[http://aspertools.com Aspertools] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609073205/http://aspertools.com/ |date=2015-06-09 }}
*[http://differentbrains.com Different Brains]
*[https://differentbrains.org Different Brains]
*{{LinkedIn URL|https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackiereitman}}
*{{LinkedIn URL|https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackiereitman}}

{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Reitman, Harold}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Reitman, Harold}}
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:1950 births]]
[[Category:American male writers]]
[[Category:American male non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:American orthopedic surgeons]]
[[Category:American orthopedic surgeons]]
[[Category:Autism activists]]
[[Category:Autism activists]]
[[Category:Autism researchers]]
[[Category:Autism researchers]]
[[Category:Boston University School of Medicine alumni]]
[[Category:Boston University School of Medicine alumni]]
[[Category:Disability rights activists from the United States]]
[[Category:American disability rights activists]]
[[Category:Jewish American philanthropists]]
[[Category:Henry Snyder High School alumni]]
[[Category:American philanthropists]]
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[[Category:Jewish American activists]]
[[Category:Jewish American boxers]]
[[Category:Jewish American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:Jewish American sportspeople]]
[[Category:Jewish American sportspeople]]
[[Category:Jewish American writers]]
[[Category:Jews from New Jersey]]
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[[Category:Jewish boxers]]
[[Category:Jewish physicians]]
[[Category:Jewish physicians]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Jersey City, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Boxers from Jersey City, New Jersey]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:American male boxers]]
[[Category:Florida sports people]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Plantation, Florida]]
[[Category:Boxers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Physicians from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Physicians from New Jersey]]
[[Category:21st-century American Jews]]
[[Category:21st-century American male writers]]
[[Category:21st-century American non-fiction writers]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 05:31, 23 November 2024

Harold Reitman
Born1950 (age 74–75)
Jersey City, New Jersey
CitizenshipAmerican
Alma materBoston University School of Medicine
Occupations
  • Philanthropist
  • entrepreneur
  • author
Years active1978–present
Children1

Harold "Hackie" Stuart Reitman (born March 29, 1950 Jersey City, New Jersey) is an American orthopedic surgeon, former professional boxer, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Different Brains. Reitman fought as a professional heavyweight boxer while working full-time as an orthopedic surgeon, and was widely referred to as the Boxing Doctor during his career.

Early life

[edit]

Reitman, who goes by the nickname, "Hackie", grew up in the Greenville section of Jersey City, the youngest of four children. Reitman's parents owned a gas station where his father Phil worked as a mechanic and his mother Evelyn pumped gas.[1] Reitman started boxing at the age of 13 at the Jewish Community Center in Jersey City. He graduated from Henry Snyder High School where he played varsity basketball. In the fall of 1968, Reitman entered the accelerated six-year medical program at Boston University School of Medicine. In his first year of medical school, Reitman surprised classmates and faculty by entering the 1971 New England Golden Gloves championships in Lowell, MA as a heavyweight. Reitman won all four of his fights by knockout and became the 1971 New England Golden Gloves heavyweight champion. Following the title fight, Reitman was approached by Boston promoter Sam Silverman and a New York investment group who offered Reitman a $100,000 professional contract bonus on the condition he leave medical school and turn professional heavyweight boxer.[2] Reitman declined the offer and completed his medical school studies.[3]

Medical career

[edit]

During medical school, Reitman often worked as the house doctor at sporting events at the Boston Garden.[4] He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in 1974 and began an internship at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, NJ. He entered the Boston University Orthopedic Residency Program the following year and served rotations at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Shriners Hospital for Children, in Springfield, Mass. and Boston Medical Center and as Chief Resident at Boston City Hospital.

In 1978, Reitman moved to Plantation, Florida, where he founded Orthopaedic Associates USA. A specialist in arthroscopic knee surgery and sports medicine, Reitman served as senior surgeon and CEO, expanding the practice throughout South Florida.[5] Reitman retired from surgery in 2004.

Reitman would travel from Florida to Boston University School of Medicine as "Clinical Assistant Professor of Anatomy" to deliver his annual lecture to all first-year medical students, Clinical Anatomy of the Upper Extremity, a tradition that continued through 2011.[2] Reitman is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the International College of Surgeons.

Professional boxing career

[edit]

In 1986, Reitman's 4-year-old son Asa required emergency brain surgery and was transported by air to the Mayo Clinic. This event had a profound impact on Reitman and would serve as the driving force behind his subsequent dedication to professional boxing. Reitman made a personal vow to revive his boxing career in order to raise money for children's charities. Asa survived the surgery, and Reitman and another parent from the Mayo clinic, Ed Zbikowsky, whose son also underwent brain surgery, organized a charity card in Chicago that matched Reitman against Illinois Judge Mike Bolan in a three-round amateur fight sanctioned by the ABF. Reitman won the fight by knocking out Bolan in the third round. The proceeds from the event were donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis.[6][7] In 1988, Reitman performed knee surgery on boxing manager and promoter Tommy Torino, a former middleweight fighter. Torino agreed to take on Reitman in his bid to become a professional fighter and became his manager and trainer.[8] At that time, the Florida State Athletic Commission only allowed boxers to fight up to the age of 35 and turned Reitman down in his first attempt to acquire a professional boxing license. On appeal, Torino traveled to Tallahassee and convinced the commission that Reitman deserved an exception, and after a thorough health exam the commission granted him a license. In 1988, at the age of 37, Reitman turned professional.

Reitman went on to win his first three sanctioned professional fights.[9] As a heavyweight, he won seven of his first nine fights, including six knockouts in the first two rounds. All of Reitman's fight purses were donated to various children's charities. He gained widespread media attention around this time and was often referred to as the "Boxing Doctor" or Fighting Surgeon, a name that stuck throughout his career.[3][10] Early in his career, Reitman trained out of the famed 5th Street Gym in Miami Beach, Florida. Former lightweight world champion Beau Jack worked as Reitman's fitness conditioner and boxing mentor. When the gym was demolished in 1993, Reitman moved his training to Gerrits Leprechaun Gym in Miami.

On February 15, 1991, with a professional record of 7-1-1, Reitman fought a three-round charity exhibition match against the five-time world champion Roberto Durán at the Hollywood Diplomat Hotel in Miami Beach.[11] On November 11, 1991, Reitman fought heavyweight Tim Anderson for the NBA Independent Cruiserweight title in a televised fight. Though Reitman scored two 9th round knockdowns, the fight ended in a draw. In March 1992, Reitman was the 12th ranked Heavyweight boxer in the world according to the International Boxing Council.[12] On December 12, 1995, in a scheduled 10 round main event fight, Reitman lost to heavyweight Peter McNeeley, who had only been defeated twice in his career, with one of those defeats having occurred at the hands of Mike Tyson several months earlier.

In December 2000, Reitman fought Kenny Lunkins in a scheduled 10 round main event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, FL. At the age of 50, Reitman was the state of Florida's oldest active fighter.[13] Reitman retired from boxing in 2002 at the age of 52, with a lifetime record of 13-7-6, with 11 knockouts.

Professional boxing record

[edit]
26 fights 13 wins 7 losses
By knockout 11 0
By decision 2 7
Draws 6
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location
26 Loss 13-7-6 Kenny Lunkins Heavyweight 6, 8 Dec 15, 2000 Memorial Auditorium, Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Philanthropy

[edit]

During his boxing career, Reitman donated all of his fight purses to various children's charities,[3] including the Make A Wish Foundation, Kids In Distressed Situations, The Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, Children's Home Society, The Ann Storck Center for the Disabled, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and others.

Reitman has been a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, and is a member of the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, serving as chairman of the board in 2001. Reitman donated the building at 3025 W. Broward Blvd that is now known as the Dr. Harold 'Hackie' Reitman Unit Boys and Girls Club.[14]

Awards

[edit]
  • Florida Medical Association's 2002 Harold S. Strasser, M.D. Good Samaritan Award.
  • Emerald Society 2000 Humanitarian of the Year;
  • Healthy Mothers-Healthy Babies 2002 Honorary Award;
  • Reitman was inducted into the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame on Oct. 15, 2002[15]
  • Reitman was inducted into the Florida Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011.[16]

Recent business

[edit]

In 2010, Reitman wrote, produced, and co-directed the feature length independent film, The Square Root of 2, starring Darby Stanchfield.[17] In 2017, Reitman Co-Produced the feature documentary film Foreman, based on the life of legendary boxer George Foreman.[18] He currently serves as CEO of PCE Media LLC, the entertainment company he founded in 2004. Reitman is also a partner in Milestone Apartment Developers LLP, a Colorado-based multifamily real estate development firm.

Reitman currently lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Advocacy

[edit]

Reitman is a prominent Autism and Aspergers advocate, and active writer and lecturer on the topic of neurodiversity.[19][20] His non-fiction work, Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity, included his review of the scientific community's research conducted over the last nearly 40 years, and was published by HCI Books[21] on April 7, 2015.[22] In the first weeks after its release, it climbed to #1 on the Amazon Best Sellers list within the Autism and Aspergers category.

In 2015, he founded DifferentBrains.org, a non-profit organization developed to provide neurodiversity resources and inclusive support communities for those on the autism spectrum or with neurological disorders.[23]

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Reitman, Harold. S, Parker, Howard G. "Modern Concepts of Fracture Management" Surgical Clinics of North America: Symposium on Surgery at the Lahey Clinic. Vol. 56, #3, Jan, 1976.
  • Reitman, Harold (2015). Aspertools: The Practical Guide for Understanding and Embracing Asperger's, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Neurodiversity. HCI Books. ISBN 978-0757318535.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Anderson, Chris (Dec 12, 1995). "Fight doctor in it for the children". Sarasota Herald Tribune.
  2. ^ a b Fitzgerald, Brian (Sep 27, 2002). "Hackie Reitman-just call him the fight doctor". B.U. Bridge. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c Vecsey, George (15 Feb 1990). "The healer who hits people". New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  4. ^ Vecsey, George (10 Dec 1995). "The Boxing Doctor Recalls Mr. Monsoon". New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. ^ Robb, Sharon (16 Sep 2001). "Healthsouth classic a hit". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  6. ^ Wallace, David (6 March 1988). "Professional jabs Plantation doctor battles lawyer in Chicago charity fray". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  7. ^ LaBelle, Fran (19 Feb 1989). "Doctor re-enters the ring for his little girl". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  8. ^ "Fists of a surgeon". Los Angeles Times. 23 Feb 1990. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  9. ^ Schmitz, Brian (7 May 1991). "When surgery is done, fighting commences". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  10. ^ "Good Morning America". NBC. 19 April 1990.
  11. ^ "Names in the game". Associated Press. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  12. ^ Azevedo, David (2 March 1992). "The doctor's second career is a real knockout". Medical Economics. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  13. ^ Robb, Sharon (14 Dec 2000). "Lunkins fight against Reitman is a battle of young vs. old". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  14. ^ Segura, Alex (16 Sep 2001). "The Final Round". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 15, 2014. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  15. ^ Rob, Sharon (6 Oct 2002). "Broward County honors six with induction into Sports Hall of Fame". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  16. ^ "Class of 2011". Florida Boxing Hall of Fame. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  17. ^ "The Square Root of 2". IMDB.
  18. ^ "Foreman". IMDB. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
  19. ^ Bernick, Michael (March 2016). "California's Contingent Economy and the autistic creatives society". Fox & Hounds. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  20. ^ Reitman, Harold (6 October 2015). "Understanding Neurodiversity with Author Hackie Reitman". The Autism Show. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
  21. ^ Reitman, Harold. "Aspertools". HCIBooks.com. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  22. ^ Dumas, Kitty (April 21, 2015). "Doc turned author: all brains are different". Miami Herald.
  23. ^ "About Different Brains". Different Brains. Retrieved 2 August 2016.
[edit]
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