Dr. Sheldon Greenfield, an influential figure in the realm of health care research, died on February 26 at his home in Newport Beach, California. He was 86 years old, and his death was attributed to complications from colon cancer, as confirmed by his daughter, Lauren Greenfield.

Dr. Greenfield is best remembered for his pioneering studies that elucidated significant gaps in the treatment of older patients, particularly those suffering from breast and pancreatic cancer. He co-founded and served as director of the Center for Health Policy Research at the University of California, Irvine, and was a prominent leader of the Medical Outcomes Study. This extensive research, involving over 22,000 patients and 500 physicians, revealed in 1986 that many doctors were prone to ordering unnecessary and costly tests and referrals, often when primary care physicians or nurse practitioners could provide equally effective care.

Harvard University President Alan M. Garber lauded Dr. Greenfield’s far-reaching influence in health care research, highlighting the importance of his contributions through the Medical Outcomes Study among others. Dr. Greenfield's work was pivotal not only in advocating for better patient outcomes but also for highlighting the necessity of patient engagement during medical consultations.

In 1991, alongside his wife, Dr. Sherrie Kaplan, he established guidelines that suggested coaching patients before doctor visits to encourage more active participation in their healthcare. This advocacy stems from the finding that diabetes patients who engaged more during checkups saw notable improvements in their health, including a 15% drop in blood sugar over two months.

Dr. Greenfield’s research consistently pointed to a disparity in treatment between younger and older patients. In a landmark study in 1985, he found that while a high percentage of women aged 50 to 69 with breast cancer received adequate care, only 83% of healthy women aged 70 and older did. This discrepancy, he argued, could lead to unnecessary suffering and even premature death for many older patients.

Further research also indicated that older men with prostate cancer were similarly disadvantaged, receiving less optimal treatment compared to their younger counterparts, which alarmed Dr. Greenfield, as he noted the importance of appropriate follow-up care that is often neglected by insurance policies.

Dr. Greenfield held various teaching positions at esteemed institutions such as UCLA, Tufts, and the Harvard School of Public Health before moving to California in 2003, where he continued his advocacy work. He was also influential in medical device regulation, having proposed a stricter approval process in response to major recalls, ultimately enhancing patient safety in the medical device industry.

Born on April 22, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Greenfield was inspired to pursue medicine by the compassionate care he received from his own pediatrician. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Kaplan, his daughter Lauren, a son Matthew from a previous marriage, two additional children from his marriage to Dr. Kaplan, and numerous grandchildren, underscoring his legacy in both his family and his groundbreaking work in health care.

Dr. Greenfield’s relentless commitment to improving patient care and outcomes will continue to resonate in the medical community, inspiring future generations of researchers and healthcare providers.