Contributions to the tribute of Eric David Collins

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Rev. Fr. Michael Calderin posted a condolence

Thursday, August 15, 2024

I just came across this after many years of wanting to reconnect with you, and I am sorry to hear of your passing. I remember you as a psychiatric resident at Columbia, and always speaking about the love of your life "Mary." Rest in Peace, and may perpetual light shine upon you. You were a great man and dedicated physician. You will always be remembered.

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adam samuelsson lit a candle

Monday, June 17, 2024

Rest in Peace to Mr. Collins. I will always remember seeing you around the rink and that big smile of yours. You will be missed. Sending Prayers to the Collins Family

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jeanette posted a condolence

Monday, June 17, 2024

Rest in peace Eric!We all shared some fun hockey weekends together.Big hug to Owen and the family The Samuelsson Family

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Daniel S Schechter posted a condolence

Thursday, June 6, 2024

My deepest condolences to you his family, friends, colleagues, students, and patients! I knew Eric as a supervising senior resident when I was junior in my psychiatry training. He was a fantastic, kind and reassuring model to follow. I really appreciated his empathy, humor and optimism when working difficult on-call nights in the psychiatric emergency room. I am so sorry to hear that he is no longer able now to offer his talent and infectious smile. Memories of time spent with him are blessings. Daniel Schechter, MD University of Lausanne, Switzerland

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Julian posted a condolence

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Dr.Collins changed my life. He brought me from a place of being suicidal to a life beyond my wildest dreams.Because of his support I am now a year sober. I have never had a doctor who cared so much.I could contact him at midnight and if he was awake he would get back to me in that moment.He always greeted me with a smile and would always tell me how proud of me he was. He truly went above and beyond.He developed such a care for his patients that is unmatched by any doctor I have ever worked with. I will forever be grateful for his support and will never forget what you have done for me.He will be truly missed

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BB posted a condolence

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Collins's passing. My sincerest condolences to his friends and family. I was a patient of Dr. Collins almost 19 years ago. I came to him a shivering, shaking mess, who was closer to death from their addiction than I knew. I'd like to say he was kind and compassionate. He was not. But he knew his patients well. And he knew kindness and compassion would absolutely not work for me. In the first meeting, he took away the defenses I had for not quitting. He respected my intelligence. He gave me the cold hard truth, he gave me the numbers of what my recovery would cost in time and money (I really needed that). and how I might work with him to help put me on a path to recovery. I've been clean and sober for almost 19 years. He was my miracle, as he was for countless others. He will be much missed.

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Shanthi Mogali posted a condolence

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

I vividly remember a particularly impactful moment during my time in the consult service as a fellow at Columbia, a period where I learned profound lessons that shaped my career and approach to patient care. It was during this time that I had the privilege of working under Dr. Eric Collins, a mentor whose wisdom and compassion left an indelible mark on me. One of the most enlightening experiences was when we encountered a patient suffering from hyperanalgesia as a result of long-term narcotic use. Dr. Collins used this case as a pivotal teaching moment, explaining the physiological changes that occur in the body due to prolonged exposure to narcotics. He emphasized how hyperanalgesia could complicate the clinical picture and the importance of recognizing these changes to provide effective treatment. This lesson went beyond textbooks; it was a real-world example of how intricate and interconnected our bodies are, and how crucial it is for us to understand these nuances in our practice. Dr. Collins was also a pioneer in addressing pseudo-addiction, a concept that was relatively new to many medical teams at the time. He would gather the team and lead discussions, explaining that what often appeared to be drug-seeking behavior could actually be a patient’s desperate attempt to manage uncontrolled pain. His insights challenged us to look deeper and consider the possibility of under-treatment of pain, rather than jumping to conclusions about addiction. This approach was transformative, not only in how we treated our patients but also in fostering a more empathetic and comprehensive approach to pain management. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned from Dr. Collins was the critical role of bedside manner, especially with patients struggling with addiction. He demonstrated, time and again, that patients who felt heard, respected, and genuinely cared for were more likely to trust their healthcare providers and adhere to treatment plans. One particular patient, a young woman battling severe addiction, comes to mind. Dr. Collins would spend extra time with her, listening to her story, addressing her fears, and offering unwavering support. His compassionate approach made a visible difference in her outlook and cooperation with the treatment process. These experiences under Dr. Collins’ mentorship taught me invaluable lessons about the complexities of addiction, the importance of thorough and compassionate patient care, and the need for ongoing education and empathy in the medical field. His influence continues to guide my practice, reminding me that every patient deserves to be understood and treated with dignity, especially those who are most vulnerable. My deepest condolences to the family. His passing is a profound loss to all who knew him. Sincerely, Shanthi Mogali

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The family of Eric David Collins uploaded a photo

Wednesday, May 29, 2024

Eric David Collins

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

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