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The Fraibergs Celebrate Family Ties To WSU

The Fraiberg family’s long relationship with Wayne State University began during the Depression when Paul Fraiberg enrolled in the mid 1930s. Nearly 70 years later, much of the family’s history is linked to the university.

Dr. Fraiberg graduated from WSU in 1942.

While working in Detroit during one of the worst economies in American history, he discovered WSU. The school was located in the city and in close proximity to his workplace. “Had there been no WSU in Detroit, I would never have been able to earn my degrees and become a physician,” Dr. Fraiberg said.

Paul Fraiberg graduated with a BS in 1937 and then enrolled at the School of Medicine. He continued to work his way through school and graduated in 1942. While attending medical school, Paul met his future wife, Edith, a WSU student, and the two were married one week after graduation.

Later in life, all three of their children attended WSU. Dr. Fraiberg explains, “Our eldest son, Elliott, graduated from the WSU School of Medicine in the class of ' 69. He trained as a gastro-enterologist and serves on the staff of St. Joseph Hospital in Pontiac. Our [younger] son, Allan, graduated from the School of Medicine in the class of ' 71. He trained as a radiologist, and serves on the staff at Providence Hospital in Southfield. Our daughter, Enid, and both of our daughters-in-law earned their BAs and teaching certificates from Wayne State as well.”

Currently, two of their grandsons, David and Anthony Edelman, are enrolled in the School of Medicine, and are serving as president and vice-president of the Student Senate. But, the legacy doesn’t end there. “A third grandson,” Dr. Fraiberg explained, “Alex Madgy, is attending Wayne State now and will apply for admission to the medical school this coming year.”

Dr. Paul Fraiberg, himself, went on to practice family medicine. “The excellent training I had received at Wayne State University [and] the School of Medicine prepared me well for my years in medical practice. The happiest days of my life were the 25 years I practiced family medicine.”

His decision to retire was a result of health problems that he had suffered since his freshman year in medical school. “I discovered that I suffered from otosclerosis, a progressive, familial hearing disease that became steadily worse.” The doctor admitted, “This was a devastating blow to me that changed all of my ideas, dreams and hopes of what I would do with my life. I finally decided that I would become a family physician, and live my productive medical life to its fullest extent, while it lasted.”

“Because of my own financial struggles to get through school, early on in my medical life, I decided to help others who were having problems getting through. I was grateful to Wayne State University for being there and making it possible for me to become a physician.” Paul and Edith Fraiberg have made several contributions to the School of Medicine over the years, and have remained in contact with the recipients of their generosity. “[We have] received very nice letters of thanks from the students who benefited. I’ve never met these people, but was thrilled to be able to help.”

Eventually, Dr. and Mrs. Fraiberg set up The Paul L. and Edith R. Fraiberg Endowment Fund for Family Medicine in the School of Medicine. “We are very proud and grateful that our entire family has been so integrally a part of WSU and of the School of Medicine, and look forward to being able to continue to participate in the future.”

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