In Memoriam: Ethan Allen, DO

Ethan Allen, DO, a leader, teacher and mentor in osteopathic medicine, died on March 21, 2022, at his California home. The following memorial was submitted by Dr. Allen’s friend and colleague, Martin J. Porcelli, DO, PhD, MHPE. “Dr. Allen was a humble, stalwart and driven DO whose shoulders we have all stood on,” Dr. Porcelli says.

Originally from North Dakota, Dr. Allen earned his engineering degree with honors from the University of Wyoming in 1943. He went on to serve in the Navy, starting with working on electric motors for the B29 Bomber airplane. Needing a change of pace after serving, he, along with his new wife Alice, moved to Los Angeles so he could attend the College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Allen proudly practiced osteopathic medicine for 65 years before his passing. Throughout the years, he presided as president for the Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California for four terms, and both he and his wife were instrumental in establishing the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the 1970s, a treatment provider for substance use disorder and behavioral health issues based in Norwalk, California.

Dr. Allen also had his own practice based out of Norwalk, California, up until 2017 when he retired.

Dr. Allen was a delegate for the AOA for 50 years and received the distinguished service certificate award in 1999. He was also proudly honored by the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California, when they named the campus park ‘Ethan R. Allen, DO Park’ after him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse or the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Western University, Greg Allen Memorial Scholarship Fund.