Donald E. McLean, M.D., a 60-year resident of Winchester, passed away at his home in Winchester on Jan. 9, 2008. Born in Somerville, MA, he was the son of the late John and Beulah (Chaffee) McLean. He was raised and educated in Somerville, and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1935. After graduation, he attended Harvard University as a Pre-Med. Student, graduating in 1939. He continued his medical studies at Harvard Medical School, where he was elected Class President, and graduated in 1943. Dr. McLean began his internship and residency at Children’s Hospital in Boston, where he met the love of his life, Jeanne (Rook) who worked there as a registered nurse. They were married the following year. His internship and marriage were interrupted as he enlisted in the Army to serve during WWII. His service was primarily stateside, as a Medical Officer, specializing in Psychiatry. Upon his return to Boston, he continued his internship and residency at Children’s, working in the adolescent unit, and then moved to New York, where he was an Assistant Resident Pediatric Neurologist at the Neurological Institute of New York. Dr. McLean ultimately made his way to Winchester, where he practiced Pediatrics on Church St. for 40 years.
During that time, Dr. McLean enjoyed very personal relationships with his patients and their families, as a member of the bygone Housecall Era. He observed the shifting of the closeness between a physician and a patient, based on the lessening of this practice, as well as the changes in the traditional family structure. He identified this trust as a key component of success. Donna Duffy, in describing her father’s approach stated, ”Dad always felt that housecalls were such an important part of getting to know the family.” A lover of animals, he explained that you could tell if a doctor was a good pediatrician if he loved dogs. She remembers her father’s love for the children he cared for and his gratitude in being allowed that privilege.
Dr. McLean and his wife established their roots in the Winchester community while raising their three children. They shared 63 happy years together until her passing in 2007. Their children fondly remember that, in spite of dad’s demanding positions, their mother “wore the pants”. Dr. McLean’s understanding and appreciation for the demands of motherhood were reinforced at work every day. The children also reflected upon their father’s favorite wine, Merlot, which he purposely pronounced phonetically for their entertainment.
Dr. McLean was affiliated with Winchester Hospital as Chief of Pediatrics from 1958-1970. His service as a pediatrician, he said, was guided by his genuine love of children. His membership in the American Board of Pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics and the New England Pediatric Society contributed to his foundation of professionalism and ethics.
Through the years, Dr. McLean’s love for Winchester lead to his involvement in Town Committees, such as the Committee on Substance Abuse, on which he served as Chairman. In 1967, Dr. McLean founded CONCERN, a leadership committee made up of adults and students to deal with the growing local drug issues by implementing educational programs in the Winchester community. In addition to maintaining his private practice, Dr. McLean was very active in town. He promoted appropriate sex education in the schools, and was one of the founders of the ABC House, at which he served as Medical Director. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Winchester Cooperative Bank and the Board of Directors of the Mount Vernon House. He was a devoted and involved member of the Parish of the Epiphany Church, where he was a Senior Warden. A member of the Council on Aging, he also enjoyed socializing at the Jenks Senior Center. Dr. McLean also enjoyed his wood-carving hobby, and loved animals.
Dr. McLean was the loving father of Laurie M. Werle and her husband William T. of Manchester, MA, Duncan C. McLean of Scituate and Donna M. Duffy and her husband John C. of Duxbury. The devoted grandfather of Jesse Barron, Usha Arthur, Cortney Connor and Cameron Duffy, he was also the dear brother of the late Margery, Allan and John McLean. A Celebration of his Life will be held in the Parish of the Epiphany Church, Winchester on Sat., Jan. 19, at 10AM. Relatives and friends respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. McLean’s memory may be made to the Parish of the Epiphany Church, 70 Church St., Winchester, MA 01890 or to the Donald E. McLean Scholarship Fund, c/o the Winchester Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 174 Winchester.