Mayo Alumni Magazine 2006 Winter - MC4409-0106 - Mayo Clinic

Dr. Creagan says Dr. Litin can
approach people in a way that connects
with them.“Scott is able to look at life’s
setbacks and unfairness and help
patients move forward with grace, poise
and dignity. He shares humor with both
patients and colleagues when it’s
appropriate, and this has become one of
his most endearing qualities.
“In addition, Scott has excelled in
medical practice, education, and
research. To use the sports vernacular,
he’s a triple threat and really embodies
the three shields,”adds Dr. Creagan.
Dr. Litin credits Edward Rosenow
III, M.D. (Pulmonary Diseases ’65) with
giving him a solid guiding rule when
caring for patients: “The Platinum Rule.”
“The Golden Rule states you
should treat patients the way you
personally would wish to be treated,”
says Dr. Litin. “The Platinum Rule says
you should treat your patients the way
you want your family members to be
treated.”
The Mayo Clinic Family
Scott Litin, M.D.
“The Golden Rule states you should treat
patients the way you personally would wish to
be treated. The Platinum Rule says you should
treat your patients the way you want your
family members to be treated.”
— Scott Litin, M.D.
Mayo Clinic has been a constant in
Dr. Litin’s life.
“My father was a Mayo Clinic
psychiatrist and you know what they
say: the shoemaker’s son goes barefoot,”he
says with a wry grin.
But his family’s connection went far
beyond his father’s place of work. In
1952, a polio epidemic swept through
Rochester, infecting Dr. Litin’s mother,
Lorraine, and sister, Nancie. It disabled
his mother’s pulmonary muscles to the
point that she spent a great deal of
time, including the last years of her life,
at Saint Marys Hospital, where she
received specialized respiratory care.
“She was a courageous woman who
was still able to lead a productive life
and enjoy her family, even in the face of
20 Mayo Alumni Winter 2006