He continued to work and travel, even heading to South Africa in January 2022 for a safari despite the pandemic, according to his brother. But he was hospitalized upon his return, testing positive for Covid-19. He later developed pneumonia and died on Feb. 6, 2022, at age 52.
Alain Cohen said he was surprised when Dana-Farber’s lawyer told him Anderson was not his brother’s doctor. He said he and Marc’s widow, who is also a lawyer, felt they needed to file a complaint with the medical board to get answers about how Marc was treated in his final days.
“Our main objective is to establish the medical records,” Alain Cohen said. “We need to know what happened.”
He said Dana-Farber’s refusal to cooperate has been frustrating. “It’s like we’re talking to a wall,” he said. “They’re not interested in resolving this.”
While Alain Cohen and his lawyer wait for the medical board to act, they are also considering other legal options, he said.
“We are pursuing all remedies available to us,” he said.
Alain Cohen said he misses his brother every day.
“He was a great man, a great friend, a great father,” he said. “He was my best friend.”
Anderson, for his part, has continued to practice at Dana-Farber. In December 2023, the hospital announced that he had been awarded a prestigious grant from the National Cancer Institute to support his research on multiple myeloma.
Despite the controversy surrounding his care of Marc Cohen, Anderson remains a highly respected figure in the field of oncology, known for his groundbreaking work on the disease.
It remains to be seen what, if any, repercussions he will face as a result of the complaint filed with the medical board.
For now, the Cohen family is left to grieve the loss of their beloved Marc, uncertain of the circumstances surrounding his final days.
He had the best medical care available to him,” Siegel said. “I don’t think anyone could have done more for him.”
Alain Cohen said he and Marc Cohen’s wife are still grieving and seeking answers about what happened. “We just want to know if he received the best care he could have gotten,” he said. “We don’t know if this was just a tragedy or if something else could have been done.”
The medical board investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what, if any, disciplinary action will be taken against Dr. Anderson. The case has raised important questions about the nature of doctor-patient relationships, especially in cases where the lines between friendship and medical care may be blurred.
For now, Alain Cohen is left to grapple with the loss of his brother, a man who lived a full life despite his battles with cancer. The family is left wondering if more could have been done to save Marc Cohen, a man who was beloved by many and who deserved the best care available.
As the investigation continues, the Cohen family hopes that answers will be provided, and that lessons can be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In the meantime, they will continue to mourn the loss of a beloved family member and seek closure in the wake of this heartbreaking loss.
Dr. Cohen was not just a patient to Dr. Anderson; he was a cherished friend and family member. The bond they shared went beyond the typical doctor-patient relationship, as they were partners and brothers in fighting myeloma and navigating life’s challenges together.
For over 20 years, Dr. Anderson dedicated himself to providing the best care possible for Dr. Cohen. As a significant donor to the hospital, Dr. Cohen’s impact was felt by everyone involved in his care. The level of dedication and commitment shown by Dr. Anderson and the medical team highlighted the importance of their relationship with Dr. Cohen.
Despite the unanswered question of whether Dr. Anderson and Dr. Cohen were strictly doctor and patient, it is clear that their connection ran deep. Dr. Anderson’s email emphasized the personal nature of their bond and the shared journey they embarked on to combat myeloma.
As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Cohen and the impact he had on those around him, it is evident that his presence will be greatly missed. The partnership between Dr. Anderson and Dr. Cohen serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and support in overcoming challenges and working towards a common goal.
In conclusion, Dr. Anderson’s heartfelt words shed light on the special relationship he shared with Dr. Cohen and the unwavering dedication to his care. Their bond goes beyond the confines of a traditional doctor-patient dynamic, showcasing the importance of compassion, empathy, and genuine connection in healthcare. Dr. Cohen’s legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the relationships he cultivated, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
