Marvin Lyle Birnbaum, MD, PhD, passed away on May 17, 2026, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. He was 90 years old.

Born on September 18, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Sarah and Joseph Birnbaum, Marv lived a life defined by curiosity, compassion, service, and a deep commitment to helping others. He was known for his warmth, humility, generosity, and ability to listen thoughtfully to anyone seeking advice or guidance. A creative thinker who approached challenges from unexpected angles, he inspired countless students, colleagues, friends, and family members through his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering dedication to the public good.

Dr. Birnbaum earned his undergraduate, medical, and doctoral degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship training in Chest Disease with a PhD in Cardiopulmonary Physiology. Following service as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force, he returned to the University of Wisconsin and began a distinguished career that had him wearing many hats as a physician, educator, researcher, administrator, and innovator.

A pioneer in critical care, emergency and disaster medicine, Dr. Birnbaum helped shape fields that were still emerging long before they gained widespread recognition. During his decades at the University of Wisconsin, he established innovative programs in intensive care, critical care transport, emergency medical services, paramedic education, and trauma training that served as models for healthcare systems throughout the country. Among his most enduring contributions were the creation and management of one of the nation's first integrated medical and surgical intensive care units, the TLC – the Center for Trauma and Life Support -- at University Hospital, established in 1973, and his pioneering local work creating the municipal EMT program in the Madison Fire Department in the early 1970s, one of the first in the country. Marv personally trained a generation of EMTs from Madison (and southern Wisconsin) and supported their on-site activities 24/7 via a portable two-way radio he carried for nearly 20 years.

His leadership extended internationally through his work with the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine, the World Health Organization, and as longtime Editor-in-Chief of the international journal, Prehospital and Disaster Medicine. A prolific scholar, educator, and mentor, he devoted much of his career to advancing disaster medicine as a rigorous scientific discipline and continued teaching, writing, and consulting well into retirement. His work to establish a framework for disaster medicine research remains one of his most influential academic legacies.

His contributions earned numerous honors, including recognition as one of the "20 Most Influential People in EMS" by the Journal of Emergency Medical Services, the inaugural Peter Safar Award for Services in Disaster Reanimatology, the Air Force Commendation Medal, UW’s distinguished alumni award, and many local, national, and international awards for leadership and service. Yet those who knew him best understood that accolades were never what mattered most to him.

Despite his extraordinary professional accomplishments, Marv's greatest joy came from his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine Daily-Birnbaum; his stepdaughter, Auburn Daily; his son-in-law, Rob Burwell; and his cherished grandchildren, Harriet Daily-Burwell, Lucy Burwell, and Allison Burwell. He also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, former students, and mentees whose lives were enriched by his guidance, encouragement, and friendship.

Marv took immense pride in those he loved and found his deepest satisfaction in supporting their growth and happiness. His legacy lives not only in the institutions he built, the fields he helped shape, and the lives he saved, but also in the compassion, integrity, and generosity he brought to every relationship. He was a trusted mentor, a thoughtful counselor, and a ready listener to students, colleagues, friends, and family alike. His life embodied the highest ideals of public service. He leaves an immense void and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:30pm on Sunday, July 12th in the Landmark Auditorium of the First Unitarian Society of Madison with a reception to follow.

Please share your memories below in the online register book.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434