Daniel S. Fleisher, physician

Daniel S. Fleisher, 80, of Philadelphia, a pediatric kidney specialist who pioneered methods for teaching and evaluating doctors, died of cancer Wednesday at his home.

Over his career, Dr. Fleisher headed medical education programs across the country. He was a consultant to the World Health Organization, and was deeply involved with the youth organization Woodrock Inc.

Professionally, he focused on quality assurance - improving the teaching of medicine and the assessment of doctors' skills. He was an "evangelist" for dynamic medical education, making sure that doctors acted as teachers and not just as lecturers, said David Wagner, professor of emergency medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine.

"Danny was committed to the educational process in a very interactive way," said Wagner, a longtime friend. "He was on the vanguard of this."

A widely published author on teaching techniques, Dr. Fleisher promoted interdisciplinary learning and encouraged doctors to look broadly at patient health.

Dr. Fleisher began and ended his career in Philadelphia, with stops at the University of the Pacific, Oakland Children's Hospital, and Medical College of Wisconsin.

In his years here, Dr. Fleisher directed the renal clinic at St. Christopher's Hospital, chaired a pediatrics division at Philadelphia General Hospital, and oversaw a number of programs at Temple Medical School. He also was visiting professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, consulted for residency programs across the nation, and directed workshops for the World Health Organization in Europe, Asia and Israel.

Woodrock, which brings together youths from diverse backgrounds for leadership training, after-school programs and antiviolence initiatives, was one of Dr. Fleisher's great loves. He served on the group's board of directors for nearly 20 years.

"No one was more passionate about Woodrock's mission than Danny," said Jud Aaron, a fellow board member and friend.

Born in the city's Logan section, Dr. Fleisher graduated from Central High School, Villanova University, and Hahnemann Medical College. He received a master's in medical education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The former Eagle Scout enjoyed tennis, reading, duplicate bridge, photography, birdwatching and gardening.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Barbara M. Fleisher; two daughters, Wendy Robertson and Jane Weiss; son Peter; a brother; a sister; and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were private. A memorial service will be at 3:30 p.m. June 8 at the Independence Visitors Center, Sixth and Market Streets.

Donations may be made to Woodrock Inc., 1229 Chestnut St., Suite M7, Philadelphia 19107.