Dr. Richard J. Kline

In all of his schooling and places of employment, Richard J. Kline, MD, heard one consistent message: it is our inherent duty to give back to help our fellow man. It's natural for him to see Morristown Medical Center as the place to help. The deep affinity he developed toward his profession, colleagues, and patients over the years makes it an easy choice.

"I think the doctors who have practiced at this hospital should be appreciative," says Dr. Kline, who retired from the hospital in 2002. "We all had the good fortune to find ourselves employed by one of the best medical centers in the region. It was a very comfortable environment to practice medicine in."

Dr. Kline spent his 28 years at Morristown Medical Center involved with the Surgical Residents Program, presenting lectures to the residents in classes, seminars, and on-site conferences. He also had the opportunity and unique pleasure of supervising residents in the operating room. At the end of his career, he was grateful to become involved with the Trauma Center and also taught in the educational program associated with general surgery.

In 2012 Dr. Kline decided to re-work his will and create a bequest for the hospital as part of his estate.

"I have always been interested in supporting the hospital," he says. "For a couple of years, I headed the Friends Fund for the surgical department that enabled many surgeons to get involved with philanthropy toward the hospital."

Dr. Kline hopes that speaking about his bond toward practicing medicine at Morristown Medical Center will spur other physicians and nurses to realize the need to give back because of their own positive career experiences.

"I just want to help further the generosity of my former colleagues toward an institution that we all have fond memories of," says Dr. Kline. "I hope others realize we all share a mandate to give back something."

To begin your legacy, make sure you have an up-to-date will or living trust and use this language:

"I give, devise, and bequeath to Foundation for Morristown Medical Center, a charitable corporation located in Morristown, New Jersey, the sum of _______dollars ($______) (or percent of the residue of my estate) or (other personal or real property appropriately described) to be used for______ (or as its Board of Trustees shall deem advisable) to best promote Morristown Medical Center's objectives and mission."

For more information or a free proposal, contact Cynthia W. O'Donnell, JD, at 973.593.2418 or cynthia.odonnell@atlantichealth.org.