photos by Steve Kimmel and Jack Zigon
A BRIEF AND TOTALLY INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF OSLER CIRCLE. From the early days in late 2010 to today, Osler Circle has been dedicated to raising money for research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The whole thing was Jeff’s idea, but it took him 6 months to convince a few others to join him. But once it started, it couldn’t be stopped. Early on, the band decided to play only the best rock and roll of all time – The Beatles, of course – and the rest is history. Osler Circle has rocked out in venues around Philadelphia and New Jersey, and in doing so has raised thousands of dollars for CHOP.
Over the years, we have had 18 different musicians in the band, and the 2024 ensemble of 8 is a diverse mixture of talent, all connected to CHOP in one way or another. In fact, many members work at CHOP on a daily basis. Most have played in bands over the years, even though a few can’t remember exactly when. Nonetheless, the band has a blast along with its fans, and it’s all for a great cause! All proceeds go to CHOP.
BAND BIOs
Jeff Fine, Psy.D. (drums) is the founder of Osler Circle, and as far as we know, the only grandparent in the band. In addition to keeping time and worshiping Ringo, Jeff is a clinical psychologist, so all of our mental health needs are met. Jeff and his wife Nancy are long-time supporters of CHOP and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease program. Nancy can be seen dancing in front of the band at most of our shows.
Jim Steven, M.D. (percussion) is the third and last original band member, and recently retired from his day job as a cardiac anesthesiologist at CHOP. Jim is a left-handed drummer, and can fill in for Jeff when he is out on grand-paternity leave. When Jeff is in town, Jim plays all sorts of noise makers. He even rings a fire bell. He's still good at resuscitation.
Joel Fein, M.D., M.P.H. (guitar/sax/harmonica/vocals) while not an original band member, has been with OC for most of our big shows. Joel is a senior emergency medicine physician at CHOP, who is also a versatile musician. Perhaps his most important role in the band is scheduling rehearsals. Talk about a nightmare.
Gregg Dickman (bass guitar) joined the band after our original bass player quit after one gig. Gregg had not played bass in almost 20 years, but now he owns a sweet Rickenbacker bass just like McCartney played. And yes, he's left handed, too. Gregg is a grateful CHOP parent.
Jeannine Del Pizzo, M.D. (vocals/percussion). Because the original members of the band are eligible for Social Security, we figured that having another emergency medicine physician (she works with Joel in the CHOP ED) was a wise move. Never mind the fact that she sings like Joan Jett and teaches us how to breathe. We think she carries a defibrillator in her bag - thank goodness.
Lauren Von Holtz, M.D., M.P.H. (vocals/percussion/flute) is yet another emergency medicine physician at CHOP just in case Jeannine and Joel need some assistance. She also happens to be a highly accomplished musician. Lauren auditioned for the band (click here) via You Tube, even though she had no idea she was doing so! She also has a future on "Dancing With The Stars" (click here).
Frank Wartinger, AuD (guitar/keyboards/accordian) is a board certified audiologist (formerly at CHOP), who also has a degree in studio production from the Purchase Conservatory of Music in New York. Not to mention that he plays keyboards, guitar, and sings. A band with their own hearing specialist? Turn it up to 11!
Ethan Fein, MS (guitar/sax) joined Osler Circle this year as its youngest member. He is an MD-PhD student at Penn and a blood relative to at least one of the current band members. Ethan was a four-year member of the band for Penn’s Mask and Wig troupe and is currently “instrumental” in Penn Med Spoofs. We have a mighty Fein/Fine band.
Emeritus
Phil Johnson, M.D. (guitar/vocals) is the second original OC member, and is a former faculty member at CHOP. Before 2010, Phil hadn't touched a guitar in 25 years. His last gig was in Nashville with a doctor group called the "The All Child Band." The ACB raised money for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital - sound familiar? Claim to fame - The ACB opened one night (two shows) for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Look up Gary Lewis. Phil's last show with Osler Circle was at World Cafe Live in 2023, and his leadership and wit will be missed. Phil is granted lifetime right to request deep cuts and remind us to play it like Lennon.
Over the years, we have had 18 different musicians in the band, and the 2024 ensemble of 8 is a diverse mixture of talent, all connected to CHOP in one way or another. In fact, many members work at CHOP on a daily basis. Most have played in bands over the years, even though a few can’t remember exactly when. Nonetheless, the band has a blast along with its fans, and it’s all for a great cause! All proceeds go to CHOP.
BAND BIOs
Jeff Fine, Psy.D. (drums) is the founder of Osler Circle, and as far as we know, the only grandparent in the band. In addition to keeping time and worshiping Ringo, Jeff is a clinical psychologist, so all of our mental health needs are met. Jeff and his wife Nancy are long-time supporters of CHOP and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease program. Nancy can be seen dancing in front of the band at most of our shows.
Jim Steven, M.D. (percussion) is the third and last original band member, and recently retired from his day job as a cardiac anesthesiologist at CHOP. Jim is a left-handed drummer, and can fill in for Jeff when he is out on grand-paternity leave. When Jeff is in town, Jim plays all sorts of noise makers. He even rings a fire bell. He's still good at resuscitation.
Joel Fein, M.D., M.P.H. (guitar/sax/harmonica/vocals) while not an original band member, has been with OC for most of our big shows. Joel is a senior emergency medicine physician at CHOP, who is also a versatile musician. Perhaps his most important role in the band is scheduling rehearsals. Talk about a nightmare.
Gregg Dickman (bass guitar) joined the band after our original bass player quit after one gig. Gregg had not played bass in almost 20 years, but now he owns a sweet Rickenbacker bass just like McCartney played. And yes, he's left handed, too. Gregg is a grateful CHOP parent.
Jeannine Del Pizzo, M.D. (vocals/percussion). Because the original members of the band are eligible for Social Security, we figured that having another emergency medicine physician (she works with Joel in the CHOP ED) was a wise move. Never mind the fact that she sings like Joan Jett and teaches us how to breathe. We think she carries a defibrillator in her bag - thank goodness.
Lauren Von Holtz, M.D., M.P.H. (vocals/percussion/flute) is yet another emergency medicine physician at CHOP just in case Jeannine and Joel need some assistance. She also happens to be a highly accomplished musician. Lauren auditioned for the band (click here) via You Tube, even though she had no idea she was doing so! She also has a future on "Dancing With The Stars" (click here).
Frank Wartinger, AuD (guitar/keyboards/accordian) is a board certified audiologist (formerly at CHOP), who also has a degree in studio production from the Purchase Conservatory of Music in New York. Not to mention that he plays keyboards, guitar, and sings. A band with their own hearing specialist? Turn it up to 11!
Ethan Fein, MS (guitar/sax) joined Osler Circle this year as its youngest member. He is an MD-PhD student at Penn and a blood relative to at least one of the current band members. Ethan was a four-year member of the band for Penn’s Mask and Wig troupe and is currently “instrumental” in Penn Med Spoofs. We have a mighty Fein/Fine band.
Emeritus
Phil Johnson, M.D. (guitar/vocals) is the second original OC member, and is a former faculty member at CHOP. Before 2010, Phil hadn't touched a guitar in 25 years. His last gig was in Nashville with a doctor group called the "The All Child Band." The ACB raised money for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital - sound familiar? Claim to fame - The ACB opened one night (two shows) for Gary Lewis and the Playboys. Look up Gary Lewis. Phil's last show with Osler Circle was at World Cafe Live in 2023, and his leadership and wit will be missed. Phil is granted lifetime right to request deep cuts and remind us to play it like Lennon.