Steve Malcherczyk

We have learned, with great sadness, of the death of our colleague Steve Malcherczyk, Lecturer in Medical Ethics and Law, who passed away on 3 September 2025.

Liz Anderson writes:

Steve was known to his colleagues in the Medical School as the ‘go to expert on medical Law’ and he led the themed teaching on ethics and law for medical students for over twenty years. His teaching contacts started much earlier before his lecturer post while working in primary care. From 1996, he supported a teaching programme in the community where medical students learnt about poverty and disadvantage, sharing his clinical knowledge on drug and alcohol mis-use.

His passion and focus were for those experiencing disadvantage. He was an insightful teacher who would challenge students on case law, teasing out their opinions and likely clinical responses. He stood up for injustice, fought political stances for the working man and wanted a more equal world. For many in the Medical School he was someone who would relish a good debate and discussion on a host of topics including politics. Sharing his passion and concern for homeless people, he served as a trustee on charities including Action Homeless.

In 2010, he helped to set up the Leicester Initiative Good Health Team (project LIGHT) which supports healthcare students to learn about homelessness through volunteering to raise awareness of positive pathways towards wellness and secure accommodation. In 2017, he travelled to New Zealand to present the work on project LIGHT at the All Together Better Health Conference series and he co-authored several academic papers on the success of this learning.

As a person Steve was respected, respectful, a supportive, trustworthy and kind colleague. He was someone who got straight to the point and could often offer a solution to a problem and a better way forward. His professionalism was always evident and his medical student tutees were fully supported and cared for. He posted some interesting facts on the door of his office:

1. "I once worked for a leading American Cosmetic corporation"
2. "I am a frustrated musician" and
3. "I like talking to ‘off-beat’ folk."

Most of all though he cared passionately about his family; sharing stories of the success of his grandchildren and the joy they brought him along with his own children. For his colleagues in the Medical School who, because of his short illness and sudden death were unable to tell him how much he was valued, there is deep regret and sadness. He will be missed but the legacy of his work will continue. 

Steven John Malcherczyk (1952-2025)

• The funeral service for Steve Malcherczyk will be held on Friday 26 September at South Leicestershire Crematorium (LE8 SQP) at 12.00pm. Please feel free to wear a splash of colour. No flowers but there will be a donation box for Action Homeless. Everyone who knew Steve is welcome to attend the service and also to join his family in raising a glass to him afterwards at The Bull's Head, Countesthorpe (LE8 5QX).