Steven D. Prakken

Dr. Steven D. Prakken passed away on November 12, 2025, after a courageous eleven-month battle with cancer. He is survived by his beloved wife Kath, sons Jesse and Alex, stepson Terry, brother Randy, and step-sister Lori. Born in Boise, Idaho, Steve spent his early years on his grandparents farm before his family relocated to Portland, Oregon. His path to medicine was as rich as it was unconventional; he worked as a ski bum and Psych tech, built a log cabin in the woods and lived in a spiritual community and commune. After attending medical school at OHSU, he served in the Public Health Service on the Navajo Reservation in Chinle, Arizona. After moving to California, he worked as an ER doctor, had an alternative medicine practice, and ultimately did a Psychiatry Residency at UCSF to become one of a handful of physicians in the country double boarded in Pain Medicine and Psychiatry. Steve and Kath met at their neighborhood block party in Oakland, CA and were engaged 5 months later. They had a blissful 30 year relationship as soul mates and best friends, uniquely matched in so many ways. Being Jesse and Alex’s Dad was Steve’s next greatest joy and he participated fully in their lives despite his demanding career. Steve maintained a private practice in NC before becoming Chief of Medical Pain at Duke University. After retiring, he was called back to serve as Chief of Medical Pain at Avance HealthCare. His patients adored him for his intelligence, curiosity, kindness, and deep compassion. As a mentor, he guided a generation of pain practitioners to approach care with empathy rather than judgment - a legacy that will endure in the field he helped shape. Steve found his greatest joy being in nature. A “West Coast kid” and farm boy at heart, he loved open skies and wide vistas. Whether at his camping spot in the Sierras, body surfing in Costa Rica, or lovingly tending his cherished acreage in Chapel Hill, he was happiest outdoors. He loved dancing, music, working with his hands, and long walks, unending conversation, and holding hands with his wife. Steve will be forever irreplaceable in the hearts of his family, friends, patients, and colleagues.