Dr. Richard Henry Nachtigall (1932-2024)

NACHTIGALL–Dr. Richard. Dr. Richard Henry Nachtigall, a revered figure in the New York City medical community passed away on February 21, 2024, at the age of 91. Dr. Nachtigall served on the faculty of NYU Medical Center for six decades and cared for generations of patients and their families in his clinical practice while also serving as the Medical Director of PepsiCo for 50 years. Richard Nachtigall was born on May 6, 1932 and grew up in the Mosholu Parkway section of the Bronx, New York City. After completing his undergraduate education at NYU in 1953, he remained at NYU for his medical training, becoming one of the youngest doctors to be promoted to Professor of Medicine at age 35.

Dr. Nachtigall was a dedicated internist known for his diagnostic brilliance, kind manner and abiding commitment to patient care. He earned the trust and admiration of his colleagues, patients, trainees and students over his stellar career. He was the physician one sought when no one else could figure out the diagnosis. He took an exquisitely detailed medical history and performed a comprehensive physical exam which he mastered in the era before MRIs. His commitment to patient care meant that if you called him at any time he would answer. He listened carefully to each patient, hearing them, and making a diagnosis and therapeutic plan tailored to the individual. He practiced personalized medicine before it was a term. He educated his patients on a healthy lifestyle before the importance was generally recognized in medicine. After nearly succumbing to a childhood illness, Richard was a life-long athlete and fitness was a near religion for him. He played football and wrestled in high school, ran track and wrestled in college. He was a gymnast and the middle man in a 3-man hand balancing circus act. He loved a good gym but could find a way to workout anywhere at any time. He taught his daughters gymnastics and ran long distances with them. His dedication to fitness and wellness inspired him to establish the first employee fitness program at PepsiCo.

Dr. Richard Nachtigall co-founded the Foundation for Women’s Wellness in 1997. He published highly cited scholarly works. His breadth of knowledge in all aspects of medicine was legendary at Bellevue and Tisch Hospitals. He held leadership roles for the North American Menopause Society, Foundation for Better Health, and primary care medical education groups. He was a rigorous and independent thinker known for his patience, calm manner, and optimism. Richard Nachtigall’s commitment to medicine was only surpassed by his commitment to his family. He knew no greater joy or pride than of his family including his three daughters, three sons-in-law and nine grandchildren. He never stopped learning and enjoyed discussing science, research, and world affairs with his wife, children and grandchildren. But beyond all else, he adored and cherished Dr. Lila Nachtigall, a world-renowned expert in menopause and women’s reproductive health and his wife of 66 years. He burst with pride at her numerous lectures and publications and traveled with her all over the world to hear her lectures and presentations. He was always the biggest enthusiast in the rooms full of her fans. With his passing goes an approach to the practice of medicine and an understanding of the nuances of patient care the likes of which will not be seen again.

He is survived by his wife Lila, his daughters (Margaret, Lisa, and Ellen), his sons-in-law (Anthony, Robert, and Matthew), and his nine grandchildren (Julia, Justin, Gregory, Jenny, Andrew, August, James, Dylan, and Graham) and innumerable patients, colleagues, and friends who will miss the hero they loved, the healer they revered and the patriarch who they trusted, always.

(published by New York Times on Feb. 23, 2024)