Distinguished professor emeritus of medicine
Founding chief of the Division of Nephrology
Alvin Irwin Goodman, M.D.
School of Medicine
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Born: July 12, 1929
Died: March 29, 2017
Nephrologist Alvin Irwin Goodman, M.D., was distinguished professor emeritus of medicine at New York Medical College School of Medicine. Dr. Goodman was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, NY. He studied medicine at the University of Geneva (Switzerland), completed his residency at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn, and subsequently received his nephrology training at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Before settling at Westchester Medical Center, Dr. Goodman, by that time captain in the U.S. Army, spent time at the Medical Research Division of the Army Chemical Center investigating neuropharmacology of chemical warfare agents. Having started the first dialysis center at Westchester Medical Center in 1963, Dr. Goodman dedicated his life to patients with chronic kidney insufficiency, to the betterment of their lives, and to gaining Congressional approval of Medicaid-funded dialysis treatment for these individuals. Dr. Goodman had long been a strong voice advocating for the establishment of kidney dialysis centers to treat patients with chronic renal insufficiency who would otherwise succumb to their disease. His career was further distinguished by his achievement as the founding chief of the Division of Nephrology at New York Medical College, and later the founder of the College’s Renal Research Institute. Both of these creations of his continue to prosper today.
Fluent in several languages, broadly read, and highly educated, Dr. Goodman was always a trusted source of advice. Many colleagues and patients have benefitted from his wisdom, organizational skills, and prophecies. In addition to these gifts, he had a lovely sense of humor, was always ready for a comic story, and emanated optimism and love of life.
Dr. Goodman passed away on March 29, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, four daughters, one son, and 14 grandchildren. This eminent, highly respected physician will remain in the hearts and minds of countless grateful patients whose lives he saved. The chair in nephrology at New York Medical College is named in Dr. Goodman's honor.