Dr. Jerome Goldstein, one of our esteem Emeritus Fellows, passed away on July 13, 2019 at the age of 83 years old in West Palm Bach, FL from complications of a chronic illness. His ALA membership began with his induction as an Active Fellow in 1983 and elevation to Emeritus status in 2002.
Dr. Goldstein, Jerry, as he was known to colleagues and friends, was a native of Little Falls, NY. Following completion of his undergraduate studies from the University of Rochester, he received his medical degree from the State University of New York. His internship was at Philadelphia General Hospital with residency training in surgery and otolaryngology at Bronx Municipal Hospital Center and the State University of New York (Syracuse) in 1968. His professional career began as an assistant professor at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago until he returned to Glens Fall, NY in 1971 and entered private practice. He returned to academia as the Professor of Surgery and Head of the Division of Otolaryngology at Albany Medical College for nine years.
Jerry was a renowned surgeon specializing in Otolaryngology with such a passion for medicine that produced a distinguished career involving surgery, teaching, and administrative leadership. His efforts influenced many aspects of the growth of this specialty on a national and international level. Although he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, Dr. Goldstein embarked on a public service career where he served as Executive Vice President of the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (AAOHNS) in Washington, DC (1984-94). In 1994, the AAO-HNS established the Jerome C. Goldstein MD Public Service Award that is presented annual to commemorate his commitments to improve patient welfare.
Throughout his career, he served in numerous leadership roles in academic medicine, including the Triological Society, the American Board of Otolaryngology, and as President of the American Society for Head and Neck Surgery (1983). As Chairperson of the Secretaries Liaison Committee (SLC) of the Combined Otolaryngology Societies Meetings (COSM), Dr. Goldstein was very instrumental in the growth of the annual meeting for many years.