1926 – 2006
by Marcel Tuchman, MD
Clinical Professor of Medicine
Theodore Cohen, MD
1926 - 2006
It was in the winter of 1952, when Theodore “Ted” Cohen and I met in the venerable halls of Bellevue Hospital. Both assistant residents in medicine on the old 4th division, after only minutes of conversation we felt an instant kinship, which over the succeeding half a century, grew and extended to our families. In a lifetime one has but very few true friends - kin not by blood but by choice. Ted’s character, warmth, values, and humanity engendered this relationship.
During our residency at Bellevue, the atmosphere was conducive to bonding. Relationships with colleagues and mentors enriched our professional growth and maturity. Ted Cohen excelled in both. He ultimately completed his training in the field of gastroenterology. During 21 months of honorable military service during the Korean War in Sasebo, Japan, Captain Cohen headed a busy army hospital at this port of embarkation and debarkation. After returning to private practice in New York, he resumed his voluntary teaching at New York University School of Medicine, contributing his knowledge and experience to generations of our students.
Ted was a gifted communicator, whose skill and love of teaching, along with his warmth and humor, made him a successful and popular teacher. His contributions to his alma mater, NYU, were recognized by his promotion to Professor of Clinical Medicine. During his serious illness, he showed character and courage, and he continued his teaching activities.
As a friend, a loyal, devoted and contributing member of our NYU medical family, and as a husband and a head of his wonderful family, his death leaves a painful void. He will be remembered and missed by many.
